Bahamas Ferry with Kids

A practical 2026 family guide — what to pack, age-by-age tips, and where to stay

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Last updated: May 8, 2026
Balearia HSC Jaume II high-speed catamaran at Fort Lauderdale, the family ferry to the Bahamas © Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

TL;DR — Family Ferry Cheat Sheet

  • Operator + route: Balearia Caribbean from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) to Bimini in ~2 hours — by far the best family choice. Freeport (~3 hrs) is doable but tougher with little ones.
  • Family fares 2026: Round-trip Bimini for a family of four starts at roughly $700–900 + taxes when you book 2+ weeks ahead. Kids under 2 ride free on a parent's lap (still need a ticket booked).
  • Documents: Passport book strongly recommended for the whole family. Kids under 16 can use a certified birth certificate + photo ID for sea-only travel — but a passport book is the only document that works if weather forces you to fly home.
  • Seasickness: Pediatric Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding (ages 2+, dose per package). Pick the middle of the upper deck.
  • Best family hotels in Bimini: Hilton at Resorts World Bimini (resort), Bimini Big Game Club (mid-range), Sea Spray Resort (budget kitchens). Live map below.
Fact Bimini (best for kids) Freeport
Crossing time~2 hours~3 hours
Days (typical)Wed, Fri, SunWed, Sun
VesselHSC Jaume II (stabilized catamaran)HSC Jaume II
Kids under 2Lap fare — free ticket still required
Kids 2–11Reduced child fare (~30–40% off adult)
Stroller / car seatStrollers free; car seats not required on board
Day-trip with kids?Yes — possible but tiringOvernight needed
Bag allowance2 bags + personal item per adult, free

Why Families Love the Ferry

Real talk from parents who've done it

Most South Florida parents don't realize the Bahamas ferry exists — and the ones who do tend to dismiss it as a backpacker thing. Once you actually take the family across, three things stand out: the bag allowance is wildly more generous than any airline, the cabin gives kids room to walk around, and the on-water arrival into Bimini is genuinely fun. Here's how the math typically lands for a family of four:

Family of 4 (FLL → Bimini) Ferry (Balearia) Flight (Silver / charter)
Round-trip tickets From $700–900 + taxes ~$900–1,800 (varies by season)
Baggage 2 bags + personal item per adult, free $70–120 per checked bag round-trip
Parking (Port Everglades / FLL airport) ~$20/day $20–30/day
Typical takeaway Ferry usually wins on baggage and stress; price advantage depends on season and how far ahead you book.

Sources: Balearia Caribbean fare schedule (May 2026), Silver Airways and BahamasAir published fares, Port Everglades parking rates. Fares fluctuate; check both options for your dates.

Quick Tips for Success

What I wish someone told me on trip #1

Book 2+ Weeks Ahead

Balearia fares climb 30–40% in the last week before departure. Mid-week sailings are usually the cheapest.

Upper Deck, Middle Section

Least motion. Aisle seats give kids room to fidget without bothering other passengers.

Dramamine 30 Minutes Before

Pediatric Dramamine is approved for ages 2+. Follow package dosing — give it before boarding, not at the first sign of queasiness.

Pack Real Snacks

Soft-side coolers are allowed in the cabin. The on-board café has chips, sandwiches, and drinks but is pricier than bringing your own.

Download Everything

Ferry WiFi isn't reliable for streaming. Load Netflix episodes and offline games before you leave the hotel.

Bring a Blanket

The cabin AC runs cold for the full crossing. A light blanket or hoodie per kid keeps the meltdowns away.

Age-by-Age Guide

Because a toddler and a teen need different strategies

Babies & Toddlers (0-3)

  • Kids under 2 ride FREE (but still need a ticket!)
  • Bring a stroller — terminals are huge
  • Pack 2x the diapers you think you need
  • Baby carrier for boarding/disembarking
  • Nursing/bottle feeding helps with any ear pressure
  • Bring favorite comfort items

Little Kids (4-8)

  • Let them pack their own ferry backpack
  • Bring binoculars for dolphin watching
  • Coloring books and travel games
  • Promise ice cream on the island
  • Make boarding an adventure game
  • Window clings for entertainment

Tweens & Teens (9+)

  • Portable chargers are ESSENTIAL
  • Let them bring a friend (game changer!)
  • Give them photo challenges
  • Some independence on board
  • They'll love the outdoor deck
  • Involve them in trip planning

The 2-Hour Entertainment Plan

How we survive without meltdowns

0-30 minutes
Boarding excitement! Let them explore the ferry, find seats, check out the snack bar. The novelty keeps them busy.
30-60 minutes
Snack attack time. Break out the good stuff — this is vacation! We do special ferry-only treats.
60-90 minutes
Screen time approved. Download movies work great here. The ferry movement is hypnotic.
90-120 minutes
Dolphin watch! Head to the outdoor deck. We see dolphins on 90% of trips — it never gets old!

