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Travel Tips
Understanding Bahamas Ferry Timing
Morning Departures
Most ferries depart at 9 AM to avoid afternoon storms and arrive during Bahamas customs hours (9 AM - 5 PM). Seas are calmest before noon.
Check-in Early
Florida-Bahamas routes: check-in opens 6:00 AM and terminal doors close at 8:00 AM sharp for the 9 AM departure - plan to arrive 6:15-6:45 AM. Inter-island: 30-45 minutes. Nassau to Harbour Island check-in runs 6:45-7:45 AM.
Summer = More Sailings
Bimini typically sails Wed/Fri/Sun; check the live search for extra dates. Popular sailings sell out, so book ahead in peak season.
Hurricane Season
June through November: always confirm 24 hours before departure. Some routes suspend service during storms. Travel insurance recommended.
Price Savings
Midweek departures (Tue/Wed) are typically cheapest. Book 3+ weeks ahead for best fares. Round-trips save vs. two one-ways.
Taking Your Car
Balearia accepts vehicles to Bimini and Freeport (extra fees, advance booking required). Inter-island ferries are passenger-only. Rent golf carts on the islands.
Good to Know
Book a Day Trip Online — Free Cancellation
These bookable packages include the round-trip Florida–Bahamas ferry:
Frequently Asked Questions
Balearia Caribbean operates two routes from Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades: to Bimini (2 hours, departing 9 AM, typically Wed/Fri/Sun) and to Freeport on Grand Bahama (about 3 hours, typically Tue/Sat in fall 2026, no fixed pattern). Use our live price search above for current availability and fares.
Economy fares from Fort Lauderdale start around $77.50 per person one-way plus taxes (roughly $150 all-in) to Bimini, and similar to Freeport. Round-trip day trips typically start from about $199. Prices vary by date, class, and availability — use the search form above for live prices on your travel date. Inter-island ferries in the Abacos cost $15–$30 per trip.
There is no scheduled passenger ferry departing directly from Miami in 2026. Baleària Caribbean's fast ferry to Bimini and Freeport leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale — about 30–40 minutes north of Miami — and is the only scheduled passenger ferry between Florida and the Bahamas. Miami travelers simply drive or take a shuttle north to Port Everglades.
Yes, Balearia Caribbean accepts vehicles on the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Freeport routes. Additional fees and advance booking required. Inter-island ferries are generally passenger-only. Golf cart rentals are available on most Bahamian islands.
Weather-related cancellations typically result in rebooking on the next available sailing or a full refund. During hurricane season (June-November), always check ferry status 24 hours before departure. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for peace of mind.
Yes. Nassau to Harbour Island (via Spanish Wells, about 3 hours 10 minutes, Wed/Fri/Sat), Marsh Harbour to Hope Town/Man-O-War/Guana Cay (multiple daily, 20-25 min each), and Treasure Cay to Green Turtle Cay (several daily crossings, 10 min). See the full timetable above.
Ready to Book Your Island Escape?
Compare routes, check live availability, and secure your seats before they sell out. Sailing early? Book a hotel near Port Everglades the night before.
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