A one day cruise to the Bahamas from Miami makes it possible to see different attractions and return back to Florida that evening. However, there are other ways to enjoy day trips to Bahamas that are better alternatives to the boat from Miami to Bahamas.
Keep reading to learn about an alternative to a one day cruise to the Bahamas.
One Day Cruise to the Bahamas: Day Trips to Bahamas From Miami
Boat From Miami to Bahamas: What’s It Like?
Many people have it in their heads that the boat from Miami to Bahamas will be a dreamy, relaxing experience. Unfortunately, it often ends up being anything but.
While the Bahamas are off the coast of South Florida, it still takes between 2-3 hours to reach the closest islands. On top of that, ferry companies recommend arriving at 6 am, 3 hours before departure.
Roundtrip, you therefore end up spending anywhere between 8-10 hours in queues and transit. Unsurprisingly, this limits the number of things you can do in the Bahamas.
Besides wasting time, a traditional one day cruise to the Bahamas exists to take as many people as possible on the voyage. You’ll be crammed on with hundreds of other passengers and feel like little more than a number.
Plane vs Boat: Day Trips from Florida 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
Day Trips to Bahamas From Miami: Typical Destinations
Given that it takes a couple of hours to reach the closest islands, a one day cruise to the Bahamas limits the places you can reach.
You’re not able to reach any of the more remote parts of the country and will end up visiting one of two places:
- Freeport
- Bimini
Both of these islands are beautiful (like all of the 700 islands in the Bahamas). However, they’ve become commercialized and now primarily cater to people who sign up for a one day cruise to the Bahamas.
After you get dropped off, you’ll find most of the sites around you to be touristy and a poor representation of the country’s true beauty.
A Bahamas day trip by plane lets you appreciate the beauty of the Exumas from the sky.
Bahamas Day Trip by Plane
While the traditional one day cruise to the Bahamas isn’t great, you’re no longer stuck taking it. Travelers from Florida can now sign up for day trips to Bahamas from Miami by plane.
Like the traditional boat tour, these take travelers from South Florida to the Bahamas and back to the Sunshine State that same evening. However, flying allows you to:
- Reach more remote locations, including Pig Beach, home to the Swimming Pigs
- Travel in comfort, avoiding the crowds and rough waters
- Enjoy spectacular views out the window
The destination you travel to on these tours is Exuma, a district of the country with 365 islands. You’ll fly into Staniel Cay before switching over to a powerboat to explore the nearby sites.
What to See
Upon landing in Staniel Cay, you’ll quickly realize what a different experience it is from the touristy sites that the standard one day cruise to the Bahamas visits.
The Exumas offer a taste of the laidback island life and stunning natural beauty that makes the Bahamas famous. You can see this in all of the amazing sites you visit on a tour.
1. The Swimming Pigs
On a Bahamas day trip, the Swimming Pigs are always one of the fan favorites. Residing on the island of Big Major Cay, the Exuma Cays are one of the most famous sites in the country.
You can only see the Exuma Pigs on a one day cruise to the Bahamas by plane.
From splashing around in the water with them to hanging out with them on the sands of Pig Beach, you’ll find the Exuma Pigs to be just as cute, playful, and fun to watch as you’d expect.
2. Nurse Sharks
Nurse sharks are one of the most docile species. At Compass Cay, another stop on a one day cruise to the Bahamas by plane, you can see them in the waters around the local marina.
Besides just seeing them, day trips from Miami to Bahamas also give you the opportunity to swim with them. While the experience is exhilarating, you can rest assured that it’s also safe!
3. Sandbars
The Bahamas has many picturesque vistas spread around its islands. However, the scenery at Pipe Creek truly makes you feel like you entered a postcard.
Pipe Creek is the place to find sandbars popping out of the water at low tide. As you walk around the soft sand admiring the azure landscape around you, your Bahamas day trip will feel complete.
Sandbars at Pipe Creek are one of the many highlights of day trips to Bahamas Exuma.
Skip the Boat and Fly by Plane
A one day cruise to the Bahamas may be a popular choice, but it’s not the best way to tour the island nation. Instead of taking the boat, enjoy day trips to Bahamas from Miami by plane instead.
Flying comes with a host of perks and lets you visit the famous Swimming Pigs, among other sites.
Contact us today for a one day cruise to the Bahamas by plane today to get the fun started!
