A ferry ride from the aqua blue waters of Miami to the picturesque islands of the Bahamas, is what I consider an ideal way to spend a beautiful day.
If you are in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or anywhere near the South Florida region, you can easily make a day trip to one of the most beautiful nations in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas is famous for its majestic coral reefs, pink and white sandy beaches, crystal clear water with a turquoise hue and of course, a beautiful diverse culture.
While you can opt for an international flight or indulge in one of the many cruise ships, there is nothing like a short trip via a ferry to The Bahamas.
It is the most exciting way to explore this wonderful archipelago in the Caribbean.
Page Contents
Planning Your Bahamas Day Trip from Florida
I am giving below everything you need to know to plan for your day trip to Bahamas from Florida.
I have tried to cover the most common questions people have regarding the day trip. This includes ferry timings, costs, the best locations and things to do for spending your day at the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahama islands.
Just in case you have any other specific queries, do ask in the comment section below. You can also use any of our social media channels and I will try to answer if I can.
The closest islands in Bahamas from Florida
Bimini Island and Grand Bahama Island are the two closest islands located near the east coast of Florida.
Bimini Island, located at western Bahamas is the nearest location from Florida at only 55 miles from Miami and 59 miles from Fort Lauderdale.
The island is so close that there are some who like to go jet skiing from Miami beach all the way to the Bimini islands.
Grand Bahama Island, which is located at northern Bahamas is 121 miles from Miami and about 107 miles from Fort Lauderdale.
Both of these chain of islands are a short boat ride away making a day trip realistic with plenty of time to spare for experiencing the best of the Bahamas.
I love the fact that a short trip via ferry to Bimini or Grand Bahamas Island allows you to indulge in some outstanding water sports, go angling, walk around the white sand beaches, snorkel in the clear waters viewing coral reefs and superb marine life.
Where to take the ferry for day trips to Bahamas from Florida
Port Everglades – Fort Lauderdale Port is where you need to take the ferry to either Bimini or Grand Bahama Island. These ferries are fast, have comfortable seats and offer the best value for a day tour to the Bahamas.
I believe there used to be day cruises from Port of Miami earlier but at the moment, Fort Lauderdale is the best place for day trip ferries to the Bahamas.
Fort Lauderdale Port is about 26 miles from Downtown Miami and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach by car.
Ferry day tour timings from Florida to The Bahamas
The best ferry round-trip from Florida to The Bahamas is from Fort Lauderdale.
Balearia Caribbean operates ferries a few times a week from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Timings: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Grand Bahamas Island
Ferry Departure is at 9 am – Boarding time by 8 am.
Arrival time at Bimini Island is 11 am.
Arrival time at Grand Bahamas Island is 12 noon.
So the total ride time is 2 hours to Bimini and 3 hours to Grand Bahamas.
Please ensure to board the ferry at Fort Lauderdale by 8 am as later than that, boarding may be denied.
Timings: Bimini and Grand Bahamas Island to Fort Lauderdale
Ferry Departure from Bimini Island is at 6 pm.
Arrival at Fort Lauderdale from Bimini Island is 8 pm.
Total ride time: 2 hours
Ferry Departure from Grand Bahamas Island is at 6.30 pm.
Arrival at Fort Lauderdale from Grand Bahamas Island is at 9.30 pm.
Total ride time: 3 hours
Cost for Ferry Day Trips to Bahamas from Florida
The average cost per person for a round trip ferry from Florida to either Bimini Island or Grand Bahamas Island is US $200.
There may be slight fluctuations in pricing as per season or special events but overall expect to pay around $200.
This is for the ferry only. You can book hotels as well via the ferry company for overnight stay or a resort day pass.
Passports and visas to enter The Bahamas
Citizens of United States of America do not need a visa to enter The Bahamas. However, they do need to show a valid passport to the authorities upon arrival to get entry.
Note that a valid passport with preferably at least 6 months validity is required for all flights to The Bahamas.
There is some confusion whether tourists can show documents such as birth certificates or driving licenses instead of a passport when using the ferry.
I highly recommend you carry your valid passport and do not rely on other documents to avoid last minute hassles.
Things to do on a day trip to Bahamas from Florida
Now that we have sorted the ferry timings, port of departure and costs, it is time to get to the all-important question.
What is the best way to spend your time during the day trip to Bahamas from Florida?
I have divided this section into two. One talks about all the things to do in Bimini Island and the other regarding things to do in Grand Bahamas Island.
Things to do on a day trip at Bimini Island
Bimini Island is the closed location in The Bahamas to Florida. It is the most practical destination for a day tour.
The good news is Bimini Island is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and incredible clear shallow waters for snorkeling.
Your ferry will arrive at North Bimini Island Port at 11 am. After the customs formalities, you can simply cross the port bridge and you are immediately in the midst of all the action.
There are plenty to beaches, snorkeling points, restaurants, bars and resorts at a walking distance.
Here are the top things to do on a day trip at Bimini Island
Get a Hilton at Resorts World Bimini Day Pass
Just a mere 10-minute walk from the ferry port, you have Hilton Hotel within the famous Resorts World Bimini.
If you do not like the uncertainty of free exploring and want the safety of a well-planned day trip, you should get the day pass at Hilton.
What it gives you is access to their private beach, entry to the casino, comfort of their restrooms, restaurants, spas, curated watersports and ability to relax while experiencing the best of Bimini Island.
Obviously, the day pass will cost you extra but it is worth the comfort it provides with private resort access.
Guests with confirmed hotel bookings can use the free tram service that goes around all locations of Resorts World Bimini. The trams start from the port itself.
Check here for Hilton Day Pass with Ferry from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Explore the best beaches of Bimini Island
Some of the best beaches in Bahamas is located at Bimini Island.
You can go beach hopping or find a particular spot and just relax all day.
Walk around the silky smooth white sand beaches, swim in the turquoise ocean waters and enjoy some local delicacies at beach side restaurants.
Most beaches are at walkable distance from the main North Bimini port. You can also hire golf carts to move around the island with ease.
Radio Beach in Alice Town is widely regarded as the most popular beach in North Bimini.
You also have Paradise Beach and Resorts World Bimini private beach.
To be honest, you cannot go wrong with any of the beaches in either North or South Bimini. You can access one after the other for a great beach experience.
Go Snorkeling to view exotic marine life, shipwrecks and coral reefs
You will find a number of snorkeling and scuba diving options while exploring the beaches of Bimini Island.
Each snorkeling adventure is as thrilling as the other, so choose wisely.
You can opt for shark reef to snorkel with several species of sharks. There is road to Atlantis, exotic coral reef exploration and the famous Sapona shipwreck.
The shipwreck snorkeling point is especially interesting as the marine life that has grown in and around the ship is quite extensive.
You can view gorgeous subtropical fish and abundant aquatic life full of mesmerizing colors and sizes.
Apart from Sapona shipwreck snorkeling, Turtle Rocks snorkeling is highly recommended as well.
The diversity of marine life at Turtle Rocks is superb. The location also has shallow waters plus much deeper waters at the other end for those who seek a more thrilling snorkeling and scuba diving adventure.
Visit the Dolphin House Museum
The beaches and waters of The Bahamas is of course, simply breathtaking.
However, if you also want to soak in the history and culture of the beautiful island nation, I strongly suggest a visit to the Dolphin House Museum.
An artistic masterpiece, the entire house is built using colorful stones and recycled materials.
It was built in 1993 by renowned artist Ashley Saunders. Dolphin House Museum helps you learn more about The Bahamas, it’s culture and marine life while going through a building that itself is a work of art.
Explore Alice Town
Alice Town in North Bimini is in the heart of the tourist activity on the island.
It is home to some of the best beaches, restaurants, bars and shops at Bimini.
You can reach Alice Town from the port quite quickly with a rented golf cart, as suggested earlier.
While at Alice Town, do look around the shops selling various local items and indulge in some delectable local cuisine with fresh fish.
Radio Beach is also in Alice Town and so are various other beaches that you can explore.
Go Fishing or Angling
Bimini Island is actually quite popular for its fishing activities.
Tourists can try their hand at angling at various locations.
The Bimini Big Game Club is perfect for serious anglers. You can even charter boats to various places like Tuna Alley or other popular cays around Bimini for some serious catch.
Visit the Fountain of Youth
Want to be young forever? You need to visit the Fountain of Youth at South Bimini Island.
Too bad it’s only a legend but Bimini is indeed the place where explorer Juan Ponce de León believed the legendary fountain of youth was located.
It is in reality a simple well but considering the history, myths, legends and fantasy stories associated with it, the Fountain of Youth is a fun visit while at Bimini Island.
Things to do on a day trip at Grand Bahamas Island
The ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahamas Island, reaches Freeport, one of the major cities and important tourist attractions of the island, at 12 noon.
You need to keep in mind that you need to board your return ferry latest by 6.15 pm.
Realistically, you have 6 hours on the island. Hence, you need to be smart on what you do during your day trip to Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island.
