© Oscar Flowers / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Short Version
- There is no ferry from Miami to Bimini. The only ferry departs Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, ~30-45 min north of Miami.
- Operator: Baleària Caribbean, on the high-speed catamaran Jaume II (~2 hours, up to 600 passengers).
- Schedule: typically Wed, Fri & Sun (check the live schedule), departing 9:00 AM, arriving Bimini ~11:00 AM.
- Fares: typically $180–$280 depending on date and fare class (operator pages, Aug 2026); kids under 12 about half price.
- Leaving from Miami itself? Take a Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane (~25 min) or, new in Feb 2026, American Airlines flies Miami (MIA) → South Bimini.
- Documents: a valid passport for every traveler, including infants.
| Real departure point | Fort Lauderdale — Port Everglades (not Miami) |
|---|---|
| Destination | Alice Town, North Bimini, Bahamas |
| Crossing time | About 2 hours |
| Operator & vessel | Baleària Caribbean — Jaume II catamaran |
| Sailing days | Typically Wed, Fri, Sun; check the live schedule |
| One-way fare | Typically $180–$280 (operator pages, Aug 2026) |
| Round trip | From ~$199-230 all-in |
| From Miami direct | Seaplane (~25 min) or American Airlines MIA→Bimini (from Feb 2026) |
Last updated: June 13, 2026 · Sources: Baleària Caribbean, DirectFerries, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
So How DO You Get from Miami to Bimini?
Step 1: Get to Fort Lauderdale
From Downtown Miami: 35-40 min
From Miami Airport: 30 min
Options: Uber/Lyft ($35-60), rental car, or shuttle
Step 2: Board at Port Everglades
Check-in: Opens at 6:00 AM
Terminal doors close: 8:00 AM sharp!
Departure: 9:00 AM
Step 3: Arrive in Paradise
Arrival: 11:00 AM in Alice Town
Return options: 6 PM, 7 PM, or 8 PM
Back in FL: By 8-10 PM
The History: Why This Confusion Exists
Ferries did run from Miami to Bimini in earlier years. FRS Caribbean ran a high-speed service from PortMiami until 2019, with a crossing of about 2 hours. The operator withdrew citing "operational challenges".
Before that, Bimini SuperFast operated from 2013-2016 with a ship that had a casino onboard. Financial troubles ended that operation too.
Now, Balearia Caribbean operates the only ferry service, from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades.
Alternative Ways to Get from Miami to Bimini
OK, so the ferry's not actually from Miami. But what if you REALLY want to leave from Miami? Or what if you've got deep pockets and want something fancier? Here are ALL your options:
Seaplane (Miami or Fort Lauderdale)
Flight time: ~25 minutes!
Price: from ~$385 one-way
Departs: Fort Lauderdale (private terminal) & Miami's Watson Island
New for 2026: "Bahamas In A Day" Saturday day trip (~$650)
Pro: Incredible views, super fast
Con: Pricey, weather dependent
Private Yacht Charter
Journey time: 2-3 hours
Price: From $3,800/day
Capacity: 6-12 people typically
Pro: Ultimate luxury, your schedule
Con: Most expensive option
Commercial Flight from Miami
From: Miami International (MIA) → South Bimini
Days: Mon, Wed & Sat (American Eagle E175)
Flight time: ~30 minutes
Pro: First scheduled US-jet service to Bimini, leaves right from Miami
Note: Silver Airways shut down in June 2025 — it no longer flies this route
Comparison: The seaplane is the fastest option and lands on the water in Bimini harbor, but it is the most expensive. For families the ferry is usually the cheaper choice, at roughly $180–$280 versus $400+ per person, and baggage rules differ from airlines (check the operator's current policy).
Miami vs Fort Lauderdale: The Real Deal
| Route | Status | Operator | Schedule | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (ferry) | ACTIVE | Baleària Caribbean | Typically Wed, Fri, Sun; check the live schedule | Typically $180–$280 (Aug 2026) |
| Miami (PortMiami) → Bimini (ferry) | NONE | — | No passenger ferry since ~2019 | n/a |
| Miami (MIA) → South Bimini (flight) | NEW 2026 | American Airlines | Mon, Wed, Sat | Varies — check airline |
| Miami / Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (seaplane) | ACTIVE | Tropic Ocean Airways | Multiple weekly | From ~$385 one-way |
What to Do in Bimini (Why It's Worth the Trip!)
Bimini is only about 7 miles long. These are the main things to do:
Radio Beach
Calm, clear water suits children. Chairs rent for $20, and conch salad is sold from the beach shack.
World-Class Fishing
Bimini is known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World". The Gulf Stream passes closest to land here. Half-day charters from $400, or fish from shore at Bimini Bay.
Hemingway History
Ernest Hemingway spent summers here 1935-1937, wrote parts of "Islands in the Stream" here. Check out the Bimini Big Game Club (his photos are still on the walls) and try Hemingway Rum made right on the island.
Hammerhead Shark Experience
The hammerhead shark experience at the Bimini Biological Field Station costs about $190 per person and is open to children aged 10 and over. Participants are in a cage.