The Ultimate Family Packing List

Print this and check it twice!

Health & Safety

  • Dramamine (adult & pediatric)
  • First aid kit
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Any prescription meds
  • Bandaids (lots!)
  • Thermometer

Food & Drinks

  • Cooler with ice packs
  • Sandwiches or wraps
  • Fruit (apples, grapes)
  • Crackers & cheese
  • Water bottles (refillable)
  • Special treat snacks
  • Baby food/formula

Entertainment

  • Tablets (fully charged)
  • Downloaded movies/shows
  • Portable chargers
  • Headphones for each kid
  • Coloring books & crayons
  • Travel games
  • Books

Comfort Items

  • Light blankets
  • Small pillows
  • Change of clothes
  • Favorite stuffed animal
  • Baby wipes (always!)
  • Plastic bags (wet clothes)
  • Paper towels

Family FAQs

The questions parents actually ask

Is the Bahamas ferry safe for kids and toddlers?

Yes. Balearia's HSC Jaume II is a 100-meter high-speed catamaran with stabilizers, life jackets in all sizes, and the same safety standards as a US-flagged passenger vessel. The interior is climate-controlled with high railings, and the outdoor deck is gated. Crews are accustomed to families — strollers fit through the main boarding door.

Do kids need a passport for the Bahamas ferry?

For sea-only travel, US citizens under 16 may use a certified original birth certificate plus photo ID (WHTI-compliant). Travelers 16 and older need a passport book, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. We strongly recommend a passport book for the whole family — it's the only document that works if bad weather forces you to fly home instead of taking the return ferry.

How much do kids pay on the Balearia Caribbean ferry?

Children under 2 sit on a parent's lap and ride free, but you must still book them as a passenger. Kids 2–11 pay a reduced child fare (typically 30–40% less than adult). Adolescents 12+ pay the full adult fare. Round-trip fares for a family of four to Bimini start at roughly $700–900 + taxes when booked 2+ weeks ahead.

Will my kids get seasick on the ferry?

Most kids handle the 2-hour Bimini crossing just fine because the Jaume II is a stabilized high-speed catamaran. Morning crossings tend to be smoothest. If your child is prone to motion sickness, give pediatric Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding (ages 2+, dose per the package) and pick a seat in the middle of the upper deck where motion is minimized. Bring a few sealable bags as a just-in-case.

What can families bring on the ferry?

Each adult passenger gets two free checked bags (standard 22" carry-on size, up to 50 lb each) and a personal item — far more generous than airlines. Soft-sided coolers with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in the cabin. Strollers ride for free; car seats are not required for the ferry but you'll want one on the island.

What if my toddler has a meltdown on board?

You're not stuck in a tight airline seat. The cabin has aisle space to walk around, an outdoor deck for fresh air, and bathrooms within a short walk. Other passengers are mostly other families or vacation-mode adults — far more tolerant than the average airline cabin. Most meltdowns end within 5 minutes of getting up and moving.

Is a Bahamas ferry day trip practical with kids?

Yes for Bimini — return sailings depart in the late afternoon, so you get roughly 6 hours on the island. For little kids it can be exhausting, though. Many families do an overnight or two-night stay so the day-of-arrival isn't a frantic dash to the beach.

Where should families stay in Bimini?

Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is the most family-friendly all-in-one resort: large pool, kids' programs, beach access. Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is a mid-range option with cottages and an on-site pool. Sea Spray Resort is budget-friendly with kitchens, useful for picky-eater toddlers. See our hotel section below for the live map and full picks.

Insider Secrets from 50+ Trips

The stuff nobody tells you

Immigration Tip: When arriving in Bimini, officers board the ferry. Keep kids seated and quiet during this process — it goes much faster. Have passports ready and fill out forms on the ferry.

