TL;DR: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Ferry 2026
The Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry is a high-speed catamaran service operated by Balearia Caribbean, crossing the Gulf Stream in about 2 hours. It is the only scheduled passenger ferry to Bimini and the most popular way to reach the closest Bahamian island to the US mainland.
- Operator: Balearia Caribbean (sole scheduled operator)
- Route: Port Everglades Terminal 21 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) ↔ North Bimini, Bahamas
- Duration: 2 hours each way
- Departure: 9:00 AM from Fort Lauderdale, arriving 11:00 AM
- Return: 7:00 PM from Bimini in summer (6:00 PM from mid-September), arriving Fort Lauderdale 2 hours later
- Frequency: 3 sailings/week year-round — Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. No daily summer service; occasional extra US-holiday departures
- Price: Balearia publishes this route from $235 round trip; resellers list economy one-way from about $93–$98 + taxes
- Vessel: Jaume II high-speed catamaran — 655 passengers, 35 knots, 81 m long
- Distance: ~50 miles across the Gulf Stream
- Documents: Valid passport required for every traveler, infants included
Sources: Balearia Caribbean's own schedule and fleet pages (baleariacaribbean.com), checked 5 August 2026. Schedules and prices change — always confirm before booking.
- ✓ 2-hour fast ferry crossing on Jaume II
- ✓ Operated by Balearia Caribbean
- ✓ Wednesday, Friday and Sunday departures
- ✓ Mobile e-ticket confirmation
- ✓ Valid passport required for all travelers
Ferry to Bimini: Your Gateway to the Bahamas
The closest Bahamian island to the United States – just 50 miles from Florida
The Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry is the most convenient surface route to the Bahamas from South Florida. Taking about 2 hours each way, the service makes Bimini practical for a same-day trip, a long weekend, or a longer island stay. This is your complete 2026 guide.
Located about 50 miles east of Fort Lauderdale, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States. The ferry departs from Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale and docks in North Bimini — Balearia lists the arrival port as Alice Town, and the terminal sits beside the Bimini Bay / Resorts World complex, so the main hotels and Alice Town are a short walk or golf-cart ride away.
Why take the ferry to Bimini instead of flying? Compared with charter flights, the ferry is generally cheaper, lets you bring more luggage and a cooler, and turns the crossing itself into part of the trip — open decks, Gulf Stream views, and frequent dolphin sightings.
Balearia Caribbean is the sole scheduled passenger ferry to Bimini, operating the modern Jaume II high-speed catamaran (655 passengers, 35 knots). Service runs year-round at three sailings a week. Note that the frequency does not increase in summer — Wednesday, Friday and Sunday is the pattern across the whole published 2026 schedule, so plan your dates around it.
Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Ferry Schedule & Prices 2026
Current timetable and starting fares for the Balearia Caribbean ferry
| Leg | Operating Days | Departure | Arrival | Fare / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outbound (year-round) |
Wed, Fri, Sun | 9:00 AM (FLL) | 11:00 AM (Bimini) | From $235 round trip |
| Return — summer (to mid-Sep) |
Wed, Fri, Sun | 7:00 PM (Bimini) | 9:00 PM (FLL) | Included in round trip |
| Return — mid-Sep onward | Wed, Fri, Sun | 6:00 PM (Bimini) | 8:00 PM (FLL) | Included in round trip |
| Day Trip | Same-day return | 9:00 AM (FLL) | Back 7:00 PM (summer) / 6:00 PM | ~7–8 hours on the island |
Source: Balearia Caribbean's own timetable and booking calendar (baleariacaribbean.com), checked 5 August 2026 across sailings from August to December 2026. Schedules and fares change — confirm current dates and pricing before you book.
A lot of guides claim the Bimini ferry adds sailings or goes daily in peak summer. We checked Balearia's own booking calendar for every date from August through December 2026: it is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday throughout, including all of August. The one exception we found is Monday 7 September 2026 (Labor Day), which is bookable as an extra departure. Build your trip around those days rather than assuming a midweek option exists.
