From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

Bimini is close enough to reach from Fort Lauderdale in about two hours, yet it feels like a proper international outing. This 16-hour ferry trip gives you a full afternoon on the Bahamian island for beaches, swimming, cafes, shops, and optional water sports.

I like the freedom here. You are not locked into one resort or one paid activity, and you can spend the island time quietly with a coconut drink or fill it with snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, or golf-cart sightseeing. I also like that the ferry is wheelchair accessible, with one passenger reporting helpful assistance for a large electric chair.

The main drawback is the long, early day and the risk of rough seas. Some departures have involved waiting at the terminal until around 6:00 A.M. before a 9:00 A.M. departure, and one account described high waves and widespread seasickness. At $289 per person, the value depends heavily on how much time you actually get ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• Two-hour ferry crossing: The fast boat connects Port Everglades with Bimini, but port procedures and boarding make this much longer than a simple two-hour ride.
• About six hours on Bimini: Your free time is the heart of the trip, with beaches, swimming, cafes, shops, and optional paid activities.
• Activities cost extra: Snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba, dolphin watching, shark encounters, and golf-cart rental are not included.
• Rough water is possible: Bring motion sickness medication and prepare for a rocking ride, especially if you are sensitive to boat movement.
• Passport required: Everyone must pass through port immigration, including children, who need a passport or ID card.
• Wheelchair access is available: The ferry is listed as accessible, though you should confirm your needs before departure.

A long day from Port Everglades to Bimini

The trip begins at Terminal 21, 1850 Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale. You are asked to arrive by 7:00 A.M., although some departure arrangements have required an even earlier meeting time. This is not a roll-out-of-bed excursion. Plan for a very early start, port procedures, and a full return journey later that day.

The ferry crossing itself takes about two hours in good conditions. On board, you can purchase drinks and snacks, and there is a food and beverage area upstairs. That sounds simple, but it matters on a day when you may be away from land for many hours. Bring patience, and consider carrying a few familiar snacks if you have dietary needs, since food is not included.

The full outing is advertised as 16 hours, though the day can run longer. The boat ride, customs, boarding, and unloading all take time. One passenger reported spending about 17 hours on the overall trip and only five hours at the resort. That is the key timing issue: the promise of a long afternoon on Bimini depends on the actual sailing schedule and port clearance.

What the ferry ride is really like

A fast ferry is an efficient way to reach Bimini, but it is not always a calm one. One account described high waves and many people becoming sick. Another passenger said the crossing was very rocking but still enjoyed the solo outing.

I would treat motion sickness preparation as essential rather than optional. Bring personal medication if you use it, and take the warning seriously if you already know that boat travel is difficult for you. The experience is not suitable for people with motion sickness, vertigo, serious respiratory issues, haemophilia, kidney problems, recent surgery, back problems, claustrophobia, or other pre-existing medical conditions listed for the activity.

Conditions can change, so even confident boat passengers should keep expectations sensible. A smooth crossing lets you arrive ready for the island. A rough one can make the first part of your beach time feel like recovery time.

Service on board can also vary. A June 2025 account described an unpleasant interaction with a server named Edwin in the upstairs food and beverage area. That is one specific service complaint, not a reason to expect poor treatment from every crew member, but it is fair to say that service standards may not be consistent.

Your first hours on Bimini

Bimini is the reward for the early alarm and ferry crossing. Once you clear port immigration, you have free time rather than a tightly managed sightseeing program. That flexibility is useful because Bimini can suit very different kinds of day trips.

You might head straight for the beach, swim in clear water, or simply find a cafe and settle into island time. You can also walk around souvenir shops, enjoy a coconut drink, and spend the afternoon with family or friends without having to follow a guide from stop to stop.

The beach experience can be especially good if you want peace and open space. One outing to the Grand Lucayan all-inclusive resort was described as having an almost empty beach and beautiful sand. That option is not included in the base fare, and resort access may be part of a separate arrangement, so check exactly what you are purchasing before paying for it.

The drawback is that free time requires planning. The package does not provide a built-in sightseeing route, included beach club, meal, or water sport. If you arrive without a plan, you may spend valuable hours deciding what to do. I would choose your main goal before leaving Fort Lauderdale: beach relaxation, a paid activity, or island sightseeing.

Choosing between beaches, shops, and water sports

The activity menu is broad, but it is not part of the $289 price. Optional choices include snorkeling, scuba, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin watching, swimming with sharks, and golf-cart rental. These can turn a quiet ferry day into an active one, but every added choice increases the total cost.

Snorkeling and swimming are the easiest fit for a short island visit. You get a taste of the clear water without giving up the whole afternoon to one organized activity. If you prefer a more structured outing, scuba, dolphin watching, or a shark swim may appeal, but the available schedule and pricing should be checked before you count on them.

