From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini

Bimini is close enough to Florida for a proper island day without booking a flight. You ride a modern 600-passenger ferry from Fort Lauderdale, spend about six hours in the Bahamas, then return the same day. The trip is simple in concept, but your success depends on using those six hours well.

I like the comfortable two-hour crossing, with a full bar, snacks, and duty-free shopping onboard. I also like the freedom once you arrive: you can take a taxi to the beach, rent a golf cart, eat local food, or pay for access to Resort World Bimini. The main drawback is the long day and limited time on the island, plus possible delays from weather, immigration, or customs.

Key points to know before booking

• The ferry takes about two hours each way, on a modern vessel carrying up to 600 passengers.
• You get roughly six hours in Bimini, generally around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• A golf cart can make the day more rewarding, especially if you want to see more than one beach or town area.
• The water is exceptionally clear, making a beach day the easiest and most dependable plan.
• Resort World Bimini access costs extra, with the supplied information showing both $30 onboard and $40 in the exclusions, so confirm the current price before you go.
• You need a valid passport and permission to re-enter the United States, and visa rules depend on your nationality.

The Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry ride

The journey begins at Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale. The exact meeting arrangement can vary by booking option, so read your confirmation closely and allow time for port procedures.

The ferry crossing takes about two hours. That is long enough to settle in, have a snack, and enjoy the trip without feeling trapped for half a day. The vessel is a modern, high-speed ferry with economy and business-class seating options. A full bar and duty-free gift shop give you a few ways to pass the time.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Several people specifically praised the smooth crossing, comfortable seating, friendly onboard staff, and reasonably priced drinks and snacks. That matters because the ferry is not just transport. It is roughly four hours of your day, two each way.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The ferry does not erase the fact that this is a long day. The advertised duration is 18 hours, while the stated crossing and island time add up to about 10 hours. The extra time likely accounts for check-in, port procedures, and border formalities. You should treat this as a full-day commitment, not a quick morning outing.

Six hours around Bimini

You generally have free time from about 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is no structured island sightseeing program described, so you are responsible for deciding how to spend your time once you arrive.

That freedom is useful if you already know what kind of day you want. It is less useful if you expect a guided tour with a clear schedule and local commentary. Some visitors found the transfer process and directions at the dock unclear, so pay attention when you arrive and confirm how and where you will return for the ferry.

The island offers several possible plans:

• Take a taxi to the beach and spend the afternoon swimming.
• Rent a golf cart and explore farther along the island.
• Eat at a local restaurant.
• Visit the Straw Market.
• Try kayaking or arrange a dolphin swim.
• Purchase access to Resort World Bimini facilities.

You cannot do everything comfortably in six hours. If the sea and sand are your priority, go straight to the beach. If you want to see more of Bimini, a golf cart gives you greater independence, but you will need to manage your time carefully.

The beach is the safest choice

Bimini works best as a relaxed beach stop. The water is clear enough that one visitor described seeing their feet while standing in water up to their neck. Several people praised the beach, the calm atmosphere, and the free chairs and umbrellas available in some beach areas.

Do not assume every beach amenity is included everywhere. One account praised free chairs and umbrellas, while another said an umbrella cost $25. The practical lesson is simple: ask about the price before settling in, and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense, and six hours outdoors is plenty of time to burn.

A beach day also avoids the risk of spending too much of your short visit getting organized. If you take a local taxi, confirm the return plan and allow plenty of time to get back to the ferry departure point. The local shuttle arrangement was not always clear to people arriving at the island, and one person found that the minibus did not circulate around the whole island.

Why renting a golf cart can improve the visit

If you want more than a resort beach, a golf cart may be the best use of your time. One particularly successful day included a drive to the far end of the island, a shipwreck, rays, hermit crabs, local food, and a stop at the Straw Market.

That kind of outing gives you a better feel for Bimini than staying beside the ferry transfer area. You can see more, stop when something catches your eye, and choose a restaurant away from the resort setting. The island is small enough for this to sound appealing, but six hours still goes quickly, so keep an eye on the clock.

The tour does not promise a golf cart rental, and the rental cost is not included in the $270 price. You would arrange and pay for it separately. If you choose this plan, ask for clear directions back to the ferry meeting point before setting off. One person nearly went to the wrong place after receiving incomplete information about the return transfer.

Resort World Bimini: useful, but not essential

You can buy a day pass to Resort World Bimini onboard the ferry. The supplied details list the price as $30 in one place and $40 in another, so confirm the current charge before purchasing.

The pass may appeal to you if you want an organized beach club setting, resort facilities, and an easier day with fewer decisions. The hotel and beach facilities received strong praise, and several people enjoyed the combination of a good beach, hotel service, chairs, and umbrellas.

You do not need the pass to enjoy Bimini. One visitor chose the public beach and had a lovely day without paying to enter the hotel area. If you mainly want clear water and a place to swim, the extra charge may not add enough value. If you prefer comfort, resort facilities, and a more polished setting, it can make the short stop easier.

Food and drinks at the resort can be expensive. That is not unusual for a beach club, but include it in your budget. The ferry bar and snack service may be more reasonably priced, while local restaurants offer a chance to eat something more connected to the island.

How much value do you get for $270?

At $270 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. You are paying for the roundtrip ferry, the convenience of reaching the Bahamas from South Florida, and the chance to sample Bimini without booking a hotel.

The price makes more sense for a first visit or a special occasion. One person used the trip for a birthday and loved the beach, food, and friendly local atmosphere. You also avoid the cost and planning involved in an overnight stay, though you give up time and flexibility by returning the same day.

The value is weaker if you want a slow island holiday. After the ferry ride, port procedures, and return customs, six hours is not much time for an ambitious schedule. You may spend extra money on taxis, a golf cart, food, beach chairs, umbrellas, or the resort pass.

For a straightforward beach escape, the price can be fair. For a day packed with dolphin swimming, kayaking, shopping, a golf cart outing, and a resort visit, the additional costs can add up quickly.

Border checks and delays deserve attention

This is an international trip, not a domestic boat ride. You need a valid passport and the correct permission to re-enter the United States. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a Bahamian entry visa. You are responsible for checking the requirements before booking.

Bring your passport and allow patience for Customs and Immigration. Delays can come from weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or immigration services. Return processing has sometimes taken more than an hour, especially when staffing is limited.

There have also been serious delays when passengers arrived without the required documents. That is not something the ferry operator can fix quickly once the boat is involved. Check every document before leaving home, and keep it accessible throughout the trip.

The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only. Infants younger than six months are not permitted. Bring a towel, comfortable clothing, and any public transport ticket you need for reaching the port or continuing home.

Who will enjoy this day trip most?

I would choose this trip if you want to say you visited the Bahamas but do not want to arrange an overnight stay. It suits beach lovers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys making their own plan once the transport is arranged.

It is also a good fit for a birthday or a special day out. The ferry is easy to understand, the island offers several simple activities, and you can make the visit as relaxed or active as you like.

I would think twice if you dislike early starts, long transport days, border checks, or uncertain timing. It is also a poor match for anyone expecting a fully guided tour. The English-speaking host or greeter can help with the basic experience, but your time in Bimini is largely your own.

The tour sails only on selected dates, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying in Miami, reaching Port Everglades can take extra time and money. Plan that connection before booking rather than treating it as a small detail.

Should you book the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini trip?

Book it if you value convenience, clear water, and the novelty of reaching the Bahamas for the day. The ferry is comfortable, the beach is beautiful, and a golf cart or local taxi can turn six free hours into a memorable island outing.

Skip it if you want a deep look at Bimini or a relaxed island pace. For the best experience, decide your main plan before boarding: public beach, resort pass, golf cart, or local food. Bring the right documents, protect yourself from the sun, confirm the return meeting point, and leave extra time for customs.

The trip works best when you accept its limits. You are getting a well-organized ferry connection and a short taste of Bimini, not a full island holiday.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from?

The stated departure point is Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale.

How long does the ferry ride take?

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

How much free time do I get in Bimini?

You get approximately six hours on the island, generally from around 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the ferry ticket included?

Yes. Roundtrip economy or business-class ferry tickets are included, depending on the option selected.

Is food available on the ferry?

Yes. The vessel has a full bar and snacks are available.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a valid passport and the required authorization to re-enter the United States.

Do I need a visa for the Bahamas?

Citizens of some countries may need a Bahamian entry visa. Check the Bahamian immigration website before booking.

How much does the Resort World Bimini day pass cost?

The supplied details show $30 in one section and $40 in another. Confirm the current price onboard before buying.

Can I bring a wheelchair?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only.

Are infants allowed?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund.