Miami-Bimini
The ferry to Bimini from Bimini is the shortest ferry connection to the Bahamas. In this guide, we help you book your golden ticket to swaying palm trees and Bahamian adventures, all without the airport hassle.
Balearia Caribbean operates the sole ferry line linking Miami (Fort Lauderdale) to Bimini, and we've compiled comprehensive information to create the ultimate guide for this route.
Most important topics:
- Bimini Day Cruise
- Map and Bimini Route Guidance
- About the ferry to Bimini (lots to learn here!)
The Bimini Day Cruise
The Bimini Day Cruise is easily bookable at Viator with the lowest price guarantee active, meaning it won't go any lower. All fees regarding the ferry are included. What's not included, however, is more critical: The day pass to the Hilton Resort on Bimini is not included. This day pass is about $39 and also gives you beach access. Some general tips on this Bimini Day Cruise:
- If you go for the day cruise, be sure not to forget your travel documents!
- Food is quite expensive at the Hilton Resort on Bimini.
- Overall, the experience of travelers tends to be positive. For instance, the crew (on the ferry and the resort) is very friendly. The reviews are not flawless, however, mainly because of the extra costs for the Hilton Resort day pass ($39)
- This island is known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite seaside hideaway.
Map and Bimini Route Guidance
Many people want to travel from Miami to the Bahamas. Bimini, a small Bahamian island, is an excellent choice and destination. However, the island is notably distant from the other islands in the Bahamas. If your travel plans include venturing further to Grand Bahama or Nassau, you won't be able to rely on a ferry connection from Bimini. Instead, you'll have to opt for a flight or take the longer 85-mile voyage from Miami, Florida, to Freeport in Grand Bahama. But let's focus on Bimini first…
Ferry Map to Bimini from Miami
* When you zoom in on the map towards Bimini and look closely, you see that the ferry to South Bimini is not the same place as the ferry you'll be arriving on. Read more below about this South Bimini connection.
Everything about the ferry from Miami to Bimini
- You leave from Fort Lauderdale, and while it's called the Miami Ferry, it's technically from Fort Lauderdale, which is 30 minutes away from Miami Center.
- All trips to the Bahamas from the US can be booked through Directferries. And is operated by Balearia Caribbean. Day trips can be booked with Viator.
- The Balearia ferries on this route sail up to 6 times per week. Currently, this ferry is sailing three times per week. This changes per season.
- The duration of this crossing is close to 2 hours.
If you need to navigate to the harbor, you can use the following terminal address:
- Miami harbor address: Port Everglades: Cruise Terminal – Ft. Lauderdale – USA
- Bimini harbor address: Fisherman's Village – North Bimini – The Bahamas
This ferry used to be operated by FRS Caribbean but recently changed to Balearia Ferries.
Pricing for the crossover from the Miami-Bimini ferry
- The current minimal price for this ferry service starts at $180,- for a return trip.
- In our test bookings, we got a $295 return trip. See the screenshot of the sample booking. Quite close to the bottom price.
- A Bimini Mini Cruise starts at $259.
- The price of bringing a dog along is expensive. It's an additional $100,- per pet for a one-way trip.
- There is an extra charge (charge and taxes) of $70,- per person. This, however, is included in the $180 for a return trip.
- You'll have to pay extra to use the onboard Wi-Fi.
We think the fare for this trip is not that expensive (pets excluded) for what you'll be getting: A return trip to the Bahamas. Earlier, we said: “Unfortunately, prices have recently increased for this ferry.” However, the prices are still quite reasonable: You can easily book tickets below.
Important: Select Fort Lauderdale – Bimini and not Miami – Bimini for ferries departing to Bimini.
Check-in and Arrival for the ferry to Bimini
The guidance from Balearia Caribbean is obvious on the Check-in time: It starts every day at 6:00 AM. They strongly advise you, however, to be there from 6:15 to 6:45. This is early as the ferry leaves every day at 9:00 AM. The Terminal doors close at 8:00 AM. So don't be late. They are strict at controlling these times, so do follow the guidelines!
Timetable
Ferry to Bimini
Day | Check-in Opens | Suggested Check-in Time | Terminal Closes | Sailing Time | Time or Arrival |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 7 Times/Week | 6:00 AM | 6:15 AM - 6:45 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
Shark Diving on South Bimini
Many tourists head for Bimini for Shark Diving, especially in South Bimini. There are popular scuba centers (and a shark research center) to dive for the great hammerhead. Whatever your plans are, If you want to reach south Bimini after your ferry arrival, do the following:
- Walk 25 minutes South towards the Bimini Ferry Stop, and you can't miss it. Or even better: you can rent a bike at Eclipse Rentals Bimini and then take the Bike on the Ferry towards South Bimini. This is possible! And on the South Island, the bicycle is the best way of transportation. With the bike, this is only 5 minutes.
- Eventually, Take the ferry. It costs up to $10 for a transfer. It's a small ferry. =)
The Ferry you'll be using
You'll be traveling with the Jaume II, a fast ferry built in Australia by Incat in 1996[1]Wikipedia: HSC Jaume II, famous for the many fast Catamaran ferries. On board, you'll find a Coffee Shop and a Gift Shop. It's not a very luxurious ferry, but this one will get you to your destination fast. In all our experiences, ‘seasickness is rare on this route. If you are scared of it, be sure to read our seasickness guide.
Alternative Routes
There are no real alternatives because this island is secluded from the other Bahamas. From Fort Lauderdale, you can also leave towards Grand Bahama. However, this is only an alternative to the complete trip as this is a completely different destination.
- All ferries to the Bahamas
- Video driving down North Bimini Island (on a golf cart, good island impression).
- Official Website of the Bahamas
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several questions that are frequently asked for the crossing.
What is the main way to get from A to B on Bimini?
Is the ferry an alternative to the plane?
Can I bring my pet on board?
Is the port on South or North Bimini?
References
↑1 | Wikipedia: HSC Jaume II |
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