First Time Taking the Bahamas Ferry?

Alright, let's start with the basics. There are only TWO routes from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, and trust me, they're totally different vibes!

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

• Time: 2 hours (perfect for first-timers!)
• Schedule: Wed, Fri, Sun year-round (daily in summer)
• Price: $99-150 per person
• Vibe: Party island, great beaches, super close

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Grand Bahama)

• Time: 3.5-4 hours (pack the Dramamine!)
• Schedule: Tues & Sat
• Price: $120-180 per person
• Vibe: Bigger island, more to explore, less crowded

Where to Book

You've got options, but here's what I recommend:

• Direct with Balearia: Best for flexibility (easier to change dates)
• Through booking sites: Sometimes cheaper, but check cancellation policies
• Package deals: Ferry + hotel can save money

Listen up, because this is SUPER important. Don't be that family turned away at the terminal!

For US Citizens

• Passport: Not expired! (Yes, they check)
• OR Birth Certificate + Photo ID: But seriously, just get a passport
• Kids: Need birth certificates minimum (passports are way easier)

Pro Document Tips

• Take photos of all documents and email them to yourself
• Keep originals in a waterproof pouch
• Check expiration dates NOW (not the night before!)
• Print your ferry tickets - WiFi at the terminal is sketchy

After 50+ trips, I've got this down to a science. Here's exactly what you need:

The Essentials

• Cash: Many places don't take cards (especially taxis)
• Dramamine: Take it 30 minutes BEFORE boarding
• Snacks: Ferry food is pricey and limited
• Empty water bottle: Fill it after security
• Phone charger: Outlets are limited on the ferry
• Towel & swimsuit: You might hit the beach right away!

The Smart Extras

• Ziploc bags: For wet swimsuits, protecting phones
• Small cooler: Allowed on board! Pack drinks and snacks
• Entertainment: Download movies - ferry WiFi is terrible
• Layers: AC inside is FREEZING, outside deck is hot
• Hand sanitizer: Bathrooms run out of soap

Here's exactly how your morning should go (using the popular 9 AM departure as an example):

The Night Before

• 8 PM: Pack everything, check documents AGAIN
• 9 PM: Charge all devices
• 10 PM: Early to bed - tomorrow's an early one!

Ferry Day Morning

• 5:30 AM: Wake up (I know, but trust me)
• 6:00 AM: Quick breakfast, take Dramamine if needed
• 6:30 AM: Load car, final bathroom stop
• 7:00 AM: Leave for Port Everglades
• 7:30 AM: Arrive at port, find parking
• 7:45 AM: Check in at terminal
• 8:00 AM: Through security, grab coffee
• 8:30 AM: Boarding begins
• 8:45 AM: Find your seats (go upstairs, middle section!)
• 9:00 AM: Ferry departs - Bahamas bound!

Port Everglades Parking

• Garage: $20/day (covered, worth it!)
• Open lot: $15/day (car gets HOT)
• Uber/Lyft: Drop-off is easy, pickup can be slow

Good news - ferry customs is WAY easier than airport customs! Here's the deal:

Leaving USA (Fort Lauderdale)

• Show passport at check-in
• Quick security scan (like TSA lite)
• That's it! No forms or interviews

Arriving in Bahamas

1. Stay seated when ferry docks
2. Immigration officers board the ferry
3. They'll call rows to exit
4. Quick passport stamp at terminal
5. 20-30 minutes total (way faster than airports!)

Returning to USA

1. Fill out customs form on ferry (crew provides)
2. Have passports ready
3. Quick declaration at Fort Lauderdale
4. Usually through in 20 minutes

These are the game-changers that'll make you look like a ferry pro:

Common Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

• Arriving "on time": Be there 90 minutes early, period
• Wrong terminal: It's Port Everglades, NOT Port of Miami
• No cash: Bahamas taxis don't take Venmo!
• Overdressing: It's a ferry, not a cruise. Comfort wins
• Forgetting sunscreen: That upper deck sun is brutal