Miami: Bahamas Full-Day Trip by Ferry

The most tempting part of this trip is simple: you can leave South Florida in the morning and spend the afternoon on a Bahamian beach. The ferry carries you across the water to Bimini or Grand Bahama, two of the closest Bahamian islands to the United States, so this works well when you want a taste of island life without booking a longer cruise.

I like the guaranteed seat and air-conditioned cabin for the three-hour crossing. I also like having a free afternoon once you arrive, since you can buy an activity, rent a beach chair, or make your own plan instead of following a tightly managed shore excursion. The main drawback is the long day and the extra cost of nearly everything on the island.

Key things to know before booking

• The ferry leaves Port Everglades around 9 AM, but check-in closes sharply at 8 AM.
• You may visit Bimini or Grand Bahama, with the exact route and times varying by season.
• The crossing takes about two to three hours each way, giving you a full day of sea travel and island time.
• Island activities are extra, including beach passes, transportation, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating.
• A passport and permission to re-enter the United States are required, with visa rules depending on your nationality.
• Bring a sweater or towel for the cabin, since the air conditioning may feel very cold during the crossing.

The appeal of a same-day Bahamas trip from Florida

The Bahamas sit close to Florida, but the ferry ride still gives the outing a proper change-of-scene feeling. You leave a mainland port, watch the Florida coast fade behind you, and arrive among small tropical islands, white sand, and warm water.

This is not a guided cultural tour. It is a transportation-and-leisure day. The ferry gets you there, and the rest of the afternoon is yours. That makes the trip a good match for you if your ideal island visit involves sun, swimming, and a flexible schedule rather than museums, lectures, or a long list of planned stops.

The price is $259 per person. That is a significant spend for a day trip, but it includes the round-trip ferry rather than only a short boat ride. You are paying for the border crossing, reserved seating, and access to a full day in the Bahamas. Still, you need to budget for food, drinks, island transportation, beach access, and any water activity you choose.

Leaving Port Everglades before 9 AM

The practical side begins early. The ferry departs from Port Everglades on Eller Drive, and check-in closes at 8 AM. Do not treat that as a suggested arrival time. You need to be ready before the cutoff, with your passport and required travel authorization in order.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the port, and the available information does not give a hotel transfer service. That makes the trip easier for people already staying near Fort Lauderdale or able to arrange transport to Port Everglades.

Once aboard, you get a guaranteed seat in an air-conditioned ferry. The boat has restrooms and a snack bar for a light bite. Food and beverages are not included, so you should plan on buying something aboard or bringing what is permitted for the journey.

The cabin temperature deserves special attention. I would pack a light sweater, sweatshirt, or even a small travel blanket. The air conditioning can feel much stronger than expected after you have been standing in Florida heat, and one useful trick is to keep your beach towel handy as an extra layer.

Two to three hours across the water

The crossing is part of the experience, but it is also a substantial block of time. Depending on the island, you can spend about two to three hours aboard before reaching shore. The ride offers open-water views, sea air, and changing colors across the water, though conditions can vary.

You can relax in your seat, look out at the water, or spend time on the ferry deck when permitted. The boat also provides information about available water activities and island options. This is useful because you can decide how to spend your afternoon before reaching the island rather than losing time after arrival.

The crossing may feel long if you want immediate beach time. I would bring sunglasses, sunscreen, entertainment, and any personal medication you need for the day. The supplied information does not promise a smooth crossing, and the operator is not responsible for delays caused by weather, the Coast Guard, or immigration services.

That warning matters. You are crossing an international border, not taking a local harbor cruise. Keep your schedule light after returning to Florida, since delays can affect the evening arrival.

Bimini or Grand Bahama: two different day-trip possibilities

Bimini is the closer island option and is listed with an arrival around 11 AM and a return departure around 6 PM, though seasonal changes may affect those times. Grand Bahama is listed with an arrival around noon and a return departure around 5 PM.

The available route information also specifically lays out Grand Bahama as the destination, with scenic views during the outward and return boat rides. Because the trip can operate to Bimini or Grand Bahama, check the exact destination and schedule when you select your date. The difference affects how much time you have ashore and what activities are practical.

Bimini suits you if you prefer a shorter crossing and a little more island time. Grand Bahama gives you access to a larger island setting, but the included transportation ends at the ferry. You will need to arrange and pay for transportation on Grand Bahama if your chosen beach or activity is away from the port.

This is one of the most important planning points. The ferry gets you to the island, but it does not automatically deliver you to a beach resort or attraction. Ask about available shore options before departure and decide how much you are willing to spend after arrival.

Your afternoon on the island

Once you reach the Bahamas, you have a choice between simplicity and activity.

The simplest plan is to find a beach area, rent a chair if needed, and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing. The islands are known for white sand and clear, warm, turquoise water, and the tour is built around that setting. If you want a low-effort escape, this may be enough.

You can also buy optional activities through the ferry, including snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating. Beach day passes may also be available for purchase aboard. These are not part of the $259 price, so ask about the cost and what each pass includes before committing.

The trip does not include a visit to Crystal Beach or swimming with pigs on Grand Bahama. Those are separate arrangements, and the supplied details specifically exclude them. If seeing the pigs is the main reason you want to visit Grand Bahama, do not assume this ferry ticket covers it.

You should also know that food and drinks are not included. A day in the sun can make snacks and water feel less optional than they did at the port. Since the ferry has a snack bar, you have at least one place to buy a light bite, but the experience does not promise a full meal.

How the ferry setup affects the day

A guaranteed seat is a small feature with real value on a long crossing. You do not have to compete for a place after arriving early, and you can settle in for the ride with your belongings close by.

The air-conditioned interior offers relief from the heat, while the deck gives you a chance to feel the sea breeze and see the water from outside. I would use both spaces rather than staying inside all day. The deck is better for fresh air and views, while the cabin is more practical for rest, restroom access, and protection from the sun.

The snack bar and restrooms also make the ferry more usable for a full-day international trip. Still, this is basic ferry comfort, not a luxury cruise. The focus is getting you between Florida and the Bahamas, with a few practical amenities along the way.

The ride can be tiring because the day combines an early check-in, border procedures, several hours at sea, island time, and a return crossing. You may arrive back in Florida around 8 PM. I would avoid scheduling a late dinner reservation, show, or separate evening tour that depends on an exact arrival time.

What the $259 price really covers

At $259, this trip is not a cheap way to reach a beach. It becomes more reasonable if you value the convenience of a round-trip international ferry and want to fit the Bahamas into a Florida holiday without arranging several separate bookings.

The included service is the ferry ride from Port Everglades and back. You also get a seat, restroom access, a snack bar aboard, and the chance to spend the day on Bimini or Grand Bahama. The price does not cover hotel transfers, island transportation, food, drinks, chairs, beach passes, or water sports.

That means your final cost can rise quickly. Before booking, I would add up:

• Round-trip transportation to Port Everglades
• Food and drinks
• Island transportation
• Any beach entrance or day pass
• Chair rental
• Snorkeling or other water activities
• Any separate Crystal Beach or pig-swimming arrangement

If you plan to sit on a free beach and bring a modest budget for snacks, the ferry is easier to justify. If you want a resort day, several activities, and a special attraction, calculate the extras first.

Passport, immigration, and timing rules

You must bring a valid passport or passport card and authorization to re-enter the United States, such as ESTA when applicable. Citizens of the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland do not require a Bahamian visa under the stated conditions, while other nationalities may need one.

Check the Bahamian immigration rules before booking. Incorrect or missing passport information can lead to problems, and there is no refund for false passport data supplied at booking.

You will pass through customs and immigration during the international journey. This is another reason to arrive early and keep your documents easy to reach. Do not pack your passport in checked luggage or leave it buried in a beach bag.

Infants younger than six months cannot join the tour, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. These restrictions are important to check before paying, particularly if you are planning a family day out.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Florida plans are still shifting, but they do not protect you from delays caused by weather, the Coast Guard, or immigration services.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this ferry day to you if you:

• Want a quick Bahamas visit from South Florida
• Enjoy beach time more than organized sightseeing
• Are comfortable with an early start and a long return day
• Like choosing your own activities after arrival
• Have a valid passport and straightforward re-entry documents
• Are willing to pay separately for transportation and beach activities

I would hesitate if you want a calm, short outing, a fully guided experience, or a fixed all-inclusive price. The day is built around travel time, and the island portion requires some planning once you arrive.

Families should also think about the long schedule, strong cabin air conditioning, border procedures, and the need to arrange island transportation. Couples and solo visitors who are happy to read, rest, swim, and make their own plans may find the format easier.

Practical packing advice for the ferry and beach

Bring your passport, required re-entry authorization, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sweater. The sweater is not a luxury item here. The ferry cabin can be cold, and a towel can serve as a backup layer.

Pack light enough to move through the port and ferry without fuss. Keep your passport and booking details in a secure, accessible place. You should also carry enough money or payment access for food, drinks, chairs, transportation, and optional activities.

If you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, protect yourself from the sun even on the ferry. The open deck and bright water can make the day feel more intense than a normal beach visit.

Is the Miami to Bahamas ferry worth booking?

I would book this trip if your main goal is to add one Bahamian beach day to a Florida vacation and you accept that the ferry ride is a major part of the experience. The clear water, sea views, and freedom to choose your own afternoon are the strongest reasons to go.

I would skip it if you expect an all-inclusive resort visit, a guided tour of Grand Bahama, or a guaranteed visit to Crystal Beach and the swimming pigs. Those experiences are not included, and the extras can push the total cost well beyond the advertised fare.

For the best value, confirm the island, check the seasonal departure times, arrive well before the 8 AM check-in cutoff, and budget for shore transportation and activities. Pack a sweater, keep your evening free, and treat the day as a long international outing rather than a quick boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the ferry depart from?

The ferry departs from Port Everglades on Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

What time should I arrive at the port?

Check-in closes at 8 AM sharp. The ferry is scheduled to depart Florida around 9 AM.

Which island will I visit?

The trip can go to Bimini or Grand Bahama. The exact destination and schedule may vary, so check availability for your selected date.

How long is the ferry ride?

The crossing takes about two to three hours each way. Bimini is listed with an arrival around 11 AM, while Grand Bahama is listed with an arrival around noon.

Are food, beach chairs, and activities included?

No. Food and beverages, beach chairs, island transportation, beach passes, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and other island activities cost extra.

What documents do I need?

You need a valid passport or passport card and authorization to re-enter the United States, such as ESTA or similar authorization when required. Visa rules depend on your nationality, so check Bahamian immigration requirements before booking.