Two hours from Fort Lauderdale
Plan your trip
The practical answers, before the pretty pictures.
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini
The crossing
About 50 miles of open water — sources cite 48–59 miles depending on which points you measure between. Bimini is the closest point in The Bahamas to the United States mainland. Drag the slider to run both crossings on the same clock.
T+45 min — Balearia Caribbean is 38% across · Silver Airways has landed at South Bimini.
Ferry
Fort Lauderdale ⇄ Bimini
The only ferry operator on the route since 2019, aboard the Jaume II catamaran. About two hours each way.
- Time
- 2 h
- Runs
- about three sailings a week (typically Sun, Wed, Fri), varying seasonally
- Fare
- roughly $155–$200+ — confirm current pricing before booking
Flight
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → South Bimini (BIM)
About forty-five minutes in the air, and the fastest way over. South Bimini has the island’s only runway; North Bimini has none.
- Time
- 45 min
- Fare
- from about $113 one way — fares move, check before booking
Seaplane / charter
Tropic Ocean Airways, Watermakers Air
South Florida → Bimini
Both are reported to serve the route, but no schedule or fare for either could be independently confirmed — so none is stated here. Check with the operator directly.
- Figures
- Not independently confirmed — none stated.
The Gulf Stream runs north through the Straits, across the whole route. Boaters plan the crossing around a weather window rather than a timetable — a north wind against that current is what builds the short, steep sea the passage is known for. The ribbon is a route diagram, not a chart: the shores, the water and the current marks are stylised, and only the journey times and the operators’ details are measured. No current speed is shown because none is sourced. For real bathymetry, see the drop-off on thehome page and the relief map on the fishing page.
Getting there another way
Private boat
~50 nm · open Gulf Stream crossing
A genuine offshore passage from Miami, Key Largo or Fort Lauderdale, planned around a weather window rather than a timetable. Bimini is an official port of entry — clear customs on arrival.
On arrival
Immigration & customs
Clearance happens at South Bimini Airport if you fly, and at the North Bimini ferry dock and marinas if you come by water. Bring a valid passport whichever way you arrive.
Common questions
How do I get to Bimini from Florida?
Two practical options. Balearia Caribbean runs the only ferry service, sailing Fort Lauderdale ⇄ Bimini in about 2 h aboard the Jaume II catamaran, with fares that vary by date — expect roughly $155–$200+ — confirm current pricing before booking. Silver Airways flies Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → South Bimini (BIM) in about 45 min, with fares from about $113 one way — fares move, check before booking. Smaller seaplane and charter operators also serve the island on a limited basis; their schedules and fares are not independently confirmed here, so check directly before relying on one.
Can I get to Bimini by private boat?
Yes, but treat it as a real offshore passage, not a casual crossing. It's roughly 50 nautical miles from South Florida across the open Gulf Stream, and boaters plan it around a genuine weather window rather than a fixed schedule. Bimini is a standard Bahamian port of entry, so you'll clear customs and immigration on arrival.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Bimini is part of The Bahamas, so this is an international trip — bring a valid passport (two blank pages are recommended) whether you arrive by ferry, plane or private boat. US citizens generally travel visa-free for tourism stays of up to about 90 days; other nationalities should check requirements before booking.
How do people get around the island?
Golf carts. North Bimini is small enough to walk end to end, but a rented cart is how nearly everyone moves between Alice Town, Bailey Town and Porgy Bay. Several local operators rent by the day, and some will deliver the cart to you.
Should I bring cash?
Yes. Bimini is a cash-preferred island with very limited banking, so plan to arrive with enough cash on hand rather than counting on finding an ATM.
What currency is used?
The Bahamian dollar is pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island — there is no need to exchange money.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is the broad peak — calmer water and the widest mix of fishing, from billfish to tarpon to reef species. Winter brings prime wahoo fishing but rougher, windier conditions offshore. The bonefish flats fish well year-round regardless of season.
When does the grocery restock?
The mail boat arrives on Thursdays, so the best selection of fresh produce runs from Thursday evening through Saturday.