last edited Dec 11, 2019
Getting to the Bahamas by Sea
Location Map of Bahamas
Bahamas
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Distances to Neighboring Islands/Countries
From the Bahamas to...
- Bermuda: Nassau 1,475 km.
- Cuba: Andros 180 km; Inagua 120 km; Nassau 380 km.
- Florida Coast: Bimini 90 km; Grand Bahama 120 km; Nassau 290 km.
- Haiti: Inagua 100 km.
- Dominican Republic: Inagua 200 km.
- Turks and Caicos: Little Inagua 80 km; Mayaguana 70 km.
Cruises
Given the proximity to the US coast and Americans' enthusiasm for this activity, it's no surprise that the Bahamas have become a prime cruise destination, particularly from Florida and primarily Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Each year, over a million people discover Nassau and the main islands of the archipelago. There's a wide range of options available, sometimes at attractive prices.
By Sea
Ferries
To/From Florida
The company Balearia Bahamas Express offers Fort Lauderdale - Freeport (Grand Bahama) routes with several weekly crossings. Expect a 3-hour journey and around $150 for a round-trip standard fare, with additional special packages like "ferry + 1 hotel night" for $200 or a "day trip" for under $100.
Bimini SuperFast is another company operating Miami - Bimini. While they focus on packages, you can also book standalone trips for $100 each, with several weekly crossings. Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida, just 90 kilometers away.
To/From Other Countries
No other ferry routes exist, including to the Turks and Caicos Islands, despite their proximity to the Bahamas.
Cargo
Sailboats
Thanks to their proximity to Florida, the Bahamas are a favorite destination for sailors. Over 100,000 boats cruise Bahamian waters each year, taking advantage of the archipelago's sixty marinas, which are mandatory entry points for arrivals from abroad. Many come from the United States, where "charter crossings" can be found.