Day Trip to Bimini, Bahamas – Ferry Tickets

Bimini is close enough to reach by ferry yet far enough to feel like a proper Bahamas escape. This day trip gives you about six to eight hours on the island, depending on the sailing date, with roughly two hours on the water each way. You set your own plans once you arrive.

I like the independent format and the comfortable ferry, which has restrooms, snacks, panoramic views, lounge areas, a bar, and a duty-free shop. I also like that Bimini delivers the things many people want from a quick island visit: clear water, beautiful beaches, and an easygoing small-island feel.

The catch is time. The ferry timetable and customs process can turn a 15-hour outing into a long day with plenty of waiting. At $270 per person, this makes the most sense if you truly want a taste of The Bahamas and are prepared to handle your own plans on Bimini.

Key points to know before booking

• You get about six to eight hours on Bimini: Free time is listed as approximately 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and until 7:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
• Check-in begins three hours before sailing: Boarding doors close one hour before departure, with no exceptions.
• The ferry ride takes about two hours each way: Economy and Premium Class are available, with Premium adding a snack, sundeck access, and priority disembarkation.
• You must carry the correct travel documents: A valid passport and permission to re-enter the United States are required.
• Bimini plans are your responsibility: Optional activities, food, drinks, and the Resort World Bimini day pass cost extra.
• Expect customs delays: Allow at least one hour for clearance when the ferry reaches either country.

What this Fort Lauderdale to Bimini trip really offers

This is not a guided sightseeing tour of Bimini. It is a roundtrip ferry ticket with a generous block of free time on the island. That distinction matters.

You leave from the Fort Lauderdale terminal at 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The listed start time is 7:00 am, but you should follow the exact sailing time shown on your booking confirmation. Check-in starts three hours before departure, and the doors close one hour before sailing. Arriving late is not a small inconvenience here. You can miss the boat.

Once you have checked in, the ferry provides a practical ride across the water rather than a bare-bones transfer. Seating is available in Economy and Premium Class. The vessel can accommodate up to 600 passengers, though this booking has a maximum of 200 people. You can expect restrooms, snacks, panoramic views, lounge areas, a full bar, and a duty-free shop onboard.

The crossing takes about two hours. On a calm day, that gives you time to settle into your seat, look out at the water, and make a rough plan for your island hours. On a windy day, the ride can become choppy. One account of the trip described rough conditions that made the ferry feel uncomfortable, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

The early Fort Lauderdale start

The morning begins with paperwork and waiting. Staff verify your booking and provide boarding information, while the terminal offers restrooms and seating. The process may feel crowded or confusing, especially if this is your first international ferry trip, so I would arrive with time to spare rather than aiming for the minimum.

The supplied information contains two different check-in references, one saying two hours before sailing and the formal instructions saying three hours. Use the stricter rule: arrive three hours before departure. Boarding doors close one hour before departure, and that cutoff is firm.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, and nationality when booking. If any of that is missing, the reservation remains unconfirmed.

This is also when you should make sure your documents are in order. United States citizens need a valid American passport or passport card. United States permanent residents need a passport from their country of citizenship plus their alien resident card. EU citizens need an ESTA for re-entry, and other visitors must check both Bahamian entry rules and United States re-entry requirements.

The ferry operator will not refund a missed trip caused by missing paperwork. That is one of the most important details in the entire booking.

Two hours across the water

The crossing is part transportation and part sightseeing. The ferry offers panoramic views, comfortable seating, restrooms, and places to stretch your legs. You can stay in your seat or visit the lounge areas during the ride.

Premium Class adds a light breakfast or snack on one leg of the journey, access to the sundeck, and priority disembarkation. The snack is not a full meal. One account found the Premium food underwhelming and suggested that Economy may be better value unless you care about the sundeck and getting off the vessel sooner.

Economy is likely the sensible choice for many people. Premium has a practical advantage when disembarking, since customs and terminal procedures can take time. Still, I would not pay extra expecting a substantial meal or a luxury cruise experience.

Food costs matter once you reach Bimini. The included onboard snack is limited, and food at the beach club can be expensive. I would bring permitted snacks for the day and budget separately for drinks, lunch, and any beach or resort plans.

The ferry also has a full bar and duty-free shop. These are useful amenities, but they do not change the basic nature of the trip. You are paying for transportation to Bimini and back, not an all-inclusive island package.

Arriving in Bimini and getting oriented

The ferry arrives at the Bimini terminal, where local staff can offer guidance about transportation, hotel check-ins, and nearby attractions. After that, your schedule is your own.

Bimini is made up of North Bimini and South Bimini, two small islands. That compact size is part of the charm, but it also limits how much there is to do during a short visit. You should arrive with a simple plan rather than expecting a packed list of major sights.

The strongest reason to visit is the island setting. Clear water and beautiful beaches are the main draw, and the atmosphere is more quaint than urban. One person described the island as small, with not much to do beyond enjoying the setting. I see that as a useful warning, not a criticism. Bimini works best for a relaxed beach day, not for checking off a long list of attractions.

You can choose to spend your time near the beach, arrange an optional activity, or visit a resort area. The ferry ticket itself does not include activities, transfers around the island, food, or drinks, so check costs before committing to a plan.

Resort World Bimini and the $30 day pass

A Resort World Bimini day pass is not included and costs $30 per person. The pass provides access to the pool, beach club, towels, Wi-Fi, and transportation within the resort. You can also use the resort’s bars and restaurants and take part in selected water activities, although extra charges may apply.

This can simplify your day if you want a ready-made beach and pool setting. It may be especially useful if you prefer facilities, towels, and a clear place to spend your island hours.

