From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini

A day in the Bahamas is closer than you think. This trip makes Bimini an easy escape from South Florida, with a comfortable two-hour ferry ride, about six hours on the island, and enough free time for beaches, food, shopping, or a golf-cart outing. I like the smooth modern vessel and the chance to use Bimini as a flexible beach day rather than being tied to a rigid guided schedule. I also like the onboard bar, snacks, and duty-free shop, which make the crossing feel more like part of the holiday.

The main catch is time. After the ferry, customs, transfers, and getting your bearings, six hours can pass quickly. You also need the correct passport and re-entry paperwork, and the operator cannot control delays caused by weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or immigration services.

Quick Points Before You Book

• Two hours each way: The high-speed ferry connects Port Everglades with Bimini in roughly two hours.
• About six hours ashore: Free time is listed as approximately 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• A 600-passenger ship: The vessel is modern and comfortable, with economy and business-class options.
• Beach time is the easy choice: Bimini’s clear water, beach chairs, and relaxed pace suit a simple day by the sea.
• Golf carts add freedom: Renting one lets you see more of the island, including the Straw Market, local restaurants, and places such as a shipwreck area mentioned by one visitor.
• Bring the right paperwork: You need a valid passport and any required re-entry authorization or visa before you travel.

The Ferry From Port Everglades

Your journey begins at Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the terminal. This matters if you are staying in Miami, where reaching the port can add both time and cost.

The ferry is a large, high-speed vessel with room for about 600 people. The crossing takes around two hours in each direction, and the ship is described as smooth and comfortable. That is a useful advantage for a day trip because the ride is long enough to matter, but not so long that the ferry becomes the whole event.

You can choose economy or business class, depending on the option you book. The supplied details do not spell out the exact differences between those classes, so I would check what your selected fare includes before paying extra. The ship has a full bar, snacks, and a duty-free gift shop. Drinks and snacks have been described as reasonably priced, though you should still expect shipboard prices rather than mainland supermarket prices.

The ferry gives you a chance to settle in before Bimini. Bring comfortable clothes, and consider packing a towel if you plan to swim. The crossing is also a good time to check your return arrangements, since the island portion is self-guided and clear instructions are important.

Six Hours on Bimini

The scheduled free time in Bimini is approximately 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That sounds generous, but it is not a full island day. You have to allow time for arrival procedures, transfers, and getting back to the ferry before departure.

Bimini works well for this format because you can keep your plans simple. You might head straight to the beach, eat local food, visit shops, or arrange an activity such as kayaking or swimming with dolphins. The trip does not force you into one plan, which is a strength if you prefer to set your own pace.

It can also be a weakness. Once you leave the ferry, you may need to figure out transportation and directions yourself. One person found that more information about the transfer would have helped, while another expected a shuttle to circulate more widely around the island instead of mainly serving the resort area.

My advice is to decide what you want before arrival. If you want the beach, go there first. If you want a golf cart, food, and island sightseeing, organize your plan early so you do not spend half the day working out transportation.

Beach Time, Clear Water, and Resort Access

For many people, Bimini is chiefly a beach stop. The water has been described as exceptionally clear, with one visitor noting that they could see their feet while standing in water up to their necks. That kind of visibility is a strong reason to choose this trip over a standard sightseeing day in South Florida.

Beach chairs and umbrellas may be available at no charge in some beach areas, according to one account. Another visitor paid $25 for an umbrella, so the cost and location may vary. I would not assume that every chair, umbrella, or resort facility is included. Ask the local staff what is free before settling in.

You can also purchase a day pass for the Hilton Resort World Bimini facilities onboard the ferry. The supplied information gives two prices, $30 and $40, so confirm the current amount at the time of booking or onboard. The pass is not included in the ferry fare.

The resort option may appeal to you if you want a polished beach-club setting, organized facilities, and a straightforward place to spend the afternoon. Several people enjoyed the resort and its beach. But you do not need to buy the pass to enjoy Bimini, and one person had a lovely day simply staying on the beach.

The choice comes down to your style. Pay for the resort pass if you value convenience and resort facilities. Skip it if your ideal day is a towel, clear water, local food, and a walk around the island.

Exploring Bimini by Golf Cart

A golf cart can make a big difference during six hours. One visitor used one to reach the far end of the island, find a shipwreck area, see rays and hermit crabs, visit the Straw Market, and stop at a local restaurant. That is a much fuller experience than staying beside the ferry terminal or resort.

The golf cart option also gives you control over your time. You can stop for photographs, look for a quieter beach, and choose when to eat. The tradeoff is that you take on the work of arranging transportation and navigation yourself. The supplied information does not give a rental price or booking method, so you should confirm those details before relying on this plan.

If you prefer not to drive, a local taxi can take you to the beach. This is simpler, but it may limit how much of the island you see. The trip is best for people who are comfortable making a few decisions on the spot, rather than those who want every transfer and activity handled in advance.

Food, Shops, and the Pace of the Island

Bimini offers local restaurants, drinks, and shopping, including the Straw Market. The food has received warm praise, and several people enjoyed the relaxed combination of beach time and a meal.

