Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about sunny beaches and luxury yachts—it’s also a hub for unique day trips and island adventures that make for memorable getaways. Its proximity to the Bahamas means you can easily swap the city for a tropical paradise in a day. We particularly like the From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini because it combines smooth ferry travel with six hours of leisure on Bimini, giving you ample time to relax, snorkel, or explore. Plus, the full bar and duty-free shop onboard make the journey part of the fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a more relaxed island experience, Fort Lauderdale’s tour options deliver.
If you’re after a flexible, scenic day with plenty of free time, the Miami/Ft Lauderdale: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip offers an excellent mix of ferry cruising and island exploration, with enough time to soak up the sun or shop. For those who want to spend the entire day immersed in Bimini’s beaches and water activities, the From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry stands out for its relaxed pace and optional adventures like jet skiing or snorkeling.
Quick Overview
The tours listed below offer a range of experiences—from quick day trips with plenty of leisure time to more adventure-focused excursions. Whether you prefer a straightforward ferry ride, exploring Bimini or Grand Bahama, or combining sightseeing with optional water sports, these options give you a taste of the Bahamas’ beauty without spending multiple days away.
1. From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini
This is the most comprehensive day trip to Bimini, taking you across the Atlantic aboard a comfortable ferry. The trip lasts about 18 hours, with roughly six hours free on the island to do as you please. The ferry features a full bar and duty-free shop, so you can start the vacation early—no need to wait until you reach the Bahamas to indulge.
The itinerary is straightforward: you depart from Port Everglades, enjoy a two-hour ferry ride, and then get six hours in Bimini. You can explore beaches, sample local restaurants, or just relax under the sun. The tour offers two starting locations and convenient drop-off points, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full-day escape with plenty of free time to discover Bimini’s natural beauty and historic sites.
What makes this trip stand out is the balance between comfort and leisure. The reviews mention a 4 out of 5 rating with over 350 reviews, highlighting its reliability and value. While the full-day format might be long for some, the 6 hours of free time on Bimini are enough for a relaxed visit. Just remember to bring your passport, a towel, and comfortable clothes.
Bottom Line: This trip is ideal if you want a well-organized, full-day adventure to Bimini with plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
2. Miami/Ft Lauderdale: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip
This tour combines the scenic thrill of a ferry cruise with options to visit either Bimini or Grand Bahama Islands. With a duration of about 15 hours, it’s slightly shorter than the first but still packed with fun, including three hours of scenic views on the ferry and five hours of free time ashore.
Starting from either Port Everglades or Eller Drive, you’ll cruise through the shimmering waters, enjoying the breeze and ocean vistas. Once ashore, you can relax on the beaches, shop, or explore at your own pace. The tour is flexible, and you can opt for a quick visit or spend more time relaxing. It also provides information about water activities like snorkeling and parasailing, making it easy to plan your day.
This trip gets a solid 4.1 out of 5 from reviewers, who appreciate the scenic ferry ride and the freedom to explore. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a mix of cruising and leisure, with the option to choose between two stunning islands. The only consideration is that you need a valid passport, as you’ll go through U.S. Customs and Immigration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a scenic, flexible day with options to explore two different Bahamian islands without feeling rushed.
3. From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry
This tour offers a solid, straightforward way to enjoy Bimini for about 16 hours. The highlight is the ferry ride from Port Everglades, a 12-hour window that allows plenty of time to relax or indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, or scuba diving.
What sets this trip apart is its focus on immersion. You can explore the island’s restaurants, lounge on unspoiled beaches, or rent a golf cart to see more of Bimini. Optional activities like jet skiing and parasailing are available if you’re feeling adventurous. The tour is highly rated (4 out of 5 from 29 reviews), with many travelers mentioning the ease of access and the long afternoon to unwind.
Participants should bring their passports, personal medications, and be prepared for some optional water sports. The trip is best suited for travelers who want ample leisure time and are comfortable with a full day out. Note that the tour is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to spend most of your day exploring Bimini at your own pace, with plenty of options for water-based fun.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your priorities: Do you want a full day with scheduled leisure time? The From Fort Lauderdale: Day Trip to Bimini offers a longer, relaxed experience ideal for those wanting to explore thoroughly. If you prefer scenic cruising with flexibility, the Miami/Ft Lauderdale: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip gives you options without rushing. For travelers seeking more immersive island exploration and optional water activities, the Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry excels.
Your choice should also factor in travel logistics—if you prefer a shorter ferry ride or want to visit a specific island, that will guide your decision. Remember to check the departure points, required documents like passports, and what activities excite you most.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic base for exploring the Bahamas, offering everything from quick, activity-rich excursions to full-day relaxation. For those who want a full immersion, the Day Trip to Bimini provides a well-rounded, leisurely experience. If scenic views combined with flexibility appeal, the Bimini or Grand Bahama day trip is an excellent pick. And for travelers eager to explore Bimini’s beaches and waters more extensively, the Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry is a dependable choice.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early is wise—these trips are popular and fill up fast, especially in peak season. Whichever route you choose, a taste of the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale offers sunshine, water, and a change of scenery just a ferry ride away.