When I first heard about this ferry, I thought it sounded too good to be true.

Could I really leave Florida in the morning and be in The Bahamas about two hours later?

The short answer is yes.

Baleària Caribbean runs a fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini. The scheduled crossing takes about two hours.

But there is one important catch.

Those two hours only cover the time on the water. Check-in, security, customs, and immigration make the full trip much longer.

Yes, You Can Take a 2-Hour Ferry From Florida to The Bahamas

Where Does the Ferry Leave From?

The ferry leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

The usual address is:

Terminal 21
2021 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Baleària warns that the terminal can change on certain dates. I would check my ticket again before leaving home.

The ferry does not leave from Miami, even when a vacation package includes transportation from Miami.

Where Can You Go?

Baleària currently lists two routes from Fort Lauderdale:

Destination	Scheduled crossing time
Bimini	About 2 hours
Freeport, Grand Bahama	About 3 hours

The Bimini route arrives near Fisherman’s Village on North Bimini.

The Grand Bahama route arrives at Freeport Harbour.

These are scheduled travel times. Weather and sea conditions can make the crossing longer.

The Two-Hour Claim Needs Some Context

The headline is true, but it can be misleading.

Baleària says the Bimini crossing takes about two hours. However, its Fort Lauderdale terminal page says check-in opens three hours before departure.

The terminal doors normally close one hour before the ferry leaves.

Some Baleària pages say to arrive at least two hours early. Because the instructions do not fully match, I would follow the earlier time shown on my ticket.

You can read the latest official check-in instructions here.

In simple terms, this is not a two-hour total trip.

It can take five hours or more once check-in and border processing are included.

Can You Visit Bimini for One Day?

Yes, a Bimini day trip is possible on selected dates.

Baleària’s current day-trip offer lists departures on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It says travelers may get up to eight hours on Bimini before returning that evening.

Schedules can change with the season. Always check the official Bimini day-trip page for your date.

A same-day trip sounds exciting, but it will be a long day.

You must check in early, sail for about two hours each way, and complete border checks in both countries.

How Much Does the Ferry Cost?

This is where I would read the small print carefully.

Baleària’s main routes and schedules page advertises some fares starting at $180.

However, individual route pages showed prices starting around $235 when this article was checked. A current Bimini day-trip offer was listed from $250.

That does not mean your ticket will cost exactly that amount.

Prices can change by date, ticket type, demand, and promotion. Extras may also raise the final total.

I would enter my exact travel dates and check the complete round-trip price before making plans.

Do You Need a Passport?

Yes.

Baleària says U.S. citizens must carry a valid U.S. passport book or passport card. Birth certificates and regular photo IDs are not accepted for this service.

The company has separate document rules for permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens. Check its official travel-document page before booking.

I would personally bring a passport book instead of only a passport card.

The U.S. State Department says a passport card may be used to return by sea from the Caribbean. However, it cannot be used if an emergency forces you to fly home.

You can review the State Department’s Bahamas entry information before traveling.

Can You Take Your Car?

I would not assume that a normal day-trip ticket includes a car.

Baleària’s current Bimini day-trip offer says a vehicle option is not available.

However, its ferry information says the Jaume II can carry vehicles. The company also has a separate cargo service that can transport cars.

Because the official information is mixed, contact Baleària before making any vehicle plans.

For an ordinary day trip, plan on traveling as a passenger and using a taxi, tram, or golf cart after arriving.

What About Luggage?

Baleària currently allows one small carry-on bag for each adult passenger.

The free bag must weigh no more than 26.5 pounds and stay within the company’s size limit. A small purse or backpack is also included.

Bigger and additional bags cost extra.

Check the current luggage rules before packing because fees can change.

Should You Book Directly or Through a Tour Company?

You can book directly through Baleària Caribbean.

You can also look at a packaged Bahamas day trip here.

A package may include transportation from Miami or another extra. Remember that the ferry itself still leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Before paying, compare the total price, cancellation rules, transportation, and time on the island.

Also Read: Miami Airport-to-PortMiami Train: The Two Plans That Could Change Cruise Travel

My Simple Before-You-Go Checklist

Before taking this ferry, I would:

✅ Check the sailing schedule for my exact date.

✅ Confirm the terminal listed on my ticket.

✅ Bring a valid passport book.

✅ Arrive during the official check-in window.

✅ Check the final price, including luggage and other fees.

✅ Avoid booking a flight immediately after the return trip.

✅ Leave extra time in case weather changes the schedule.

Is This Ferry Worth It?

For me, the best part is how close Bimini feels to South Florida.

You can board a ferry in Fort Lauderdale and reach another country in about two hours of sailing time.

Just remember that “two hours” is not the full travel time.

If you prepare for early check-in, border controls, possible weather delays, and a long day, this could be a fun way to visit The Bahamas without flying.