From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini

The biggest surprise here is how easily you can turn a Florida morning into a Bahamian beach day. A modern ferry carries you from Port Everglades to Bimini in about two hours, then gives you roughly six hours on the island before the return crossing.

I like the comfortable boat and full bar, which make the long day easier, and I like having freedom once you arrive. You can settle on the beach, eat local food, rent a golf cart, or pay for access to the Resort World Bimini facilities. The main drawback is the schedule: the port formalities, ferry crossings, and possible delays leave less time than you might expect for exploring.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours each way: The modern 600-passenger ferry is a practical way to reach Bimini without flying.
• About six hours ashore: The usual island time runs from around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Beach time is the sure bet: Clear water, chairs, umbrellas, food, and drinks make a simple beach day easy.
• A golf cart adds freedom: You can cover more of the island and look for places such as the Straw Market and a shipwreck.
• Bring the right documents: You need a valid passport and any required re-entry authorization or visa.
• Budget for extras: Hotel transfers, food, activities, and the Resort World Bimini day pass are not included.

A Florida morning, a Bahamian afternoon

This is one of the simplest ways to sample the Bahamas from South Florida. You meet at Port Everglades Terminal 21, board the ferry, and leave the mainland behind for the open water between Florida and Bimini.

The vessel carries up to 600 passengers and is described as modern and comfortable. That matters on a trip with two sea crossings. You have access to snacks, a full bar, and a duty-free gift shop, so you are not stuck sitting in a bare transport cabin for four hours of your day.

The trip is best understood as a beach-and-island sampler, not a guided cultural tour. Once you reach Bimini, you are largely on your own. That is good news if you dislike being marched from one stop to another, but it means you need to make a plan before you arrive.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You must arrange your own way to Port Everglades and back, and the meeting details can vary with the option you book. If you are staying in Miami or elsewhere in South Florida, allow extra time and money for reaching the port.

The ferry crossing: comfortable, but not the whole adventure

The crossing takes about two hours in each direction. The ferry offers Economy and Business Class options, with the class depending on the ticket you select. The exact difference between those options should be checked at booking, but either way, the boat is the main transport for this experience.

I like the fact that refreshments are available onboard. A snack and a drink can make the outward trip feel like part of the holiday rather than a chore. The full bar and duty-free shop also give you something to do while the boat is underway.

Do not treat the boat as a sightseeing cruise with a packed commentary program. The attraction is the ease of getting to Bimini, not a narrated tour of the sea. Bring comfortable clothes, and pack a towel if you plan to swim.

The day can be long. The listed duration is 18 hours, even though the two ferry crossings total about four hours and the island visit is about six. The rest of the time is tied to departure timing, port procedures, and the full-day schedule. Check the available date and starting time carefully before you commit.

Six hours in Bimini: choose your own pace

The usual free time is approximately 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That is enough for a relaxed beach visit and lunch, or for a more active outing, but it is not enough to do everything on the island.

Your first decision is how much structure you want. The easiest plan is to go to the beach, find a chair, and spend the afternoon in the clear water. This is the choice that makes the trip work for people who mainly want sun, swimming, and a taste of the Bahamas.

A second option is to use local transport and explore farther. A local taxi can take you to the beach, and a shuttle connection is available around the arrival area, though directions are not always as clear as they should be. Pay attention to where you are dropped off and where you must return for the ferry.

A golf cart is a better fit if you want to see more than one small section of the island. It lets you visit places such as the Straw Market, search for a shipwreck, and reach quieter stretches. One especially appealing account of the day included clear water, strong rays, hermit crabs, local food, and a ride to the far end of the island.

The tradeoff is simple: every minute spent exploring is a minute you are not spending at the beach. I would decide before arrival, especially since the return process may require taking a tram or shuttle back to the correct ferry departure point.

The beach and Resort World Bimini choice

The beach is the safest plan for your free time. The water is clear enough that you may be able to see your feet while standing in it, and beach chairs and umbrellas have been provided free of charge in at least some areas. Conditions and access can vary, so do not assume every chair, umbrella, or facility is included everywhere.

You can also purchase a Day Pass for the Hilton Resort World Bimini facilities onboard the vessel. The supplied details give two different prices: one section lists $30, while the exclusions list $40. Treat the price as subject to confirmation when you book or onboard.

The pass may suit you if you want a more polished beach-club setting, hotel facilities, and an easier all-in-one afternoon. It is not essential for enjoying Bimini. You can spend the day on the public beach, eat locally, and explore without buying it.

Food and drinks are available on the island, but the cost can rise quickly at resort-style facilities. Local restaurants offer a more grounded choice, and a golf-cart outing makes it easier to look beyond the most convenient hotel area. If you want a quiet, low-cost day, bring a plan and keep your spending focused on transport and lunch.

One practical beach tip is to bring or budget for shade. A past visitor reported paying $25 for an umbrella with chairs in one area. That does not mean the same charge applies everywhere, especially since another account found free chairs and umbrellas, but it shows why you should ask before settling in.

What exploring Bimini can look like

Bimini is not presented as a packed sightseeing destination in this day trip. Its appeal is the combination of water, small-island wandering, food, and an unhurried afternoon.

A golf cart gives you the best chance of turning the visit into a real island outing. You can cover more ground than on foot, stop at the Straw Market, and look for coastal details such as a shipwreck, rays, and hermit crabs. The water and shoreline are the stars here, not a long list of formal attractions.

Kayaking and dolphin swimming are also named as possible activities. Check availability and cost before counting on either one, since they are not included in the ferry ticket and may not operate on every sailing date.

If food is important to you, make time for a local restaurant rather than assuming the resort area is your only option. The day is short, so lunch should not turn into a long detour. A quick meal with time left for the water will usually give you more from the island than spending the entire afternoon indoors.

Shopping is modest rather than a major reason to book. The Straw Market offers a chance to browse local goods, but opening hours can vary, and some shops may be closed. Plan around the beach and water first, then treat shopping as a bonus.

The return crossing and the real timing risk

The ferry leaves Bimini after the free-time window, with the return trip taking about two hours. You need to follow the instructions for getting back to the departure point, not simply walk toward the boat.

This is where the trip needs better orientation. Directions for the shuttle or tram can be limited, and the transfer may run through Fisherman’s Wharf rather than directly from the place where you were first dropped off. Ask staff to confirm the exact pickup point and return route as soon as you arrive.

The operator also warns that weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or Immigration services can cause delays. Customs and Immigration on return can take time as well. One past trip had a delay of more than an hour and a half at customs, while another was delayed for about two hours because a passenger family lacked the required documents.

That is not a reason to reject the trip, but it is a reason not to schedule a tight flight, dinner reservation, or other fixed plan immediately afterward. Keep the next morning or evening flexible if possible.

The passport rule is not optional

You are crossing an international border, so bring a valid passport. You also need permission to re-enter the United States and, depending on your nationality, possibly a visa for the Bahamas.

The operator places responsibility for the correct paperwork on you. Check the Bahamian immigration requirements before booking, not the night before departure. A missing document can delay the boat and ruin the day for you and other passengers.

Infants under six months old are not permitted. The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only, so confirm that your mobility equipment fits this rule before reserving.

Free cancellation is available up to two days in advance for a full refund. The trip sails on selected dates, so check availability rather than assuming it runs daily.

Is $270 a fair price?

At $270 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. You are paying for roundtrip international ferry transport, port handling, the convenience of reaching Bimini in about two hours, and a full day away from Florida.

The value improves if you are already near Fort Lauderdale and want a simple Bahamas sample without booking a hotel or arranging flights. It is also useful for a special occasion, such as a birthday beach day, when the convenience matters more than finding the absolute lowest price.

The value drops if you are coming from Miami or another distant part of South Florida and must add costly transport to Port Everglades. It also drops if you expect a fully guided tour, several included activities, or a resort day pass in the base price.

Plan for extra spending on the following:

• Transport to and from Port Everglades
• Food and drinks
• Golf-cart rental or local taxi service
• Kayaking or dolphin activities
• Resort World Bimini access
• Beach shade if it is not provided where you settle

Business Class may be worth considering if seating comfort is a priority on a long day, but the available information does not specify every difference between the two ticket types. Compare the inclusions before paying more.

Who will enjoy this day trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward taste of the Bahamas, enjoy making your own plans, and are happy with several hours of beach time. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone marking a birthday or special weekend.

It is also a good fit if you like a mix of comfort and independence. The ferry handles the hard part, while you choose between a resort beach, local food, a golf cart, kayaking, or a simple swim.

I would hesitate if you dislike long travel days, border procedures, uncertain return timing, or arranging your own port transport. It may also disappoint you if you want a detailed guided tour with constant commentary and organized sightseeing.

The trip is strongest when you accept Bimini on its own terms: beautiful water, a relaxed beach, modest shopping, local food, and plenty of unstructured time.

Should you book the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini trip?

Book it if the idea of a day in clear Bahamian water sounds worth the early start, long schedule, and $270 price. The ferry is comfortable, the island time is generous enough for a proper beach afternoon, and a golf cart can turn a basic resort stop into a more interesting look at Bimini.

Before booking, confirm the sailing date, meeting point, Resort World Bimini pass price, and your passport and visa requirements. Once you arrive, get clear instructions for the return shuttle or tram and leave plenty of room for customs delays.

If you want a quick, convenient island sample, this trip makes sense. If you want slow island time, a quiet local stay, or several days of exploring, spend the money on an overnight visit instead.

FAQ

How long does the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini day trip last?

The listed duration is 18 hours. The ferry takes about two hours each way, and the usual free time in Bimini is approximately six hours, from around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where does the ferry depart?

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

What is included in the ticket?

Your selected Economy or Business Class roundtrip ferry ticket is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off, island activities, food, drinks, and the Resort World Bimini day pass are not included.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You must bring a valid passport and any required re-entry authorization. Citizens of some countries may also need a Bahamian entry visa.

Is the Resort World Bimini day pass included?

No. The pass is an additional purchase available onboard the vessel. The supplied details list the price as either $30 or $40, so confirm the current cost before buying.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants under six months old are not permitted on this tour.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but only foldable wheelchairs are specified as accessible for this tour.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund. The sailing operates on selected dates, so check availability before booking.