Considering Freeport is quite large and overall, Grand Bahamas Island is much larger than Bimini or other chain of islands in The Bahamas, there are lots to do during the day.
I am giving below few of the best ones and those that are realistic to achieve within 6 hours. I still would suggest you plan very well and ensure you stick to activities you know will get completed within the time you have at Grand Bahamas.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can use public buses and taxis to move around Freeport.
Here are the top things to do on a day trip at Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island
Go snorkeling at Deadman’s Reef – Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove is one of the best beaches in Freeport, Grand Bahamas.
Just off the coast at Paradise Cove, you have Deadman’s Reef, widely considered the best place for snorkeling at Grand Bahamas.
The reef has abundant marine life including turtles, manta rays, schools of tropical fish, outstanding coral reefs and several other exotic aquatic species.
The great thing about spending the day at Deadman’s Reef, Paradise Cove is that you can choose an activity based on your preference.
You could simply lay on the beach and soak up the sun. You could go snorkeling or indulge in watersports activities like kayaking. It is all up to you.
Check here for bookings and packages for Paradise Cove
Visit Garden of the Groves
Garden of the Groves is an outstanding botanical garden dedicated to the founders of Freeport.
This is the perfect place for nature and animal lovers as the garden is home to several wildlife species such as alligators, iguanas, migratory birds etc.
Of course, the plant life is exceptional and indigenous to the region.
The 12-acre garden can be easily covered with enough time for other activities on the island.
Check here for Garden of the Groves tours
Explore Port Lucaya
Port Lucaya is one of the most vibrant suburbs of Freeport and is a must visit.
The top things to do at the place would be to explore Port Lucaya Marketplace, spend time at the Lucaya Beach and check out Lucaya Marina.
Port Lucaya Marketplace is a famous commercial hub featuring great shops selling local handicrafts and other items. It also has some of the best restaurants you can try for local cuisine.
Lucaya Beach, is the best free-entry beach at Freeport. It is quite a long beach with lovely views, several water-based activities and superb turquoise waters of the ocean.
Enjoy Taino Beach with watersports
Taino Beach is another one of the famous beaches of Grand Bahamas and is popular for its watersports activities.
This is the place to go if you want to indulge in watersports that’s other than snorkeling or lazing around the beach.
The Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park is also located at Taino Beach, a family-friendly place with lots of options for water based activities.
Visit Peterson Cay National Park
Peterson Cay National Park is the smallest national park in Grand Bahamas located at Peterson Cay Island.
It is only 1.5 acres but the beauty of the place is stunning.
This is another great place for snorkeling thanks to the incredible marine life at the national park.
The reef at Peterson Cay Island is gorgeous and is accessible by a short boat tour from Freeport.
Check here for Peterson Cay National Park tour with hotel day pass
Visit Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park is famous for its secluded beaches, enchanting underwater cave systems, extraordinary marine life and breathtaking scenic beauty. This 16-acre national park is one of the best of Grand Bahamas.
You can also visit Rand Nature Center and Gold Rock Beach during a tour of the Lucayan National Park.
You can easily spend a lot of time at this place so do plan accordingly while on a day tour. If a customized plan is possible, then opt for a guided tour as then you can experience the best of Lucayan National Park and other attractions of Grand Bahamas.
Check here for Lucayan National Park tour with other Freeport attractions
Take Boat Tours and Shore Excursions
There are several boat tours and shore excursions available for small groups from one of the many ports and marinas at Freeport.
You can also take a glass bottom boat and explore the island while admiring the beauty of the coral reefs and marine life below.
Boat tours and shore excursions are one of the best ways to experience Grand Bahamas Islands.
These boat tours can last for an hour or so and can go up to several hours.
Remember, you only have a few hours on a day trip before you need to get back to your ferry, so choose wisely.
You do not want to get stuck at the island at the end of the day.
For those staying overnight at Grand Bahamas, you can take boat tours to Nassau and its attractions including Pig Beach, Paradise Island and Exuma Cays.
However, I do repeat, for a day trip, take short excursions only. Do not risk a trip that can take several hours as there can be delays for various reasons.
Also read: Fantastic Puerto Rico Catamaran Day Trips and Island Tours
Final thoughts
Bimini Island is the closest point to Florida at just about 50 miles.
A day trip to either Bimini or Grand Bahamas Island is easily doable with plenty of things to do for all tastes and preferences.
While there may be several ways to reach these islands, a ferry from Fort Lauderdale is the most convenient and fun way to explore The Bahamas.
