From Miami: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip by Ferry

The draw is simple: trade a Florida morning for Bahamas beach time, then return the same evening. Bimini is the shorter crossing, while Grand Bahama offers a different island outing and a chance to visit Crystal Beach.

I like two things here: round-trip ferry transport takes care of the main journey, and the free time is yours to spend swimming, relaxing, or arranging an optional activity. You do not have to follow a packed group itinerary on the island.

The catch is the clock. This is a roughly 15-hour day with an early check-in, limited island hours, and customs to navigate. Also, the advertised Miami trip departs from Port Everglades, so check the address and chosen island before you set out.

Key points

• Bimini means a shorter crossing: Plan on about two hours each way and around five and a half to six hours on the island.
• Grand Bahama takes longer to reach: The ferry ride is about three hours, leaving roughly four hours to explore.
• The departure point is Port Everglades: The address provided is 2021 Eller Dr, not Port of Miami.
• Island activities cost extra: Beach passes, snorkeling, jet skis, golf carts, and other optional outings are not included.
• Check-in is early: It closes at 7:30 AM sharp, ahead of an approximately 9 AM departure.
• Bring the right travel documents: You need a valid passport or passport card and any required visa or US re-entry authorization.

Two islands, two different day trips

This is not one fixed island excursion. The destination depends on your travel date and selected option, so confirm whether your booking is for Bimini or Grand Bahama before you pay and again before departure.

Bimini is the more time-efficient choice. The crossing takes about two hours, and the island portion is described as roughly five and a half hours, with the schedule allowing around six hours for free time. That gives you a better chance to settle in, get to the beach, and add an activity without spending most of the day in transit.

Grand Bahama is a longer run, at about three hours each way, with around four hours ashore. Its appeal includes Crystal Beach, where you may be able to meet and swim with pigs. That is a distinctive possibility, but it is not included in the ferry fare, so check the cost and availability of island activities before counting on it.

The itinerary details identify Bimini, while the broader trip description presents both islands as options. That distinction matters. Do not assume you can choose your destination after boarding or switch islands on arrival. The destination determines your sailing time, time ashore, and what you can realistically fit into the day.

The Port Everglades start and early check-in

Despite the trip’s Miami wording, the stated meeting point is 2021 Eller Dr at Port Everglades. That is in the Fort Lauderdale area, not at Port of Miami. If you are staying in Miami, allow for the drive and check the departure details carefully. A port mix-up could cost you the whole trip.

Check-in closes at 7:30 AM sharp. The ferry is scheduled to leave Florida at about 9 AM, so plan to arrive with enough time for check-in and the required travel-document checks. A security guard or last-minute phone call is no substitute for confirming the correct terminal in advance.

One cancellation account described arriving early after missing an email notice, then struggling to reach the operator. That is a useful reminder to check your inbox and messages close to departure and make sure your contact details are correct. The operator may cancel or face delays due to weather, the Coast Guard, or immigration services, and the provider does not accept responsibility for those delays.

Hotel pickup is not included. You are responsible for getting to the port and arriving before the cutoff, so build transport and parking arrangements into your day’s budget and timing.

A long but straightforward ferry crossing

The ferry ride is part of the experience, but it also takes a large share of the day. The boat has air-conditioned seating, restrooms, and a snack bar. You can also ask at the service desk for suggestions about what to do after arriving. Those basics make a few hours at sea more manageable, especially if you are traveling with family.

For Bimini, expect about two hours each way. The published schedule gives an approximate Florida departure around 9 AM, arrival in Bimini near 11 AM, and return departure around 6 PM, with arrival back in Florida near 8 PM. Times can vary by season.

Grand Bahama’s crossing is about three hours each way. The stated arrival is around noon, with departure back to Florida near 5 PM. That leaves a shorter window ashore than Bimini, so plan your priorities before you arrive rather than hoping to fit in several activities.

The full experience is listed as 15 hours. That duration includes the early start, ferry crossings, island time, and return. It is a big day, not a quick outing. If you tire easily, have a late evening plan, or dislike long transport days, weigh that against the appeal of spending a few hours on a Bahamian island.

Making your island hours count

The main advantage once you arrive is flexibility. The included experience gives you free time rather than a guided island tour, so you can choose a beach day, a swim, a local activity, or a quieter few hours. That freedom is valuable if you already know what you want from the island. It is less useful if you expect a guide to organize transport and activities for you.

On Bimini, the draw is its laid-back beach atmosphere and turquoise water. You might spend the available time swimming and relaxing, or arrange an optional snorkel tour or jet ski rental. Golf carts are another possible extra. Since the trip does not include these activities, ask about prices and availability before committing your island hours.

Swimming with sting rays is also listed as an optional activity. Treat it as an add-on, not part of the basic ticket. Optional island activities, including beach day passes, must be purchased on the ferry, so check what is offered before you set off and decide how much time you are willing to spend on each activity.

On Grand Bahama, Crystal Beach is the named attraction, with the possibility of seeing and swimming with pigs. The crossing takes longer, and the island window is shorter, so this option makes most sense if that specific experience is a priority. Confirm the arrangements and extra costs onboard rather than assuming the ferry ticket covers entry or transport.

Whichever island you choose, leave room for the return schedule. Missing the ferry is not a minor inconvenience when the next transport is not included in this day trip. Keep an eye on the time and be at the departure point well before the stated sailing.

What the $284 fare covers, and what it does not

At $284 per person, the main value is the round-trip ferry connection and the chance to visit the Bahamas without booking an overnight stay. The included portion is transport from Port Everglades to the selected island and back, plus free time to explore. If you are already in South Florida and want a one-day island visit, that convenience may justify the price.

But the fare is not an all-inclusive beach day. Hotel pickup is excluded, and optional activities are extra. Add the cost of getting to Port Everglades, any beach pass or activity you choose, food, and any other island transport when judging the real total. If you prefer an organized package with activities and transfers built in, this may feel less like a bargain.

The shorter Bimini crossing gives you more time to use the island, which helps the value case. Grand Bahama offers a different outing, but the longer journey leaves less time ashore. Compare the actual destination and schedule for your date before deciding. A low price on the wrong island or an itinerary that does not fit your priorities is no deal at all.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 299 evaluations, a strong general signal. Still, practical execution matters on a tightly timed international day trip. Ferry staff have been described as friendly, while accounts of port-side communication and return boarding point to a less reliable experience. Keep your plans flexible after the scheduled return and stay alert for travel updates.

Documents, eligibility, and sensible preparation

Bring a valid passport or passport card. You also need authorization to re-enter the United States, such as an ESTA or similar document, as applicable to your status. US, EU, UK, and Swiss citizens do not require a visa according to the trip information; people of other nationalities may need one. Check Bahamian entry requirements before booking, since incorrect or missing passport details can mean no refund.

Pregnant women are listed as not suitable for the activity. The information also says infants under six months are not permitted and separately marks babies under one year as unsuitable. If you are traveling with a child under one, clarify eligibility with the operator before purchasing.

Pack for a beach day, but do not forget that the port and immigration process come first. Keep your travel documents accessible, and do not leave them in luggage you cannot reach during check-in. The itinerary also involves a long return crossing, so use the onboard snack bar or bring what you need within the ferry’s rules.

Who should book this day trip?

I would consider this trip if you are staying in South Florida, have a full day to spare, and want a taste of the Bahamas without arranging an overnight stay. It suits couples, families with eligible children, and solo visitors who are comfortable setting their own pace once ashore.

It is a particularly good fit if your priority is a beach and swim, not a full island tour. Bimini gives you more time on land and a shorter crossing. Grand Bahama is worth considering if Crystal Beach and the possibility of seeing pigs matter more to you than maximizing beach hours.

I would hesitate if your schedule is tight, you are counting on a specific activity without confirming it, or you want door-to-door transport. The day begins early, the return can be affected by external delays, and the ferry ticket does not include island activities. Make your decision based on the destination and the real total cost, not just the headline price.

My advice: Book if you are happy with a long travel day in exchange for several hours in the Bahamas, and you can be flexible about timing. Before paying, confirm your island, departure port, sailing schedule, and passport requirements. If those details line up with your plans, this is a practical way to add an island day to a Florida stay.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from?

The stated departure point is 2021 Eller Dr at Port Everglades. Despite the trip’s Miami wording, the provided address is not Port of Miami.

How early do I need to arrive?

Check-in closes at 7:30 AM sharp. The ferry is scheduled to leave Florida at about 9 AM.

Which island does the trip visit?

Depending on your travel date and selected option, the trip goes to Bimini or Grand Bahama. Confirm your destination before booking.

How long is the ferry ride?

The crossing to Bimini is about two hours each way. Grand Bahama takes about three hours each way.

How much time do I get on the island?

Bimini offers about five and a half to six hours of free time. Grand Bahama offers around four hours.

What does the $284 fare include?

The stated fare includes round-trip ferry transport from Port Everglades to the selected island and free time to explore.

Are island activities included?

No. Optional activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, golf-cart rental, sting-ray swimming, and beach day passes cost extra.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Port Everglades.

What travel documents do I need?

You need a valid passport or passport card and any required US re-entry authorization, such as ESTA or similar. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so check before booking.

Can infants or pregnant women take this trip?

Pregnant women are listed as not suitable. Infants under six months are not permitted, and babies under one year are also marked as unsuitable.