Miami to Bimini Ferry
Bimini is located just about 50 miles off the coast of Miami, making it an ideal destination for either a day trip or a longer getaway for those staying in South Florida. Balearia Caribbean operates the ferry service on fast catamaran ferries that take only about 2 hours to cross. Many travelers book the ferry as a day excursion, while others stay at one of Bimini’s beautiful resorts for a few days of island relaxation.
The crossing to Bimini is made on a fast catamaran, the Jaume II. Built in Australia in 1996, the vessel is well known for its speed. On board you’ll find a coffee corner, bar, and duty free shop. While not especially luxurious, the Jaume II is reliable and practical for this short trip.
From Florida to Bimini by boat
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Departure from Fort Lauderdale
The ferry departs not from Miami itself but from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, which is a short drive from Downtown Miami. You can make your own way to the port, or simply book a day trip package with a transfer included from Miami.
- 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Day trips to Bimini
You can book a regular day trip directly with Balearia Caribbean. If you prefer, you can also purchase an organized package that includes a transfer to the ferry terminal. This option is convenient if you don’t have your own transportation.
A “Day Trip” to Bimini sounds easy, but the logistics are heavy. You must clear US exit customs, Bahamian entry customs, Bahamian exit customs, and US entry customs—all in one day. This can eat up 3 hours of your 7-hour stay. If you only have one day, fly. If you take the ferry, stay overnight to make the customs hassle worth it.
Inter-Island Connectivity
- The Florida Connection: Unlike the domestic ferries to Key West or Dry Tortugas, this is an international voyage. You cannot bring fruits, vegetables, or firearms.
- Bahamas hopping from Bimini: Small local water taxis run between the North Bimini Government ferry dock and the South Bimini ferry dock. There isn’t much information about these services online, so if you are staying on one island and want to visit the other, it’s best to ask your hotel or host for the latest details. From Bimini, there are no direct ferries to Nassau or Grand Bahama. To reach other islands, you must fly. Bimini is a logistical dead-end, not a hub.
Visitor Volume & Mode Comparison
- Annual Traffic: ~125,000 ferry passengers (Balearia) vs ~40,000 air arrivals.
- Vs. Seaplane: Ferry is $200-$250 vs Seaplane $450-$600+. The ferry takes 2.5 hours (plus 2 hours check-in); Seaplane takes 25 minutes (plus 30 mins check-in).
- Reliability: Ferries cancel frequently when wave heights in the Gulf Stream exceed 6 feet. Seaplanes fly over the chop.