Bimini Ferry Ticket Prices (2026)
Balearia doesn't publish a full public fare table, and the "from" price shown depends on which of its pages you land on. Here is what the operator and the main resellers actually show as of 5 August 2026:
- Balearia's Fort Lauderdale–Bimini route page: from $235 round trip
- Balearia's routes overview and Bimini destination page: from $180
- Third-party resellers: economy one-way from roughly $93–$98 plus taxes and fees (taxes commonly quoted around $70 per person)
- Premium seating: upgrade available for a surcharge — priced at booking
- Passenger ages: adult 13+, child 3–12, infant 0–2 (Balearia's own booking form)
Treat every one of those as a starting point, not a quote: the fare you pay depends on the sailing date, how full the boat is and how far ahead you book. Check live pricing for your dates before committing.
Return Schedule: The Bimini-to-Fort-Lauderdale leg is a fixed evening departure, not a window — 7:00 PM through the summer schedule and 6:00 PM from mid-September onward, arriving Fort Lauderdale two hours later. Confirm the time on your booking confirmation.
Money-Saving Tips: Booking 2–3 weeks ahead helps with both availability and price. Balearia Caribbean runs a free loyalty program, Baleària Caribbean Rewards, advertising discounts from 15% — check current terms before booking. The operator also bundles ferry + hotel packages, currently advertising $250 off stays of four nights or more, and includes a free Resorts World Bimini day pass with its day-trip product.
Ways to Save on the Bimini Ferry
Practical strategies that consistently lower fares for 2026 travel
Compare All Three Days
With only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday sailings, your flexibility is limited — but the three days rarely price the same. Friday departures head into the weekend and tend to fill first, so check Wednesday and Sunday for the same trip before booking.
Book 2–6 Weeks Ahead
Last-minute fares are typically the most expensive. Because there are only three sailings a week, peak summer weekends, US holidays and spring break sell out earlier than travelers expect — book 4–6+ weeks ahead for those dates.
Rewards & Group Rates
Balearia Caribbean runs a free loyalty program — Baleària Caribbean Rewards — currently advertised with discounts from 15%, plus group rates for larger parties. Terms change, so check the operator's site for current levels before booking.
Ferry + Hotel Packages
Balearia sells ferry + hotel packages directly and is currently advertising $250 off stays of four nights or more. Day-trip bookings currently include a free Resorts World Bimini day pass. Compare the package against booking ferry and hotel separately — neither wins every time.
Tip: Sign up for Balearia Caribbean's newsletter to be notified of any current promo codes and seasonal sales — promo availability varies and codes are time-limited.
How to Book Bimini Ferry Tickets
Step-by-step booking guide and money-saving tips
Online Booking (Recommended)
Book directly through Balearia Caribbean's website or authorized partners. Online booking offers the best prices, instant confirmation, and mobile tickets. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best availability.
Phone Reservations
Balearia Caribbean's US reservations line is 1-866-699-6988. Phone agents can help with group bookings, special requests and schedule changes. Check current hours on the operator's help center before calling.
Booking Ahead Beats Walking Up
With three sailings a week and a single 9:00 AM departure, walk-up availability is not something to count on — particularly on summer weekends and US holidays. Book online for the date you want rather than planning to buy at the terminal.
Bimini Ferry Booking Checklist
- Pick your date(s): Only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday work — check the calendar before booking flights or hotels around the trip.
- Compare round-trip vs. two one-ways: Balearia's published round-trip fare for this route starts at $235; price both ways for your dates.
- Have your passport ready: A valid passport is required for every traveler at check-in, infants included.
- Plan arrival at Port Everglades: Balearia asks you to be at the terminal at least 2 hours before departure to check in and clear customs — that means 7:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing.
- Book accommodation alongside the ferry: See Where to Stay in Bimini below.
What to Expect on the Bimini Ferry
Complete guide to your ferry experience
The Vessel: Jaume II Catamaran
The Bimini ferry runs on Balearia's Jaume II, a high-speed catamaran. Per the operator's own fleet page it measures 81 m long and 26 m across the beam, carries 655 passengers at a service speed of 35 knots, and is both pet-friendly and adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. The twin-hull design reduces rolling motion, which is why the crossing generally feels steadier than a conventional monohull ferry.
