From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

Bimini is close enough to Florida for a day trip, yet it feels like a proper break from the mainland. This 16-hour ferry outing gives you a full afternoon on the Bahamas island for beaches, swimming, cafes, small shops, and optional water activities.

I like two things here: the fast crossing, which gets you from Port Everglades to Bimini in roughly two hours, and the freedom once you arrive. You can spend your money on a golf cart, snorkeling, parasailing, or a quiet stretch of sand instead of being tied to one fixed island tour.

The catch is the schedule. Early check-in, immigration, ferry delays, rough seas, and a late return can turn a planned six-hour island visit into something shorter. At $289 per person, this makes sense only if you are comfortable paying for transport and handling your own day on Bimini.

Key points to know before booking

• Two-hour international crossing: The ferry runs from Port Everglades to Bimini, but port procedures add time before and after the sailing.
• Several hours on your own: The island portion is largely free time, not a guided sightseeing tour.
• Activities cost extra: Snorkeling, scuba trips, swimming with sharks, parasailing, jet skiing, golf carts, and other excursions are not included.
• Rough water is possible: Reports describe a very rocky ride, with motion sickness affecting some people.
• Bring the right documents: You need a passport, and children need a passport or ID card as specified for the booking.
• Accessibility is possible but not effortless: The ferry is listed as wheelchair accessible, and one account describes successful use of a large electric wheelchair.

Leaving Fort Lauderdale from Terminal 21

Your meeting point is 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, at Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 21. The stated arrival time is 7:00 a.m., though some departures have involved much earlier instructions and a later ferry departure.

That gap matters. You may spend a long time at the terminal before boarding, so do not plan a relaxed morning arrival or a close connection afterward. Bring your passport, medication, water for the port wait, and anything you need to stay comfortable before the boat leaves.

You also need to pass through port immigration. This is an international trip, even though Bimini is only a short ride from Florida. Keep your documents easy to reach, and check entry and re-entry rules for your nationality before you pay.

The ferry ride itself is part of the outing, but it is transportation rather than a sightseeing cruise. Economy-class tickets are included. Food and drinks are not, although you can purchase snacks and beverages on board. One complaint concerned poor service from a staff member named Edwin in the upstairs food and drink area, while other accounts describe the crew as helpful. Service may vary, so I would keep expectations practical.

The two-hour crossing to Bimini

On a calm day, the crossing offers a simple pleasure: you leave the Florida port and arrive in a tropical island setting before lunch. The short sailing time is the main reason this trip works as a day excursion. You do not need a hotel, a rental car in Florida, or a long domestic flight.

But the sea can be rough. One account described high waves and many passengers becoming sick, and another called the ferry very rocking. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is not a small footnote. Take prevention seriously, and think twice if you already know that boat rides are difficult for you.

The supplied information also lists back problems, claustrophobia, vertigo, respiratory issues, haemophilia, kidney problems, recent surgery, and other pre-existing medical conditions among reasons the activity may not suit you. Those warnings are broad, but they are worth discussing with a medical professional if any apply.

Use the crossing to rest, eat something, and prepare for the island. You may want to carry a light layer, medication, sun protection, and a phone charger. The boat has purchased food and drinks, but you should not treat meals as included in the fare.

Your free afternoon on Bimini

The main value of the trip begins when you step off the ferry. The plan allows several hours on Bimini, with the schedule described in different ways as about six hours on the island or up to twelve hours for the island portion of the itinerary. Actual time can change with port delays, sailing times, and the selected program.

This is not a guided walk through Bimini. You receive free time and decide how to use it. That flexibility is useful if your idea of a good island day is a swim, a beach chair, and a cold drink rather than a packed schedule.

You can:

• Swim in clear, warm-looking water and spend time on the beach
• Sit at a cafe with a coconut drink
• Browse local souvenir shops
• Rent a golf cart for independent sightseeing
• Pay separately for snorkeling or scuba activities
• Book parasailing or jet skiing
• Look into dolphin watching or shark swimming
• Spend time at a resort-style beach if that option is available for your date

The drawback is that Bimini may feel quiet. One account described a beach at the Grand Lucayan resort as almost deserted, which sounds wonderful if you want space and less appealing if you expect constant activity. Another person felt there was not enough to do on the island, especially because some excursions advertised on board were not available.

I would make a loose plan before arrival. Pick one main activity, such as a beach visit or golf cart rental, then leave time for swimming and lunch. Trying to fit every paid option into one afternoon could make the day feel rushed.

Beaches, cafes, and island time

If your ideal Bimini visit is low-key, the included free time may suit you well. You can slow down, find a cafe, browse small shops, and enjoy the water without being pushed from one stop to the next.

The beach is the strongest simple reason to book. The Grand Lucayan option, when available, has been described as a beautiful sandy beach with very few people. That kind of quiet can be a real luxury after a long port morning.

Still, do not assume a resort day is included in every booking. The standard inclusion is ferry transport and free time on Bimini. Resort access, meals, chairs, and other extras may depend on the excursion you choose and should be confirmed before you travel.

