Ferry to Bahamas from Miami & Fort Lauderdale

The fastest, most affordable way to paradise - just 2 hours from Florida to crystal-clear Bahamian waters!

Starting From
$199 Round Trip
Travel Time
2-3 Hours
Departure Port
Fort Lauderdale
Destinations
Bimini & Freeport
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Quick Summary

  • 🚢 One operator: Balearia Caribbean runs every Florida–Bahamas ferry, all from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale — there is no direct ferry from the Port of Miami.
  • ⏱️ Two routes: Fort Lauderdale → Bimini in ~2 hours (fastest) and Fort Lauderdale → Freeport, Grand Bahama in ~3 hours.
  • 💰 Prices: round trips from about $199 (Bimini) and $238 (Freeport); same-day round trips from $155 + taxes. Fares rise close to departure — book early.
  • 🛂 Passport required for all passengers; check in ~90 minutes before sailing.

Last updated: June 3, 2026 · Schedules & fares: Balearia Caribbean

Route Crossing Departs Round trip from Operator
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini ~2 hours 9:00 AM $199 Balearia Caribbean
Fort Lauderdale → Freeport ~3 hours 9:00 AM $238 Balearia Caribbean
Miami → Bimini No direct ferry via Fort Lauderdale $199 Drive 30 min to Port Everglades

Most Popular

Bahamas Day Trips by Ferry

Leave Fort Lauderdale in the morning, swim in paradise by noon, and be back for dinner! Perfect for cruise passengers with a day in port or anyone wanting a quick island escape.

Bimini Day Trip

$155
  • 2 hours each way (fastest route!)
  • 6 hours on the island
  • Famous beaches & crystal water
  • Hilton Beach Club access available
  • Depart 9am, return 9pm
Book Bimini Day Trip

Freeport Day Trip

$175
  • 3 hours each way
  • 5 hours exploring Grand Bahama
  • Port Lucaya Marketplace
  • Lucayan National Park nearby
  • Shopping & duty-free
Book Freeport Day Trip

2-Night Package

$398+
  • Round-trip ferry included
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Choose Bimini or Freeport
  • Perfect for long weekends
  • All-inclusive options available
Find Ferry + Hotel

Choose Your Route

Ferry Routes to the Bahamas

All ferries depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale (30 minutes from Miami). Balearia Caribbean operates modern, high-speed ferries with onboard amenities.

Fort Lauderdale → Bimini

Balearia Caribbean

Fastest Route!
2 hours only
High-speed ferry
427 passengers
Free WiFi

2026 Schedule

Wed Fri Sat Sun + Daily Summer
What to expect

Leave Fort Lauderdale on the 9am sailing and you can be on a Bimini beach before noon. The high-speed ferry has air conditioning, an onboard café and free WiFi — a relaxed alternative to flying.

Round trip from $199
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Fort Lauderdale → Freeport

Balearia Caribbean

Grand Bahama!
3 hours
Port Lucaya
Onboard café
Beaches nearby

2026 Schedule

Tue Thu Sat
What to expect

A good pick for a long weekend. Book the morning sailing to maximise beach time — Port Lucaya Marketplace is a short taxi ride (around $15) from the Freeport terminal.

Round trip from $238
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Miami → Bimini

Service Update

Currently Unavailable
No direct ferry
30 min to Fort Lauderdale
Flights available
Or fly (~20 min)

Alternative Options

Drive 30 minutes from Miami to Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to catch the ferry. Parking available at the terminal for $20/day.

Via Fort Lauderdale $198
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Stay Overnight

Where to Stay in Bimini & Freeport

Turn a day trip into a long weekend. Use the live maps below to compare hotel prices across booking sites — every booking supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

🏝️ Bimini

Hilton at Resorts World Bimini

Resort · Beachfront · $$$

Bimini's largest resort, a short ride from the ferry dock in Alice Town. Pool, marina, beach club and casino on site.

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Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

Marina hotel · Mid-range · $$

A laid-back diving and sport-fishing institution in Alice Town, walkable to bars and beaches.

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🌴 Freeport / Grand Bahama

Pelican Bay Hotel

Boutique · Port Lucaya · $$

Right beside Port Lucaya Marketplace and the marina — the most convenient base for a Freeport ferry weekend.

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Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan

Resort · Beachfront · $$$

Adults-friendly beachfront resort on the Lucaya strip, walking distance to Port Lucaya's shops and restaurants.

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Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Hotel prices vary by season; the maps above show live availability.

Quick Answers

Ferry to Bahamas FAQs

How much is the ferry to Bahamas?
Round trips to Bimini start from about $199 and to Freeport from about $238. Same-day round trips (day trips) start at $155 plus taxes. Fares rise closer to departure, so book early.
How long is the ferry ride?
Fort Lauderdale to Bimini takes just 2 hours - the fastest route! To Freeport, Grand Bahama takes 3-3.75 hours. Way faster than driving to the airport and dealing with TSA!
Where does the ferry leave from?
All ferries depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale (Terminal 21). It's 30 minutes from Miami, 20 from Hollywood Beach. Parking costs $20/day at the port.
Do I need a passport?
Yes! All passengers need a valid passport. For U.S. citizens, a passport card works too. Arrive 90 minutes early for check-in - boarding closes 1 hour before departure.
Can I do a day trip?
Absolutely! Day trips are super popular. Leave at 9am, get 5-6 hours on the island, return by 9pm. Perfect for cruise passengers or a quick beach escape!
Is there a ferry from Miami?
There is no direct ferry from the Port of Miami. Just drive about 30 minutes to Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to catch the Balearia Caribbean ferry — or fly from Miami to Bimini in about 20 minutes.

Insider Tips

Make Your Ferry Trip Amazing

Book Early & Save

Ferry prices jump 30-40% last minute! Book at least 2 weeks ahead. Summer weekends and holidays sell out fast - I've seen people turned away!

Morning is Best

Always take the 9am ferry to avoid afternoon storms. Plus you get more island time! Seas are calmer in the morning = smoother ride.

Seasickness Prevention

Take Dramamine 30 mins before boarding (even if you don't usually get seasick). Sit in the middle, lower deck. Keep eyes on the horizon. Trust me on this!

Smart Packing

Bring: Light jacket (AC is freezing!), snacks, entertainment, sunscreen, cash for tips. Leave: Heavy bags (lockers available), illegal items (they check!).

Island Transport

Bimini: Rent a golf cart ($80/day) at the dock. Freeport: Taxi to Port Lucaya ($15). Book transport ahead in peak season - limited availability!

Beach Strategy

Bimini: Radio Beach is free and gorgeous! Freeport: Take taxi to Taino Beach ($25). Hilton Beach Club day pass worth it for amenities.

Ready for Your Bahamas Adventure?

Join thousands of happy travelers who've discovered the easiest way to the Bahamas. Book now and you could be on a beach in Bimini tomorrow!

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