Do not expect every shop to be open. One person found that many stores were closed, which is worth remembering if shopping is a major reason for your visit. The island portion is not a guaranteed shopping tour, and opening hours may affect what you can do.

The best approach is to treat the food and shopping as additions to your beach day. If a restaurant is open and appealing, enjoy it. If the shops are quiet, you have not lost the main attraction: the water and the easygoing island setting.

Is $270 a Fair Price?

The listed price is $270 per person. That includes the roundtrip ferry ticket in the class you select, but not hotel transportation, the resort day pass, food, drinks, island transport, or optional activities.

That is not a cheap beach outing. Still, the price covers an international day trip from Florida, two ferry crossings, and about six hours in the Bahamas. For you, the value depends heavily on how much you want the novelty of reaching another country for the day.

The ferry is a major part of the cost, but it is also what makes Bimini practical without booking a hotel. If you were already planning a longer Bahamas trip, this excursion may feel rushed and less attractive. If you have only one free day and want something different from the usual Florida attractions, the price may feel reasonable.

Budget beyond the advertised fare. You may need transport to Port Everglades, food and drinks, a taxi or golf cart, and possibly the resort pass. The conflicting $30 and $40 figures for the resort pass make it especially important to confirm the current price.

Timing, Customs, and Paperwork

This is an 18-hour activity, even though the ferry rides and island time add up to about ten hours. The long total reflects the early start, port procedures, and the time needed to return through the travel process.

Bring a valid passport. You are crossing an international border, so you also need any required re-entry authorization. Citizens of some countries may need a Bahamian entry visa. Check the Bahamian immigration website before booking, because responsibility for correct documents rests with you.

Immigration delays are a real possibility. The operator is not responsible for delays caused by weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or Bahamian immigration services. A past delay at customs lasted more than an hour, and another serious delay was linked to a passenger who did not have the required travel documents.

Build patience into your day. Do not schedule a tight evening flight, cruise, or other important appointment immediately after returning to Florida. Border procedures are part of the trip, not a minor footnote.

The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only. Infants under six months are not permitted. English is the listed language, and a host or greeter is available in English.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would recommend this day trip to you if you want:

• A quick taste of the Bahamas without booking a hotel
• A comfortable ferry rather than a small boat
• A flexible day with beach, food, and sightseeing choices
• Clear water and an easy swim-focused outing
• The option to add a resort day pass or explore by golf cart

It is less suitable if you dislike long travel days, border procedures, or making your own plans. It may also disappoint you if you expect a fully guided tour with a host explaining every stop. The island time is free time, and that means freedom but also some responsibility.

Families should check the age rule carefully, since infants under six months cannot join. People with mobility needs should note the foldable-wheelchair restriction before booking.

Practical Ways to Get More From the Day

I would bring your passport, towel, comfortable clothes, and a public transport ticket if you are using public transportation. Keep your documents secure and easy to reach during the crossing and border checks.

Wear clothes that work for both the ferry and the beach. You can spend the day swimming, walking, eating, or riding around, so simple clothing and practical shoes make more sense than dressing for a formal resort.

Decide in advance if you want the resort pass. If you wait until arrival, you may lose time comparing options. Since the supplied price information differs, confirm whether the current onboard charge is $30 or $40.

If you want to explore beyond the beach, plan for island transport. A taxi may be enough for a beach visit. A golf cart gives you more freedom, but you need to arrange it and keep an eye on the ferry return time.

Allow extra time for the return journey. Do not assume that the ferry will deliver you back to your hotel, and do not treat the advertised six hours on Bimini as six uninterrupted hours of sightseeing.

Should You Book the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Trip?

Book it if the idea of spending one day in the Bahamas excites you and you are happy with a long day, a two-hour ferry each way, and roughly six hours ashore. The strongest parts are the comfortable ship, the clear water, and the freedom to choose between a simple beach day, resort facilities, local food, or a golf-cart tour.

Skip it if you want a slow island holiday, a detailed guided tour, or a low-cost outing with no extra expenses. The $270 fare is only the starting point, and customs delays or unclear transfers can take some shine off the experience.

For the best value, keep your plan focused. Choose the beach and a meal, or choose a golf cart and island exploring. Trying to do everything in six hours will make Bimini feel rushed. If you want a simple international escape from Fort Lauderdale, this is a practical and memorable choice.

FAQ

Where does the Bimini day trip depart from?

The departure point is Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

How long is the ferry ride?

The ferry takes approximately two hours each way between Fort Lauderdale and Bimini.

How much time do I get in Bimini?

The approximate free time in Bimini is six hours, generally from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an economy or business-class roundtrip ferry ticket, depending on the option selected.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the Hilton Resort World Bimini day pass included?

No. The day pass is an additional purchase made onboard the ferry. The supplied information lists the price as either $30 or $40, so confirm the current charge before buying.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a valid passport and the required re-entry authorization to travel through Customs and Immigration.

Could I need a visa?

Citizens of some countries may require an entry visa for the Bahamas. You should check the Bahamian immigration website before booking.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants under six months old are not permitted.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, towel, comfortable clothes, and a public transport ticket if needed.