Baleària Caribbean Fast Ferry: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini & Freeport
Daily high-speed passenger ferry schedules, baggage rules, day trips, and booking information departing from Port Everglades.
Baleària Fast Ferry Highlights at a Glance
- Port of Departure: Port Everglades Terminal 21 (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) with direct sailings to Bimini and Freeport (Grand Bahama).
- Fast Sailing Times: Approximately 2 hours to Bimini and 3 hours to Freeport aboard high-speed catamarans.
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose between convenient same-day return trips or multi-night Cruise to Stay™ resort packages.
- Onboard Comfort: Air-conditioned economy & premium seating, duty-free retail boutique, cafe snack bar, and pet-friendly areas.
- Direct Phone Reservations: Dedicated Florida booking and customer support desk at 954-969-0069.
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High-Speed Ocean Travel from Fort Lauderdale
The Baleària Caribbean fast ferry represents the premier high-speed maritime link between South Florida and the closest Bahamian out islands. Departing from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, these modern catamarans make international island travel practical, fast, and economical. Whether planning a quick day cruise to the pristine sands of Bimini or arranging extended island vacations on Grand Bahama, the ferry eliminates the stress and congestion of airport security checkpoints.
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Vessels such as the Jaume II are specifically engineered for passenger comfort in Gulf Stream conditions. Onboard, travelers enjoy expansive air-conditioned lounges with airline-style ergonomic seating, panoramic ocean views, accessible restrooms, and full-service cafeterias offering warm breakfast bites, sandwiches, chicken tenders, coffee, and Caribbean rum cocktails. Passengers can also browse the onboard duty-free shop for liquor, tobacco, luxury fragrances, and travel essentials at tax-free international prices.
Travelers can book single-day roundtrips or take advantage of flexible Cruise to Stay™ options. With Cruise to Stay™, you travel on the morning ferry, stay multiple nights at premier properties like Resorts World Bimini, the historic Bimini Big Game Club, or Grand Lucayan in Freeport, and return on the afternoon ferry when your island holiday is complete.
Terminal 21 Schedules & Travel Rules
Check-in for all Baleària Caribbean departures takes place at Port Everglades Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL). Terminal doors open at 6:00 AM for morning sailings. Terminal doors close strictly one hour before departure (typically 8:00 AM for a 9:00 AM sailing). Because this is an international crossing under U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Bahamas Immigration oversight, passengers arriving after the doors close will not be permitted to board.
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All passengers must present a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. While U.S. citizens taking closed-loop cruises may occasionally use birth certificates and driver’s licenses, the fast ferry operates under commercial passenger ferry regulations, meaning passports are strongly required for all passengers. Non-U.S. citizens must possess valid visas or ESTA approvals for re-entry into the United States.
Baggage rules are straightforward: each passenger is allowed one personal backpack or tote (up to 26 lbs) free of charge to stow at their seat. Larger rolling bags or cargo items must be checked at the terminal counter for a standard luggage fee. Pets are allowed onboard with required Bahamian import permits and veterinary vaccination records, provided they remain in approved carriers or designated pet areas throughout the voyage.
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Baleària Caribbean Ferry Route & Timetable Overview
Schedules operate on select days weekly; always call ahead to confirm daily departure status and seasonal adjustments.
| Route / Destination | Terminal Check-in | Departure Time | Crossing Duration | Same-Day Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale to Bimini | 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Approx. 2 Hours | Departs Bimini ~6:00 PM |
| Fort Lauderdale to Freeport | 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Approx. 3 Hours | Departs Freeport ~5:30 PM |
| Bimini to Fort Lauderdale | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Approx. 2 Hours | Arrives Port Everglades ~8:00 PM |
| Freeport to Fort Lauderdale | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM | Approx. 3 Hours | Arrives Port Everglades ~8:30 PM |
Need personalized itinerary planning or multi-day hotel packages? Call our Fort Lauderdale reservation team at 954-969-0069.
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