Onboard Amenities
Balearia lists the following on this route:
- Seating: Air-conditioned cabins with standard seating; a paid comfort upgrade is offered at booking
- Bar-café: Snacks, soft drinks and cocktails (bringing your own food is usually cheaper)
- Duty-free store: Gifts, accessories and travel essentials onboard
- Entertainment system: Onboard screens — bring headphones
- Luggage: An allowance is included in the fare; oversized or extra bags are charged
- Outdoor decks: Good for dolphin watching and photography, and windy at 35 knots
- Pets: Pet travel is offered on selected sailings — arrange it in advance, don't just turn up
The Journey Experience
Your Bimini ferry trip begins at Port Everglades Terminal 21. Balearia asks passengers to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to check in and clear customs — so 7:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing. Build in more than you think you need: Port Everglades is a large working port and first-time visitors routinely lose time finding Terminal 21. Once aboard, the catamaran glides out past cruise ships and the Fort Lauderdale skyline.
The crossing itself is often highlight-worthy. As you traverse the Gulf Stream, the water transforms from coastal green to deep sapphire blue. Dolphins frequently race alongside the ferry, and flying fish skip across the waves. The outdoor deck offers spectacular photo opportunities, though it can be windy. About halfway through, you might spot other vessels, from luxury yachts to cargo ships navigating these busy waters.
Port Everglades Terminal 21 Guide
Everything you need to know about the departure terminal
Location & Directions
Address: 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
GPS Tip: Search "Port Everglades Terminal 21" not just "Port Everglades"
From I-95: Exit 25 (Griffin Road), follow signs to Port Everglades
Parking & Drop-Off
Paid parking is available at the port, and rideshare drivers can drop off at the terminal. Port Everglades sets and periodically changes its own parking rates, so check porteverglades.net for current pricing rather than budgeting from an old figure. For a day trip, a rideshare each way often works out simpler than parking overnight.
Check-in Process
Arrive: At least 2 hours before departure — 7:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing (Balearia's own guidance)
Why so early: Check-in plus customs clearance
Bring: Passport and booking confirmation for every traveler
If you miss it: The next sailing is two or three days later — not later the same day
Essential Tips for Bimini Ferry Travel
Insider advice for a smooth journey
🕐 Timing is Everything
Be at Terminal 21 by 7:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing, as Balearia asks. The port is large and confusing on a first visit. Miss the boat and you are not catching a later one — the next departure is two or three days away.
💊 Prevent Seasickness
If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding rather than once you feel it. Sit low and central where movement is least, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The catamaran is stable, but the Gulf Stream can be choppy.
📱 Sort Your Phone Out First
Switch to airplane mode as you leave port unless you've arranged an international plan — Bahamas roaming is charged as international by US carriers and adds up fast. Check your carrier's Bahamas rates before you sail, or pick up a local SIM/eSIM if you're staying over.
🎒 Smart Packing
Bring snacks and water — onboard bar-café prices are what you'd expect from a captive audience. Small coolers are generally fine. Pack sunscreen before you go: island convenience-store prices for it are steep. Bring cash for tips and golf carts.
🏖️ Beach Strategy
Radio Beach is the easy family option — calm, shallow and close to Alice Town. North Bimini is only about seven miles long, so a shared golf cart split between four people is the standard way to get around. Everything is walkable, but it is hot.
💰 Budget Past the Ticket
The fare is not the trip cost. Plan for taxes and fees on top of the base fare, any seating upgrade, parking or rideshare at Port Everglades, food and drinks, a golf cart, and tips. Build your budget from live quotes for your dates, not from a headline "from" price.
Ferry to Bimini: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Bimini ferry service
The Bimini ferry takes 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale. Departure is at 9:00 AM from Port Everglades, arriving in Bimini at 11:00 AM local time (same time zone as Florida). The return leg is also 2 hours, leaving Bimini at 7:00 PM through the summer schedule and 6:00 PM from mid-September onward.
Balearia markets the Bimini service as a passenger fast ferry, and vehicle carriage on this route is not something you should assume — the Jaume II is a vehicle-capable ship, but the operator's Caribbean vehicle information is inconsistent. If you genuinely need to bring a car, confirm directly with Balearia before booking. In practice you won't want one: North Bimini is only about seven miles long, most visitors use golf carts or bicycles rented near the dock, and Radio Beach is a short walk from the terminal.
