Two Routes to Paradise: Bimini (~2 hrs) & Freeport (~3 hrs) on Balearia
Last updated: August 2, 2026 · Fares and sailing days verified against baleariacaribbean.com
All ferry services to the Bahamas depart from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. Balearia Caribbean operates the high-speed catamaran HSC Jaume II to two destinations: Bimini (~2 hours, the closest Bahamian island to the U.S.) and Freeport on Grand Bahama (~3 hours). Here's everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas in 2026.
| Operator | Balearia Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Vessel | HSC Jaume II (high-speed catamaran) |
| Florida Terminal | Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale |
| Bahamas Destinations | Bimini (Alice Town) and Freeport (Grand Bahama) |
| Crossing Time | Bimini ~2 hrs • Freeport ~3 hrs |
| Distance | Bimini ~53 mi (85 km) • Freeport 74 nautical mi (~85 mi) |
| Published Fare | From $180 per route (Balearia lead-in fare, Aug 2026) |
| Typical Round-Trip | ~$199 Bimini • ~$219 Grand Bahama, taxes included |
| Departure Time | Typically 9:00 AM (check-in from 6:00 AM, gate closes ~7:50 AM) |
| Documents | Valid U.S. passport book (passport card not accepted) |
| Pets | Accepted on selected sailings — book in advance |
| Hurricane Season | June 1 – November 30 (peak Aug–Sep) |
| Day | Bimini Ferry | Freeport Ferry | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Summer only | - | 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday | Summer only | - | 9:00 AM |
| Wednesday | Year-round | - | 9:00 AM |
| Thursday | Summer only | Year-round | 9:00 AM |
| Friday | Year-round | - | 9:00 AM |
| Saturday | Summer only | Year-round | 9:00 AM |
| Sunday | Year-round | - | 9:00 AM |
Return Times: Ferries return from Bimini in the late afternoon to early evening (typically 6:00–8:00 PM, varying by season). Freeport returns are usually 5:00–6:00 PM. Schedules change seasonally and on holidays — always verify departure and return times on the operator's site before booking.
All Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferries depart from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades. Here's everything you need to know:
30-45 minutes via I-95 North. Exit 25 (Griffin Road), follow signs to Port Everglades.
$20/day (main lot), $15/day (overflow with shuttle), $30/day (valet).
Opens around 6:00 AM; the boarding gate closes at roughly 7:50 AM. Balearia asks you to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to clear check-in and customs.
$35-50 from Miami Beach. Drop-off directly at terminal entrance.
Balearia Caribbean operates modern high-speed catamarans with these features:
The journey is generally smooth thanks to the catamaran's twin-hull design. Watch for dolphins alongside the ferry and enjoy views of Fort Lauderdale's skyline as you depart.
Same-day return sailings are available on both routes, which is what makes the Bimini crossing work as a genuine day trip. If you would rather stretch it out, see our day-trip guide or the things to do in Bimini rundown.
All Bahamas ferries depart from Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale. The address is 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The terminal is about 3 miles (10 minutes) from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and roughly 30-45 minutes from Miami.
The ferry to Bimini takes about 2 hours over roughly 53 miles (85 km). The ferry to Freeport on Grand Bahama takes about 3 hours over 74 nautical miles (about 85 statute miles). Both routes use Balearia Caribbean's high-speed catamaran HSC Jaume II, normally departing Port Everglades Terminal 21 at 9:00 AM.
Balearia Caribbean publishes lead-in fares from $180 on every Fort Lauderdale route. In practice most 2026 round-trips land near $199 per person to Bimini and $219 to Grand Bahama once taxes and port fees are included; deeply discounted one-way economy seats can start around $93 plus taxes.
Fares move with date, season and demand, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote — and compare the final checkout total, since some fare types show taxes separately. See our guide to finding the cheapest fares.
Yes — Balearia Caribbean requires a valid U.S. passport book. The U.S. passport card is not accepted by the operator for this service. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. All passengers — including children and infants — need their own passport. Always check the latest requirements at travel.state.gov before booking.
No. There is currently no direct passenger ferry from Fort Lauderdale (or anywhere in Florida) to Nassau. The only Balearia routes are to Bimini and Freeport. To reach Nassau without flying, take the ferry to Freeport or Bimini and connect from there — most travelers fly the short hop to Nassau, since domestic ferries and mail boats run on limited schedules.
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in August and September. Most days are perfectly fine for ferry travel, but Balearia can delay or cancel sailings when storms are forecast. We strongly recommend travel insurance for trips between June and November, and keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center forecast in the days before departure.
Bimini is best for: Day trips, beautiful beaches, small-island charm, fishing, and relaxation. It's closer (2 hrs) and has more frequent departures.
Freeport is best for: Shopping (duty-free), national parks (Lucayan), larger resorts, and exploring a bigger island. It takes 3 hours and runs less frequently.
Yes! Day trips work great for Bimini - you get 7-9 hours on the island. Freeport day trips are possible but less ideal with only 5-6 hours after the 3-hour crossing each way. See our complete day trip guide.
Port Everglades is only 3 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - about 10 minutes by car. This makes it easy to fly into Fort Lauderdale and take the ferry the same day or next morning.
Yes, the parking lots are monitored and secure. Many passengers leave cars for multi-day trips without issues. The main lot ($20/day) is closest; overflow ($15/day) has shuttle service. For extra peace of mind, use valet parking ($30/day).
Most travelers spend a night in Fort Lauderdale before the early-morning ferry — boarding closes at 8:00 AM and any traffic on I-95 makes a same-day arrival risky. The hotels below are all within ~5 minutes of Port Everglades Terminal 21 and offer cruise/ferry parking packages or shuttle service.
The landmark Intracoastal resort reopened in January 2025 after a full rebuild — 325 rooms and suites, a superyacht marina, multilevel pools, a 15,000 sq ft spa and a dozen restaurants. This is the splurge option, not the practical airport-hotel choice. (It traded as a Hyatt Regency for decades; that branding is gone.)
Check AvailabilityClosest big-brand hotel to the port, with a Park-Stay-Cruise package that covers parking during your Bahamas trip. Reliable choice for early ferry departures.
Check AvailabilityTwo-room suites with full breakfast included — popular with families before the early Bimini ferry. Free port shuttle on request.
Check AvailabilitySolid mid-range option with free hot breakfast and a port shuttle. Reliable choice if you want comfort without the marina-resort price tag.
Check AvailabilityWant to make it more than a day trip? Browse our destination guides for hotel picks on each island:
Beach resorts and small inns close to the ferry dock at Alice Town. Most travelers stay 2-3 nights for fishing, snorkeling, and beaches. Day-trippers: Balearia currently bundles a free Resorts World Bimini day pass with its Bimini daytrip fares — worth checking at booking.
See Bimini HotelsLarger Grand Bahama resorts with beaches, pools, and easy access to Lucayan National Park, Taino Beach, and the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
See Freeport HotelsMore Fort Lauderdale options, including budget and airport-area picks, are in our dedicated Fort Lauderdale hotel guide. Flying into Miami instead? See where to stay in Miami.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through these links. The price you pay is the same — it just helps us keep this guide updated. Learn more.
Check live fares and sailing dates on Balearia, or read our full route guides first
Check Live Fares on Balearia Bimini Route Guide Freeport Route GuidePlanning what to do in the Bahamas? Check out our destination guides:
