Quick Summary
- Fort Lauderdale → Bimini: Balearia Caribbean, 2 hours, ~3 sailings/week (daily in summer), departs 9:00 AM.
- Fort Lauderdale → Freeport: Balearia Caribbean, ~3 hrs 45 min, ~3 sailings/week, departs 9:00 AM.
- Nassau → Harbour Island / Spanish Wells: Bahamas Ferries (Bo Hengy III), weekend schedule, departs 8:00 AM from Potter's Cay.
- Abaco inter-island (Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle): Albury's Ferry & G&L Ferry, multiple short crossings daily.
- Arrive early: international check-in opens ~6:00 AM and the boarding gate closes ~7:50 AM — plan to be there by 7:30 AM.
Last updated: June 4, 2026 · Times verified against Balearia Caribbean & Bahamas Ferries. Schedules change seasonally — always confirm with the operator before booking.
| Route | Operator | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Bimini | Balearia Caribbean | 2 hrs | ~3/week (daily summer) |
| Fort Lauderdale → Freeport | Balearia Caribbean | ~3 hrs 45 min | ~3/week |
| Nassau → Harbour Island | Bahamas Ferries | ~3 hrs (via Spanish Wells) | Weekends |
| Marsh Harbour → Hope Town / Guana Cay | Albury's / G&L Ferry | 10–30 min | Multiple daily |
| Treasure Cay → Green Turtle Cay | Green Turtle Ferry | 10 min | Multiple daily |
Timing Tip
International ferries from Florida depart in the morning (typically 9:00 AM), when seas are usually calmest. Check-in opens early and the boarding gate closes about 70 minutes before departure, so aim to arrive by 7:30 AM to clear the line comfortably.
Florida to Bahamas Schedules
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini
Balearia Caribbean
Inter-Island Ferry Schedules
Nassau → Harbour Island
Bahamas Ferries (via Spanish Wells)
| Departure | Spanish Wells | Harbour Island | Days | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 10:10 AM | 11:00 AM |
Fri
Sat
Sun
|
Book |
| Check-in required by 6:30 AM — no exceptions! | ||||
The 8:00 AM departure is tight if you fly into Nassau the same morning. Stay near Potter's Cay the night before — see where to stay below.
Marsh Harbour Ferry Hub
Albury's Ferry & G&L Ferry
Treasure Cay → Green Turtle Cay
Green Turtle Ferry
8 daily crossings! First at 6:30 AM, last at 5:00 PM. This is the most frequent ferry service in the Abacos — super convenient!
Stay Near the Terminal the Night Before
International and weekend ferries leave early in the morning, with check-in well before sunrise. The simplest way to avoid a stressful start is to spend the night near your departure port. Use the maps below to compare hotel prices — bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Hotels near Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
Hotels near Potter's Cay (Nassau)
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these maps. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more.
Schedule Secrets
Understanding Bahamas Ferry Timing
Morning Magic
9 AM isn't random — it's the sweet spot before afternoon thunderstorms and after customs opens. Seas are calmest before noon!
Customs Clock
International arrivals clear customs and immigration on arrival in the Bahamas, which is part of why Florida sailings are scheduled for the morning. Bring a valid passport for every passenger.
Tide & Harbor Timing
Some shallow harbors and cuts (like Spanish Wells) are easier to navigate around high tide, so a few inter-island departures shift with the tide. If timing matters, confirm with the operator.
Hurricane Season
June-November = flexible schedules. Always check 24 hours before! Some routes suspend entirely during peak storm months.
Weekend Warriors
Nassau ferries run weekends only — they know their market! Perfect for Nassau locals, tough for fly-in tourists.
Summer Surge
Bimini goes from 3x weekly to DAILY in summer. Book early — those extra sailings sell out fastest!
Bahamas Ferry Schedule FAQ
How often do ferries run from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini?
Balearia Caribbean operates roughly three sailings per week year-round, increasing to daily during the summer high season. The crossing takes about 2 hours and departures are typically at 9:00 AM. Schedules vary by season, so confirm dates with the operator before booking.
What time do Bahamas ferries depart?
International ferries from Florida (Bimini and Freeport) leave in the morning, usually around 9:00 AM. The Nassau–Harbour Island service departs at 8:00 AM from Potter's Cay. Short Abaco inter-island ferries start running from around 6:30–7:00 AM and continue through late afternoon.
How early should I arrive for an international ferry?
Plan to arrive about 90 minutes early. Check-in for Balearia Caribbean opens around 6:00 AM and the boarding gate closes roughly 70 minutes before departure (about 7:50 AM for a 9:00 AM sailing). Arriving by 7:30 AM gives you time to clear check-in and security.
Do ferries to the Bahamas run during hurricane season?
Yes. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in August and September. Ferries operate throughout, but individual sailings can be delayed or cancelled when a storm threatens. Check your route 24 hours before travel and consider travel insurance.
Are there ferries between the Bahamas islands?
Yes. Bahamas Ferries connects Nassau with Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, while Albury's Ferry and G&L Ferry run frequent short crossings around the Abacos (Marsh Harbour to Hope Town, Man-O-War Cay and Great Guana Cay). The Green Turtle Ferry links Treasure Cay with Green Turtle Cay in about 10 minutes.
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas ferry?
Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas by sea, and a passport is required to fly home. Carry one for every passenger, and check the latest entry requirements at travel.state.gov before you go.
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