Every Bahamas Ferry Terminal You'll Need

The complete guide to navigating ports from Fort Lauderdale to the Out Islands

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Fort Lauderdale Bimini Freeport Nassau

Quick Answer: Bahamas Ferry Terminals

Key facts for Bahamas ferry terminals
Main US terminalPort Everglades, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Operator (US routes)Balearia Caribbean
Check-in opens~2 hours before departure
Boarding gate closes~1 hour before departure
Port Everglades parkingFrom ~$15/day (open) – ~$20/day (covered)
Bahamas arrival portsBimini (Alice Town), Freeport, Nassau (Potter's Cay)
Inter-island hubPotter's Cay, Nassau
Passport requiredYes — 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 © Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0

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 about 2 hours before the departure time
  • 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 boarding gate closes one hour before the scheduled departure time of the ferry. NO EXCEPTIONS! I've watched grown adults have meltdowns when they showed up 45 minutes early. Don't be that person!

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 © Pietro / CC BY-SA 2.0

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

Jake's Bimini Hack

Sit on the right side of the ferry when departing Bimini. You'll be first off and beat the customs line by 30 minutes. Also, book golf carts in advance – they run out on busy weekends!
Lucayan Harbour on Grand Bahama, the ferry port serving Freeport © Jon Worth / CC BY-SA 2.0

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 © panoramio / CC BY 3.0

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

Learn from my 50+ ferry trips

Timing is Everything

Be at the Balearia ferry Terminal at least 2 and a half hours before the departure time. For inter-island ferries, 45 minutes is enough. 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 charge crazy fees or don't work at all.

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!

"After missing my first ferry because I went to the wrong Port Everglades terminal (expensive lesson!), I became obsessed with mastering every detail. Now I navigate these terminals on autopilot – pre-booked parking, perfect timing, right gate every time. This guide is everything I wish I'd known on day one!"

— Jake Thompson, Professional Island Hopper

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. Use the map below to compare hotel prices near the terminal — all bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

Hotel Guides by Terminal City

🇺🇸 Hotels near Fort Lauderdale & Port Everglades → 🌆 Hotels near Miami & PortMiami → 🏖️ Hotels in Nassau & Paradise Island → 🌴 Hotels in Freeport, Grand Bahama →

Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more.

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 international Balearia sailings from Fort Lauderdale, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. The boarding gate closes about 1 hour before departure. For inter-island ferries within the Bahamas, 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough.

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.

Ready to Navigate Like a Pro?

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