From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

Paradise is only two hours from Florida. This day trip gives you a quick route from Port Everglades to Bimini, with time for beaches, swimming, cafés, shopping, and optional water activities. I like the fast ferry crossing and the generous block of free time on the island. I also like that you can shape the day around your own interests instead of being tied to one fixed excursion.

The main caution is the schedule. You must arrive at Terminal 21 by 7:00 A.M., and the total day lasts about 16 hours. Ferry conditions can also be rough, with several reports of high waves and seasickness. At $289 per person, the trip makes the most sense if you want the convenience of roundtrip transport and a full island day, not if you expect every activity to be included.

Key points to know before booking

• The ferry leaves from Port Everglades: Meet at 1850 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, by 7:00 A.M.
• Bimini gives you roughly six hours ashore: The exact amount can vary with port procedures and ferry timing.
• The ticket covers transport only: Food, drinks, golf carts, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and other activities cost extra.
• Rough seas are a real possibility: Bring motion sickness medicine if you are prone to nausea.
• The island day is flexible: You can swim, sunbathe, visit cafés and shops, or arrange paid activities.
• Bring the right documents: Every person must pass through port immigration and carry a passport or the required identification.

Starting before sunrise at Port Everglades

Your day begins early at Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 21. The meeting address is 1850 Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale, and the stated arrival time is 7:00 A.M. You should treat this as a firm deadline, not a suggestion. Before sailing to another country, you need time for check-in and immigration procedures.

The ferry ride itself takes about two hours in good conditions. That sounds easy on paper, but a Bimini day trip is not a relaxed late-morning outing. Your transport, port procedures, island visit, and return crossing create a long day that can run close to 16 hours.

One practical concern is that the ferry may not leave immediately after the early arrival time. A few accounts describe waiting at the terminal until around 9:00 A.M. That can make the morning feel slow, especially when you have arrived hours before the boat departs. I would bring water, medication, and something to read, and I would avoid planning anything important for the evening after you return.

The ferry offers economy-class seating. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase snacks and beverages onboard. That small detail matters because the day can become expensive quickly. You will need to budget for the ferry, meals, island transport, and any activity you choose.

Two hours across the Florida Straits

The crossing is part of the experience, but it is also the part most likely to test you. Several accounts describe a strong rocking motion and high waves, with some people becoming sick. Even a person who feels fine on smaller boats may react differently on a fast ferry crossing open water.

If you have a history of motion sickness, bring prevention before boarding rather than waiting until you feel ill. The information for this trip specifically advises preparing for motion sickness, and it lists people with severe motion sickness, vertigo, certain respiratory conditions, recent surgery, and other medical issues among those who may not be suitable for the activity.

The boat has purchased drinks and snacks available, giving you a way to make the crossing more comfortable. Still, I would not count on the onboard service as part of the value. One complaint described unprofessional treatment from a server named Edwin in the upstairs food and beverage area. That is one account, but it is a reminder to keep expectations practical: the ferry is mainly your transportation to Bimini.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, and one account specifically describes successful boarding and disembarkation for a person using a large heavy electric wheelchair. That is encouraging, though you should still confirm your exact needs before booking. Accessibility on the ferry does not automatically tell you how easy every paid island excursion will be.

Your first look at Bimini

Bimini is the closest Bahamian island group to the United States, and its appeal is simple: clear water, sandy beaches, warm weather, and a change of scene without a long international flight. You arrive for a short visit, not a full island holiday, so the best approach is to choose two or three priorities before you get off the ferry.

You might spend the afternoon on the beach, swim in clear water, sit at a café with coconut juice, browse souvenir shops, or arrange an activity. The appeal is the freedom. You are not pushed through a string of scheduled sights, and you can keep the day quiet if that is what you need.

The tradeoff is that Bimini is not presented as a tightly organized sightseeing tour. The ferry ticket includes your transport and free time, but not a guided island program. If you want a golf cart, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba activity, dolphin watching, or a shark encounter, you must pay separately.

That flexibility works best for independent people who enjoy making decisions on the spot. It is less useful if you expect a guide waiting with a detailed plan and all activities included in the price.

Six hours to choose your own island day

The advertised island stop is long enough for a proper afternoon, with the itinerary allowing about 12 hours for the overall Bimini portion when sailing and port time are considered. In practical terms, the useful time on land may be closer to six hours, depending on the ferry schedule and immigration.

That is enough time for a beach-focused visit. You can find a patch of sand, swim in aquamarine water, and spend several hours doing very little. For many people, that is the strongest reason to book. A day with no sightseeing pressure can feel like a real break, even when the journey began before dawn.

You can also add paid activities. The available choices include:

• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Snorkeling
• Scuba activity
• Dolphin watching
• Swimming with sharks
• Golf cart rental
• Island sightseeing

Do not assume every activity will be running or available on your particular date. One account notes that some excursions promoted onboard were not available. Ask what is operating before you commit money or build your whole day around one option.

