First Time Taking the Bahamas Ferry?

No sweat! I've got you covered with everything you need to know.

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

TL;DR — Bahamas Ferry First-Timer Cheat Sheet

  • Operator: Balearia Caribbean is the only US-Bahamas ferry — departs Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), not Port of Miami.
  • Routes: Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (~2 h, Wed/Fri/Sun) and Fort Lauderdale → Freeport / Grand Bahama (~3 h, typically Wed/Sun).
  • Fares 2026: Bimini from $115 + taxes one-way (~$225 all-in); Freeport from $150 + taxes one-way. Round-trips from $230 + taxes.
  • Documents: US passport book strongly recommended for everyone (incl. kids); birth certificate + photo ID is the legal minimum for sea-only travel.
  • Arrive 90 min early. Check-in opens 6:00 AM; boarding gate closes 7:50 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing — they will not wait.
Fact Bimini Freeport (Grand Bahama)
Crossing time~2 hours~3 hours
Days (typical)Wed, Fri, SunWed, Sun
Departure9:00 AM9:00 AM
One-way fare from$115 + taxes$150 + taxes
Round-trip fare from$230 + taxes$265 incl. taxes
VesselHSC Jaume IIHSC Jaume II
Day-trip viable?Yes — return same eveningNo — overnight needed

Hey there! I'm Mark

Fort Lauderdale dad of three who's taken the ferry to the Bahamas over 50 times. First trip? I was clueless! Now my family and I are basically ferry pros. Let me save you from our rookie mistakes and get you to paradise stress-free!

Booking Your Ferry Trip

Alright, let's start with the basics. There are only TWO commercial passenger ferry routes from the US to the Bahamas — both run by Balearia Caribbean out of Port Everglades. They're totally different vibes:

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

  • Time: ~2 hours (perfect for first-timers and day-trippers)
  • Schedule (2026): typically Wed, Fri, Sun year-round; additional sailings in summer/holidays
  • Departure: 9:00 AM from Port Everglades Terminal 21
  • Fare: from $115 + taxes one-way (~$225 with taxes); round-trip from $230 + taxes
  • Vibe: small islands, easy beaches, big-game fishing — totally walkable

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Grand Bahama)

  • Time: ~3 hours on the high-speed catamaran (a bit more in heavy seas)
  • Schedule (2026): twice weekly, typically Wed and Sun
  • Departure: 9:00 AM from Port Everglades
  • Fare: from $150 + taxes one-way; round-trip from $265 incl. taxes
  • Vibe: bigger island, full resorts, Lucayan Park — needs at least one overnight

Mark's Money-Saving Tip

Book at least 2 weeks ahead. Fares jump roughly 30–40% in the final week before departure (we've watched it happen). Children's fares run lower than adult, and toddlers under 2 typically ride free on a parent's lap. Locking in early saved us about $300 on our last family trip.

Where to Book

You've got three real options:

  • Direct with Balearia Caribbean — best for date changes and refunds. baleariacaribbean.com
  • Direct Ferries (price comparison): shows live availability across all departures — handy for finding the cheapest date. directferries.com
  • Ferry + hotel packages: sometimes 10–20% cheaper than buying separately, especially mid-week.

Ready to Book?

Compare live 2026 schedules and prices for both routes

Check Ferry Schedules

Documents You'll Need

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

For US Citizens

  • Passport BOOK: Strongly recommended for everyone, including kids. Required if you change plans and fly back instead of returning by ferry.
  • OR a WHTI-compliant alternative: Passport card or enhanced driver's license — valid for sea travel only.
  • Kids under 16: A certified original birth certificate plus government photo ID is the legal minimum, but a passport book is much smoother at immigration.
  • Source: US Customs and Border Protection — Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

"We tried using birth certificates once. The customs line took FOREVER, and they questioned everything. Now everyone in our family has a passport, even baby Emma. Trust me on this one!"

— Mark Sullivan, Learned the Hard Way

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

Don't Forget!

If your kids have different last names, bring documentation proving you're the parent. My sister got grilled about this - not fun with cranky kids waiting!

What to Pack

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
1

Pack Light!

You'll be hauling bags through terminals. One backpack per person is perfect.

2

Bring Quarters

Parking meters at Port Everglades. Saved us once when the credit card reader was broken!

3

Waterproof Everything

Upper deck = occasional spray. Learned this when my phone got soaked!

Your Ferry Day Timeline

Here's exactly how your morning should go (using the standard 9:00 AM departure as an example):

Aerial view of Port Everglades cruise terminals in Fort Lauderdale, where the Balearia ferry to the Bahamas departs
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale — Balearia uses Terminal 21. Photo: Yanjipy / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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!

Critical Warning

They will NOT wait for you! I've seen families sprinting at 8:58 AM and the gangway was already up. That 90-minute early arrival? Not a suggestion - it's mandatory!

Port Everglades Parking

  • Heron or Palm garage: $20/day max for standard vehicles ($25 for oversized). Covered, climate-friendly for the car.
  • No reservations: Port Everglades does not accept pre-paid bookings — first-come, first-served.
  • Off-port lots (a short shuttle away): from about $7–10/day if you book ahead — slower in/out, cheaper.
  • Uber/Lyft: drop-off at the cruise terminal is quick; pickup on return can be slow because of port security flow.