Golf Cart Adventures
Rent a golf cart for $80/day and explore the whole island in 2 hours! Hit the Dolphin House Museum (built from recycled materials), check out the mysterious Bimini Road underwater formation, and find your own secret beach spot.
More Bimini Adventures: Check out our complete Bimini Island Guide for beaches, restaurants, hotels, and insider tips. Or if you're into fishing, don't miss our Ultimate Bimini Fishing Guide!
Money-Saving Tips
Wednesday = Cheapest Day
Wednesday tickets are often $20-30 cheaper than Friday and Sunday sailings, which carry premium prices.
Book 2+ Weeks Ahead
Last-minute tickets can cost $50+ more. Booking at least 2 weeks out can save 30-40%. Summer dates sell out earlier, so book sooner.
Parking at Port Everglades
Terminal parking is $15/day. The Crowne Plaza nearby charges $8/day and runs a free shuttle. Uber/Lyft is an alternative for a day trip.
Pack Light or Pay Up
Check the operator's current baggage policy before booking; allowances have changed.
Bring Snacks & Drinks
Ferry snack bar prices are high: $4 for a soda, $8 for a small sandwich. Pack snacks and a cooler with drinks. Ice is sold at the terminal for $3/bag.
Current Schedule & Prices (From Fort Lauderdale!)
| Season | Days | Departure | Return Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year-Round | Wed, Fri, Sun | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM | Typically $180–$280 (Aug 2026) |
| Peak Summer (June-September) |
Check the live schedule | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM | Check the live calendar |
| Day Trip Special | Any sailing day | 9:00 AM | Same day return | $279 round trip shown on operator homepage (Aug 2026) |
Related Routes: Also check out ferry options from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (the actual route!), Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, and our guide to finding cheap ferry tickets.
What's the Ferry Actually Like?
The Vessel
Onboard Amenities
• Gift shop (duty-free!)
• Indoor & outdoor seating
• Bathrooms (basic but clean)
• WiFi (spotty but exists)
The Journey
Where to Stay in Bimini (If You Make It an Overnight)
A day trip works great, but Bimini is even better with a night or two — you get sunrise on a quiet beach and a relaxed evening once the day-trippers head home. Compare live hotel prices below, or start with our picks. Bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
See all stays in Bimini Sponsored
Top Hotel Picks
Resorts World Bimini
From ~$300/night
The island's big resort — beach club, pools, casino, marina and the seaplane base on site. Best if you want full amenities right where the ferry docks.
Check Availability
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
From ~$200/night
Historic Alice Town fishing institution (yes, the Hemingway photos are real). Walkable to bars, dive shops and Radio Beach — the classic Bimini base.
Check Availability
Sea Crest Hotel & Marina
From ~$140/night
Simple, friendly, central Alice Town spot with rooftop harbor views. The value pick when you'd rather spend on conch and a golf cart than the room.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Prices are typical starting rates and vary by season — always check the live rate. Learn more.
From Miami: Day Trips with Hotel Pickup
Staying in Miami? These bookable day trips include Miami hotel pickup, the transfer to Port Everglades and the round-trip ferry — free cancellation up to 2 days before:
Ready to Book Your Bimini Adventure?
Remember: Book from FORT LAUDERDALE, not Miami! Save yourself the panic drive 😅
Check Availability & PricesFares typically $180–$280 (Aug 2026) • Kids under 12 half price • Book 2+ weeks ahead for best deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really not catch it from Miami?
Nope! Despite the misleading marketing, all ferries to Bimini currently leave from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. PortMiami has cruise ships, not Bahamas ferries.
Will a Miami ferry ever come back?
No passenger ferry has run from PortMiami since FRS Caribbean pulled out around 2019, and there's no confirmed plan to restart one. The good news: if you want to leave from Miami itself, American Airlines began flying MIA → South Bimini in February 2026, and Tropic Ocean Airways runs seaplanes from Watson Island. This page will be updated if a ferry returns.
Is a day trip worth it?
Absolutely! You get about 5-6 hours on the island. Perfect for beach time, lunch, and a golf cart tour. Kids love it, adults get their beach fix. Win-win!
What documents do I need?
Valid passport for everyone (yes, even babies!). No exceptions. Forgot it? You're not boarding. Period. Set a reminder now!
Will I get seasick?
Most people are fine - it's a big, stable catamaran. But if you're prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine the night before AND morning of. Ginger candy helps too!
Can I bring my own food/drinks?
Yes! Pack snacks, sandwiches, whatever. Coolers are allowed (no alcohol though). There's a snack bar onboard but it's pricey. Smart travelers pack lunch!
Summary
The name "Miami to Bimini ferry" is misleading: the ferry runs from Fort Lauderdale. Bimini is about 50 miles from the Florida coast.
The Fort Lauderdale crossing takes about 2 hours and starts at Port Everglades.
Flying and the seaplane are faster; the ferry is the cheaper option.
Bottom line: Book the ferry from Fort Lauderdale, pack light and bring sunscreen.