Parasailing and jet skiing suit you if you want speed and a strong burst of activity. They are less useful if your main goal is a slow beach day. The trip description also lists sunset and dolphin watching, but your actual window on Bimini may not allow every possibility, especially when ferry timing changes.

Golf-cart rental offers a practical way to see more of the island. It gives you independence and can be useful for a group that wants to visit shops, beaches, and cafes at its own pace. Take care when arranging this option. A passenger reported uncomfortable and unprofessional behavior from some staff at a paid excursion location called Dave’s Golf Cart. I would confirm the price, meeting point, and expected service before handing over payment.

Why the free-time format works

I like that this is not a forced sightseeing tour. Bimini can be enjoyed at a slow pace, and you decide how much energy to spend. You can swim, sit by the water, browse shops, or book one activity rather than being pushed through several stops.

This format also works well for families and friends who do not all want the same day. One person can relax at a cafe while another looks into jet skiing or snorkeling. A solo visitor can make a simple beach day of it, as one passenger did, or organize a more active afternoon.

The tradeoff is that you do not get much guidance. There is no named island guide in the supplied information, and the package does not promise a guided tour. The experience provider is Admiral Tours Miami, but the ferry and island services may involve separate staff. You should be comfortable making choices on your own and asking clearly about extra costs.

Is $289 good value?

At $289, this is a major day-trip purchase. The price includes economy-class round-trip ferry tickets and free time on Bimini. It does not include food, drinks, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba, dolphin watching, shark swimming, golf-cart rental, or other island activities.

I see the value if you specifically want to set foot in the Bahamas without arranging several nights away. The ferry makes a cross-border island visit possible in a single day, and the base fare gives you access to the island even if you choose not to spend more once you arrive.

The value weakens if your day is shortened by port delays or if you need several paid activities to keep busy. One passenger felt the trip was not worth the money after receiving about five hours at a resort following a very long day. That is a useful warning for anyone expecting a relaxed, full-day island stay.

I would budget beyond the advertised price for food, drinks, and at least one optional activity if you want more than beach time. Also allow for the possibility that some activities advertised online or discussed on board may not be available on your particular date. Confirm before you build your whole plan around one excursion.

Immigration, passports, and special practical concerns

You are crossing an international border, so bring your passport. Children need a passport or ID card, and all visitors must pass through port immigration.

Pay close attention to your right to re-enter the United States. One passenger specifically warned that Hungarian citizens may need a new ESTA after leaving the country, even if an earlier ESTA has not reached its printed expiry date. The account described a fine of more than $500 and further border complications. This is a nationality-specific issue, not a general rule I can apply to everyone, so check your own entry requirements before booking.

Bring personal medication, and bring motion sickness prevention if needed. Food and drink are not included, while purchases on the ferry and island are extra. Comfortable beach clothing is sensible, but the most important item is your travel documentation.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. A passenger using a large, heavy electric wheelchair reported that staff helped with boarding and leaving the ferry. Still, accessible does not mean effortless in every situation. Contact the provider before departure with the exact size and type of chair, and ask how the island portion will work.

Who should book this Bimini day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a quick Bahamas visit, enjoy making your own plans, and can handle a long day at sea. It is a good match for beach lovers, independent couples, families, and solo visitors who want the choice of doing very little or adding a water sport.

It is less suitable if you dislike early starts, need a carefully guided schedule, or are sensitive to motion. You also need to accept that the most appealing parts of the day, such as snorkeling, parasailing, and golf-cart hire, cost extra.

The trip can work for wheelchair users, but advance confirmation is wise. It is not appropriate for people with the listed medical conditions, including serious back problems, vertigo, respiratory issues, haemophilia, kidney problems, recent surgery, or other conditions that make a long ferry ride unsafe.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the ferry ride itself is an acceptable price for a short visit to Bimini and you are happy with flexible island time. The beach, clear water, cafes, shops, and choice of optional activities can make a memorable day, particularly if the sea is calm and the sailing runs on time.

Skip it if you expect a polished, all-inclusive resort day for $289. Food, drinks, resort access, and activities are extra, and the schedule may leave you with less island time than expected. My best advice is to check the current ferry departure and return times, prepare for rough water, bring the right passport, and decide in advance whether you want a beach day or a paid activity.

FAQ

Where does the Bimini ferry trip begin?

The meeting point is Terminal 21 at Port Everglades, 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive by 7:00 A.M. Some arrangements have required an earlier meeting time, so check the current instructions after booking.

How long is the entire experience?

The listed duration is 16 hours. The ferry takes about two hours each way in suitable conditions, but port procedures and delays can make the day longer.

How much time do I get on Bimini?

The trip description allows about six hours of free time on the island. Actual time may vary with ferry departures, immigration, and port delays.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase snacks and drinks on the ferry.

Are water activities included?

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

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You must bring a passport, and children need a passport or ID card. All visitors must pass through port immigration.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. A passenger with a large electric wheelchair reported receiving help with boarding and leaving the ferry, but you should confirm your specific needs in advance.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.