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Whether you are on a vacation to Miami, or simply looking for a new activity, there is nothing as striking as a trip to the Bahamas. Private boats, cruises, and ferries all make regular trips from the ports of Miami to the nearby islands of the Bahamas giving you plenty of options to choose from when starting your Bahamas excursion.
A day cruise to one of these islands is a great option as a day trip from Miami. This popular destination is the perfect place to experience crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches on the tropical islands, and it’s all just a boat ride away.
The easiest islands to visit from Miami are Bimini, Freeport, and Nassau. Every trip has a different length, but you probably will not spend more than 3 hours getting to these islands. The most affordable options are the ferries to these islands, which cost about $250 per person.
There are several factors to consider when selecting the right boat trip for you. But we have compiled the best boat trips and ferries from Miami to the Bahamas. So, no matter what you pick, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience!
Top Boat Experiences From Miami To Bahamas
Check Availability: Bimini Day Cruise From Fort Lauderdale With Round-Trip Miami Transfer
1. Ferry to Bimini
This ferry from Miami to Bimini is at the top of our list, as it is affordable, quick, and accessible to everyone! This Bimini ferry actually leaves from Fort Lauderdale, but it is not a far drive from Miami for the amazing deal. The Bimini islands are 60 miles from the coast of Florida and takes about 2 hours to reach.
The boat itself is quite large, giving you plenty of space to walk around the ship and enjoy the trip! They have a full bar on board as well as a shop to spend some extra time in. After the 2-hour trip, you will receive a day pass to a Hilton at Resorts World Bimini!
At this resort, you will be able to swim, enjoy the beaches, gamble at the casino, and receive excellent meals at the restaurants on site. This day pass makes it very easy for you to relax and not have to plan your day in the Bahamas! Of course, there is no requirement to use this day pass but it is always available if you want it.
The ticket for this ferry is $300+ per person depending on the day. The best part about this ferry is you do not need to return to Florida on the same day! You are able to stay on the island for a week before using the return ticket back to the states. It is a great price with incredible flexibility, making it perfect for vacations and day trips alike!
2. Ferry to Freeport, Grand Bahama
The city of Freeport in Grand Bahama island is another one of the most popular islands to visit off the coast of Miami. The island offers all the water activities you could hope for, as well as diverse flea markets full of items and food to try. This ferry to Freeport also leaves from Fort Lauderdale, and is one of the cheapest trips on this list!
This day trip takes you from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport. It’s just under 100 miles and about a 2.5-hour ferry ride. At $230 per person, you get all the fun of being in two different places at once without having to worry about getting your travel expenses all lined up ahead of time. This ferry also keeps you from incurring any extra costs while on vacation while still being able to enjoy the trip!
This trip also offers some amazing scenery – both during the drive there and while you’re visiting Freeport itself. The clear blue waters will make your heart race as you take in views that can only be seen from sea level. Meanwhile, the tropical flora and fauna will amaze everyone who sees it for the first time (or second time!).
3. Bahamas Fast Ferry
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, the Bahamas Fast Ferry is one of the best options out there. This ferry leaves regularly from Fort Lauderdale and offers trips to Bimini and Freeport. It is very easy to make a reservation online and you can even book trips the day of!
This ferry is about 170ft long and can carry 600 passengers. So, there are plenty of areas to walk around, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea. It also has a snack bar on board, so you can relax with a drink while you enjoy the ride.
Prices start at $250 per person for an ocean voyage. You can pay a $50 upgrade that gives your priority boarding and a free meal on board. The ferry takes about two and a half hours, and it runs seven days a week. This is a very reliable service, so it is perfect if you would like to take an impromptu Bahama trip!
4. Ferry to the Bahamas
This Ferry to the Bahamas is definitely a unique and interesting experience. It works on a loop system, stopping in both Nassau and Freeport during the trip. Because it is a long-form trip, the total time it runs is 8 hours, but it will not take longer than 3 hours to reach your destination.
This boat does not run daily but usually operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays around noon. The ferry has a full bar on board too, so you can relax with a drink while you enjoy the ride. As long as the weather does not interfere, it is a nice and peaceful trip!
The price is usually $150 per person, which is the cheapest you can find. Tickets book out well in advance, so this is not a very accessible option to get to the Bahamas. However, if you’re a great planner and looking to visit the Bahamas on a budget, this may be the trip for you!
5. Grey Line Miami Day Trips
Next, there is the Grey Line boat trip, which like all the others so far leaves from Fort Lauderdale and delivers you to either Bimini or Freeport. Each trip will take about 2 hours to reach the islands. These 600-passenger boats will give you an easy ride to your Bahama adventure.
Grey Line is a famous cruise line, that offers many different trips to the nearby Bahamas islands. They run regularly and do not book out too far in advance. You can also book tickets in groups of 4, making it perfect for small families or friend groups. In addition to this, they are also wheelchair accessible!
Each ticket is about $200 each, but you can add to the price if you would like to arrange hotel transfers or buy a day pass to the Hilton Bimini Resort! You can choose a premium ticket which allows you more perks on the boat. Plus, it is very easy to book these tickets online, making a stress-free travel day!
6. Private Bimini Boat Trip
This private plane and boat trip to Bimini is for lovers of luxury and fantastical excursions. It is a 6-hour day trip that begins at the Miami Executive Airport with a short flight to the island. From there you will spend the day at all the famous spots around this island. Ideal for groups or large families, you can bring up to 9 people with you on this Caribbean boat tour.
The island of Bimini is just 50 miles off the coast of Miami and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and stunning coral reefs. The trip begins with a short cruise to the island, before visiting the ‘Fountain of Youth’. This famous landmark was sought out by the famous explorer Ponce de Leon.
Then you will go on a snorkeling tour around the old shipwreck of the S.S. Sapona. Here you will be able to explore the natural wildlife and the famous snorkeling ground of this fascinating site. Next, you will get the chance to see some sharks! The tour takes you to the shark arena, where you can swim amongst the pristine coral reefs of this island.
Finally, you will be able to enjoy the white sand beaches of the Bahamas and relax at a secluded beach at stingray island. Then the plane will drop you back of in Miami. This excursion is $6,000 per group, but as we mentioned you can bring up to 9 people on the trip.
Best Boat Trips From Miami To Bahamas
Ferries to the Bahamas from Miami, are convenient, affordable, and fast! If you are looking to simply get to one of these islands, a ferry is the best option for you. But if you are looking for a leisurely day trip that allows you to enjoy the islands before returning to Miami, private boats and cruises are perfect for you.
There are more boat options than the ones we listed that can comfortably take you to the Bahamas. However, these are the top-rated and most popular options available to you! No matter which you choose, a Bahamas day trip will certainly be memorable. Just be sure to check the weather conditions ahead of time.