Terminal Strategies

  • Arrive 90 minutes early — not the suggested 3 hours. Plenty of time, less waiting with antsy kids
  • Park in the garage — Worth the extra $5/day for covered parking and shorter walk
  • Bathroom everyone before boarding — Ferry bathrooms are fine but small
  • Bring your own luggage cart — Terminal carts are often all taken

Money-Saving Hacks

  • Book Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday for lowest prices
  • Kids under 2 free but MUST have a ticket (don't forget!)
  • Pack lunch — save $75+ versus buying on board
  • Round-trip saves 10% automatically
  • Check for promo codes — we've saved 15-20% multiple times

What Nobody Mentions

  • The AC is FREEZING inside — seriously, bring blankets
  • Boarding in Bimini uses stairs — tricky with strollers
  • Ferry WiFi exists but barely works — download everything
  • The outdoor deck gets WET — bring towels
  • Customs forms provided on return trip — bring your own pen

Best Islands for Families

Where to go based on your crew

Bimini (the top family pick)

Only 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale, which makes it the obvious choice for first-timers and families with young kids. Radio Beach is shallow and calm — ideal for toddlers. The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini has a large family pool if the kids need a break from sand. Golf cart rental is the standard way to get around the island, and the Dolphin House is a quirky local landmark kids enjoy.

Harbour Island (Eleuthera)

Famous for its pink-sand beach, which is genuinely a wow-factor for kids. Reachable via Nassau + a short water-taxi crossing — adds travel time but a fun extra step in a kid's eyes. Golf-cart island, walkable village, and a noticeably calm vibe. Pricier than Bimini but a special-occasion choice.

Eleuthera (mainland)

Less touristy than Harbour Island and a good fit for kids 8+. Queen's Bath and the Glass Window Bridge are the headline natural-feature stops. Many beaches to choose from means everyone gets a fresh sandbox each day. Local restaurants are family-friendly.

Exuma — wait until they're older

The famous swimming pigs are a fun idea but it's a long travel day with little ones, and the pigs are wild animals: official Bahamas tourism guidance recommends never feeding them by hand and keeping a respectful distance. Save Exuma for when your kids are stronger swimmers and can sit through a longer boat day.

Where to Stay in Bimini with Kids

Family-friendly picks across resort, mid-range, and budget

Bimini is a small island, so location differences are minor — every option below is within a short golf-cart ride of the main beaches and the ferry terminal. Use the live map to compare prices for your specific dates and party size.

Top family hotels in Bimini

Hilton at Resorts World Bimini

From ~$310/night

The biggest resort on the island and the easiest pick with kids. Large family pool, beach access, several restaurants, and a casino for parents' night. Walking distance from the ferry terminal.

Check Availability

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

From ~$220/night

Mid-range Hemingway-era marina resort with low-key cottages, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. A relaxed alternative if the Hilton feels too big or the price-tag too steep.

Check Availability

Sea Spray Resort & Marina

From ~$170/night

Budget-friendly suite-style rooms with full kitchens — useful for picky-eater toddlers and parents who'd rather not eat out three times a day. Just south of Alice Town with quiet water views.

Check Availability

Bimini Bay Resort & Marina (vacation rentals)

From ~$240/night

Multi-bedroom condos within the Resorts World complex — ideal for two-family trips or grandparents-along setups. Access to the same pools and restaurants as the Hilton.

Check Availability

Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this guide free. Learn more.

Why We Keep Coming Back

The real magic of ferry travel

Family travel always involves a few logistics calls. Here's what tilts the ferry choice for most parents we hear from: the bag allowance covers everything kids actually need (snorkel gear, a pack of diapers, a stroller — none of which would survive an airline baggage budget). The crossing itself is genuinely a fun part of the trip, not a 2-hour endurance test like a flight. And once you've done the customs walk-through once, the second trip is shockingly easy.

Two hours each way also turns into real family time. Kids can move, parents can read a chapter, no seatbelt signs and no in-flight irritations. By the time the captain announces Bimini, everyone's already on vacation.

Whichever you choose — ferry or flight — book the family hotel first. Bimini's family-friendly options book out fast on US holiday weekends, especially the Hilton at Resorts World. The map up the page is the fastest way to compare actual prices for your dates.

Plan Your Family Ferry Trip

Compare Balearia fares for your dates, then lock in a family-friendly hotel in Bimini.

Check Ferry Fares Compare Family Hotels