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
Boarding closes: 7:50 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
Mark's Miami Mix-Up Story
The History: Why This Confusion Exists
Here's the backstory nobody talks about. For years, there actually WERE ferries from Miami to Bimini! FRS Caribbean ran a high-speed service from PortMiami until 2019. It was awesome - depart downtown Miami, arrive in Bimini 2 hours later. But they pulled out due to "operational challenges" (translation: not enough passengers).
Before that, you had Bimini SuperFast, which operated from 2013-2016. They had this gorgeous ship with a casino onboard - you could gamble your way to the Bahamas! But financial troubles sank that operation too.
Now, Balearia Caribbean operates the only ferry service, and they chose Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades as their base. Why? Better facilities, easier parking, less cruise ship congestion. Smart move for them, confusing for everyone searching "Miami to Bimini ferry"!
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 from Miami
Flight time: 25-30 minutes!
Price: $350-500 per person
Departure: Watson Island Seaplane Base
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 International or Fort Lauderdale
Flight time: 30 minutes
Price: $200-400 round trip
Pro: Quick, reliable
Con: Airport hassle, baggage limits
Mark's Take: Look, I've tried them all. The seaplane is AMAZING if you've got the cash - landing on water in Bimini harbor is bucket-list stuff. But for families? The ferry's still your best bet. Kids love the boat ride, you can bring tons of stuff, and at $99 vs $400+ per person? No contest.
Miami vs Fort Lauderdale: The Real Deal
| Route | Status | Operator | Schedule | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale â Bimini | ACTIVE | Balearia Caribbean | Wed, Fri, Sun (Daily in summer) | From $99 |
| Miami (PortMiami) â Bimini | MAYBE 2025? | TBA | Not available | Unknown |
What to Do in Bimini (Why It's Worth the Trip!)
Alright, so you've figured out how to actually GET to Bimini. But why bother? Let me tell you - this tiny island (only 7 miles long!) packs more fun than places 10 times its size. After 50+ trips, here's what keeps us coming back:
Radio Beach - The Family Favorite
Crystal clear water, zero waves, perfect for kids. This is where we spend 80% of our time. Rent chairs for $20, grab conch salad from the beach shack, and just... relax. The water's so clear you can see your feet in 20 feet of water!
World-Class Fishing
Bimini is the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" - and it's not just marketing! The Gulf Stream passes closest to land here. Half-day charters from $400, or fish from shore at Bimini Bay. My son caught his first bonefish here at age 11!
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. Cool history even kids appreciate!
Swim with Sharks!
The hammerhead shark experience at Bimini Biological Field Station is INSANE! Safe for kids 10+, about $190 per person. You're in a cage, but the sharks come right up to you. My daughter still talks about it 2 years later!
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!
What Other Travelers Say
"Thanks to this guide, we didn't waste time at PortMiami! The Fort Lauderdale ferry was easy to find, and Bimini was absolutely magical. Radio Beach is now our happy place!"
"The tip about Wednesday being cheaper saved us $120 for our family of 4! Also, packing light in backpacks to avoid baggage fees was genius. Great advice!"
"Ferry was on time, smooth ride, kids loved it. Only downside was the $15/day parking at Port Everglades. Next time we'll try that Crowne Plaza trick!"
Money-Saving Tips from 50+ Trips
Wednesday = Cheapest Day
Nobody wants to travel mid-week, so Wednesday tickets are always $20-30 cheaper! Friday and Sunday? Forget about it - premium prices all day. We've saved literally thousands by being flexible.
Book 2+ Weeks Ahead
Last-minute tickets? That'll be $50+ extra, thank you very much. Book at least 2 weeks out and save 30-40%. Summer dates? Book even earlier - they sell out fast!
Parking at Port Everglades
Terminal parking is $15/day (ouch!). Pro tip: Park at the Crowne Plaza nearby for $8/day and take their free shuttle. Or better yet, Uber/Lyft if you're doing a day trip.
Pack Light or Pay Up
Only hand luggage is free! Checked bags? $25 each way. We learned this the hard way with 4 suitcases... $200 extra! Now we pack everything in backpacks.
Bring Snacks & Drinks
Ferry snack bar prices are INSANE - $4 for a soda, $8 for a tiny sandwich. Pack snacks and a cooler with drinks. There's ice 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 | $99-155 one-way |
| Peak Summer (June-September) |
Daily! | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM | $119-175 one-way |
| Day Trip Special | Any sailing day | 9:00 AM | Same day return | From $155 round-trip |
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
âĸ Gift shop (duty-free!)
âĸ Indoor & outdoor seating
âĸ Bathrooms (basic but clean)
âĸ WiFi (spotty but exists)
The Journey
Ready to Book Your Bimini Adventure?
Remember: Book from FORT LAUDERDALE, not Miami! Save yourself the panic drive đ
Check Availability & PricesPrices start from $99 âĸ Kids under 12 half price âĸ 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.
When will Miami service resume?
Your guess is as good as mine! They've been saying "soon" since 2019. I'll believe it when I see it. Check back here - I'll update the second it happens!
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!
Final Thoughts from a Bimini Regular
Look, I know the whole "Miami to Bimini ferry that's not actually from Miami" thing is confusing. But don't let that stop you from experiencing this amazing little island! After 50+ trips with my family, Bimini feels like our second home.
The ferry from Fort Lauderdale is reliable, affordable, and honestly part of the adventure. My kids count down the days until our next Bimini trip. They've grown up on Radio Beach, caught their first fish there, made friends with local kids who teach them to crack conch...
Sure, you could fly or take a seaplane. But there's something special about that 2-hour ferry ride - watching Miami fade away, the water turn from murky green to crystal blue, dolphins racing alongside... It's like a decompression chamber from real life to island time.
Bottom line: Don't overthink it. Book the ferry (from Fort Lauderdale!), pack light, bring sunscreen, and prepare for one of the easiest, most rewarding trips you'll ever take. Bimini's waiting for you - just 50 miles and a world away!
See you on the beach! đī¸
- Mark Sullivan
Founder, BahamasHopping.com