Baleària Caribbean Ferry 2026: Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas

Q: What vessel does Baleària Caribbean use, and how many passengers does it carry?

Baleària Caribbean operates the Jaume II, a high-speed wave-piercing catamaran built by Incat (Tasmania) in 1996. It carries up to about 650 passengers and cruises at roughly 35 knots, making the Fort Lauderdale–Bimini crossing in about 2 hours. These Caribbean sailings are for foot passengers.

Q: How long is the Baleària Caribbean ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Grand Bahama?

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini takes about 2 hours; Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Grand Bahama) takes about 3 hours. Both routes depart Port Everglades Terminal 21 at 9:00 AM.

Q: What days does the Baleària Caribbean ferry sail in 2026?

In 2026 the Bimini route typically sails Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with extra departures added in peak summer. The Grand Bahama (Freeport) route runs twice weekly, typically Wednesday and Sunday. Always reconfirm exact days at booking, as schedules shift seasonally.

Q: How much does the Baleària Caribbean ferry cost?

Round-trip fares start from about $199 (taxes included) to Bimini and from about $219 (taxes included) to Grand Bahama in 2026. One-way Bimini economy starts around $93 plus taxes. Prices vary by date and demand, so book 2–3 weeks ahead for the lowest fares.

Q: Where does the Baleària Caribbean ferry depart from?

It departs from Port Everglades, Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 — about 30 miles north of Miami. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, so arrive at least 90 minutes early. Port Everglades parking runs roughly $20–30 per day.

Q: Do I need a passport for the Baleària Caribbean ferry?

Yes. A valid passport book is required for every passenger, including children and infants. Passport cards are not accepted, and your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.

Baleària Caribbean ferry at a glance

Vessel: Jaume II — a high-speed Incat catamaran (~650 passengers, ~35 knots), foot passengers only on the Caribbean routes.
Routes: Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (~2 hours) and Fort Lauderdale → Freeport, Grand Bahama (~3 hours).
Departs: Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, at 9:00 AM.
2026 schedule: Bimini typically Wed / Fri / Sun; Grand Bahama twice weekly (typically Wed & Sun). Extra summer sailings.
Fares: Round-trip from $199 (Bimini) / $219 (Grand Bahama), taxes included; one-way Bimini economy from ~$93 + taxes.
Passport: A valid passport book is required for every passenger — passport cards are not accepted.

Last updated: May 29, 2026 · Source: Baleària Caribbean, 2026 (prices vary by date & demand)

Baleària Caribbean ferry key facts by route
Detail	Fort Lauderdale → Bimini	Fort Lauderdale → Grand Bahama
Crossing time	~2 hours	~3 hours
Departure time	9:00 AM	9:00 AM
Typical days (2026)	Wed · Fri · Sun	Wed · Sun
Departure port	Port Everglades, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Arrival	Bimini Bay / Fisherman's Village, North Bimini	Freeport Harbour, Grand Bahama
Round-trip from	$199 (taxes incl.)	$219 (taxes incl.)
Vessel	Jaume II high-speed catamaran (~650 passengers)

Your Express Balearia Caribbean Ferry to the Bahamas

The Balearia Caribbean ferry operates the fastest ferry service from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Bimini and Freeport Grand Bahama. With modern high-speed catamarans, you'll be sipping cocktails on pristine beaches before you know it! This fast ferry gets you there in style.

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

~2 hours on the Jaume II catamaran

Typical days (2026) Wed, Fri & Sun

Departure Port Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale

Arrival Bimini Bay / Fisherman's Village, North Bimini

Departure Time 9:00 AM (check-in closes 45 min before)

Starting Price Round-trip from $199 (taxes incl.)

Check Bimini fares

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Grand Bahama

~3 hours on the Jaume II catamaran

Typical days (2026) Twice weekly — Wed & Sun

Departure Port Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale

Departure Time 9:00 AM (arrives ~noon local time)

Arrival Port Freeport Harbour, Grand Bahama

Starting Price Round-trip from $219 (taxes incl.)

Check Grand Bahama fares

Book Your Balearia Caribbean Ferry Tickets

Ready to escape to the Bahamas? Here's everything you need to know about booking your fast ferry tickets

How to Get the Best Deals on Balearia Caribbean Ferry

When booking your Balearia Caribbean ferry tickets, always check for promo codes before finalizing. The booking system will prompt you to "enter promotion code" during checkout. These codes are only applicable to certain departure dates and routes, so read the fine print!

