Day Trip to Bimini, Bahamas – Ferry Tickets

Bimini is close enough to reach by ferry, yet it feels like a proper international outing. This day trip gives you a two-hour crossing from Fort Lauderdale and several hours to enjoy beaches, the Hilton at Resort World Bimini, or your own island plans without being tied to a guided excursion.

I like the freedom to plan your day and the comfortable, spacious vessel, which can carry up to 600 people. I also like that port fees and taxes are included, and that Premium class offers a snack, sundeck access, and priority disembarkation. The catch is the long travel day and the amount of waiting around the terminals.

Key points to know before booking

• Your passport is essential: You pass through Bahamian and US Customs and Immigration, so bring the correct passport and re-entry documents.
• The ferry ride takes about two hours each way: Expect a full day once check-in, boarding, clearance, and disembarkation are added.
• You get roughly six to eight hours in Bimini: Island time is usually about 11:00 am to 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm, depending on the sailing date.
• Premium has modest but useful extras: You receive a light breakfast or snack on one ferry leg, access to the sundeck, and priority disembarkation.
• Bimini is small and best suited to a relaxed day: Beaches, resort facilities, and local transport are the main draws, rather than a packed sightseeing program.
• The $30 resort day pass is separate: It includes pool, beach club, towels, Wi-Fi, and transport within the resort, with some activities costing extra.

A fast ferry to a small Bahamian island

The appeal here is simple: you can leave South Florida in the morning and spend the afternoon beside clear Bahamian water. Bimini is made up of North Bimini and South Bimini, two small islands with a slower pace than a large resort destination.

The ferry itself is a major part of the experience. The modern high-speed vessel has comfortable seating, restrooms, snacks, panoramic views, lounge areas, a full bar, and a duty-free shop. A capacity of up to 600 people means there is plenty of room in theory, though the terminal and boarding process can still feel crowded at busy times.

You should think of this as transportation with free time, not a guided sightseeing tour. No guide leads you around Bimini, and no island activity is included. That suits independent visitors who already know how they want to spend the day, but it puts the planning work in your hands.

The stated price is $270 per person. That is a serious amount for a day trip, but it covers the round-trip ferry, port fees, and taxes. You are paying for the international crossing and the convenience of returning to Fort Lauderdale the same day, not for meals, a tour guide, or a built-in beach package.

Fort Lauderdale check-in requires patience

The meeting point is 2021 Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale, and the listed start time is 7:00 am. Sailing dates and exact departure times can vary, so check your confirmation carefully rather than relying only on the general start time.

Plan to arrive three hours before departure. The boarding doors close one hour before departure, with no exceptions. This is more time than many people expect for a ferry, but you need to allow for ticket checks, security, immigration procedures, and the general pace of an international terminal.

Your confirmation email contains the trip details and boarding information. At the terminal, staff verify your booking and direct you through the check-in process. Restrooms and seating are available while you wait, but do not treat the early arrival requirement as optional.

The terminal process can be confusing, especially if this is your first trip to Bimini. Give yourself enough time to find the correct area, complete the formalities, and board without rushing. The amount of waiting is one of the main trade-offs of this outing.

The booking requires each person’s full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, and nationality. Make sure those details are accurate. A reservation is not confirmed without the required passport information.

What the two-hour crossing is like

Boarding begins well before sailing, and the crew gives a short safety briefing once you are settled. You can remain in your seat, use the lounge areas, visit the sundeck if your ticket includes access, or look out at the water through the vessel’s panoramic viewing areas.

The crossing takes about two hours, but conditions can change. One reported outing was very choppy in windy weather, while other crossings were smooth and comfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and keep the weather in mind when selecting your date.

The ferry has restrooms and onboard refreshments. Economy passengers should not expect a full meal, and Premium’s included food is described as a light breakfast or snack on one leg of the journey. Bring extra snacks if you need more than that.

Food and drinks beyond the included snack are not covered in the ticket price. The onboard bar and duty-free shop are useful, but purchases cost extra. You should also carry some food for Bimini, since meals around the beach and resort areas can be expensive.

Premium class is best understood as a convenience upgrade, not a luxury cruise experience. The sundeck and priority disembarkation can help, particularly when you want to get off the ferry quickly, but the basic crossing remains the same.

Your free time in Bimini

The ferry normally reaches Bimini around 11:00 am. Your return schedule depends on the day: free time is approximately until 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and until 7:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

That gives you a useful block of island time, but the schedule leaves little room for mistakes. You must keep an eye on the time and allow for the return check-in process. Do not plan an activity that ends close to departure.

Bimini’s small size is part of its charm and also its limitation. You can enjoy a quiet beach day, arrange local transportation, visit the resort, or create your own simple island plan. You should not expect a long list of major attractions or a tightly packed sightseeing route.

The island’s beaches and clear water are the main reward. If your perfect day means swimming, sitting by the shore, and taking things slowly, the timetable works well. If you want museums, extensive shopping, or several far-flung sights, Bimini may feel too limited for the price.

The local team can offer guidance about transportation options, nearby attractions, and hotel check-ins. Still, the experience is not built around a full island orientation. It is smart to decide your main plan before leaving Fort Lauderdale.

The Resort World Bimini option

The Hilton at Resort World Bimini offers a separate day pass for $30 per person. It includes access to the pool, beach club, towels, Wi-Fi, and transportation within the resort.

