Bimini sits about fifty miles east of Florida, among the closest islands of the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, and a day trip by ferry makes it surprisingly doable. The crossing takes roughly two hours each way from Port Everglades, which leaves around six hours on the island. Passengers clear port immigration, so a passport is required for adults, with children able to use an ID. Once ashore, most visitors head for the beaches and the clear shallow water, rent a golf cart to explore, shop for souvenirs and snacks, and try coconut drinks and seafood at the island cafes. Extras such as snorkeling, jet skiing or parasailing generally cost more and are not always on offer, so confirm what is available before you plan around it.
Bimini is a small island with a big reputation, long associated with fishing and, in the popular imagination, with the writers and sportsmen who made it a legend. For a visitor staying in Fort Lauderdale, though, the appeal is simpler: a full international day without a flight. Ferries typically leave early in the morning from Port Everglades, so check-in times can be early, and travelers report that arriving ahead of the stated time is worth the effort, since missed boats are a real possibility.
The crossing itself, about two hours, can be bumpy when the sea is up, so if you are prone to motion sickness, take remedies before departure. On arrival you go through immigration, then spend roughly six hours in free time. Beach days, golf-cart rentals, shopping and local food are the staples, and the island's relaxed pace is the point. Do not expect a resort program: this is a casual day on a modest island, and add-on activities such as snorkeling or watersports can cost extra and may not always be available.
Planning notes
Carry your passport and keep it with you, bring cash for small purchases, and pack sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes. Departure times can shift and delays are reported, so choose a flexible itinerary and avoid scheduling tight commitments for the evening of return. It suits couples, groups of friends and families with children who can handle a long travel day. Pair it with a beach-and-snorkel day on the Fort Lauderdale side to compare the two coastlines, or treat it as the single big excursion of a relaxed week.
What to expect
The experience
A ferry day trip from Port Everglades to Bimini in the Bahamas, with about a two-hour crossing each way and roughly six hours of free time on the island.
Best time
Calm-sea days; winter and spring are typically comfortable, though conditions on the crossing vary. Ferries usually leave early in the morning.
How long
A full day, with about two hours of ferry each way and around six hours on Bimini.
Tips
Bring your passport, arrive early, take motion-sickness remedies if needed, carry cash and confirm whether watersports are offered before you plan around them.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a stamp-worthy international day without flying.
- Families
- Works for kids who handle boats and long days; children can use ID instead of a passport.
- Couples
- A castaway-style beach day with a slower pace than the mainland.
- Pair with
- A beach day at Fort Lauderdale or a snorkel trip to compare reefs.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where does the ferry leave from?+
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Arrive early, as check-in is early and missed boats are a risk.
How long is the crossing?+
About two hours each way, and it can be bumpy in rough weather.
Do I need a passport?+
Yes. Visitors pass through port immigration. Children may be able to use an ID instead, so check the booking details.
How much time do I get on the island?+
Roughly six hours of free time.
Are snorkeling and watersports included?+
Typically not. Extras such as snorkeling, jet skiing or parasailing cost more and may not always be offered, so confirm before planning around them.
