Bahamas Ferry Terminals 2026: Parking & Maps

Quick Answer: Bahamas Ferry Terminals

Main US departure: Port Everglades, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale — the home port for Balearia Caribbean ferries to Bimini and Freeport.
Arrive early: between 6:15 and 6:45 AM for the 9:00 AM Florida sailings; the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM.
Parking: Port Everglades parking runs from around $15/day (open lot) to ~$20/day (covered garage).
Bahamas arrival terminals: Bimini (Alice Town), Freeport (Grand Bahama) and Potter's Cay (Nassau) — the inter-island hub.
Bring cash + passport: Out Island docks are often cash-only, and US citizens need a valid passport for ferry travel.

Key facts for Bahamas ferry terminals
Main US terminal	Port Everglades, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Operator (US routes)	Balearia Caribbean
Check-in opens	6:00 AM (9:00 AM departure)
Terminal doors close	8:00 AM (1 hour before departure)
Port Everglades parking	From ~$15/day (open) – ~$20/day (covered)
Bahamas arrival ports	Bimini (Alice Town), Freeport, Nassau (Potter's Cay)
Inter-island hub	Potter's Cay, Nassau
Passport required	Yes — valid US passport for all travellers

US Departure Terminals

Your gateway to paradise starts here

Port Everglades waterfront in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — the US departure point for Bahamas ferries

Port Everglades - Fort Lauderdale

Terminal 21, Port Everglades

Getting There

Address: Terminal 21, Eller Drive, Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

GPS Warning: Search "Balearia Caribbean Terminal" NOT just "Port Everglades" – it's easy to end up at the cruise terminals by mistake!

From I-95: Exit 26 (Eller Drive), head east
Follow signs for "Ferry Terminal" (ignore cruise ship signs)
Balearia Caribbean sails from Terminal 21 — but always confirm the terminal number printed on your ticket, as port assignments can change.

Parking Smart

Covered Garage: $20/day – worth every penny in summer
Open Lot: $15/day – your car becomes an oven
Valet: $25/day – clutch if you're running late
Pro Move: Park at nearby hotels ($12/day) and Uber over ($15)

Terminal Amenities

Check-in opens at 6:00 AM for the 9:00 AM departure (recommended arrival 6:15–6:45 AM)
Basic café with pricey coffee (around $5 for a regular)
Clean bathrooms – use 'em before boarding
Limited seating – early birds get the chairs
Free WiFi that barely works
AC blasting like Antarctica – bring layers!

Critical Warning

The terminal doors close at 8:00 AM, one hour before the 9:00 AM departure. No exceptions are made for passengers who arrive after that point.

Bahamas Arrival Terminals

Welcome to paradise – here's what to expect

Alice Town waterfront on North Bimini, where the Balearia ferry docks in the heart of the village

Bimini (Alice Town)

Downtown Alice Town

Terminal Overview

Small but efficient terminal right in downtown Alice Town. You literally walk off the ferry and you're in the heart of things!

Customs/Immigration in the same building
Golf cart rentals directly across the street
Small gift shop with basics (sunscreen, snacks)
Free WiFi (password changes monthly)
Taxi stand right outside

Bimini Tip

Book golf carts in advance, as they run out on busy weekends.

Lucayan Harbour on Grand Bahama, the ferry port serving Freeport

Freeport (Grand Bahama)

Industrial Port Area

Terminal Features

Modern facility but in an industrial area – you'll need transportation!

AC waiting area (finally!)
Rental car desks inside terminal
Taxi stand with posted rates
Small restaurant (decent conch fritters)
Working ATM (usually!)
Gift shop with local crafts

Transportation Alert

The terminal is 15 miles from beaches and attractions. Options:

Taxi: $14-20 per person each way
Rental car: $60-80/day (book ahead!)
Port shuttle: $7/person to Port Lucaya

Potter's Cay dock in Nassau under the Paradise Island Bridge — the Bahamas inter-island ferry hub

Potter's Cay (Nassau)

Under Paradise Island Bridge

Inter-Island Hub

The bustling heart of Bahamas Ferries inter-island connections. Chaotic but charming!

Multiple ferry operators in one area
Fresh conch vendors everywhere
Cash only for most services
Limited parking – take a taxi
Covered waiting areas (mostly)
Basic bathrooms (bring tissues)

Ferry Services From Here

Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, Eleuthera
Andros (Fresh Creek, Driggs Hill)
Abaco (sometimes)
Mail boats to everywhere

Out Island Terminals

The real Bahamas starts at these tiny docks

Quick Reference Guide

Various Locations

Harbour Island

Tiny pier – basically just a dock
Water taxi to Dunmore Town ($7)
No facilities whatsoever
Book golf carts way in advance
Most Instagrammable arrival in the Bahamas!

Marsh Harbour (Abaco)

Albury's Ferry Service and G&L Transportation now run combined operations
Hope Town & Man-O-War ferries leave from The Crossing
Guana Cay ferries leave from the Front Street dock – check which one!
Walking distance to shops/restaurants
Rental cars available nearby

Spanish Wells

Government dock facility
Golf cart central – everyone uses them
Small grocery store nearby
ATM at the hardware store
Friendliest arrival crew in the Bahamas

Terminal Survival Tips

Timing, cash and documents

Timing is Everything

Be at the Balearia ferry terminal between 6:15 and 6:45 AM for the 9:00 AM departure. For Nassau to Harbour Island, check-in runs 6:45–7:45 AM for the 8:00 AM departure. They WILL leave without you!

Cash Rules Everything

Many terminals only accept cash – especially the Out Islands. Hit the ATM before you travel. Terminal ATMs can charge high fees or be out of service.

Screenshot Everything

Tickets, confirmations, terminal maps, return schedules. WiFi sucks and cell service is spotty. Offline access is your best friend!

Pack Your Own Snacks

Terminal food is expensive and limited. Bring water, snacks, and entertainment. A portable charger is essential – outlets are rare!

Bathroom Strategy

Always use terminal bathrooms before boarding! Ferry bathrooms work but get busy and rocky. Plus, terminal ones are usually cleaner.

Dress in Layers

US terminals blast the AC like it's free. But island terminals and outdoor waiting areas are hot. Layers are your secret weapon!

Where to Stay Near the Terminals

Catching an early ferry? Book a night near the port

An early Balearia departure from Fort Lauderdale is much easier if you stay near Port Everglades the night before. Live hotel prices near the terminal are listed below — all bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

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Hotel Guides by Terminal City

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Bahamas Ferry Terminal FAQ

Quick answers to the questions travellers ask most

Which terminal does the Balearia ferry leave from at Port Everglades?

Balearia Caribbean operates from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. Always confirm the terminal number printed on your ticket, as port assignments can occasionally change.

How early do I need to arrive for a Bahamas ferry?

For Balearia sailings from Fort Lauderdale, check-in opens at 6:00 AM, the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM departure, and the recommended arrival is 6:15–6:45 AM. For Nassau to Harbour Island, check-in runs 6:45–7:45 AM for the 8:00 AM departure.

How much is parking at Port Everglades for the ferry?

Parking at Port Everglades starts at around $15 per day for open lots and roughly $20 per day for covered garage spaces. Some travellers park at nearby hotels and take a short rideshare to the terminal.

Do I need a passport to take the ferry to the Bahamas?

Yes. US citizens need a valid US passport to enter the Bahamas by ferry. A passport card is accepted for sea travel but not for return flights, so a full passport book is the safest choice. See our passport requirements guide for details.

Are Bahamas ferry terminals cash-only?

US departure terminals accept cards, but many Out Island docks and inter-island services are cash-only. Withdraw cash before you travel, as terminal ATMs are unreliable and charge high fees.

Where do ferries to Hope Town and Man-O-War Cay leave from in Marsh Harbour?

Albury's Ferry Service and G&L Transportation run combined operations in Abaco. Hope Town and Man-O-War ferries depart from The Crossing in Marsh Harbour, while Guana Cay ferries leave from the Front Street dock.

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Last updated: May 14, 2026 · Sources: Balearia Caribbean, Port Everglades Authority, Albury's Ferry Service

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