The pass also lets you choose from on-site bars and restaurants and join select water activities. Some activities carry extra charges, and food and drinks are not included in the ferry ticket. This option gives you a clear base for the day, but it adds another cost to an already expensive excursion.

The resort may suit you if you want facilities, a pool, and a predictable place to spend your free hours. You can also simply explore Bimini independently and skip the pass. Compare the $30 cost with what you actually want from the island before adding it.

If your aim is a quiet beach day, confirm what beach access is available under your chosen plan. If you prefer organized facilities, the resort pass may reduce the guesswork. Either way, do not assume it is included in the ferry fare.

Returning through Bimini and Fort Lauderdale

Return check-in begins before sailing, and you must follow the time printed in your documents. The ferry operator requires check-in three hours before departure at its terminals, while the itinerary information also advises early arrival. Use the stricter timing and be early.

After boarding, the return trip offers the same seating, restrooms, lounge areas, snacks, bar, and views as the outbound crossing. Premium passengers receive priority disembarkation, though everyone must wait for official clearance when required.

This is an important point: arriving at a port does not always mean you can walk off immediately. Local and federal authorities may take at least an hour to clear the vessel. That delay is outside the ferry operator’s control, so keep onward transportation flexible.

On arrival in Fort Lauderdale, staff can provide local transport information or answer questions about continuing your journey. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

What the $270 price really buys

At $270, this is not a bargain beach transfer. You also need to budget for meals, drinks, island transportation, optional activities, and the $30 resort pass if you choose it.

The value improves if you care about returning to Fort Lauderdale the same day and want to avoid arranging separate flights, hotels, or complicated connections. The ferry handles the international crossing in both directions, while you control the island portion.

The price is harder to justify if you want only a few hours on a beach. Much of your day is spent checking in, boarding, crossing the water, clearing authorities, and preparing for the return. A longer stay in the Bahamas may offer better value if you have the time.

I would also compare Economy and Premium carefully. Economy is likely enough if you mainly want a seat and transport. Premium makes more sense if a light snack, sundeck access, and earlier disembarkation matter to you, but do not expect a full meal or a dramatically different ferry ride.

Who should book this Bimini day trip?

You are a good match for this trip if you enjoy independent travel and can make your own fun with a beach, resort, or simple island plan. It also suits visitors who want a first taste of the Bahamas without booking an overnight stay.

Families and groups should pay attention to the early start, long day, and immigration requirements. Infants younger than six months cannot join, and most other people can participate. The ferry is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs, and service animals are allowed. Dogs require separate documentation and an additional fee.

This is less suitable if you dislike boats, long waits, strict departure times, or uncertain weather. Wind can make the crossing rough, and poor weather can cancel the trip. If the operator cancels because of weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The cancellation terms are strict in all other cases. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so confirm your schedule and documents before paying.

Passport and entry rules matter most

You must have a valid passport and permission to re-enter the United States. US citizens need a valid US passport or passport card. US permanent residents need a passport from their country of birth plus a US alien resident card.

EU citizens need an ESTA for re-entry. Other visitors in the United States must check whether their nationality requires a Bahamian visa before booking. The operator will not refund you if immigration authorities prevent you from boarding because your paperwork is incomplete.

This is not a minor formality. You are leaving the United States and entering another country, then returning through US immigration. Check the Bahamian entry rules and US re-entry requirements for your nationality before you reserve.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry if you want a straightforward, self-guided day in Bimini and accept that the journey takes most of the day. The beaches, clear water, comfortable ferry, and freedom to choose your own island plan are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you expect a guided tour, a packed schedule of attractions, or a cheap beach excursion. The $270 fare, extra food costs, strict paperwork rules, and long terminal waits require careful planning.

For the best experience, arrive early, bring snacks, check the weather, keep your passport details exact, and decide in advance whether you want the resort day pass. Done with realistic expectations, this is a practical way to get a short taste of the Bahamas without staying overnight.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the Bimini ferry?

Check-in starts three hours before departure. Boarding doors close one hour before departure, with no exceptions, so arrive early and follow the specific time on your confirmation.

Do I need a passport to travel to Bimini?

Yes. You need a valid passport and the documents required to re-enter the United States. Entry and re-entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Bahamian and US requirements before booking.

What information is required when booking?

You must provide each person’s full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, passport expiration date, and nationality. Without this information, the reservation remains unconfirmed.

How long will I be in Bimini?

Free time is approximately 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Sailing dates and times are selected during booking.

What does the Premium ticket include?

Premium includes a light breakfast or snack on one ferry leg, access to the sundeck, and priority disembarkation. The ferry also has a bar and duty-free shop.

Is food included in the ticket?

Snacks are available onboard, and Premium passengers receive a complimentary snack on one leg. Other food and beverages are not included, so bring extra snacks or budget for purchases.

Can I bring luggage?

Each person may bring one free carry-on weighing no more than 26.5 pounds. Additional luggage can be checked for $25 per direction, payable on arrival. You should specify extra luggage when booking.

Is the Resort World Bimini day pass included?

No. The pass costs $30 per person. It includes the pool, beach club, towels, Wi-Fi, and transportation within the resort. Some water activities and other charges cost extra.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible and are pets allowed?

The ferry is accessible for foldable wheelchairs. Service animals are allowed. Dogs are permitted with separate documentation and an additional fee, so contact the local operator if you plan to bring one.