Balearia Caribbean Review: Ferry From Florida to the Bahamas

Balearia Caribbean is the only scheduled passenger ferry linking South Florida with the Bahamas right now, and it does the job well enough if you go in with the right expectations. The company sails a single fast catamaran, the Jaume II, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Bimini in about two hours and to Freeport on Grand Bahama in about three. Fares are cheaper than most flights once you count baggage, you skip the airport entirely, and a same-day Bimini round trip is possible. The trade-offs are real, though: the Gulf Stream can make the crossing rough, delays are common, and customs on the way home can be slow. Below is everything you need to decide whether it’s the right way for you to reach the islands.

What is Balearia Caribbean?

Balearia Caribbean is the American arm of Baleària, a Spanish ferry company founded in 1998 and based in Dénia on the Costa Blanca. Back home it runs a fleet of more than 30 vessels across the Mediterranean, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Canary Islands. In Florida it keeps things much simpler: one ship, one home port and two Bahamian destinations.

That single-ship setup explains a lot of what you’ll read in reviews. When the Jaume II is down for weather or maintenance, there’s no backup boat, so a cancellation means rebooking rather than a quick swap. On the other hand, the crew knows the route well, and the operation has been running Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas for years, including a relaunch of both the Bimini and Grand Bahama routes in February 2021 after the pandemic pause.

Where does the Balearia Caribbean ferry go?

Two routes leave from Port Everglades:

Both routes run in reverse as well, so you can book one-way, round trip or (for Bimini) a same-day return. Schedules shift with the season, so treat the days above as a guide and check the live timetable before you plan anything around them.

The Bimini route

Bimini sits roughly 50 nautical miles east of Florida, which makes it the closest Bahamian island to the mainland. The ferry leaves Fort Lauderdale at 9:00 a.m. and reaches North Bimini around 11:00 a.m. The return leaves Bimini at 6:00 p.m. and gets back to Port Everglades around 8:00 p.m. That gives you roughly seven hours on the island, which is enough for a beach afternoon, lunch and a walk around, but not much more.

The Bimini dock is at Fisherman’s Village in Bimini Bay on North Bimini, right by Resorts World Bimini. If you’re staying at the resort, you’re basically there when you step off the boat.

The Grand Bahama route

The Freeport sailing is longer at about three hours, and it’s the better pick if you want more to do once you arrive. Grand Bahama has the city of Freeport, a bigger hotel selection and more restaurants than Bimini. Ships dock at Terminal 2 in Freeport Harbour. Because the crossing takes longer and the schedule is only twice a week, most people treat Grand Bahama as a multi-night trip rather than a day trip.

How much does Balearia Caribbean cost?

Expect starting fares of roughly $180 to $235 per person each way, based on what Balearia and third-party booking sites were showing in October 2026. Weekends, holidays and summer sailings cost more, and fares rise as the boat fills up. Booking agents such as Direct Ferries list similar starting prices but can add service fees, so compare against the official site before you pay.

There are also bundled options worth a look:

• Bimini day trips: a same-day round trip priced as a single package, often the cheapest way to see the island.
• Ferry plus hotel packages: sailings combined with a stay at Resorts World Bimini or a Freeport hotel. Resorts World rooms on their own start around $274 a night, so a bundle can save money.
• Youth fares: a discounted fare for travelers aged 14 to 30 on the date of travel, when available.

Basic vs Flex tickets

This choice matters more than most people realize. Balearia sells two kinds of fares, and the rules are very different:

Given how often weather affects this crossing, Flex is worth the extra money if your dates aren’t locked in. Tickets are non-transferable and valid for one year from booking.

What is it like on board the Jaume II?

The Jaume II is a high-speed catamaran built in Australia in 1996 that joined Baleària’s fleet in 2006. It’s a two-level boat with an open, air-conditioned main cabin, big windows and an outdoor terrace at the back where you can stand and watch the water.

Onboard you’ll find:

• A snack bar selling light bites, soft drinks and cocktails
• A duty-free shop
• TV screens showing films, documentaries and kids’ programming
• Wi-Fi and seat-side charging, though several recent reviewers say neither worked on their crossing

Don’t expect cruise-ship polish. The boat is clean and practical, and the seats are comfortable enough for a couple of hours, but it’s a ferry built in the 1990s and it feels like one. Download your shows before you board instead of counting on the Wi-Fi, and bring a portable charger.

You also can’t bring your own food or drinks into the passenger areas, so plan to eat before you check in or buy something from the bar.

