From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini

Bimini is close enough to make a Bahamas beach day possible from Fort Lauderdale: about two hours by ferry each way, with roughly six hours on the island. The best part is the contrast between the quick crossing and Bimini’s startlingly clear water, where you may see the sandy bottom even when you are standing in deep water.

I like the comfortable ferry ride and the freedom to shape your day, whether that means a beach chair, local food, or exploring by golf cart. One practical catch: the day is long, island transport and resort access are not all included, and paperwork or customs delays can eat into your time.

• Two hours each way: The fast ferry makes an out-and-back trip feasible, though your day runs about 18 hours door to door.
• Around six hours ashore: The approximate Bimini window is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., enough for a focused beach day or a short island outing.
• Bimini is yours to plan: You can relax by the water, try local food, kayak, arrange a dolphin swim, or rent a golf cart.
• Resort access costs extra: A Resort World Bimini day pass is not part of the ferry ticket, and the stated price differs between the tour details.
• Bring your travel documents: You need a valid passport and permission to re-enter the United States, and some nationalities may need a Bahamian visa.
• Good value for a one-day escape: At $270 per person, the price buys round-trip ferry passage, not a resort day or an all-inclusive island excursion.

The two-hour crossing from Port Everglades

The trip begins at Port Everglades Terminal 21, though the exact meeting point can vary by booking option. You travel aboard a modern ferry built for up to 600 passengers. Economy and Business Class round-trip tickets are available, so check which class your fare includes before you book.

The crossing takes about two hours each way. That is a manageable stretch for most people, and the vessel has a full bar, snacks, and a duty-free shop. Bring a little spending money if you want refreshments or a browse, but remember that the ride is transport, not a guided tour with a running commentary about Bimini.

The boat has been described as comfortable, and some trips have felt smooth. Still, this is a sea crossing, not a guarantee of calm water. Weather can affect the schedule, and the operator is not responsible for delays caused by weather, the Bahamian Coast Guard, or immigration services. Keep that in mind if you have a tight connection or plans immediately after returning.

The return crossing is also about two hours, but your total day is listed as 18 hours. That longer span allows for the ferry schedule and port procedures. It is a full day, so this works best if you are prepared for an early start and a late finish rather than a leisurely half-day outing.

Six hours in Bimini, roughly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The advertised free-time window is approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. That gives you enough time to enjoy the island, but not enough to treat Bimini as a checklist of every activity. Choose one main plan and leave room for meals, transport, and getting back to the ferry.

Bimini’s clearest draw is the water. The sea can be so transparent that you can see your feet while standing in it. If your ideal day is a swim, a stretch of sand, and a slow lunch, the limited time may suit you well. Pack a towel and comfortable clothes, and bring sun protection: the sun can feel intense on an exposed beach.

You can also look for local food and shops. Do not count on every shop being open, since opening hours can vary. A few visitors have found that some stores were closed, while still enjoying the food and drinks they did find. Keep your plans flexible and treat shopping as a bonus rather than the main event.

The tour description lists kayaking and swimming with dolphins as possible activities, but it does not specify that either is included in the fare. Plan to arrange and pay for activities separately unless your booking says otherwise. With six hours on land, a long activity could use up much of your beach time.

Beach day or island outing?

For a simple beach day, you can take a local taxi to the beach or head toward the resort area. One useful distinction: the ferry ticket does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, and the exact island transport arrangements are not fully spelled out. Some visitors have found the dockside shuttle straightforward, while others wanted clearer directions or broader island service.

Ask staff where the transfer goes, how to return to the port, and what time you must be back before you leave the dock area. Do not assume a shuttle will take you around the whole island. There has been confusion about the route and where to board on the return, so get the instructions while you still have time to ask.

If you want to explore farther, a golf cart offers more freedom than staying near one beach. A self-guided ride can take you to different parts of the island, and one outing uncovered a shipwreck, rays, and hermit crabs. That kind of exploring is a better fit if you enjoy making your own route and can keep an eye on the clock.

Local taxis are another option. Ask about the fare and return plan before setting off, especially if you are going beyond the immediate port or resort area. Bimini’s appeal is not a packed schedule of formal sights. It is the chance to spend a few hours by the water, meet the island on its own terms, and enjoy the freedom to choose your pace.

The Resort World Bimini pass is optional

A day pass for Resort World Bimini facilities is offered as an add-on, not part of the ferry ticket. The supplied tour information gives two different prices: one section says $30 when purchased onboard, while another lists $40 purchased on the day. Confirm the current cost and what it covers before you decide.

The resort can make a beach day simpler if you want access to its facilities rather than arranging everything independently. But you do not need to buy a pass to have a pleasant day in Bimini. Some visitors have spent their time on the beach without entering the hotel, and others have enjoyed the resort setting. Choose based on what you value, not on the assumption that the pass is required.

Do not assume that a chair and umbrella are included with every beach option. Accounts of beach costs differ: some describe free chairs and umbrellas, while another gives a $25 umbrella price. Ask what is included at the specific beach or facility you plan to use, and budget for possible add-ons. Food and drinks can also be pricey at resort venues, so local restaurants may be a better choice if you want a more grounded meal.

Is $270 a fair price for the day?

At $270 per person, this is a substantial day trip. The fare covers round-trip ferry passage in the class you select, but not hotel transfers, the resort day pass, or any activities you choose on the island. Add meals, transport, and optional experiences when comparing the total cost with a longer stay in the Bahamas.

The price makes the most sense if you value the convenience of a direct ferry from Fort Lauderdale and want a taste of Bimini without arranging an overnight trip. You get a clear plan for reaching the island and about six hours to enjoy it. For a beach-focused outing, that can be good value, especially if you keep your extra spending modest.

It is less compelling if you expect an escorted island tour, a resort package, or a full day of sightseeing. The ferry gets you there; it does not organize your time ashore. If you want more than a beach and a meal, build in the cost and effort of transport or a golf cart, and decide in advance which activity matters most.

Passports, timing, and useful planning

You must bring a valid passport and have the authorization needed to re-enter the United States. Some nationalities may also need a visa to enter the Bahamas. Check the Bahamian immigration requirements before booking, because having the correct paperwork is your responsibility. A documentation problem can disrupt the schedule for everyone, so do not leave this check until the night before.

The trip sails on selected dates, and starting times depend on availability. Confirm the meeting location for your specific booking; it may vary. The activity is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only, and infants under six months old are not permitted.

Bring a towel, comfortable clothes, your passport, and a public transport ticket if you are using public transit to reach the port. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off in the included fare, so plan your route to Port Everglades Terminal 21 in advance. Also keep your return plans flexible: customs and immigration can take longer than expected, and weather or official checks may delay the trip.

Who will enjoy this Bimini day trip?

This outing suits you if you are based in South Florida, want to see the Bahamas without booking a hotel, and are content to spend most of your island time on or near the beach. It is especially appealing to couples, friends, and families with older children who can handle a long day and are happy to make their own plans.

You will get more from it if you decide on a simple plan before you arrive. For example, choose between a beach day with lunch, or a golf-cart loop with time for a swim. Keep the schedule light enough to allow for transfers, and make sure you know how to get back to the ferry.

This is not the best choice if you need a fully guided visit, want resort amenities included in the ticket, or have a strict arrival time back in Florida. Nor is six hours enough to explore every corner at a relaxed pace. Think of it as a compact island break, not a substitute for staying overnight.

Should you book the ferry to Bimini?

Book it if the idea of clear water, a beach afternoon, and a short Bahamas visit excites you more than a tightly planned sightseeing tour. The comfortable ferry and the chance to explore at your own pace are the strongest reasons to go. At $270, the value depends on how much you want that one-day escape and how carefully you manage add-on costs.

Before paying, confirm your ticket class, meeting point, current Resort World pass price, and the transport plan between the dock and your chosen beach. Bring the right documents and leave room for customs delays. If you want more time to see the island, or prefer not to watch the clock, consider staying overnight instead.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini?

The ferry takes about two hours each way. The full activity lasts approximately 18 hours, including time in port and on the island.

How much time do I get in Bimini?

You have approximately six hours of free time, usually around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exact schedule may vary.

Is the Resort World Bimini day pass included?

No. It is an optional extra. The supplied information lists both $30 and $40, so confirm the current price before purchasing.

What documents do I need?

Bring a valid passport and the authorization required to re-enter the United States. Some nationalities may need a Bahamian visa, so check the entry requirements before booking.

Are meals and island activities included?

No meals or island activities are listed as included. The included item is the round-trip ferry ticket in the class selected.

Can I bring a wheelchair?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable wheelchairs only. Infants under six months old are not permitted.