Florida Ferry Map
The map above shows the main ferry routes across Florida. These connections link directly to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Most international service is concentrated in the fast routes from South Florida, which are among the quickest options for Bimini and the northern Bahamas. Within Florida, the routes are less about daily commuting and more about access to protected ecological areas and vacation stops like Key West. Compared with the large car-ferry networks in the north, these crossings are mostly passenger catamarans and can be affected by changing conditions in the Gulf Stream.
Explore ferry destinations in Florida
Quick tips for Florida ferry departures
To avoid surprises at the pier, plan around these Florida boarding realities:
- Dry Tortugas access: As the map shows, the boat to Dry Tortugas leaves from Key West and is the only commercial ferry allowed into the park. With strict daily passenger limits, reservations are often booked out 3 to 6 months ahead, so walk-ons are basically unavailable during peak season.
- International travel: For any route to the Bahamas, you’re crossing an international border. Think of the terminal like an airport: you’ll need to pass security and passport control before boarding, and check-in usually closes exactly 1 hour before departure.
- Gulf Stream conditions: Departures from Fort Lauderdale or Miami are affected by the Gulf Stream currents. Even when local weather looks fine, strong north winds can create noticeable swells that cause last-minute cancellations for high-speed catamarans, especially in winter.
- Parking at the port: Many Florida ferry terminals don’t offer discounted parking. At major international ports, parking can cost up to $20 per day, so a rideshare to the terminal is often cheaper than leaving your car in a paid lot.
- Key West from Fort Myers: The high-speed route from Fort Myers to Key West helps you avoid the Overseas Highway traffic, but it runs one round trip per day. If you miss the boarding window, plan on waiting at least 24 hours for the next sailing.
