From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

Exploring the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry: An Honest Review

Planning a quick escape from Fort Lauderdale? The Bimini Island day trip by ferry offers a tempting way to enjoy a slice of the Bahamas without straying too far from Florida. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s a good fit. This kind of tour can be a perfect little adventure if you’re craving warm sand, clear waters, and a change of scenery—especially if you’re short on time or just want a taste of island life.

What we like about this experience is how straightforward it is to get there—just a two-hour ferry ride from Port Everglades, which means more time enjoying Bimini rather than traveling. Plus, the variety of activities available on the island, from relaxing on the beach to optional water sports like jet skiing and snorkeling, make it flexible for different interests. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind, like the mixed reviews on staff professionalism and some logistical hiccups reported by travelers. So, it’s not perfect, but it still offers a solid day out for those wanting a quick Bahamian fix.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective way to experience Bimini, those interested in a relaxed day exploring the island, or anyone eager to try some water activities without booking separate excursions. If you’re looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive experience or a well-organized tour with flawless service, this might not be your best bet. But if you’re open to a bit of adventure and don’t mind some variability, it can deliver a memorable short getaway.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Fast and convenient transportation: A two-hour ferry ride makes this an easy day trip option.
• Flexible activities: Beaches, snorkeling, jet skiing, and golf cart tours allow for personalized fun.
• Variable reviews on staff and organization: While some appreciate the crew, others note unprofessional behavior and logistical issues.
• Good value for the price: With multiple options for exploring Bimini, many travelers find this trip offers decent bang for your buck.
• Important logistical details: Passports required, port immigration passes needed, and the trip involves some safety considerations.
• Some reported delays: The trip may start later than scheduled, so expect some waiting.

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

From the moment you arrive at Port Everglades, the process begins with boarding your ferry, which is quite straightforward. The ferry ride itself lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery or grab a snack and a drink—many travelers mention indulging in purchased beverages during the crossing. The ride can be calming, with some noting it’s a bit choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bringing medication might be wise.

Once on Bimini, the real fun starts. You’ll have around six hours to explore the island, which is enough time to relax on the beaches, visit local shops, or try some water-based activities. The reviews show a range of experiences here—some travelers loved swimming and sunbathing on pristine sands, while others felt there was limited variety of activities available once ashore.

Snorkeling and water sports are popular choices, with the options for jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling often sold separately. Many visitors praise the ease of renting equipment and the friendliness of staff involved in these activities. For example, some reviews mention that the staff was accommodating, especially for travelers with disabilities, such as those using electric wheelchairs.

The local vibe is relaxed, with plenty of cafes and souvenir shops lining the streets. Drinking coconut juice in front of the beach or browsing for unique keepsakes makes for a laid-back afternoon. But some reviews note that the availability of excursions can be inconsistent—what you see online may not always be available when you arrive, which can be frustrating.

In terms of timing, travelers have experienced some delays—boarding times have been pushed back, and the trip has been longer than planned on occasion. For example, some have reported waiting from 4:30 a.m. until 6 a.m. before the boat actually departs, and a few trips have lasted over 17 hours total. If you’re on a tight schedule or expecting a specific itinerary, these delays might be an inconvenience.

The Practicalities of the Trip

Getting to Port Everglades is straightforward, and the coordinates (26.08164405822754, -80.12061309814453) make it easy to find. Remember to bring your passport as the journey involves crossing borders—this is especially important for non-U.S. citizens or travelers needing to pass through port immigration.

The duration of around 16 hours includes travel time, waiting, and exploring. While this may sound long, most travelers feel it’s worth it for a quick taste of the Bahamas. It’s important to note that the trip is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for some travelers, and staff are generally accommodating.

What to bring: Your passport, ID for children, personal medications, and some motion sickness prevention if needed. Since the boat can be a little rocky, packing a light bag with essentials and a waterproof cover for your belongings can make the day more comfortable.

Things to consider: The trip isn’t suitable for folks with back problems, vertigo, respiratory issues, or recent surgeries, according to the provider. And, as some reviews suggest, the organization can be inconsistent—so managing expectations and planning some buffer time is smart.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Traveler Insights

Many travelers appreciate the good value of this trip, especially given the included time and activities available on the island. One traveler from the UK mentioned that the crew was “great” and made the experience enjoyable, especially for someone in a wheelchair.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A couple of reviews highlight staff professionalism issues—one traveler reported an unprofessional server named Edwin and inappropriate behavior from staff at a golf cart rental. These are important considerations if you’re someone who values attentive, respectful service.

Some travelers faced logistical frustrations, like delayed departures and limited time ashore. For instance, a trip from Norway lasted over 17 hours with only five hours on the island, making it feel less worth it for some.

On the positive side, the scenic views and relaxing atmosphere are consistently praised. A traveler noted that Bimini itself is “magical,” and the beaches are as stunning as you’d hope.

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The Sum Up: Is This Day Trip Right for You?

If you’re after a budget-friendly way to experience Bimini’s beaches and waters, this ferry trip offers a decent amount of fun packed into a day. It’s especially suitable if you’re open to some variability—delays, limited activity options, and the possibility of inconsistent service are factors to accept.

For adventure lovers, the opportunity to try snorkeling or jet skiing adds excitement, though these are sold separately. If your priority is relaxing on soft sands, soaking in the sun, or browsing local shops, this trip delivers a pretty good snapshot of what Bimini has to offer.

However, if you’re seeking a luxurious, perfectly organized experience or have specific medical needs, you might find this trip less satisfying. The reviews suggest the experience can be a bit uneven, but many still find it worthwhile because of the stunning scenery, friendly crew, and good value.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, flexible day trip with enough time to explore and enjoy the island’s charms without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind the possible delays and staff inconsistencies—being prepared helps ensure you make the most of your Bimini adventure.

FAQ

Do I need a passport for this trip? Yes, you need your passport because it involves crossing borders into the Bahamas.

How long does the ferry ride take? The ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini lasts approximately 2 hours.

What should I bring with me? Bring your passport, ID for children, personal medications, and some motion sickness prevention if needed.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible? Yes, the ferries and facilities are wheelchair accessible, and staff are reportedly accommodating.

Are there any age restrictions? The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but you’ll need to bring IDs for children. Check with the provider if traveling with very young kids.

What activities are available on the island? Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and optional water sports like jet skiing and parasailing (sold separately). Golf cart rentals are also popular.

Are there any delays I should expect? Some travelers have experienced delays in boarding and departures, so plan accordingly and arrive early.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

Choosing the right trip depends on what kind of experience you’re after—if a relaxed day with a taste of Bahamas is what you want, this could work well. Just stay flexible, keep your expectations managed, and enjoy your time exploring Bimini.

You can check availability for your dates here: