Calculate Your Trip Costs
Compare the ferry vs. flying with every fee included
In short
- The only scheduled fast ferry from the US to the Bahamas is Baleària Caribbean, sailing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale).
- Bimini fares start from $93 + taxes one-way (about $155 all-in); Freeport from $254 one-way.
- Unlike flying, the ferry charges no baggage fees — bring coolers, gear and luggage free.
- Adjust the inputs below for a personalised estimate. Figures are indicative 2026 prices — confirm the live fare before booking.
| Operator | Baleària Caribbean (Jaume II fast catamaran) |
|---|---|
| Departure port | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale |
| Crossing time | ~2 hrs to Bimini · ~3–3.5 hrs to Freeport |
| From (one-way) | Bimini $93 + taxes · Freeport $254 |
| Taxes & port fees | ~$60–70 per round trip |
| Baggage | Free (no airline-style fees) |
Ferry Option
Flight Option
Add a hotel to your trip budget
Planning to stay overnight in Bimini or Freeport? Compare hotel prices across booking sites on the map below, then add the nightly rate to your ferry total above for a full trip cost.
Browse hotels by island: Bimini · Freeport · Nassau. Booking through these links supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost — how this works.
Tips to lower your ferry cost
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead: last-minute sailings are typically the most expensive.
- Travel midweek: Wednesday sailings are often cheaper than weekend departures.
- Infants under 2 travel free: they still need a ticket reservation, but pay no fare.
- Bring your own snacks: onboard food and drink cost more than packing your own.
- Compare parking: a nearby hotel lot can beat the port's daily rate.
Ready to Book Your Bahamas Ferry?
Check the current Baleària Caribbean schedule and fares, then lock in your dates.
Check Ferry Schedules Find a HotelFerry Cost FAQ
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses real 2026 published Baleària Caribbean fare ranges (from $93 + taxes one-way to Bimini, from $254 one-way to Freeport) plus typical Port Everglades parking and US/Bahamas departure taxes. It's an estimate — your exact total depends on travel date, fare class and demand, so confirm the live price before booking.
What costs are included?
Round-trip tickets for adults and children, Bahamas/US departure taxes and port fees, and parking at Port Everglades. Baleària Caribbean doesn't charge airline-style baggage fees, so luggage and coolers are free.
Is the ferry always cheaper than flying?
Not always. To Bimini — which has only limited seaplane air service — the ferry is usually much cheaper for families once baggage fees and airport parking are added to a flight. For Freeport the gap is smaller because the longer crossing costs more. The savings are largest for families and anglers carrying lots of luggage.
Do children pay full price?
No. Children travel at a reduced rate, and infants under 2 travel free but still need a ticket reservation. The calculator applies a reduced child fare automatically.
How can I lower my ferry cost?
Book 2+ weeks ahead, choose midweek (often Wednesday) sailings, buy a round trip instead of two one-ways, and park at a nearby hotel lot when it's cheaper than the port. Source: Baleària Caribbean, 2026 published fares.
Last updated: June 25, 2026 · Fares are indicative 2026 published prices; confirm the live price before booking.