Customs Made Easy

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

"Pro tip: Sit on the right side of the ferry in Bimini. You'll be closer to the exit and first off the boat. Saved us 30 minutes in the customs line!"

— Mark Sullivan, Ferry Veteran

What NOT to Bring Back

  • Conch shells & queen conch products: Restricted under CITES — confiscation and civil fines on entry; just leave them on the beach.
  • Alcohol over 1 liter / person: Above the duty-free allowance you'll owe federal duty plus state tax, not a ban — but a hassle.
  • Fresh fruit, plants, raw meat: USDA agricultural restrictions — confiscated at customs.
  • Cuban cigars: Personal-use travel allowance was rescinded in 2020; importation from a third country still restricted as of 2026.

Insider Tips from 50+ Trips

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

1

Best Seats

Upstairs, middle section, right side. Less motion, great views, quick exit in Bahamas.

2

Seasickness Secret

Green apple and ginger ale work wonders. Also, look at the horizon, not your phone!

3

Skip Ferry Food

$15 for a basic sandwich? Pack your own! Small coolers are allowed.

4

Morning = Calmer

9 AM ferry hits smooth water. Afternoon returns can be choppy.

5

Bathroom Strategy

Go before boarding and right after departure. Avoid during docking - long lines!

6

Download Everything

Movies, maps, tickets. Ferry WiFi is basically decorative.

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

"My biggest tip? Relax and enjoy it! The ferry ride is part of the adventure. Grab a drink, watch for dolphins (they show up a lot!), and get excited. You're going to the Bahamas!"

— Mark Sullivan, Ferry Enthusiast

Stay Near Port Everglades the Night Before

If you're flying in the same morning, you're cutting it close — the boarding gate closes at 7:50 AM. Anyone landing after 6:00 AM is gambling. Most first-timers I know stay one night within 10 minutes of Port Everglades and start the trip relaxed instead of frantic.

Top first-timer picks (Park-and-Cruise friendly)

Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six

From $230/night

Iconic 17th-floor revolving lounge, marina views, 8 minutes to Port Everglades. Splurge pick — the kids will remember the rooftop pool.

Check Availability

Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

From $185/night

All suites, free breakfast, free shuttle to Port Everglades. Sweet spot for families on the ferry-and-flight combo.

Check Availability

Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North

From $145/night

Reliable mid-range with 24/7 airport and Port Everglades shuttle. Free breakfast, easy in-and-out the morning of.

Check Availability

Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport

From $95/night

Budget pick with free port shuttle. Not fancy, but it gets you 4 minutes from Terminal 21 without burning the trip budget.

Check Availability

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

First-Timer FAQs

Do I really need a passport for the Bahamas ferry?

For sea-only travel, US citizens can use any WHTI-compliant document — passport book, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. Children under 16 may use a certified original birth certificate plus photo ID. That said: a passport book is the only document that works if you change plans and fly home — and trust me, I've seen families forced to buy emergency airline tickets when bad weather cancelled the return ferry.

How much does the Bahamas ferry actually cost in 2026?

Bimini: from $115 + taxes one-way (~$225 with taxes); round-trip from $230 + taxes per person. Freeport: from $150 + taxes one-way; round-trip from about $265 incl. taxes. Children pay reduced fares; toddlers under 2 ride free on a parent's lap. Booking 2+ weeks ahead avoids the 30–40% last-week premium.

How early do I need to arrive at Port Everglades?

90 minutes before departure. Check-in opens at 6:00 AM and the boarding gate closes at 7:50 AM sharp for the 9:00 AM sailing. Balearia does not delay departures for late passengers — and I've watched the gangway go up while families were still running across the parking lot.

Where exactly do I park, and how much?

Heron or Palm garage at Port Everglades — $20/day maximum for standard vehicles, $25 for oversized. No reservations: just pull a ticket at the gate. Off-port budget lots run $7–10/day with shuttle service if you book ahead.

Will I get seasick? Is the crossing rough?

The Jaume II is a high-speed catamaran, so it rides much smoother than a single-hull ferry. Morning crossings are usually calm; afternoon returns can get bouncy in summer when the wind picks up. If you're sensitive, take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding, sit in the middle of the upper deck, and look at the horizon (not your phone).

Can I bring food, drinks or a cooler on board?

Yes — small soft-side coolers with snacks and sealed non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in the cabin. Glass containers and outside alcohol are not. There's a café on board, but pricing is what you'd expect from a captive audience: a basic sandwich runs around $15.

What if I'm flying into Miami — can I still take the ferry?

Yes — Port Everglades is 30–40 minutes north of Miami via I-95. The Tri-Rail commuter train and rideshare both work. Just don't confuse Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) with PortMiami; the Bahamas ferry leaves only from Port Everglades.

When does the return ferry get back to Fort Lauderdale?

From Bimini: return sailings typically depart 4:00–6:30 PM and arrive in Fort Lauderdale 2 hours later — most day-trippers are off the boat by 8:00 PM. From Freeport: return is the same crossing time (~3 hours). Always confirm your specific date — schedules shift seasonally.

Ready for Your Bahamas Adventure?

You've got the playbook — now check live 2026 schedules and lock in your fare.

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