Pro Booking Tips:
• Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for the best fares
• Wednesday departures usually carry the lowest fares of the week
• Compare round-trip vs. two one-ways — round-trip is often the better value
• Group bookings get special rates — call Baleària at 1-866-699-6988
• Arrive at least 90 minutes early; check-in closes 45 minutes before departure

Important: Your selected departure or arrival port may have specific requirements. Fort Lauderdale Florida departures require parking fees at Port Everglades ($20-30/day). For Grand Bahama Bahamas arrivals, pre-arrange your ground transportation as taxis can be limited.

The Vessel: Jaume II

Baleària Caribbean runs the Jaume II, a high-speed wave-piercing catamaran built by Incat in Tasmania in 1996. It joined Baleària in 2006 and now serves the Fort Lauderdale–Bimini–Grand Bahama routes, carrying up to about 650 passengers at a service speed of roughly 35 knots.

Baleària Caribbean Jaume II high-speed catamaran at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale — HSC Jaume II at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. Photo: Cruise ship portal · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Free WiFi Onboard

Stay connected on your Balearia Caribbean ferry journey! Post those ocean selfies in real-time while cruising to paradise

Café & Bar Service

An onboard café and bar serves coffee, snacks and drinks once the ferry departs — handy on the morning crossing.

Duty-Free Shopping

Score deals on perfumes, spirits, and souvenirs aboard the Balearia Caribbean ferry. Pro tip: Shop on the return trip!

Premium Lounge Access

Upgrade to premium on your fast ferry trip for extra legroom, complimentary drinks, and priority boarding

Open-Air Decks

Spacious outdoor decks let you stretch your legs and take in the ocean air mid-crossing — a nice break on the longer Grand Bahama run.

Onboard Screens & Seating

Air-conditioned cabin seating with screens keeps the crossing comfortable. Premium seating with extra room is available for an upgrade.

Real Talk About the Balearia Caribbean Ferry Experience

Okay, let me level with you about the Balearia Caribbean ferry. After taking this fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale Florida more times than I can count (seriously, my passport's full of Bahamas stamps), I've got the inside scoop on what it's really like.

"First trip on the Balearia Caribbean ferry? Here's what nobody tells you: grab seats on the starboard side (right side facing forward) for the best views approaching Bimini. You'll see the island emerge from the turquoise water like something out of a dream. Also, that duty-free rum? Yeah, it's actually a great deal - stock up for beach cocktails!" - Jake, BahamasHopping Founder

The boats are solid - clean, modern, and way more spacious than you'd expect. The fast ferry really lives up to its name too. Two hours to Bimini feels like nothing when you're watching flying fish skip across the waves. Fair warning though: service quality depends on the crew. Some days you get the A-team who make the trip special, other days... well, bring your patience.

"My wife gets seasick easily, but the Balearia Caribbean ferry's stabilizers work magic. She's been fine every trip except one super windy day in October. Pro tip: Dramamine an hour before boarding, just in case. And those premium seats? Worth it for the extra space and free drinks on longer trips to Grand Bahama Bahamas." - Jake's Travel Notes

One thing I love about departing from Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami - way easier parking at Port Everglades, and the check-in process is smoother. Just give yourself time: check-in closes 45 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure, so I aim to arrive at least 90 minutes early on busy weekends. The day you pick matters too - Friday sailings tend to be the busiest, so a midweek Wednesday departure is usually the quietest (and often the cheapest).

Turquoise water along the west side of North Bimini, the view as the ferry approaches

Insider Tips for Your Balearia Caribbean Ferry Journey

After countless trips on this fast ferry, here's what we've learned to make your crossing smooth as silk

Arrive Early for Check-In

Check-in closes 45 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure, so plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early. Check-in and Port Everglades parking get busy on Friday sailings — don't cut it close.

Smart Seat Selection

Upper deck = best views on the fast ferry but can get hot. Lower deck = cooler but less scenic. Middle seats = most stable if you're seasickness-prone. Choose based on your priorities!

Pack for the Journey

Soft bags are easier to stow on the Balearia Caribbean ferry than hard suitcases. Bring a light jacket - the AC can be arctic! Don't forget sunscreen for the deck time.

Scoring the Best Deals

Always enter promotion code if you have one! Baleària Club members get exclusive discounts. Code is only applicable to certain dates, so be flexible with your departure date for savings.

Weather & Cancellations

The fast ferry will cancel for rough seas (safety first!). You'll get 24+ hours notice. Book flexible dates during hurricane season. Alternative departure or arrival options may be offered.