A golf cart can make sense if you want to see more than one part of Bimini, but it adds cost and requires careful attention to rental terms. One complaint described poor professional conduct at a location called Dave’s Golf Cart. I would inspect the vehicle, confirm the price, and make sure you understand the return time before paying.

Beaches, cafés, and simple pleasures

The beach is the safest bet for this day trip. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the contrast between Florida’s port and Bimini’s bright tropical setting without spending extra on an excursion.

You may also prefer a quieter afternoon at a resort or café. One particularly positive account described a day at the Grand Lucayan resort, with an almost empty beach and excellent sand. The resort option is not included in the basic ferry ticket, so confirm exactly what you are buying if you choose an all-inclusive or resort day package.

For a more casual plan, walk around, look through local souvenir shops, and stop for a drink. Coconut juice in front of the beach is the kind of small, ordinary pleasure that suits Bimini better than trying to cram in every paid activity.

The important point is to avoid over-scheduling. Six hours sounds generous, but immigration, transport, finding an activity, changing clothes, and getting back to the ferry all use time. I would choose beach time plus one paid activity, or sightseeing plus a relaxed meal. Trying to fit jet skiing, snorkeling, shopping, and a long beach session into one visit may leave you watching the clock.

How the $289 price holds up

At $289, this is not a cheap ferry ride. The price includes economy-class roundtrip ferry tickets and free time on Bimini, but not meals, drinks, or island activities.

The value depends on what you are comparing it with. If you are already in Fort Lauderdale and want a convenient same-day international outing, the trip gives you transport to another country, a tropical beach setting, and a full change of scenery. That can be worthwhile for a special occasion or a one-time Florida holiday.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a beach day. A long drive, an early terminal arrival, a potentially rough crossing, and extra spending on the island can make the day feel costly compared with simply visiting a Florida beach.

The ferry also takes up nearly the entire day. If your schedule is tight, remember that you are not buying six hours in Bimini alone. You are buying a pre-dawn start, waiting at the port, two ferry crossings, immigration, and time on the island.

I would set aside extra money for food, drinks, and at least one optional activity. If you plan to rent a golf cart or try parasailing, the total cost can rise well above the advertised fare.

Immigration and documents matter

You are leaving the United States, so every person must pass through port immigration. Bring your passport, and bring the required passport or identification document for children. Personal medication should stay with you, not in luggage you may not be able to reach quickly.

There is also a specific warning for Hungarian citizens. A Hungarian passport holder may need a new ESTA to re-enter the United States after leaving the country, even if the previous ESTA has not reached its stated expiration. The supplied information warns that this can lead to a fine of more than $500 and serious problems at the border.

I would verify current entry and re-entry rules before booking, especially if you are visiting the United States under ESTA or traveling on a passport with special requirements. A day trip across an international border is still an international trip.

Who will enjoy this most

I think this outing suits you if you want a compact taste of the Bahamas and are comfortable with a long day. It works well for people who enjoy beaches, warm water, casual cafés, and the freedom to choose their own pace.

It can also suit solo visitors. One account describes a solo day trip that was enjoyable despite the rocking ferry. Couples, families, and friends can use the free time in different ways, with some staying on the beach while others arrange paid activities.

The trip may not suit you if you have back problems, claustrophobia, vertigo, respiratory problems, haemophilia, kidney problems, recent surgery, motion sickness, or other pre-existing medical conditions. The ferry ride is not a minor detail. For some people, it will define the whole day.

I would also think twice if you want a polished, fully escorted excursion. The basic arrangement gives you transport and free time rather than constant guidance. Staff service appears capable in some situations but uneven in others, so a little independence helps.

Practical ways to make the day better

Arrive at Terminal 21 by 7:00 A.M., even if you have heard that the ferry may depart later. Bring your passport, medication, motion sickness prevention, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. Pack lightly, but keep essentials easy to reach during the crossing.

Eat something before boarding if you are comfortable doing so, then use the onboard café for a snack or drink rather than relying on it for a full meal. Since food is not included, plan for that cost from the start.

On arrival, decide whether the beach or an activity is your priority. If you want snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, or a golf cart, confirm availability and price before paying. Keep enough time to return to the ferry without rushing.

Finally, leave room for a slow hour. Bimini is best enjoyed when you can sit near the water, swim, browse a few shops, or have a drink without treating the island like a checklist.

FAQ

Where does the ferry depart from?

The ferry departs from Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 21 at 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive by 7:00 A.M. The ferry may not depart immediately, and some accounts describe a sailing time around 9:00 A.M.

How long is the trip?

The full experience lasts about 16 hours. The ferry crossing takes about two hours each way, and your time on Bimini depends on the operating schedule and port procedures.

Is food included?

No. Economy-class roundtrip ferry tickets and free time on Bimini are included, but food and drinks are not. You can purchase snacks and beverages onboard.

Are Bimini activities included?

No. Activities such as snorkeling, scuba activity, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin watching, swimming with sharks, and golf cart rental are sold separately.

What documents do I need?

You need a passport, and children need a passport or the required identification document. All visitors must pass through port immigration.