TL;DR — The 90-second packing brief
- Passport for every traveler — passport cards no longer cover air return. Children under 16 can use a birth certificate but a passport is safer.
- Balearia luggage: 2 checked bags free per passenger, combined max 70 lbs (32 kg), plus one carry-on. Extra pieces are charged at the dock.
- Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding, not after symptoms start. The high-speed catamarans are stable, but the Gulf Stream can get choppy.
- Soft-sided cooler with sandwiches and frozen water bottles saves $40–80 per family vs. onboard food and 50–70% vs. island groceries.
- Pack a light layer — the ferry AC runs cold for the 2–3 hour crossing.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 · Reviewed against Balearia Caribbean 2026 baggage policy
| Main ferry operator | Balearia Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale → Bimini / Freeport) |
|---|---|
| Checked bag allowance | 2 bags free per passenger, up to 70 lbs (32 kg) combined |
| Carry-on | 1 piece per passenger |
| Document required | Valid US passport book (passport card not accepted for return by air) |
| Recommended terminal arrival | 2 hours early (3 hours for oversized items like bikes or surfboards) |
| Banned items | Weapons, fishing spears, drones (without permit), pets (without import permit) |
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
Six categories. 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
Got your packing list dialed in?
Compare today's Balearia ferry schedules and lock in your seats before they sell out — Bimini routes fill fast in peak season.
Check Ferry Schedules & PricesJennifer'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)
Balearia Caribbean Luggage Rules 2026
Still more generous than airlines — but the numbers below replace the old "any amount, no one counts" stories you may have read elsewhere. Always confirm the current policy on baleariacaribbean.com before you travel; weight allowances are enforced at the dock.
Carry-On
One carry-on per passenger, sized to fit under the seat or in the overhead area of the catamaran (think a small backpack or laptop bag). Keep passports, meds, phone chargers, snacks and a light layer in here — you won't access checked luggage during the crossing.
Checked Luggage
Each passenger gets 2 checked pieces free, with a combined weight cap of 70 lbs (32 kg). Excess weight or extra pieces are charged per item at check-in. Coolers count toward this allowance — soft-sided coolers travel better than hard ones.
- Regular suitcases, duffel bags, soft-sided coolers
- Beach gear like collapsible umbrellas and folding chairs
- Fishing rods and reels (in protective cases)
- Snorkel/dive bags (no spearguns)
Oversized & Sports Items
Bicycles, surfboards, paddleboards and golf bags are accepted as oversized cargo with a per-item surcharge. Arrive at the terminal 3 hours before departure (vs. the normal 2 hours) so the crew has time to tag and stow these items below deck.
Where to Stay the Night Before Your Ferry
Most Balearia Caribbean departures leave Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale early in the morning. Sleeping near the port the night before means a stress-free check-in and zero risk of missing the boat.
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
From $179 / night
Walking distance to the cruise/ferry terminal, on-site restaurant and a sunny pool deck — the most stress-free pre-Bimini choice.
Check AvailabilityHyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
From $159 / night
Modern rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast and a free shuttle to Port Everglades. Solid mid-range pick for families.
Check AvailabilityHampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North
From $129 / night
Budget-friendly with free hot breakfast and a 24-hour airport/port shuttle. Good base if you're flying in the day before.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission if you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep this site running. Learn more
Bahamas Ferry Packing — FAQ
The questions we get every week from readers planning their first crossing.
How many bags can I bring on the Bahamas ferry?
On Balearia Caribbean each passenger gets 2 checked bags free, combined weight up to 70 lbs (32 kg), plus one carry-on. Extra pieces and excess weight are billed per item at check-in. Other operators (G&L, Albury's, mail boats) have stricter limits — always confirm before traveling.
Can I bring a cooler on the Bahamas ferry?
Yes. Coolers count toward the 70 lb combined allowance on Balearia Caribbean. Soft-sided coolers are easier to handle and a smart move to save 50–70% on island groceries. No glass and no open alcohol containers, and frozen water bottles work better than bagged ice.
Do I really need a passport for the Bahamas ferry?
Yes. US citizens must carry a valid passport book for Bahamas ferry travel from 2026. The passport card is technically accepted at sea entry, but it will not let you fly back to the US — and flights home are the most common ferry-trip Plan B when weather cancels a sailing.
What's not allowed on board?
Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and fishing spears), drones without a Bahamian permit, illegal substances and pets without the correct Bahamas import paperwork. Standard fishing rods, snorkel gear and most sports equipment are fine — bikes and boards travel as oversized cargo.
How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?
2 hours before departure for normal luggage; 3 hours if you're checking oversized items like bikes, surfboards or paddleboards. Port Everglades parking fills up early on weekend mornings — leave another 30 minutes buffer if you're driving in from Miami.
Should I take Dramamine before the ferry?
If you or your kids are prone to motion sickness, yes — take it about 30 minutes before boarding, not after symptoms start. Non-drowsy meclizine is a good alternative for adults. The high-speed catamarans are stable, but the Gulf Stream crossing can get choppy from December to March.
Where should we stay the night before the ferry?
Hotels near Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) are the easiest pre-ferry option. Budget on $120–250 per night depending on season. Many hotels offer free shuttles to the cruise/ferry terminal — confirm when booking, and check our pre-ferry hotel picks above.
Ready to Pack & Sail?
Lock in your Balearia Caribbean ferry — Fort Lauderdale to Bimini in 2 hours or to Freeport in about 4. Bahamas in time for lunch.
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