Balearia Caribbean reviews: the honest picture

On Tripadvisor, Balearia Caribbean holds a 2.5 out of 5 rating across more than 870 reviews. That’s low, but reading through them, the complaints cluster around a few predictable problems rather than anything dangerous.

What travelers like

• Boarding in Fort Lauderdale is usually described as smooth and organized.
• The boat is clean and the seats are comfortable.
• It’s a fast, simple way to reach Bimini without flying, and many people love the beach once they arrive.

What travelers complain about

• Rough seas. This comes up constantly. The ferry crosses the Gulf Stream, and when the wind is up, the ride gets bumpy and seasickness spreads quickly through the cabin. Sailings can be cancelled outright when waves get too high.
• Delays. Late departures and late returns are common, sometimes by an hour or more.
• Slow customs on the way home. Getting off the boat and through US customs at Port Everglades can take a long time, especially on busy Sunday returns.
• Value. Some reviewers feel the fares and onboard prices are steep for the service.

How to have a better trip

Most of these issues are things you can plan around. Take a seasickness remedy before you board (not once you’re already queasy), and sit low and near the middle of the boat where the motion is gentlest. Check the marine forecast the day before; if the Gulf Stream looks angry, a Flex ticket lets you move your date. Leave a buffer on your return day and don’t book a tight dinner reservation or connecting flight that evening.

How do you check in at Port Everglades?

Fort Lauderdale check-in opens at 6:00 a.m. for the 9:00 a.m. sailing, and terminal doors close at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Balearia suggests arriving between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m., and that’s good advice: port security can back up traffic at the entrance, and if you miss the cut-off you’re not guaranteed a seat.

The ferry normally uses Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, but the terminal number can change, so confirm it the day before. Parking is at the Palm Garage in the middle of the port, with daily rates posted on the Port Everglades website.

Coming home from Bimini, the check-in office opens at 9:00 a.m. on sailing days and closes one hour before departure. In Freeport, check-in opens three hours before departure and doors close one hour before. There’s no last-minute boarding at either island.

What documents do you need for the Balearia ferry?

Every passenger needs a valid passport, including children and US citizens. A passport card or driver’s license won’t get you on board. US citizens don’t need a visa for a short Bahamas visit. US permanent residents need both their Green Card and a valid passport from their country of citizenship. If you hold another nationality, check Bahamian entry rules before booking.

What are the baggage rules?

Each passenger gets one carry-on included, up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches and 26.5 pounds, plus a small backpack or purse. Families traveling with young children can usually bring one more bag of the same size free. If you need more than that, Balearia lets you check extra luggage at the terminal, and its Grand Bahama route page says checked bags come without airline-style fees. Confirm the current limits on your booking, since the policy has been updated more than once.

Can you bring a pet on Balearia Caribbean?

Yes, dogs and cats can travel on select sailings. The fee is $150 per pet each way, or $300 round trip, and you need to add the pet by emailing customer service at least 72 hours before departure with your booking reference.

Pets ride in a ventilated kennel on deck, sheltered from rain and wind, not in the passenger cabin. You can use your own kennel or one provided by the ship. Dogs must wear a muzzle during the crossing and be on a harness and leash whenever they’re out of the kennel. You’ll also sign a liability waiver. Trained service dogs can stay in the passenger area with you, but emotional support animals are treated as regular pets.

Is Balearia Caribbean worth it?

For most travelers heading to Bimini, yes. Nothing else gets you from Fort Lauderdale to a Bahamian beach in two hours without a flight, and the day-trip option is a fun way to spend a Wednesday or Sunday. For Grand Bahama, it’s a solid alternative to flying if you’re bringing luggage, a pet or a group, and you don’t mind a three-hour sail.

It’s a weaker choice if you get seasick easily, if your schedule has no slack, or if you’re expecting a cruise-style experience. In those cases, a short flight to Bimini or Freeport might cost a bit more but save you a lot of stress. And if you love the idea of a fast ferry run out of South Florida but want to stay in US waters, our Key West Express review covers a similar catamaran trip down to the Keys.

Conclusion

Balearia Caribbean is the simplest way to sail from Florida to the Bahamas, with a two-hour hop to Bimini and a three-hour run to Grand Bahama on the Jaume II. Book early, buy a Flex ticket if your plans could change, arrive at Port Everglades well before 8:00 a.m., and prepare for a possibly bumpy ride. Do that and the trip is easy. For more fast-ferry and cruise reading, see our Star of the Seas review for a very different way to reach the Bahamas, or browse more ferry guides on TheOceanCulture.