Customs Reality Check

Returning to Fort Lauderdale Florida? Budget an extra hour for customs. The lines can be brutal. Bring snacks for hangry travel companions - trust us on this one!

Port Everglades Parking

Parking at the Fort Lauderdale Florida departure port runs $20-30/day. Book parking online in advance during peak season. Consider Uber/Lyft if staying nearby.

Mobile Tickets Work!

The Balearia Caribbean ferry accepts mobile tickets. Screenshot them before boarding in case WiFi is spotty. Keep confirmation emails handy too.

Food & Drink Strategy

Skip the meal package on this fast ferry. Café food is decent and cheaper à la carte. The bar opens after departure - those sunrise mimosas hit different at sea!

What Travelers Say About Balearia Caribbean Ferry

Real reviews from real passengers who've taken this fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale Florida

★★★★★

"Smooth sailing on the Balearia Caribbean ferry both ways! The crew was super helpful with our stroller and the kids loved watching the water from the upper deck. This fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale Florida beats flying with little ones any day. Already planning our next trip!"

★★★★☆

"As Baleària Club members, we picked up a small discount code for our date. The ferry to Grand Bahama was comfortable and left right on time at 9 AM. Only complaint: food could be better. Still, great value overall and way nicer than flying."

★★★☆☆

"The Balearia Caribbean ferry itself is nice and the trip was on time from Fort Lauderdale Florida. But man, the food was not great and coming back through customs was chaos. Make sure you arrive at boarding time in advance - we almost missed it! Still beats flying though."

★★★★☆

"Pro tip from a frequent rider - skip the premium package, just book regular seats on this fast ferry and buy drinks à la carte. The WiFi actually works (shocking!) and the views approaching Bimini are incredible. Fort Lauderdale Florida departure was smooth, just remember parking adds up!"

★★★★★

"Took the Baleària Caribbean ferry for our anniversary to Grand Bahama. The Jaume II was clean and modern, the ~3-hour crossing flew by, and the crew were lovely. Tip: double-check you're booking Baleària Caribbean and not a different operator when you search."

Where to Stay: Fort Lauderdale & Bimini

With a 9:00 AM departure, many travelers spend the night near Port Everglades the evening before — then base themselves in Bimini for an overnight or longer stay. Compare live prices on the map below.

📍 Bimini, Bahamas

Resorts World Bimini

The island's largest resort, a short walk from the ferry's Fisherman's Village arrival at Bimini Bay. Marina, pools and beach access — the easiest no-transfer base if you arrive by ferry. Rates vary by season, so check live prices.

Check availability

📍 Fort Lauderdale (pre-ferry)

Hotels near Port Everglades

Staying near Port Everglades / 17th Street the night before makes the 9:00 AM check-in stress-free. Options like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina sit minutes from Terminal 21 with easy parking. Compare current rates below.

Check availability

Disclosure: BahamasHopping may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Baleària Caribbean Ferry FAQ

The questions travelers ask most about the Jaume II fast ferry

What vessel does Baleària Caribbean use, and how big is it?

Baleària Caribbean operates the Jaume II, a high-speed wave-piercing catamaran built by Incat (Tasmania) in 1996. It carries up to about 650 passengers and cruises at roughly 35 knots, making the Fort Lauderdale–Bimini crossing in about 2 hours. These Caribbean sailings are for foot passengers.

How long is the crossing to Bimini and Grand Bahama?

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini takes about 2 hours; Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Grand Bahama) takes about 3 hours. Both routes depart Port Everglades Terminal 21 at 9:00 AM.

What days does the ferry sail in 2026?

The Bimini route typically sails Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with extra departures added in peak summer. The Grand Bahama (Freeport) route runs twice weekly, typically Wednesday and Sunday. Schedules shift seasonally, so always reconfirm your exact day at booking.

How much does the Baleària Caribbean ferry cost?

Round-trip fares start from about $199 (taxes included) to Bimini and from about $219 (taxes included) to Grand Bahama in 2026. One-way Bimini economy starts around $93 plus taxes. Prices vary by date and demand — book 2–3 weeks ahead for the lowest fares.

Where does the ferry depart from?

From Port Everglades, Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 — about 30 miles north of Miami. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, so arrive at least 90 minutes early. Port Everglades parking runs roughly $20–30 per day.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A valid passport book is required for every passenger, including children and infants. Passport cards are not accepted, and your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.

Ready to Book Your Baleària Caribbean Ferry?

Compare live fares for the Jaume II fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale and lock in your departure date.

Check Schedules & Book Fort Lauderdale → Bimini Route Details

Baleària Caribbean Ferry