Bahamas: Day Trips and Tours from Fort Lauderdale

Although you have your fair share of beautiful beaches in south Florida, there's nothing quite like the island vibes in the Bahamas. Lucky for you, this sandy paradise is only a boat ferry away from Fort Lauderdale.

Bahamas day trips from Fort Lauderdale allow you to experience the best of the island in a single day or during a weeklong adventure. Here, you can compare the different boat ferry packages and what you can do once you arrive in the Bahamas.

Here's all you need to know about the Bahamas, one of the most fun day trips from Fort Lauderdale.

How to get to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale?

The closest island of the Bahamas, Bimini Island, is located about 100 kilometers (less than 60 miles) southeast of Fort Lauderdale. The only ways to get there are by boat or plane.

From Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas by plane

There are over a dozen flights per day from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas and the total flight time will be about an hour, but bear in mind that this doesn't include the commutes to/from the airport, passing security and check-in time.

Boat ferry to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale

On a roundtrip boat ferry to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, you can leave in the morning and be back in the evening. The journey is about 2 hours each way and tickets often include pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

What is the typical itinerary?

Depending on your ticket, you'll either be picked up directly from your hotel or you'll need to book your own transport to Port Everglades to catch one of the boat ferries departing sometime between 6 AM and 9 AM.

While onboard, you can take advantage of the cool AC and snack bar to feel refreshed and prepared to make the most of your day at the Bimini Island of the Bahamas.

Once you arrive to the island, you can customize your itinerary as you please. Whether you prefer to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, swim with sting rays or hop on a jet ski, the choice is yours.

After you've finished your daytime island fun, your boat ferry will be waiting to whisk you back to Fort Lauderdale and you'll be back at your hotel in the evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Bahamas?

All the tours to go to the Bahamas are roundtrip boat ferry transport from Fort Lauderdale. Some providers allow you to add on experiences to the ticket price like snorkeling, kayaking and guided city tours, but you should compare prices of booking these activities separately.

All the roundtrip boat ferries are about the same. The main differences are whether the tickets include pickup and drop-off at your hotel and whether the ferry takes you to Bimini Island or Freeport.

Other differences include economy and premium ferry tickets, which provide more comfortable seating and more spacious leg room. Some tickets also include an overnight option if you want to extend your stay in the Bahamas for up to 7 days.

How much does a day trip to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale cost?

A day trip to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale costs from US$240 to US$400. One major factor for the price difference is whether you need pickup and drop-off service from your hotel.

Besides that, the price difference between an economy and premium boat ferry ticket to the Bahamas is about US$40, or US$240 versus US$280, which may be worth the investment if you want a more comfortable 4-hour journey to and from the Bahamas.

What will you see and do?

As an island boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there's plenty to see and do in the Bahamas, especially on or near the water.

Boat tours in the Bahamas are very popular because you can combine them with other water activities, such as dolphin watching, scuba diving and stand up paddleboarding. You can even swim with the pigs at Pig Island, just like that bird in the photo above.

If you prefer to stay on land, there are lots of walking tours in the Bahamas that focus on different themes from food tours and wine tastings to scavenger games for some added mystery to your exploration of the Bahamas.

When you've had enough walking, you have several options to explore the Bahamas on two wheels or more. Segway tours and scooter tours are both fun ways to zip around the island. However, if you really want to sit back and relax, you could consider a hop on hop off bus tour of the Bahamas.

When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?

The best time to visit the Bahamas depends on if you're looking for the best weather to enjoy outdoor activities or the best prices on tours and accommodation.

The peak season from December to April offers the most pleasant weather with warm days and mild nights, making it the most popular time for tourists. If you're looking to escape cold winters elsewhere, this is the time to visit. However, prices can be higher due to demand.

The off-peak season from late April to early December encompasses the wet season. While you can still expect plenty of sunny days, rainfall can be frequent, especially in the late summer months. On the plus side, prices can be considerably lower and there are fewer tourists.

Are there any day trips to other cities from Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, you can also take a day trip to the following destinations:

• Day trips to Everglades Park from Fort Lauderdale
• Day trips to Key West from Fort Lauderdale

Are there any day trips to the Bahamas from other cities in the USA?

Yes, there are also day trips to the Bahamas from Miami.

Travel tips

• Don't forget your passport. The Bahamas is not part of the United States, so whatever your nationality, you'll need a passport for this day trip.
• Currency exchange. The Bahamian dollar is equal to the US dollar and both are accepted on the island, so don't worry about needing to exchange currency.
• Tipping. A 15% tip is customary in restaurants. However, some establishments automatically add a gratuity to the bill.