Every Bahamas Ferry Terminal You'll Need

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

Fort Lauderdale Bimini Freeport Nassau

US Departure Terminals

Your gateway to paradise starts here

Port Everglades - Fort Lauderdale

Terminal 21, Port Everglades

Getting There

Address: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

GPS Warning: Search "Balearia Caribbean Terminal" NOT just "Port Everglades" – I've seen so many folks end up at the cruise terminals!

  • From I-95: Exit 26 (Eller Drive), head east
  • Follow signs for "Ferry Terminal" (ignore cruise ship signs)
  • While my boyfriend was told to go to terminal 21, I received a notice to show up at terminal 19 – always double-check your ticket!

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 2 and a half hours before the departure time
  • Basic café with overpriced coffee ($5 for 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

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!

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 (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)

  • merger acquisition between GNL Transportation and Albury's Ferry Service
  • Multiple ferry docks – check which one!
  • Walking distance to shops/restaurants
  • Ferries to Hope Town, Man-O-War, Guana Cay
  • 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

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