Hey y'all! After 50+ ferry trips with three kids (ages 11-16), I've mastered the art of packing for the Bahamas ferry. Trust me, I've made every mistake possible – from forgetting Dramamine to overpacking like we're moving there! Let me save you from learning the hard way.
The Ultimate Ferry Packing List
Everything you actually need (and nothing you don't!)
Documents (CRITICAL!)
- Passports for everyone (not just birth certificates!)
- Printed ferry tickets (screenshot backup too)
- Hotel confirmations
- Travel insurance info
- Cash for tips/taxis ($100+ in small bills)
- Waterproof document pouch
Health & Comfort
- Dramamine (take 30 min before boarding!)
- Ginger candies/tea for nausea
- First aid kit (band-aids are gold with kids)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Any prescription meds (pack extra)
- Thermometer (just in case)
Food & Drinks
- Cooler with ice packs (allowed on board!)
- Sandwiches/wraps for the ride
- Snacks (ferry food is $12+ for mediocre burgers)
- Reusable water bottles (fill after security)
- Groceries for the island (save 50-70%!)
- Kids' favorite treats
- Adult beverages (cheaper than $10 ferry beers)
Entertainment
- Downloaded movies/shows
- Portable chargers (outlets are limited)
- Headphones for everyone
- Books/e-readers
- Travel games
- Coloring books & crayons (great for all ages!)
Beach Essentials
- Swimsuits (wear one under clothes!)
- Quick-dry towels
- Ziploc bags for wet stuff
- Beach bag
- Snorkel gear (island rentals are pricey)
- Water shoes
- Change of clothes
Smart Extras
- Light blankets (ferry AC is arctic!)
- Small pillows for naps
- Baby wipes (trust me, not just for babies)
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Duct tape (fixes everything)
- Bungee cords for luggage carts
Jennifer's Ferry Packing Secrets
Learned from 8 years of island hopping!
The Cooler Hack
Freeze water bottles to use as ice – they last longer and you can drink them when they melt! We pack a whole Publix run in coolers and save $200-300 per trip on island groceries.
Motion Sickness Prevention
As a nurse, I was SO worried about seasickness. Give kids Dramamine 30 minutes BEFORE boarding, not when they start feeling sick. The big ferries are super stable – we've never had issues!
The Luggage Cart Sprint
Those free luggage carts at the terminal? They disappear FAST on busy days. Send your fastest runner (usually a teen) to grab one while you handle check-in!
Bathroom Strategy
Use the terminal bathrooms before boarding! Ferry bathrooms work fine but can get busy. With an 11-year-old, trust me – timing is everything.
The AC Arctic Blast
They keep those ferries COLD! Pack light blankets or sweatshirts in your carry-on. Nothing ruins a trip faster than shivering kids for 2 hours.
Cash is Still King
Many island taxis and small shops don't take cards. We always bring $300+ in small bills. Terminal ATMs charge crazy fees, and island ATMs are often out of cash!
Do NOT Pack These!
Weapons of any kind (even pocket knives) • Drones (need special permits) • Fishing spears (regular rods are fine) • Pets (except service animals)
Current Ferry Luggage Rules
Updated for 2025 – way more relaxed than airlines!
Carry-On Luggage
Each passenger gets one carry-on bag (22" x 9" x 11.5" max) that must fit under the seat. Pro tip: backpacks work best – easier to carry through the terminal!
Checked Luggage
Officially 4 pieces per person, but we've never seen them count! Each passenger gets 2 free checked bags up to 45 lbs each. Extra bags are just $25 each. Way cheaper than airlines!
- Regular suitcases, duffel bags, boxes
- Coolers (our family brings 3 every trip!)
- Beach gear like umbrellas and chairs
- Fishing equipment (in cases)
Oversized Items
Bikes, surfboards, and paddleboards? They'll take 'em! Treated as freight with special pricing. Just arrive 3 hours early instead of the usual 2 hours for check-in.
Ready to Pack & Save?
Book your ferry tickets now and start your island adventure the smart way!
Check Ferry Schedules