Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
From $279/night
Iconic waterfront resort with marina views, large pool deck, and free terminal shuttle. Best for travelers who want a "real vacation" before the crossing.
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Last updated: May 2, 2026
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.
TL;DR — Fort Lauderdale Ferry at a Glance
- Operator: Balearia Caribbean (HSC Jaume II) — the only passenger ferry from Florida to the Bahamas.
- Departure: Port Everglades Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (≈3 miles / 10 min from FLL airport).
- Bimini: ~2 hours, ~50 mi, from $99 one-way. Year-round service Wed/Fri/Sun + extra summer days.
- Freeport: ~3 hours, ~100 mi, from $119 one-way. Year-round service Thu/Sat.
- Passport: Valid passport book required for all passengers (incl. children); passport card not accepted by the operator.
- No direct ferry to Nassau — connect via Bimini or Freeport.
Key Facts at a Glance
| 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 |
| One-Way Fare | From $99 (Bimini) • From $119 (Freeport) |
| Taxes & Fees | ~$70 per person (round-trip), additional |
| Departure Time | Typically 9:00 AM (boarding closes 8:00 AM) |
| Documents | Valid U.S. passport book (passport card not accepted) |
| Hurricane Season | June 1 – November 30 (peak Aug–Sep) |
Compare Both Routes from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini
Closest Bahamas Island
Travel Time
2 hours
Distance
50 miles
One-Way From
$99
Round-Trip From
$198
Departures
Wed, Fri, Sun + Summer Daily
Best For
Day trips, beaches
View Bimini Details
Fort Lauderdale → Freeport
Grand Bahama Island
Travel Time
3 hours
Distance
100 miles
One-Way From
$119
Round-Trip From
$238
Departures
Thu, Sat
Best For
Shopping, parks, resorts
View Freeport Details
Note: All prices exclude approximately $70 in taxes and port fees per person (round-trip). Children under 12 receive 50% discount. Infants under 2 travel free.
Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas Ferry Schedule 2026
| 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.
Hurricane Season: Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30 (peak August/September). Most days are fine for ferry travel, but Balearia can delay or cancel sailings during named storms. Travel insurance is recommended for Bahamas trips in this window.
Port Everglades Terminal 21
All Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferries depart from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades. Here's everything you need to know:
Terminal Address
2021 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
GPS Tip: Search "Port Everglades Terminal 21" for accurate directions
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
GPS Tip: Search "Port Everglades Terminal 21" for accurate directions
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From Miami
30-45 minutes via I-95 North. Exit 25 (Griffin Road), follow signs to Port Everglades.
🅿️
Parking
$20/day (main lot), $15/day (overflow with shuttle), $30/day (valet).
⏰
Check-In
Opens 6:15 AM. Arrive by 7:30 AM. Boarding closes 8:00 AM SHARP.
🚕
Uber/Lyft
$35-50 from Miami Beach. Drop-off directly at terminal entrance.
Important: The terminal location is confusing - many GPS systems send people to the wrong port entrance. Search specifically for "Port Everglades Terminal 21" and follow signs once inside the port. Arrive early!
What to Expect on the Ferry
Balearia Caribbean operates modern high-speed catamarans with these features:
- Capacity: 600 passengers per vessel
- Speed: 32 knots (37 mph)
- Seating: Economy (included) or Premium ($30 extra each way)
- Amenities: Air conditioning, restrooms, outdoor deck, cafe bar
- Luggage: 1 checked bag (50 lbs) + 1 carry-on included
- WiFi: Available but limited - download entertainment beforehand
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
Where to Stay Near Port Everglades (Pre-Ferry Hotels)
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.
Top Pre-Ferry Hotel Picks
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
From $219/night
Closest 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 AvailabilityEmbassy Suites by Hilton — 17th Street
From $189/night
Two-room suites with full breakfast included — popular with families before the early Bimini ferry. Free port shuttle on request.
Check AvailabilityHampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport-North Cruise Port
From $159/night
Solid mid-range option with free hot breakfast and a port shuttle. Reliable choice if you want comfort without the marina-resort price tag.
Check AvailabilityHotels in Bimini & Freeport (After You Arrive)
Want to make it more than a day trip? Browse our destination guides for hotel picks on each island:
Where to Stay in Bimini
Beach resorts and small inns close to the ferry dock at Alice Town. Most travelers stay 2-3 nights for fishing, snorkeling, and beaches.
See Bimini HotelsWhere to Stay in Freeport
Larger Grand Bahama resorts with beaches, pools, and easy access to Lucayan National Park, Taino Beach, and the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
See Freeport HotelsDisclosure: 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.
Ready to Book Your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas Ferry?
Compare routes and find the best prices for 2026
Book Bimini Ferry from $99 Book Freeport Ferry from $119Things to Do When You Arrive
Planning what to do in the Bahamas? Check out our destination guides:
- 30+ Things to Do in Freeport - beaches, nature parks, duty-free shopping
- 35+ Things to Do in Nassau - Atlantis, Cable Beach, historic sites
- Swimming Pigs & Exuma Adventures - nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto