Economy Or Business Class Ferry

A two-hour Balearia ferry crossing each way with Gray Line Miami, giving you roughly six hours of free time to swim, eat and wander on Bimini.

Overview

A high-speed ferry carries up to 600 passengers from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale across to Bimini in the Bahamas, a crossing of about 2 hours each way. Once docked, the day is yours: roughly 6 hours of free time on the island, with the whole outing running to about 11 hours of island time. There is no guided sightseeing block, so travellers shape the day themselves, whether that means beaches, local food, or renting a golf cart to get around.

The boat itself is set up for a comfortable ride, with a full bar, snacks, and a duty free gift shop onboard. A Day Pass to the Resort World Bimini facilities can be bought on the vessel for an additional $30 if beach club amenities appeal. Economy and Business Class ticket options exist, and the meeting point differs slightly depending on which one is booked.

One point matters before anything else: despite the page name, this product does not include hotel pickup. The ferry sails from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, not Miami, and travellers make their own way to the terminal. It suits independent travellers who want a self-directed beach day in the Bahamas without an overnight stay, and who can handle an early start plus customs and immigration checks in both directions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Port EvergladesCheck in at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, at one of two possible starting locations depending on the option booked. The exact meeting point varies by ticket class, with one location for Economy and another for Business.
2. Ferry to BiminiA 2-hour crossing on a modern 600-passenger vessel, with a full bar, snacks, and a duty free gift shop available onboard.
3. Free time on BiminiAbout 6 hours at leisure, roughly from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Optional extra: a $30 Day Pass to Resort World Bimini facilities, purchasable onboard.
4. Ferry back to Fort LauderdaleA 2-hour return crossing to Port Everglades, followed by immigration and customs processing on arrival.

What To Expect From The Tour

Reviews of this trip cluster around a few practical points worth knowing before booking, from paperwork to getting around the island.

• Passport is mandatory. A valid passport and re-entry authorization are required, since the trip passes through Customs and Immigration in both directions. Citizens of some countries may need an entry visa, and the listing directs travellers to check the Bahamian immigration website before booking. Getting the paperwork right is the traveller's responsibility alone.
• Rent a golf cart. Several reviewers said a golf cart is the practical way to explore Bimini, and one recommended arranging it on the ferry rather than on the island, noting it was slightly cheaper that way. Another reviewer mentioned that island rental prices vary a lot, while a different traveller warned that payment was cash only.
• Arrive early. Reviewers describe a long morning: one reported a 6:30 AM meeting for a 9:00 AM departure, with extra time needed for customs checks on both legs. One traveller's tip is to plan to be there early in the morning to avoid surprises.
• Budget for extras. Ferry tickets are the only included item. Food, drinks, the Resort World Bimini Day Pass at $30, and any island activities or rentals cost extra. One reviewer found the overall day relatively expensive but still worthwhile.
• Prepare for the crossing. The ferry is described as comfortable, with reasonably priced drinks and snacks. One traveller reported rough water and seasickness on the return leg, so anyone prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly.
• Bring the basics. The listing recommends a passport, a towel, and comfortable clothes. Swimwear and beach gear make sense given the clear water and beaches that many reviewers highlight.

Common issues. The schedule can slip. One reviewer reported a morning delay of an hour and a confused, extended wait on the return leg, and the listing states the operator is not responsible for delays caused by weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or Immigration services. Some travellers also wished the listing explained what is included and the day's logistics more clearly. There is no hotel pickup, the ferry sails only on selected dates, and infants under 6 months old are not permitted. Foldable wheelchairs only are accommodated.

Before The Ferry