Know the All-In Cost
We explain the base fare plus the ~$60–$70 in taxes and port fees so the final number is no surprise at checkout.
Quick answer: what the Bahamas ferry costs in 2026
- One operator. Baleària Caribbean runs the only fast ferry from the US mainland (Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale) to the Bahamas — there is no live "multi-operator" price war to compare.
- Fort Lauderdale → Bimini: from $93 + taxes one-way (~$155 all-in), round-trip from about $230 + taxes. Crossing ≈ 2 hours.
- Fort Lauderdale → Freeport (Grand Bahama): from $254 one-way, round-trip roughly $400–$600. Crossing ≈ 3 hours.
- Cheapest combo: midweek sailing + booked 2+ weeks ahead + round-trip ticket.
- Use the estimator below for a ballpark, then check the live price on Baleària or Direct Ferries before you book.
| Operator | Baleària Caribbean (vessel: Jaume II fast catamaran) |
|---|---|
| US departure port | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Destinations | Bimini (≈ 2 hrs) · Freeport / Grand Bahama (≈ 3 hrs) |
| Bimini fare | From $93 + taxes one-way (~$155 all-in) · RT from ~$230 + taxes |
| Freeport fare | From $254 one-way · RT roughly $400–$600 |
| Taxes & port fees | ~$60–$70 per round trip on top of the base fare |
| Cheapest day | Midweek (Wednesday sailings are often lowest) |
Ferry Fare Estimator
A ballpark total from published 2026 fare ranges — not a live booking price
One Honest Operator
Baleària Caribbean is the only fast ferry from Florida to the Bahamas — we tell you that instead of faking a price war.
Ferry vs Flight
See where the ferry actually beats a short flight — luggage, coolers and no baggage fees often tip the math.
Cheaper-Date Tips
Practical, verifiable ways to lower the price: midweek sailings, advance booking, and round-trip tickets.
Insider Tips to Save Even More
Sail Midweek
Weekend sailings fill first and price highest. Midweek dates — Wednesday especially — usually show the lowest published fares.
Buy a Round Trip
A round-trip ticket is typically cheaper than two separate one-ways, and locks in your return seat on a route with limited weekly sailings.
Compare the Two Sources
Check the published total on both Baleària's own site and Direct Ferries — fees and bundled extras can differ, so the lower headline isn't always the lower total.
Book Early
Fares rise as a sailing fills. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead generally beats last-minute pricing, particularly in peak winter and holiday weeks.
2026 Bahamas Ferry Fare Reference
Indicative published Baleària Caribbean fares for 2026. "From" prices are the lowest base fares before taxes and port fees, and they move with date and demand — always confirm the live price at checkout.
| Route | Duration | Typical sailing days | One-way from | Round-trip from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Bimini | ≈ 2 hours | Wed, Fri & Sun | $93 + taxes | $230 + taxes |
| Fort Lauderdale → Freeport (Grand Bahama) | ≈ 3 hours | Select days (often Wed & Sun) | $254 | ~$400–$600 |
Sources: Baleària Caribbean published fares & Direct Ferries listings, 2026. Add roughly $60–$70 per round trip for Bahamas departure tax and port/security fees. Schedules vary seasonally — check the current schedule before booking.
Ferry vs Flight: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
Short flights to Bimini or Freeport often land in a similar headline price to the ferry — but the real-world total depends on baggage and what you bring.
| Factor | Baleària Ferry | Short Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (one-way, from) | $93 + taxes (Bimini) | Often $100–$200+ |
| Checked bags | Generous allowance, usually no per-bag fee | Typically $35–$45 per bag |
| Coolers / food / drinks | Allowed — bring your own | Restricted; liquids limited |
| Door-to-dock time | ≈ 2 hrs crossing + boarding | Short in the air, longer with airport time |
| Best for | Families, anglers, anyone packing heavy | Solo travelers with light bags |
For a deeper breakdown, see our ferry vs flight to the Bahamas guide.
Where to Stay After You Arrive
Comparing fares usually means you're planning an overnight or a longer stay. Use the map to compare hotel prices in Bimini and Freeport across booking sites — bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping may earn a commission when you book through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Learn more.
Bahamas Ferry Price FAQ
How much does the ferry from Florida to the Bahamas cost in 2026?
Baleària Caribbean one-way fares to Bimini start from $93 plus taxes/fees (roughly $155 all-in). Round-trip tickets start from about $230 plus taxes. The longer Fort Lauderdale to Freeport crossing starts from around $254 one-way. Prices vary by date, demand and fare class, so confirm the live price before booking.
Is there more than one ferry operator from the US to the Bahamas?
No. As of 2026, Baleària Caribbean is the only company running a scheduled fast ferry from the US mainland (Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale) to the Bahamas. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line — which once sailed Palm Beach to Grand Bahama — stopped operating in 2022. Other operators (Bahamas Ferries, the mail boats) only sail between the islands, not from Florida.
What's the cheapest way to book the Bahamas ferry?
The lowest fares usually show up on midweek sailings (Wednesday is often cheapest), when you book 2 or more weeks ahead, and when you buy a round trip rather than two one-ways. Comparing Baleària's own site against Direct Ferries can also surface a lower published total.
Are taxes and port fees included in the advertised price?
The "from" fare is normally the base ticket before taxes and port fees. Budget roughly $60–$70 per round trip for Bahamas departure tax, US/Bahamas port fees and security charges. A $93 one-way Bimini base fare typically works out to about $155 all-in.
Is the ferry cheaper than flying?
It depends on the date. Ferry and short-haul flights are often in a similar price band, but the ferry lets you bring coolers, food and generous luggage with no per-bag fees — which frequently makes it cheaper in practice for families and anglers.
Ready to lock in your fare?
Check today's live Baleària prices and book your crossing direct.
Last updated: June 24, 2026 · Fares are indicative 2026 published prices; confirm the live price before booking.