Balearia requires a valid passport for every traveler, children and infants included. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay — contrary to what many travel pages claim, the Bahamas does not impose a six-month validity rule on US citizens, though keeping a buffer is sensible. Under US sea-travel rules a passport card is valid for entering the Bahamas by ferry, but it is not valid for air travel; if there's any chance you'll fly home instead of sailing back, carry a passport book. US citizens don't need a visa for short tourist stays. Bring your booking confirmation, and confirm accepted documents with the operator before you book.
The Bimini ferry uses a stable catamaran design that handles waves well, and most crossings are described as smooth. The Gulf Stream can still create moderate chop, especially in winter wind. Sit low and central, take motion-sickness medication before boarding rather than after symptoms start, and focus on the horizon. Sailings are occasionally cancelled for weather — most often during hurricane season or winter storms.
Yes — day trips are popular. The ferry arrives at 11:00 AM and the return leg departs at 7:00 PM in summer (6:00 PM from mid-September), giving you about 7 to 8 hours on the island. That's enough for Radio Beach, a sit-down lunch, walking around Alice Town and a short snorkel. Remember the day has to be a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday. Balearia currently includes a free Resorts World Bimini day pass with its day-trip product; an overnight stay lets you catch sunset and calmer morning water.
Balearia notifies booked passengers when a sailing is cancelled for weather and offers rebooking or a refund — the exact terms are set out in the operator's ticket contract, so read it for your booking rather than relying on a summary. Cancellations cluster in hurricane season (1 June–30 November, with the peak in August and September) and around winter storms. Because there are only three sailings a week, a cancellation can push you back two or three days: book refundable accommodation and consider travel insurance if your dates are tight.
Your ticket covers the crossing, a standard seat in the air-conditioned cabin, an included luggage allowance and access to the onboard bar-café, duty-free store and entertainment. Not included: taxes and fees on top of the base fare, food and drinks, any seating upgrade, oversized or extra baggage, parking at Port Everglades, and ground transport in Bimini. Check the exact allowances and surcharges at booking — they're shown before you pay.
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for a normal trip, and 4–6 weeks or more for summer weekends, US holidays and spring break. The constraint people underestimate is frequency, not price: with three sailings a week, a sold-out Friday means waiting until Sunday. Last-minute fares are consistently the most expensive.
There is no direct ferry from Miami to Bimini. The ferry to Bimini departs from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades Terminal 21), which is about 30 miles north of Miami. The drive from Miami Beach to the ferry terminal takes approximately 45 minutes. Many travelers stay in Fort Lauderdale the night before for early morning departures.
Balearia publishes this route from $235 round trip on its Fort Lauderdale–Bimini page, while its routes overview shows a lower from-price of $180. Third-party resellers list economy one-way fares from roughly $93–$98 plus taxes and fees, with taxes commonly quoted around $70 per person. All of those are starting points — peak weekends, holidays and last-minute bookings cost more, and a seating upgrade adds a surcharge. Check live pricing for your dates.
It depends on your priorities. For calm seas: March–May and October–November. For the best weather: December–April, the dry season. For the lowest prices: January–February outside holiday weeks. Hurricane season runs 1 June–30 November with the peak in August and September, so build in slack — or insurance — if you travel then. One thing that does not change with season is frequency: it's Wednesday, Friday and Sunday all year, summer included.
You cannot consume your own alcohol on the ferry – drinks must be purchased onboard at the café bar. However, you can bring sealed alcohol in your luggage to take to Bimini (within Bahamian customs limits: 1 liter of spirits or 1 case of beer per adult). The duty-free shop in Bimini often has better prices than buying in the US.
What Travelers Consistently Mention
Patterns we see in independent passenger reviews of the FLL–Bimini route
🚢 The crossing itself
Most reviewers describe the 2-hour catamaran crossing as smooth and faster than expected. Open decks and Gulf Stream views, including frequent dolphin sightings, are a recurring positive. Rough seas can occur; mild seasickness is the most common complaint.
⏰ Arrive early at Terminal 21
A repeated theme is to arrive at Port Everglades by 7:00 AM and to use GPS for "Port Everglades Terminal 21" specifically — the wider port complex can be confusing on a first visit. Check-in closes at 8:00 AM; missing it means rebooking.
