The Ferry from Miami to Bahamas is one of the most popular ways for people to visit the country. It allows travelers to embark on a day cruise to Bahamas from Miami and see some of the sites that the archipelago has to offer. Then, instead of having to worry about finding accommodations, they return back to Miami that same evening.
But is the Miami to Bahamas ferry the best way to reach the Bahamas? Is there a better way to enjoy a day trip Miami to Bahamas? In this article, we’re going to tackle those questions and more.
Keep reading to find out more.
Discover the best Tours and Excursions in the Bahamas.
Ferry From Miami to Bahamas: Should You Take It?
Miami to Bahamas Ferry: Where Does It Visit?
The Bahamas is an archipelago made up of 700 islands. It stretches down from the coast of Florida in the north down to Cuba and other islands in the Caribbean farther south. Given how large a territory it spans, the number of places you can visit via the ferry from Miami to Bahamas are limited.
Cruise ships and the Miami to Bahamas ferry are popular ways to reach the country.
In most cases, a day trip to Bahamas from Miami will take you to one of two places:
Bimini
Bimini is one of the closest islands to the coast of Florida. If you’re planning on taking the Ferry from Miami to Bahamas to visit Bimini, you can expect a journey of around 2 to 3 hours. Given the transit time required, you’ll have a couple of hours to spend on the island before needing to head back.
While Bimini is beautiful, it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Instead of the traditional Bahamian culture, you’ll find loads of shops and stores catering to other day trippers.
Freeport
Freeport is another popular tourist destination and also a busy cruise ship port. If you’re looking to take a day cruise from Bahamas to Miami, expect a 2.5-3.5 hour journey.
Like everywhere else in the Bahamas, Freeport is another beautiful island. However, like Bimini, it’s also one that’s hyper-commercialized, and a place that you won’t have a lot of time to spend at if you take the boat from Miami to Bahamas.
Day Cruise to Bahamas From Miami: What to Expect
A 2-3 hour boat ride might not seem too long, but unfortunately, many people don’t realize what they’re signing up for before they’re on the ferry from Miami to Bahamas.
For one thing, on a day trip Miami to Bahamas, expect to add a few extra hours to the travel time listed. In order to go through the check-in process and board the boat in a timely fashion, travel companies recommend arriving at the terminal at 6 am – a full three hours before most boats leave. That should give you an idea of the number of people who take the day cruise to Bahamas from Miami.
After departing, many travelers are also surprised at how choppy the experience ends up being. That’s not surprising when you consider that the boat has to cross through rough and unsheltered waters.
We recommend taking a day trip to Bahamas from Miami by plane instead of by boat.
Day Trip Miami to Bahamas From Miami by Plane
Luckily, you’re not stuck taking the boat from Miami to Bahamas. Air travel makes it possible to reach even more destinations in the Bahamas while still enjoying the benefits of a day trip Miami to Bahamas.
When you fly by plane, you get to avoid the crowds that plague the ferry. You also don’t have to worry about spending 10+ hours on a boat or waiting in lines, and instead get to travel in comfort and style.
As mentioned, a day trip to Bahamas from Miami also lets you reach destinations besides Freeport or Bimini.
Destination: Exuma
Skipping the Miami to Bahamas ferry gives you more time to spend in the Bahamas.
The Exuma Cays are a chain of 365 islands within the Bahamas. Located south of Nassau, the capital, many travelers miss out on visiting the region. However, you can reach them by plane from Miami within 2 hours.
Once you’re there, you’ll have the chance to see some of the many sites that make the region famous. From the stunning beaches and the bright-blue water to the Exuma Pigs and other local sites, the Exumas are a can’t-miss destination on any Bahamas vacation.
Some of the other special attractions you can look forward to seeing include:
- Nurse sharks
- Iguanas
- Sandbars
- Underwater caves
- And so much more!
Compare taking the Plane with the Ferry from Miami to Bahamas
- Bahamas Day Trip by Plane
- $949per person
- Fly to Exuma Islands
- Stunning Aerial Views
- Visits 7 Exuma Attractions
- Guaranteed Small Group Size
- Weather Cancellation Rare
- Inclusive Pricing
- Private Upgrades Available
- 5-Star Reviews
- Bahamas Day Trip by Ferry
- $300per person
- Ferry to Freeport
- 3 hour journey, each way
- Does not visit Swimming Pigs
- 600+ People per Ferry
- Frequent Cancellation
- Price is Transport only, no Tour included
- No Private Options
- Very poor Reviews
Traveling by Plane: The Best Decision You Can Make
While the ferry from Miami to Bahamas may be a popular way to sign up for a Bahamas day trip, it’s not the best way.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds, save time, and reach more remote parts of the country, we recommend a day cruise to Bahamas from Miami that travels by plane.
Once you’re in Exuma, you’ll get to see beaches, sharks, pigs, and so much more. Sign up for an Exuma day trip today to enjoy the best of the Bahamas!
