From Miami: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip by Ferry

One ferry, two islands, a long day. This trip turns Port Everglades into a Bahamas day out with an air-conditioned fast ferry, restrooms, and a snack bar, so the ride feels civilized.

What I really like is the freedom once you land, you get hours on your chosen island at your own pace, whether that means Bimini calm or Grand Bahama fun like Crystal Beach. The one drawback to plan around is that it’s a tight same-day schedule, and when operations get disrupted, communication at the port can be chaotic.

Key points to know before you go

• Air-conditioned fast ferry with restrooms and a snack bar, plus a service desk for on-the-ground tips
• Real free time on either Bimini (about 5.5 hours) or Grand Bahama (about 4 hours)
• Crystal Beach on Grand Bahama is a major reason people choose this route, with the chance to meet and swim with the swimming pigs
• Optional water and beach activities like snorkel tours, jet skis, and even sting-ray swimming, usually handled through purchases on ferry
• Return timing is early, with departures around 5:00 to 6:00 PM depending on the island

Port Everglades to the Bahamas in 15 hours, yes please

This is a classic “big payoff, short trip” day format. You leave Florida in the morning on a fast ferry and come back the same night, which makes it a smart choice when you want Bahamas beach time without the logistics of an overnight stay.

You’ll spend your day in two different modes. First, the calm, seat-in, AC-on ferry ride. Then the freedom phase, where you get time on the island to swim, wander, or book an optional activity.

Just know you’re signing up for a full day. It’s not a slow cruise. It’s a tight schedule with a clear start time and a hard return.

Bimini vs Grand Bahama: which timing matches your beach style?

You pick one destination, Bimini or Grand Bahama, and the time on the island changes a bit.

Bimini: more hours, calmer vibe

Bimini is the shorter ferry ride, about 2 hours each way. Once you arrive around 11 AM, you’ll have roughly 5.5 hours on the island before heading back. That extra hour or so matters if you like beach lounging, casual exploring, or you want time to fit in an optional activity like snorkeling or sting-ray swimming.

Bimini is often described as a gateway-to-the-Bahamas stop with a laid-back feel, so it can work well if you want fewer “tour stop” moments and more “do your own thing.”

Grand Bahama: iconic Crystal Beach and a shorter island window

Grand Bahama is a longer ride, about 3 hours each way. You typically arrive around 12 noon, then you get about 4 hours on the island.

This is the side for people who want the famous Crystal Beach, where you can even meet and swim with the swimming pigs. If that’s on your wishlist, this is the one.

The tradeoff is simple: you have less island time. If you like wandering far from the beach, or you want multiple optional activities, you’ll need a tight plan.

Morning boarding: check-in closes at 7:30 AM sharp

Your ferry leaves Florida around 9 AM, so the morning starts early. Check-in closes at 7:30 AM sharp, which means you should aim to be there with buffer time, not as a last-minute dash.

Pickup and drop-off are straightforward. You’ll have two options connected to Port Everglades and the area around it, including 2021 Eller Dr. You’ll return to the same overall area at night.

On board, the ferry setup is the kind of practical detail that makes day trips easier. Seats are air-conditioned, there are restrooms, and there’s a snack bar. There’s also a service desk where you can ask for recommendations on what to do once you arrive.

What your island hours look like, and how to use them

This experience is mostly about what you do after you land. The ferry is the transport. Your best moments will come from how you spend that free time.

If you choose Bimini

You arrive around 11 AM. That’s perfect timing for a beach-focused day, because the sun is usually already up and you still have a good chunk of afternoon. Your return departure is around 6 PM (it can shift by season).

With that schedule, you can build a relaxed plan:

• Pick a beach spot early, then build in time to swim and snack
• If you want an optional activity, decide it early enough that you do not feel rushed
• Save some time to just walk around, grab a drink, or rent a way to get around if you’d like to move beyond the immediate area

The tour notes mention options like swimming with sting rays or snorkeling. If those are must-dos, give yourself a little time buffer so they don’t eat your whole afternoon.

If you choose Grand Bahama

You arrive around 12 noon and have about 4 hours. Then you head back around 5 PM depending on season, arriving Florida around 8 PM.

That’s a short window, so timing matters. If Crystal Beach and the swimming pigs are part of your plan, treat them as your anchor, then build the rest around it.

A good way to manage this kind of time crunch is to pick one main beach block, then one optional add-on if you have room. Trying to do everything can turn your day trip into a schedule sprint, and you’re better off using the hours to enjoy the water and sand rather than racing from place to place.

Crystal Beach, swimming pigs, and other optional fun

The Bahamas part of this day trip is built around the idea that you’ll get beach time plus choices for activities.

Crystal Beach on Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama’s standout is Crystal Beach. The tour information highlights the chance to meet and swim with the swimming pigs. That’s a unique bucket-list moment, and it’s one of the main reasons people choose this side over Bimini.

If you’re excited about that experience, plan around it early, because your island time is limited.

Sting rays, snorkel tours, jet skis, golf carts

The tour info also lists optional activities such as:

• Jet ski rentals
• Snorkel tours
• Swimming with sting rays
• Renting a golf cart (optional)

A key practical detail: optional activities on the islands, including things like beach day passes, are said to be purchased on the ferry. That means your planning needs to start before you ever step on land.

In plain terms, if you want these add-ons, don’t wait until you’re already sightseeing. Use the time on board to figure out what you want and confirm the process, so you don’t lose your momentum once you arrive.

The return ride: why 5 PM to 6 PM can feel tight

Getting back is part of what makes this tour work as a day trip, but it also creates pressure.

The return departures are around:

• Bimini: about 6 PM
• Grand Bahama: about 5 PM

Delays can happen because the provider is not responsible for late departures caused by weather, Coast Guard issues, or immigration services. That is standard on the water, but it matters when you only have a handful of hours on land.

If you tend to be the type who finds a perfect beach spot and wants to stay there, plan to leave a little earlier than you think. Your goal is to avoid stress at the end of the day.

Price and value: is $284 a fair deal?

At $284 per person for a same-day ferry day trip, you’re paying for convenience and structure. What’s included is the big-ticket part: round-trip ferry transport and free time to explore your chosen island.

What’s not included is almost everything you might want to do beyond beaches on your own: optional activities, and hotel pickup (so you’ll handle getting to the meeting point).

So the value question becomes this: do you want the organized day trip and the ferry ride handled for you? If yes, the price starts making sense because you get a smooth schedule, onboard comfort, and a true “leave Florida, enjoy the Bahamas, return the same night” experience.

If you’re the type who likes building your own trip and already knows how to navigate ferry times and island transport, you might find cheaper ways to do it. But if you value a set plan and want beach time with minimal hassle, paying for that structure can feel reasonable.

A few real-world concerns you should not ignore

Even with a strong overall rating, this is the kind of tour where smooth sailing matters. The day is built on ferry departures, and the ferry is at the mercy of weather and operations.

In one recent booking experience, the ferry was cancelled, and the person said there was no one at the port at the expected time. They also described trouble reaching staff and a delayed message about the change.

Another booking described a rougher return, with long waits and a lack of clear information at the port, plus reports of unprofessional behavior. A separate note mentioned that the destination expectation did not match what happened for them.

None of this means the trip is doomed. It does mean you should go in with a practical mindset:

• Arrive early for check-in and be ready to adapt if the port info changes
• Keep your phone charged and stay alert to updates
• Do not plan a second activity immediately after the return arrival, because the day can run late if immigration or the ferry has issues

Who should book this day trip, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• Beach time with minimal planning, on a schedule that starts early and ends at night
• The option to do snorkel tours, jet skis, or sting-ray swimming
• A single-day Bahamas trip without hotel costs or an overnight plan

It might be a poor fit if you:

• Are pregnant women, since it’s listed as not suitable
• Have very young kids. The info notes it is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and infants under 6 months are not permitted
• Hate tight timing. If you need long unhurried hours with no pressure, Grand Bahama’s shorter on-island window can feel rushed
• Need very predictable operations. This relies heavily on ferry schedules and customs and immigration timing

Practical tips that make the day smoother

I’d treat this like a “workday with sand” schedule. You’ll enjoy it more if you run it like you mean it.

• Bring a passport and whatever is required for re-entry. The tour info specifically calls out the need for a valid passport (or passport card) plus USA re-entry authorization like ESTA or similar.
• Check whether you need a visa. The info says USA, EU, UK, and Switzerland do not require a visa, but others may, and you should check on the Bahamian immigration website.
• Plan your optional activities early. Since optional items are purchased on the ferry, decide while you’re still onboard.
• If you want swimming time, pack for it before you board. You are going to a beach, and you do not want to realize you forgot essentials after you arrive.
• If you’re choosing Grand Bahama, treat Crystal Beach as your first priority so you don’t end up with beach time but no swimming pigs time.

Also, skim the meeting details for your exact pickup location. There are two pickup options, including 2021 Eller Dr, so make sure your plan matches what you booked.

Should you book this Bimini or Grand Bahama ferry day trip?

If your goal is white-sand beaches and a classic Bahamas day, and you’re okay with a structured, same-day timeline, I think this can be a strong choice. The air-conditioned ferry, restrooms, snack bar, and the freedom of several hours on the island make it a practical way to taste the Bahamas.

Book it especially if:

• You want the unique Crystal Beach experience on Grand Bahama
• You’d like options like snorkel tours, jet skis, or sting-ray swimming and you’re willing to plan those through the ferry process
• You can handle early check-in and a return departure that leaves limited “extra time”

Skip it if you hate schedule pressure, you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t meet the suitability limits, or you need a perfectly predictable day with zero chance of port disruptions.

If you do book, go early, stay flexible, and use your island hours for the water and sand first. Everything else is bonus.

FAQ

How long is the Bahamas day trip from Florida?

The total duration is listed as 15 hours.

What time does the ferry leave Florida, and when do you return?

Departure from Florida is around 9 AM. Return arrival back in Florida is around 8 PM. Exact times can vary by season.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

There are two pickup options and two drop-off locations listed, including 2021 Eller Dr, Port Everglades.

Is round-trip ferry transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip ferry transport from Port Everglades to Bimini or Grand Bahama.

How much free time do I get on the islands?

You get about 6 hours on Bimini and about 4 hours exploring on Grand Bahama (with the island portion reflecting the overall schedule).

Do you include optional activities like jet skis or snorkeling?

No. Optional activities on the island are not included. The info also notes that optional activities like beach day passes must be purchased on the ferry.

What documents do I need for the trip?

You need a valid passport (or passport card) and USA re-entry authorization such as ESTA. A visa may be required for some nationalities, so check the Bahamian immigration website.

Is check-in time strict?

Yes. Check-in closes at 7:30 AM sharp.

Are restrooms and food available on the ferry?

Yes. The fast ferry includes restrooms and a snack bar.

Is the tour suitable for infants or pregnancy?

It is not suitable for pregnant women. Babies under 1 year are not suitable, and infants under 6 months are not permitted.