💰 Onboard food & extras
Many travelers note that snacks and drinks bought onboard cost more than they expected and recommend bringing your own food. Day trippers also flag golf-cart rental in Bimini as the main extra cost to budget for.
This section summarizes themes from independent reviews on aggregator sites; we do not collect or publish individual passenger reviews of our own.
Ferry to Bimini vs. Other Options
Compare transportation choices to reach Bimini
Ferry to Bimini vs. Flying
Ferry advantages: Lower typical cost, generous luggage allowance, relaxed check-in, scenic 2-hour Gulf Stream crossing, can bring coolers and food, no altitude or pressurization issues, docks in North Bimini within reach of the main hotels.
Flight advantages: Much faster in the air (~25 minutes), and crucially far more flexible on days — flights serve South Bimini airport (BIM) well beyond the ferry's three days a week. Less weather-dependent on most days, and no seasickness risk.
Bottom line: The ferry usually wins for cost-conscious travelers, families and anyone who enjoys the journey. Flying wins when your dates don't line up with Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, when the trip is time-sensitive, or when a sailing is cancelled by weather.
Ferry vs. Private Boat
Ferry advantages: No navigation required, predictable timetable, customs handled at the terminal, professional crew, lower total cost than fuel + dockage on a private vessel.
Private boat advantages: Flexible timing, can island-hop or fish en route, privacy, unlimited gear.
Bottom line: Unless you have a boat suitable for the Gulf Stream and the experience to skipper one, the scheduled ferry is safer, cheaper and more reliable.
Indicative Cost Comparison
| Option | Indicative price (per person) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Balearia Caribbean) | From $235 round trip | 2 hours each way, Wed/Fri/Sun only | Most travelers |
| Charter / scheduled flight | ~$200–$400 one-way | ~25 minutes air | Time-sensitive trips |
| Private boat | Fuel & dockage scale with vessel | 2–4 hours | Experienced boat owners |
Prices are indicative ranges for 2026 planning, not current quotes.
Where to Stay in Bimini
Hotels and resorts close to the ferry terminal — compare live rates on the map below
The ferry docks in North Bimini beside the Bimini Bay / Resorts World complex. All three of the hotels below are reachable on foot or by a short golf-cart ride from the terminal. Use the interactive map to compare current rates across booking sites — booking through these links supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Worth knowing before you book a hotel: the ferry only sails Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Line your check-in and check-out up with those days, or you'll pay for nights you can't use.
Top Hotel Picks Near the Bimini Ferry Dock
🏨 Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
Walking distance from ferry dock · Bimini Bay, North Bimini.
Largest resort on the island, with a marina, multiple pools, restaurants and a casino. Best fit for travelers who want a full-resort experience steps from where the ferry lands.
Typical fares vary by season. Compare current rates →
Check Availability🎣 Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Alice Town, North Bimini · ~5-min drive / 15-min walk from ferry.
Historic sport-fishing resort with a marina, restaurant and laid-back rooms. Best fit for fishing trips, smaller groups and travelers who want classic Bimini character over big-resort polish.
Mid-range pricing in most seasons.
Check Availability🏖️ Sea Crest Hotel & Marina
Alice Town, North Bimini · Walking distance to Radio Beach.
Smaller, family-run hotel close to local restaurants and the public beach strip. Best fit for budget-conscious travelers who want a simple base near the action rather than a resort.
Often the cheapest North Bimini option.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links via Stay22's auto-affiliate system. This doesn't change the price you pay. Learn more.
Day-Trip Packages with Free Cancellation
Prefer the crossing bundled with a planned island day? These packages include the round-trip ferry and can be cancelled free up to 2 days before departure:
Ready to Book Your Ferry to Bimini?
Compare all available 2026 sailing dates · Operator: Balearia Caribbean · Mobile e-tickets
Check Schedule & BookOr jump to Where to Stay in Bimini ↓
More Bimini Ferry Resources
Helpful guides for your trip planning
Bimini Beach Guide
Complete guide to Radio Beach, Blister Beach, and hidden gems. Best spots for families, snorkeling, and beach bars.
Bimini Day Trip Guide
How to make the most of the 7–8 hours ashore between the 11:00 AM arrival and the evening return sailing.
Bimini Accommodation
Hotels and rentals near the ferry dock. Compare Resorts World, Bimini Big Game Club, and vacation rentals.