A Bahamas day trip can feel wild, not rushed. This one is built around a fast ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini (about 2 hours each way) and then gives you meaningful free island time to do your own pace—beach, swimming, snorkeling, and plenty of wandering.

I like that the schedule is simple: you’re not stuck on tours all day. You get a long chunk of time to enjoy the island, plus the ferry ride itself comes with the little comforts that make a long travel day easier—like being able to buy a drink or snack onboard.

One thing to think about before you book: this is not an all-inclusive day. Activities on Bimini and food/drink aren’t included, so if you’re expecting a packed set of paid excursions, you’ll likely spend extra to fill the day (and some onboard options can be limited).

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Fast ferry ride from Port Everglades to Bimini (about 2 hours)
• About six hours to explore the island on your own
• Beach time plus swimming and snorkeling, with optional add-ons
• Onboard snacks/drinks help pass the ride without hunting
• Port immigration for all visitors, so build in patience

Port Everglades to Bimini: The Part That Sets the Tone

The whole trip starts at Port Everglades, which matters more than it sounds. You’re leaving from a major hub, not some far-flung dock off a side road, so getting there tends to be straightforward.

Then comes the best perk of this day trip: speed. The ferry gets you to Bimini in about 2 hours, which is the difference between feeling like you visited versus feeling like you lived there for a day. If you only have one day and you want the Bahamas without staying overnight, this is the style of itinerary that actually works.

On the ferry, you’ll want to plan like you’re on a mini day at sea. Bring what helps you settle in—especially if you’re sensitive to motion. The trip notes motion-sickness prevention as a thing to bring, but it also lists the tour as not suitable for people with motion sickness. If you’re on that edge, I’d take it seriously and consider a different trip type rather than hoping for the best.

Your Six-Hour Block of Freedom on Bimini

Once you’re on Bimini, the trip shifts gears from transit to freedom. You get free time—the easy, unscripted kind—so you can choose how your day looks. Some days you’ll want shade and a slow meal. Other days you’ll want water time right away.

That freedom is also why this day trip can feel either perfect or disappointing, depending on your expectations. If you’re the type who loves beaches, swimming, and aimless wandering through shops, the day fits well. If you want a packed, guided hit list of activities, you may feel the gap once the beach magic wears off and you realize paid activities are extra.

Also, pay attention to how you’ll structure your day. With a longer total tour duration (listed as 16 hours), you’re working within a full travel day that includes sailing time, island time, and return. So your goal should be: do your must-dos early, then let the rest of the day be flexible.

Beach, Swimming, and Snorkeling: Where the Day Gets Good

Bimini is a beach-focused escape, and this tour is built around that. You’ll have time to relax along the coast, swim in the water, and consider snorkeling and other water activities while you’re there.

One detail I appreciate: the day isn’t only about getting to the island. The whole point is to spend a real afternoon enjoying it—sun time, swim time, and breaks in cafés or restaurants. That’s what makes a day trip feel like a vacation day instead of a checklist.

If you’re hoping to combine beach time with more active water fun, plan for it. The trip includes free time, not guided instruction. So you’ll likely be choosing between options once you arrive and pay separately for the experiences you want.

And here’s a practical thing to keep in mind: because this is a ferry day, you’ll want to organize your essentials—swim gear, sunscreen, and any water-friendly items—so you don’t waste your best island hours switching modes.

Optional Water Sports and Adventure Add-Ons

This is where your budget can shape your day. The tour offers a range of optional activities on Bimini, but they’re not included, and they’re sold separately.

Based on what’s listed, you may see opportunities such as:

• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Dolphin watching
• And even experiences described as swimming with sharks

That sounds like a lot, but don’t assume every add-on is automatically available the moment you arrive. With day trips, availability can depend on schedules and operators on the island. I’d treat “optional” as a menu, not a guarantee.

If you’re choosing one or two add-ons, pick the ones that best match your comfort level. Parasailing and jet skiing can be great if you’re physically comfortable and not prone to motion issues. Snorkeling and swimming-style activities tend to be more flexible for different energy levels.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who don’t want the same intensity, this tour still works because the core day is self-directed. You can split your time: one group does water sports, the other group takes it slow on the beach.

What You’ll Pay For: Food, Drinks, and Souvenirs

Food and drink are not included, so come hungry—or plan to budget for snacks and meals on the island. The ferry ride helps a bit because you can purchase drinks and snacks onboard, which cuts down on the stress of finding your first meal the second you set foot on Bimini.

