From Miami: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry with Hotel Transfers

Traveling from the bustling Miami area to the stunning Bahamas has never been easier or more tempting than with this roundtrip ferry package to Bimini. This experience offers a quick, scenic voyage paired with a generous stretch of free time on one of the closest Bahamian islands—perfect for those craving a mix of relaxation and adventure. We’ve reviewed the details, the pros and cons, and what makes this trip worth considering—or not.

What we love about this experience is its convenience: hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics. The 2-hour high-speed ferry promises a swift journey, and the 6 hours of free time on Bimini give you ample opportunity to soak up the sun, explore, or partake in water sports. Plus, the option to rent a golf cart and enjoy local eateries makes it feel like a personalized island escape.

A possible consideration is that the trip is quite structured—there’s limited time on the island relative to travel hours, and some reviews suggest that the island’s offerings can feel limited, especially if you’re expecting a full day of sightseeing or shopping. Also, food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget for meals or snacks.

This trip suits travelers who want a quick, hassle-free Bahamas experience from Miami, especially if they’re eager to enjoy beaches and water activities without the complexity of a longer stay. It’s perfect for those with a day to spare, looking for a taste of the islands rather than an in-depth exploration.

Good To Know

• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Miami make it easy to start and end your day stress-free.
• Speedy Transit: The high-speed ferry cuts travel time to just 2 hours, maximizing your island time.
• Flexible Free Time: Six hours on Bimini lets you relax or explore at your own pace.
• Water Sports: Optional activities like jet skiing, snorkeling, and parasailing add excitement.
• Limited Included Food: You’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to buy on the island.
• Booking Flexibility: Full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now, pay later.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour offers a practical and straightforward way to visit Bimini. It begins early with hotel pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 AM in Miami Beach or Downtown Miami in an air-conditioned vehicle. The ride to the ferry terminal is smooth, with all landing and facility fees covered in the price.

Once aboard the high-speed ferry, you’ll be cruising for approximately two hours across relatively calm waters. The vessel is comfortable, and the speed allows you to maximize your time on the island. The ferry staff, including guides who speak English, Spanish, and Arabic, are generally friendly and informative, helping to make the journey enjoyable.

Arrival and Free Time on Bimini

Upon arriving in Bimini, the real fun begins. You’re granted around 6 hours to explore. You might choose to relax on the pristine beaches, swim in the clear waters, or indulge in water sports. The option to rent a golf cart for around $80 is popular among travelers wanting to explore the island at their leisure—shuttling between beaches, shops, and local eateries.

Several reviewers mention that the island’s main draw is its beautiful beaches and the chance to swim or snorkel. Some travelers, like one who enjoyed renting a golf cart, appreciated the flexibility to see more of the island beyond the resort.

Water Activities and Optional Experiences

For those craving adventure, water sports passes are available for purchase on the ferry. Activities include shipwreck snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing—adding a thrill to the island day. The famous Hilton resort pool is also available for swimming, though entry costs $40. The reviews indicate that some find these activities worthwhile, especially with the stunning scenery as a backdrop.

Food and Shopping

While the tour provides the essentials for transportation and a comfortable experience, meals are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy on Bimini. The island has some local restaurants and shops, but as one review notes, shops may not be open for travelers, which can limit shopping options if that’s your goal.

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Return Journey

The ferry back departs in the late afternoon, giving you your six hours of island adventure. The return trip offers a relaxing end to your day, and a designated driver will transport you back to your hotel after arriving in Miami.

What the Reviews Say: Real Experiences

While most travelers appreciate the smooth logistics and beautiful views, reviews highlight some caveats. A Romanian traveler called the experience “money thrown away,” criticizing the lack of guided tours and the limited offerings on the island, especially if you’re expecting more than just a beach day. Conversely, others like a visitor from the U.S. praised the stunning scenery and the chance to rent a golf cart, describing it as a “great” experience.

One reviewer pointed out that the island is beautiful, but the shops might be closed, which dampens shopping plans. Several travelers also enjoyed the water sports options, noting they added excitement to the trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The whole day runs for about 15 hours, with early pick-up and a late return.
• Price: At $289 per person, the trip offers good value, especially considering hotel transfers, ferry, and land fees.
• Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, landing, and facility fees, plus 6 hours on the island.
• Not Included: Food, drinks, or water sports unless purchased separately.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible with foldable wheelchairs; infants under six months are not permitted.
• Travel Documents: You’ll need a valid passport and US re-entry authorization, as you go through US Customs.
• Best for: Those looking for a quick getaway, beach lovers, water sports fans, or travelers wanting a hassle-free day trip.

Final Thoughts

This ferry tour offers a solid quick escape to the Bahamas with minimal fuss. If your main goal is to relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel, or take in some water sports without the hassle of planning multiple logistics, this could be a good fit. The convenience of hotel transfers, combined with the short ferry ride, makes it appealing for day-trippers.

However, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive Bahamian experience with shopping, guided tours, or cultural sightseeing, this trip might feel somewhat limited. The reviews remind us to manage expectations—this is a leisure-focused, straightforward day trip primarily centered around beaches and water activities.

In summary, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic, and active day on Bimini, valuing ease and flexibility over in-depth exploration. For those seeking a relaxing beach day in the Bahamas with options to add adventure, it can deliver plenty of value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Miami Beach or Downtown Miami in an air-conditioned vehicle.
How long is the ferry ride? The high-speed ferry takes approximately 2 hours each way.
How much free time do I get on Bimini? You’ll have about 6 hours to enjoy the island, relax, or explore.
Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy on the island.
Can I do water sports? Yes, water sports passes are available for purchase, including jet skiing, snorkeling, and parasailing.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? The tour is wheelchair accessible with foldable wheelchairs.
What documents do I need? A valid passport and US re-entry authorization are required for customs and immigration.
What about children? Children need their own ID, and infants under 6 months are not permitted.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Is this tour suitable for pregnant women? No, pregnant women are advised not to participate.

To sum it up, this ferry trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to dip your toes into Bahamian waters, especially for those in Miami who want a day of sun, sea, and sand without the hassle of multiple travel arrangements. With scenic views, water sports, and the chance to explore Bimini at your own pace, it’s a worthwhile pick for laid-back travelers seeking a taste of the Caribbean.

You can check if your dates are available here: