Ferries in the Bahamas
The Bahamas has a diverse ferry network that includes fast international ferries from Florida to the Bahamas and traditional domestic services known as the Bahamas mailboats. While the international Bahamas ferry routes from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Grand Bahama provide quick access for visitors, the inter-island ferries follow complex schedules with multiple stops and varying travel times, offering travelers a more adventurous and budget-friendly way to explore the Out Islands.
International routes from Florida:
Bahamas ferry routes map
Explore our interactive map of the Bahamas ferry routes to see where the ferries operate and which companies you can book with. This makes it easy to plan your trip and choose the right connection between Florida and the Bahamas or among the Family Islands. (Including MailBoat routes that take passengers)
Bahamas Ferries and MailBoat Services
Bahamas Ferries and the MailBoat Company operate the main ferry connections between the islands, with Nassau serving as the central hub. Bahamas Ferries focuses on scheduled passenger services to the larger islands, while the MailBoat Company primarily handles cargo and mail. On some routes, passengers are also accepted, but availability is limited. Traveling by MailBoat requires extra planning, as sailings are infrequent and schedules can change.
Ferries to and from Nassau
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is located on New Providence, the country’s most populated island and a popular entry point for international travelers. Most domestic ferry routes start or end in Nassau, making it the key connection point for traveling between the Family Islands. Please note that there is currently no direct ferry service from Miami to Nassau. Travelers coming from Florida can sail to Grand Bahama first and then continue on to Nassau by domestic connections. From Nassau, passengers can reach the following destinations:
About Mailboats:
- Expect basic comfort, long travel times
- Bring cash for tickets
- Schedules can change without notice — confirm in advance
- Locals use mailboats for freight + inter-island transport
Ferries to Little and Great Abaco
Connections to Little Abaco and Great Abaco are usually provided by smaller passenger boats and local operators. These services are less frequent than the main ferry lines from Nassau and often run with limited capacity. Schedules may vary depending on demand and weather conditions, so it is recommended to confirm departure times in advance.
Acklins – Crooked Island
There is a small ferry between Lovely Bay, Acklins, and Cove Point, Crooked Island. An on-demand charter service can be arranged at a cost.
- Call: (242)344-3250
More info can also be found on the official website of the Bahamas.
Fly or Ferry?
Bimini and the Grand Bahamas are easily reached by ferry. If you want to visit islands further away, Flying is often the fastest and most flexible way to travel.
Final Tips
- Bring cash, especially on smaller islands and ferries
- Check documents early (passport required!)
- Confirm schedules, particularly for mailboats
- Be flexible — this is island time, after all
- Book taxis in advance for remote docks like Crown Haven
Bahama Mailboat routes
| Route/Crossing | Operator | Sailings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeport ⇔ Nassau | The Mailboat Company | Weekly | Often departs late at night |
| Nassau ⇔ Cat Island | The Mailboat Company | Weekly | Passenger space available |
| Nassau ⇔ Spanish Wells / Harbour Island | Bahamas Ferries | Fridays & Sundays | Operated by modern ferry (Bo Hengy III) |
Useful for travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for ferry travelers
Im currently with family @ fort Lauderdale. Do we need passports to go explore the Bahamas for a day or 2 in ferry?
These mailboats are tough to understand, whil the time schedules don't change a lot: the actual timing does change. You should see this as more of an adventure than the large ferries from and to Bimini and/or Miami. You must literally expect the unexpected when booking tickets for these mailboats, and you have to call the dockmaster before you depart (like 5 days in advance). I've taken the Eleuthera Express many times now, it's a 5 to 9 hour trip for 40 USD, quite cheap and also ‘different' then just flying from A to B.
Just my 2 cents,
Big M
Hello,
I'a m trying to find our which port I would be dropped off when I book a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport? Where would I find this information?
If i want to wisit thhe Bahamas on vacation, and travel between the islands, it´s very hard to figure out the best way to transport my self.
Is there a good fery vebsite?
and se how many islands has bridges between them?
Hi. Trying to find out do u need a passport to travel via ferry from FL to Bahamas?
Vou desembarcar em nassau,tenho que ir a bimini ,barco ou avião…
Mais não tenho visa americano.
Não estou encontrando transporte de nassau a bimini
De nassau direto pra bimini …
Ou de freeport direto pra bimini ..
Tenho transporte?????
Obrigado
My team and I are wanting to go from Nassau Bahamas to acklands Island so how do we get there? This will be an adventure because we will be looking for pirate treasure. Anyone wanting to join us?
Email : sirwilliam53333@aol.com