For a more active day, look at the paid options. Jet skiing and parasailing offer quick bursts of action, while snorkeling and scuba activities give you time in the water. Swimming with sharks is a much more specialized choice and will not suit everyone. These are separate purchases, so the headline fare is not your final cost if you plan to add several activities.

Golf cart rental can be useful for seeing more of the island, but it is also another cost and another decision to manage. If you rent one, allow enough time to return it and reach the ferry without cutting things close.

What $289 really buys you

At $289, this is not a cheap beach transfer. The fare includes an economy-class round-trip ferry ticket and time on Bimini, but not food, drinks, island transportation, or organized activities.

The value depends on what you want from a day in the Bahamas. If you are already in Fort Lauderdale, want a quick international island visit, and prefer choosing your own beach or activity, the price may be reasonable. The ferry removes the need to arrange separate international transport, and the two-hour crossing is efficient when the schedule runs well.

The value is weaker if you expect a guided tour, included lunch, reserved beach access, or several activities bundled into the cost. Add a golf cart, a resort pass, water sports, meals, and drinks, and your total can climb quickly.

I would compare the price with a simple rule: book this if the ferry crossing and the chance to spend several hours in Bimini are the main attraction. Skip it if you need a tightly managed tour with guaranteed activities and little waiting.

Timing problems and the long return

The advertised duration is 16 hours, but the day can feel longer. Some departures have required passengers to arrive around 4:30 a.m., with the terminal not opening until 6:00 a.m. The ferry has also left as late as 9:00 a.m. in accounts describing the trip.

That means your island time is not always equal to the time printed in the schedule. One person reported a 17-hour day with only five hours at the resort. Build in patience and avoid booking evening plans that depend on an exact return time.

The return to Port Everglades is listed at Terminal 21, followed by immigration procedures. You should expect another port process rather than simply walking off the boat and heading to your car.

This is the kind of excursion where delays are not necessarily a sign that the island portion has been poorly planned. International ferry operations involve loading, weather, customs, and port controls. Still, the operator should communicate clearly, and you should be comfortable with the possibility of a very early start and a late finish.

Accessibility and physical comfort

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. One person using a large, heavy electric wheelchair reported that the crew helped with boarding and leaving the ferry, which is encouraging.

That does not mean every part of the day will be easy. The ferry, port, beach access, golf carts, and paid activities may each have different limits. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility needs, contact the provider before booking and ask about the exact vessel, boarding process, and island arrangements.

The listed exclusions are important. People with serious motion sickness, vertigo, respiratory problems, recent surgery, kidney problems, haemophilia, back problems, or other medical conditions may not be suitable for the trip. The sea crossing is the main physical concern, especially on a rough day.

Passport and re-entry details

Bring your passport. Children need the passport or ID card requested in the booking information. Every person must pass through port immigration.

Pay special attention to re-entering the United States. If you are Hungarian, one account specifically warns that leaving the United States may require a new ESTA for the return, even if an earlier ESTA has not expired. The same account describes a possible fine of more than $500 and serious complications at the border.

Because entry rules can change and depend on nationality, check official requirements before booking. This is one of those trips where a passport alone may not settle every question.

Who will enjoy this Bimini day trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• People already staying in South Florida who want a one-day Bahamas visit
• Beach lovers who are happy to organize their own afternoon
• Families or friends who want a flexible island day
• Solo visitors comfortable with a long day and independent planning
• Active visitors willing to pay extra for water sports
• Wheelchair users who confirm their needs with the provider in advance

I would be cautious if you dislike boats, become sick in rough water, need a dependable timetable, or want a full guided tour. It is also a poor fit if you expect every advertised activity to be running on your date.

The most praised features are the beautiful beach setting, the helpful crew during boarding for a wheelchair user, and the freedom to spend a solo day doing exactly as you please. The biggest concerns are rough seas, long waits, limited island activity, uneven service, and the extra cost of almost everything beyond the ferry ticket.

Should you book the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry?

Book it if you see the ferry as your ticket to a relaxed Caribbean-style day, not as an all-inclusive resort package. Bring a passport, prepare for an early start, plan for motion sickness, and budget for food and island activities.

I would not book it on a tight schedule or if you need a polished, fully guided experience. For the right person, the empty beach, warm water, and freedom to set your own pace can make the $289 worthwhile. For someone expecting a smooth cruise with guaranteed excursions, the long day and added costs may leave you disappointed.

FAQ

How long does the Bimini day trip take?

The stated duration is 16 hours. Actual timing can vary, and some accounts describe a 17-hour day because of early check-in, ferry departure delays, and port procedures.

Where does the ferry leave from?

The meeting point is Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 21, at 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What time should I arrive?

The stated arrival time is 7:00 a.m. Some departures have given passengers an earlier meeting time, so check the exact instructions for your booking.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although you can purchase snacks and beverages on the ferry or on Bimini.

Are island activities included in the price?

No. Snorkeling, scuba activities, shark swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, golf cart rental, and other island excursions are sold separately.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a passport, and children need a passport or ID card as specified in the booking information. All visitors must pass through port immigration.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider in advance to confirm boarding and island arrangements for your specific equipment.

Is the ferry ride rough?

It can be. High waves and significant rocking have been reported, and the activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness or several listed medical conditions.