From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale for a day is easier than one might think. Just a 2-hour ferry ride away lies the idyllic Bimini Islands, an oasis of tranquility in the Bahamas. With 6 hours of free time to explore the charming Alice Town, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and relax on pristine white-sand beaches, this day trip offers a perfect respite from the mainland. While the roundtrip journey, including hotel pickup and drop-off, starts at $229 per person, the opportunity to take in the island’s laid-back atmosphere might just be priceless.

Key Points

• A day trip from Fort Lauderdale to the Bimini Islands, Bahamas, with a 2-hour ferry ride each way and 6 hours of free time to explore the island.
• Roundtrip ferry tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, and optional access to the Hilton Resort World Bimini are included in the trip, which starts at $229 per person.
• Visitors can enjoy the charming Alice Town, the mysterious ‘Bimini Road’ underwater rock formation, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches.
• A valid passport and re-entry authorization are required, and the trip may be subject to delays due to weather, security checks, or technical issues.
• Booking the trip in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure the desired transportation and accommodation options.

Trip Details

This day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Bahamas typically lasts 16-18 hours and costs from $229 per person.

The journey departs from the Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale and takes passengers on a 2-hour ferry ride to the Bimini Islands.

Once there, visitors have 6 hours of free time to explore the island and enjoy local cuisine, water activities, and optional access to the Hilton Resort World Bimini with a $40 day pass.

The return trip is also a 2-hour ferry ride back to Fort Lauderdale.

A valid passport and re-entry authorization are required, and the ferry offers a full bar and duty-free shopping.

Itinerary Overview

The day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Bahamas follows a straightforward itinerary.

Passengers depart from the Port Everglades Terminal 21 in Fort Lauderdale and take a 2-hour ferry ride to the Bimini Islands.

Once they arrive, they’ll have 6 hours of free time to explore the islands and enjoy the local cuisine, water activities, and other attractions.

At the end of the day, the ferry returns passengers to Fort Lauderdale, completing the roundtrip journey.

The trip duration is 16-18 hours, and pricing starts at $229 per person, which includes the economy or business class roundtrip ferry tickets and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Inclusions and Amenities

Along With the roundtrip ferry tickets and hotel transportation, the day trip package includes several onboard amenities for passengers.

The high-speed 600-passenger ferry features a full bar and duty-free gift shop, providing entertainment and convenience during the journey.

Travelers can also take advantage of the free time in Bimini to explore the island and enjoy the local cuisine, water activities, and other attractions.

For those interested in relaxing at the resort, the optional $40 Day Pass to the Hilton Resort World Bimini is available.

Transportation Options

Travelers can choose between two transportation options for the day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini: economy or business class roundtrip ferry tickets.

The high-speed 600-passenger ferry takes approximately 2 hours each way. The economy class option provides basic seating, while the business class offers more comfortable seating and amenities like a full bar and duty-free gift shop onboard.

Both include hotel pickup and drop-off services. Regardless of the class chosen, the ferry ride is a crucial part of the experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views of the Bahamas as they travel to and from the islands.

The transportation service is well-organized to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Bimini Exploration

Upon arrival in Bimini, visitors can make the most of their 6 hours of free time by exploring the island’s unique blend of Bahamian culture, natural wonders, and recreational activities.

Strolling through the charming Alice Town, with its vibrant pastel-hued buildings, local shops, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and Bahamian delicacies.

Discovering the mysterious ‘Bimini Road,’ an underwater rock formation that some believe to be remnants of the lost city of Atlantis.

Snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters, teeming with diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs.

Relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches, soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning vistas of the turquoise Bimini Lagoon.

Preparation and Requirements

To enjoy a seamless day trip to Bimini, travelers must ensure they’ve the necessary documentation and adhere to any relevant travel requirements. A valid passport and re-entry authorization are mandatory for this cross-border journey.

While the tour is wheelchair accessible for foldable chairs, infants under 6 months aren’t permitted on the high-speed ferry.

Passengers should be mindful that delays are possible due to weather, Bahamian Coast Guard, or Immigration processes.

Potential Delays

Delays may arise due to a variety of factors beyond the tour operator’s control, including inclement weather, heightened security measures by the Bahamian Coast Guard, or extended immigration processing times. While the operator aims to maintain the scheduled timeline, unexpected circumstances can cause delays that are out of their hands.

These include:

• Severe storms or rough seas that impact ferry operations
• Increased security checks by Bahamian authorities
• Backlog at immigration checkpoints leading to longer wait times
• Technical issues with the ferry that require maintenance

Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of delays and factor in extra time when planning their schedules. The operator will make every effort to minimize disruptions, but some delays may be unavoidable.

Booking and Pricing

The day trip to Bimini can be booked through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team, with pricing starting from $229 per person.

This includes economy or business class roundtrip ferry tickets, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Guests have the option to purchase a $40 day pass to the Hilton Resort World Bimini, providing access to the resort’s facilities during their 6 hours of free time in Bimini.

The high-speed 600-passenger ferry offers a full bar and duty-free gift shop onboard, allowing passengers to make the most of their journey.

Booking well in advance is recommended, as this popular day trip can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the ferry. However, the ferry has a full bar and duty-free gift shop onboard, so travelers may prefer to purchase refreshments there.

Is There a Dress Code for the Ferry or Bimini?

There’s no strict dress code for the ferry or Bimini. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended. Swimwear and beachwear are fine for activities in Bimini, but guests should avoid overly revealing or inappropriate clothing during the ferry ride.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Trip?

The trip has an age restriction – infants under 6 months are not permitted. Otherwise, there are no age limits, and the tour is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Extend My Stay in Bimini Beyond the Scheduled Time?

The trip includes 6 hours of free time in Bimini, but travelers can’t extend their stay beyond the scheduled return time. Extending the visit would require booking separate transportation back to Fort Lauderdale.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Ferry or in Bimini?

The ferry does not provide Wi-Fi, but some hotels and restaurants in Bimini may offer wireless internet access. Travelers should check with their accommodations or look for public hotspots to stay connected during their visit.

Recap

The day trip to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale offers a chance to explore the idyllic island paradise.

Visitors can spend 6 hours enjoying the charming Alice Town, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

With a roundtrip journey starting at $229 per person, this excursion provides an accessible island getaway.

However, travelers should be prepared for potential delays and ensure they’ve their passport ready.