Navigate Bahamas Ferry Terminals Like a Pro

Your complete guide to every terminal, parking trick, and shortcut I've learned in 7 years of island hopping

Fort Lauderdale Nassau Out Islands

Listen, I've made every terminal mistake in the book – wrong Port Everglades terminal, missed ferries, paid crazy parking fees – so you don't have to! After 50+ ferry trips between Florida and the Bahamas, I know these terminals like the back of my sun-tanned hand. Here's everything you need to know to navigate them smoothly.

Major Ferry Terminals

From bustling Port Everglades to laid-back island docks

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

Terminal 21, Port Everglades

Getting There

Address: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

GPS Tip: Search "Balearia Caribbean Terminal" NOT just "Port Everglades" – trust me, I ended up at the cruise terminals twice!

  • From I-95: Exit Eller Drive East
  • Follow signs for "Ferry Terminal" not "Cruise Ships"
  • Look for Terminal 21 signs

Parking Options

  • Garage (Covered): $20/day – worth it in summer!
  • Open Lot: $15/day – car gets HOT
  • Valet: $25/day – if you're running late
  • Uber/Lyft: Drop-off easy, pickup can take 20+ minutes

Jake's Parking Hack

Park at the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport ($12/day) and Uber to the terminal ($15). Saves money on longer trips and the hotel shuttle picks you up from the airport if you fly back!

Terminal Amenities

  • Check-in opens: 2.5 hours before departure
  • Café: Basic coffee and sandwiches (overpriced)
  • Restrooms: Clean, use before boarding!
  • WiFi: Free but spotty
  • Seating: Limited, arrive early for a seat
  • AC: Blasting cold – bring a jacket

Critical Warning

They close the boarding gate 1 hour before departure – NO EXCEPTIONS! I've seen grown adults cry when they arrived at 8:15 for a 9:00 ferry. Be there by 7:30 AM minimum!

Potter's Cay Dock (Nassau)

Under Paradise Island Bridge, Nassau

Getting There

From Downtown: $8-10 taxi ride, 10 minutes

From Paradise Island: $15 taxi, 15 minutes

From Airport: $35-40 taxi, 30 minutes

  • Tell driver "Potter's Cay for Bahamas Ferries"
  • NOT the cruise port!
  • Look for the fish market – terminal is right there

Terminal Features

  • Check-in: Opens at 6:30 AM for 8:00 AM departure
  • Parking: Limited street parking ($5/day)
  • Food: Fish fry stalls nearby (try the conch salad!)
  • Shade: Minimal – bring a hat
  • Bathrooms: Basic but functional
  • ATM: One nearby, often out of cash

Local's Secret

Arrive 30 minutes early and grab fresh conch salad from Twin Brothers stall (#12) – best breakfast on the island and only $12! Way better than airport food.

Potter's Cay is under the east side of Paradise Island Bridge

Out Island Ferry Terminals

Various Locations

Bimini (Alice Town)

  • Right downtown – can't miss it!
  • Golf cart rentals across the street
  • Customs/Immigration in same building
  • Small gift shop and snack bar
  • Free WiFi (password: bimini2025)

Freeport (Grand Bahama)

  • Modern facility with AC waiting area
  • Taxi stand right outside
  • Rental car desks in terminal
  • Small restaurant (decent conch fritters)
  • ATM available (usually working!)

Harbour Island

  • Tiny dock – basically a pier
  • Water taxis to Dunmore Town ($7)
  • No facilities – plan accordingly
  • Golf cart rentals need advance booking
  • Most beautiful arrival view in the Bahamas!

Marsh Harbour (Abaco)

  • G&L Ferry dock downtown
  • Albury's Ferry at the government dock
  • Walking distance to shops/restaurants
  • Ferry to Hope Town, Man-O-War, Guana Cay
  • Check which dock – they're different!

Terminal Survival Tips

Hard-won wisdom from years of ferry travel

Arrive Crazy Early

For international ferries, be there 2 hours early minimum. For inter-island ferries, 45 minutes. They WILL leave without you – seen it happen too many times!

Cash is King

Many terminals only accept cash for parking, snacks, or last-minute fees. Hit the ATM before you arrive – terminal ATMs charge crazy fees or don't work.

Pack Terminal Essentials

Snacks, water, entertainment, and a portable charger. Terminal food is expensive and limited. WiFi is terrible. Outlets are rare. Be prepared!

Bathroom Strategy

Use terminal bathrooms before boarding! Ferry bathrooms work but can get busy and rocky. Plus, terminal bathrooms are usually cleaner.

Screenshot Everything

Tickets, confirmations, terminal maps, schedules. Terminal WiFi is unreliable and cell service can be spotty. Offline access saves the day!

Dress in Layers

Terminals blast the AC like it's free (looking at you, Fort Lauderdale). But outside waiting areas are hot. Layers are your friend!

After missing my first ferry in 2017 because I went to the wrong Port Everglades terminal (costly mistake!), I became obsessed with mastering every detail. Now I navigate these terminals on autopilot – grab my pre-check parking spot, hit the good bathroom, snag a coffee, and I'm at the gate with time to spare. Follow this guide and you'll cruise through terminals like you own the place!

- Jake Thompson, Terminal Navigator Extraordinaire

Ready to Navigate Your Ferry Terminal?

Check schedules, compare prices, and book your tickets – we'll guide you to the right terminal!

Book Ferry Tickets