This Ferry Offers Direct Service From The US Mainland To A Caribbean Paradise

Whether it's by plane, train, or automobile, traveling to a new country is always an exciting adventure. One of the most fun ways to get a new passport stamp is by getting out on the water and taking a boat or ferry. Not to mention, skipping out on flying is a much better option for the environment, and ferries are generally considered a more sustainable mode of transport when compared to others.

If you've ever wanted a quick jaunt to a Caribbean paradise without stepping foot on an airplane, Balearia Caribbean can bring you from Florida to the Bahamas in just a few hours. Ideal for a day trip, you can explore an entirely new country while leaving your bags back at your hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Ferry rides are not only exciting, but they also make for an easy, relaxed way of traveling. To make it even more beautiful, the waters you'll be gliding through are some of the clearest in the world. 

There are two common routes when using Balearia Caribbean for a day trip from Florida. The first one is a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini in the Bahamas. Bimini is well known for its turquoise waters and white sand at Bimini Beach. The ride from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini takes two hours one way, and upon arrival, one of the most common activities include renting a golf cart to properly explore the island. On select days, for an additional price, you can get a day pass to Bimini Beach at Hilton by Resort World Bimini. With a pass, you can also enjoy the hotel's pools and casino to beat that blistering Bahamian sun. 

Another option is to travel via ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island. This route takes three hours one way, and it's where you will find much more to do. If you've ever seen those viral photos of pigs swimming throughout the vibrant Caribbean waters, you're in luck: You can join them at Grand Bahama Island! Grand Bahama is also a snorkeler's paradise; put your mask on and get ready to flip your fins alongside turtles and colorful coral reef.

If knocking out an entire country in just one day feels too short, Balearia Caribbean also offers ferry and hotel packages. Hotel packages include options in both Bimini and Freeport in Grand Bahama.

We've all taken an airplane to arrive at a new destination. Trains throughout Europe are a common way to country hop. Even walking into a new country, like from Italy to the Vatican or the U.S. to Canada over the Rainbow Bridge to visit Niagara Falls, isn't entirely unheard of.

Taking a ferry is simply a fun way to travel. There's something magical about showing up to the port, getting your passport stamped, and suddenly being in another country. It's a bucket list experience, for sure, especially for those who are keen on exploring as many destinations as possible. When flying into the Bahamas, most travelers will arrive in Nassau. While Bimini does have an airport, the flights are extremely limited, so you might have a difficult time finding a flight that fits your schedule. In sum, by taking the ferry, you are exploring a destination in the Bahamas that, if you had flown in, you likely would have missed out on completely.