The pass is not essential. Bimini’s beaches and clear water are the central attraction, and you may prefer to explore independently. Just remember that the ferry ticket does not function as a full island package. Compare the cost of the day pass with your own plans before you arrive.

The long return process

Your return sailing requires another check-in at the Bimini terminal. The instructions say that check-in begins two hours before sailing, while the general terminal rule says check-in starts three hours before departure. I would follow the more cautious three-hour rule unless your confirmed ticket gives a different instruction.

The return trip includes the same basic ferry amenities as the outward crossing. Premium passengers receive the same onboard benefits associated with their fare, including the snack arrangement, sundeck access, and priority disembarkation.

Do not assume that reaching the terminal means you will immediately walk onto the ferry. Customs and immigration clearance can create delays at either end. You are advised to allow at least one hour for vessel clearance by local and federal authorities. That wait is controlled by officials, not the ferry company.

This helps explain why a day that looks simple on paper can feel slow in practice. There is the early check-in, boarding, two-hour crossing, arrival clearance, island time, return check-in, boarding, return crossing, and final clearance in Fort Lauderdale.

What $270 buys you

The listed price is $270 per person. It includes a roundtrip Economy or Premium Class ferry ticket, port fees, taxes, and the Premium snack where applicable. It does not include transfers in Miami, meals and drinks, optional Bahamian activities, or the $30 Resort World Bimini day pass.

The value depends on your alternative. If you are already in South Florida and want a quick international island experience without booking a hotel, this ticket can make sense. You get the transport, port charges, and a full day away from the mainland in one reservation.

The value becomes less convincing if you add several extras. A Premium upgrade, a resort day pass, expensive meals, luggage fees, and paid activities can push the total well above the advertised price. The ferry also takes much of the day, so you should be comfortable paying for access to Bimini rather than expecting a long list of included services.

Each passenger may bring one carry-on item free of charge, up to 26.5 pounds. Additional luggage costs $25 each way and should be declared in the special requirements section at checkout. For a day trip, light packing is the easiest way to avoid another fee.

Who will enjoy this day trip

I would recommend this experience to someone who enjoys arranging their own day. You need to be comfortable choosing your beach, transport, meal, and activities without a guide organizing the schedule.

It suits people who want:

• A quick taste of The Bahamas from South Florida
• Clear water and beach time more than major sightseeing
• A self-guided schedule
• A ferry ride with seating, restrooms, snacks, and a bar
• A no-hotel island visit
• The option to add a resort day pass or other activities

It is less suitable if you dislike early starts, long lines, rough water, or uncertain customs timing. It is also not ideal if you expect a fully guided introduction to Bimini. The island is small, and the available hours can feel short once boarding and clearance are counted.

Infants younger than six months cannot take this tour. The ferry is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only. Service animals are allowed, and dogs may be permitted with separate documents and an additional fee, but you should contact the local operator before departure.

Weather, cancellation, and timing risks

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The operator is not responsible for delays caused by weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or immigration authorities.

For every other reason, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. That makes document checks and date checks especially important before you pay.

Sailing dates are limited. The day trip runs on selected dates, so check both the outbound and return dates on the booking calendar. The approximate island schedule is:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: about 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: about 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

There is no listed Tuesday schedule in the supplied information. Do not assume every day is available.

My practical plan for Bimini

I would keep the day simple. Arrive with your passport, a small carry-on, sun protection, swimwear if needed, snacks, and a plan for getting around. The supplied information does not promise local transfers outside the resort, so confirm how you will reach your chosen beach or activity before leaving the terminal.

If you want the easiest setup, consider the Resort World Bimini day pass and use its facilities. If you want more freedom, skip the pass and spend your time at the beaches or arrange an optional activity, keeping enough time to return for check-in.

I would choose Economy unless priority disembarkation and the sundeck matter to you. I would also avoid filling every minute with paid plans. Customs delays and ferry timing can quickly shrink the day, and Bimini is best approached at an unhurried pace.

Should you book the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry?

Book it if you want a straightforward, self-guided taste of The Bahamas and accept that the ferry schedule controls much of your day. The beaches, clear water, comfortable crossing, and small-island setting are the best reasons to go.

Think twice if you need a polished guided tour, dislike rough seas, or want a long, activity-packed stay. At $270, the experience is fair value for a convenient international day trip, but only if you keep extra costs under control and arrive fully prepared for passport checks, waiting, and customs.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the Bimini ferry?

Check-in starts three hours before departure, and boarding doors close one hour before departure with no exceptions. Follow the exact sailing time on your confirmation.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You must have a valid passport and authorization to re-enter the United States. Entry requirements vary by nationality, so check the Bahamian and United States rules before booking.

How long will I have in Bimini?

Approximate free time is 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. On Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, it is approximately 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

What does Premium Class include?

Premium Class includes a light breakfast or snack on one leg of the trip, access to the sundeck, and priority disembarkation.

Is food included?

A snack is included for Premium ticket holders on one leg of the trip. Food and drinks are otherwise not included. The ferry has a full bar and duty-free shop.

Can I bring luggage?

Each passenger may bring one carry-on item free of charge, provided it does not exceed 26.5 pounds. Additional luggage can be checked for $25 per direction.

Is the Resort World Bimini day pass included?

No. The day pass costs $30 per person. It includes access to the pool, beach club, towels, Wi-Fi, transportation within the resort, and selected water activities. Additional charges may apply.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but only foldable wheelchairs are accepted. Service animals are allowed, and dogs require separate documentation and an additional fee.