A boat ride from Miami to the Bahamas is about two hours by fast ferry to Bimini. A ferry to Freeport on Grand Bahama takes about three hours.
The scheduled ferries do not leave from Miami itself. They depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, north of Miami.
Miami to Bahamas Boat Times at a Glance
| Route | Boat Type | One-Way Travel Time | Departure Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami area to Bimini | Fast ferry | About 2 hours | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale |
| Miami area to Freeport, Grand Bahama | Fast ferry | About 3 hours | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale |
| Miami to Bimini | Private powerboat | Roughly 2 to 6 hours | Miami marina |
| Miami to Bimini | Sailboat or slower cruiser | Longer than a fast powerboat | Miami marina |
| Miami to Nassau | Scheduled ferry | No direct service | Not available |
How Long Is the Ferry from Miami to Bimini?
The Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry takes approximately two hours each way. Baleària Caribbean operates the high-speed ferry, which arrives in Bimini, The Bahamas.
Bimini is the closest major Bahamian destination to South Florida, roughly 50 miles offshore. The crossing works for a same-day trip, but the full itinerary takes longer once you include the drive from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, port check-in, border procedures and transfers.
How Long Is the Ferry from Miami to Freeport?
The high-speed ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport on Grand Bahama takes about three hours each way. It arrives at Freeport Harbour.
A round trip takes about six hours on the ferry, before you add port check-in, customs and transportation between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
How Long Does a Private Boat Take from Miami to Bimini?
A private boat from Miami to Bimini usually takes roughly two to six hours. The time depends on the boat's cruising speed, departure marina, sea conditions and the Gulf Stream.
A powerboat traveling at about 30 knots can make the crossing in under two hours in calm conditions. A slower cruiser traveling at 8 to 10 knots may take approximately five and a half to six and a half hours.
Private boats are less predictable than ferries. Wind, waves and Gulf Stream conditions can change the crossing time. The Bahamas tourism authority identifies the Gulf Stream as a defining feature of the boating route between Florida and The Bahamas.
Is There a Boat from Miami to Nassau?
There is no scheduled passenger ferry from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Nassau. Travelers heading to Nassau generally fly, take a private boat or book a cruise itinerary instead of using the regular Bimini or Freeport ferry routes.
Nassau is farther east than Bimini, so a private boat trip involves a longer offshore passage and more route planning.
Which Bahamas Boat Trip Is Best from Miami?
- Choose Bimini for the shortest ferry ride and the simplest same-day boat trip.
- Choose Freeport for Grand Bahama's wider selection of beaches, nature sites and excursions.
- Choose Nassau if you want to visit Paradise Island, Atlantis or Nassau's historic attractions. Plan to fly or arrange a private itinerary.
- Choose a private boat only when the vessel, captain, weather window and entry documents are suitable for an offshore Gulf Stream crossing.
Private foreign vessels entering The Bahamas need a cruising permit and must clear Customs and Immigration at a designated port of entry. Passengers should carry the required citizenship and travel documents, including a valid passport for U.S. travelers.
Bottom line: Allow about two hours on the ferry to Bimini or three hours to Freeport, then add the drive to Fort Lauderdale and time for port and immigration procedures.