On the island, you’ll also have access to restaurants and cafés, plus souvenir shopping around the area. That’s a nice addition because you can fill the in-between time—after swimming, before an activity—without feeling trapped.

If you’re trying to keep total costs predictable, decide ahead of time how you’ll handle meals and one optional activity. With the base price, the biggest surprise for people is often adding up the extras in a single day.

Price and Value: Is $289 Worth It?

The price listed is $289 per person, and that number is the heart of the decision.

Here’s how I think about value with this kind of trip:

• What you get included is the roundtrip ferry (economy class) and free time on Bimini.
• What you don’t get included is meals and most activities.

So you’re paying for convenience and time: a fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale and a full-day experience that doesn’t require you to handle lodging. If you would otherwise spend money on a flight or spend more hours in transit, this can be a smart shortcut.

But if you love the idea of Bimini mostly for the beach and you’re okay paying for extras yourself, this is a clean model: you control your spend. If you wanted an all-day, all-inclusive program with everything planned and covered, this isn’t that style—your final cost can creep up once you add water sports and meals.

One more value note: the tour is wheelchair accessible, which can be a big deal for many people. At the same time, it’s not suitable for certain medical situations listed by the operator, including claustrophobia, vertigo, respiratory issues, and motion-sickness issues. So value isn’t just price; it’s fit.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who want a Bahamas day without the hassle of staying overnight. It fits well if you:

• Love beach time and want hours to swim and relax
• Want the flexibility to choose your own pace on the island
• Are comfortable paying for add-ons like snorkeling or jet skiing
• Have passports ready and can handle the port immigration process

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re expecting everything to be included besides ferry tickets
• You need a fully guided, tightly structured program
• You struggle with movement or medical conditions that can be triggered by ferry travel

The tour also lists it as not suitable for people with:

• back problems
• claustrophobia
• vertigo
• respiratory issues
• haemophilia
• pre-existing medical conditions
• kidney problems
• recent surgeries
• motion sickness

If you fall into any of those categories, take the operator’s guidance seriously. A day trip can still be a great day, but comfort and safety come first.

Practical Stuff That Can Save Your Day

A few details are worth setting up in advance so you don’t lose island time to avoidable stress.

Bring your passport. The trip requires a passport for adults, and children need a passport or ID card. Everyone also must pass through port immigration, so expect checks as part of the day.

Think through what you’ll do first. With around six hours on Bimini, your best plan is usually: pick your top activity early (or swim early), then let the rest of the afternoon flow around it.

Plan for a full day. Even though you’re only on Bimini for a slice, the total duration is 16 hours. If you’re someone who gets cranky without a tight schedule, build in breaks and snacks.

If you’re going on this trip from the U.S. with ESTA-related status (especially if you’ve heard concerns about leaving and re-entering), I’d treat it as a must-check item. One passenger highlighted that for Hungarians, ESTA rules may change when returning to the U.S., even if an ESTA is still valid. That’s the kind of detail you want to confirm before you sail—no last-minute surprises.

Should You Book This Bimini Ferry Day Trip?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, beach-first Bahamas day and you’re okay shaping your day with add-on activities you pay for on the island. For the price, what you’re buying is speed from Fort Lauderdale plus a meaningful chunk of island freedom—long enough to swim, relax, and still have time for shopping or casual meals.

I’d think twice if you want a fully packaged experience where your day is planned end-to-end and cost is all locked in. This trip works best when you treat it like: ferry + island time, then you choose what to spend on once you get there.

FAQ

How long is the Bimini day trip from Fort Lauderdale?

The total duration is listed as 16 hours. You’re in Bimini for the afternoon after a fast ferry ride that takes about 2 hours.

What’s included in the $289 per person price?

You get roundtrip economy ferry tickets and free time on Bimini Island.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included, though you can purchase drinks and snacks on the ferry.

What optional activities can I do on Bimini?

Optional activities can include jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, and experiences described as swimming with sharks. These are sold separately.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You’ll need a passport. Children need a passport or ID card.

Do I have to go through immigration?

Yes. All visitors must pass through port immigration.

Is the ferry and trip wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. However, it’s also listed as not suitable for people with several medical conditions including back problems, claustrophobia, vertigo, motion-sickness issues, and more.