Traveling by boat from Miami to Bahamas should be a beautiful, relaxing experience. But it is not. You don’t want to have to feel the pressure of mobs of tourists and security queues — or the uneasiness of the ocean as the ferry bobs up and down with the waves. Instead, you should enjoy the scenery — the turquoise blues and the luscious greens of the Bahamas are something you may have never seen — or something you may never see again — so don’t take the risk of not enjoying it on the boat from Miami to Bahamas.
The Exuma Cays are a chain of islands in the southern part of the Bahamas islands. The 365 islands, cays, and islets which make up this region of the Bahamas — more than half the Bahamian islands — is known for its serene beauty and wonderful seclusion. It is known for being more cultural, untouched, and raw. It is known for having kind people who welcome tourists with open arms and who would invite you into their home for dinner if you had the time. The Exuma Cays are a place you don’t want to rush through but is often the case. At least for the time you have, appreciate and enjoy the scenes and don’t fear that the Miami to Bahamas ferry will ruin it. There’s an alternative to the ferry Bahamas Miami for you!
There are many reasons to not take the boat ride from Miami to Bahamas which we are about to jump into. Instead, we think you would much prefer the alternative way of taking a day trip to Bahamas from Miami that we will explain at the end of this article. Don’t let something you can control be the reason you feel you missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, ensure you and your family have a good time by doing the smart thing and trusting the advice in this article from people who have done the trip before.
Here is what you should know about the boat from Miami to Bahamas
The day trip to Bahamas from Miami could be made in several modes of transportation, but two main ways; by boat trip from Miami to Bahamas or Bahamas day trips by plane with Bahamas Air Tours. Each has its own pluses and minuses. We will begin to examine both, but overall, we think the one day cruise to Bahamas is better made via plane. Let’s take a look.
Ferry Bahamas Miami vs Bahamas Air Charter
Below, we will breakdown the pros and cons of each mode of transportation to the Bahamas and will leave you to decide which option is best for you. In our eyes, there is a clear winner, but we will let you make the call.
How long does the Ferry Miami Bahamas take versus the plane?
That answer depends on who you ask. Say you trust the company who operates the ferry Miami Bahamas, Balearia, and their website. On the website, it says you can travel from the port in Fort Lauderdale to the nearest Bahamian island of Bimini in two hours flat. Though they’d like it to be true, the fact of the matter is that this is often exaggerated. Believe it or not, the waters of the Atlantic/ Caribbean can often become rough due to weather. People don’t like to believe it because it is always sunny in the Bahamas/ South Florida, but ocean patterns have a funny way of working.
This causes repeated delays and — if you end up going at all — the schedule is often delayed meaning you have less time in Bimini (which we don’t think is all that special anyway). The other destination the ferry takes you to, Grand Bahama, is even further away, taking up to three hours to get to.
Compare this to a two-hour round trip flight on various flights to Bahamas. Not only that but where the plane takes you (Staniel Cay), there is much more to see and do in the surrounding islands which are all easily accessible.
As you can see, there is a clear-cut winner when it comes to maximizing your time in the Bahamas; more on this later.
What can you see on the boat from Miami to Bahamas?
When compared to the plane, you won’t see much on your way to the Bahamas. It is said by astronauts that the view of the Exuma Cays from above is one of the most beautiful views known to man. You can’t make this stuff up!
Aboard a ferry, you may see some pretty vistas and landscapes, but it will be annoying to be suffocated in a wave of tourists and you won’t appreciate the true beauty which it is. Instead of traveling with 200 tourists all trying to snag selfies on-board the boat, try flying through one of the most jaw-dropping regions of the planet.
Cons of the boat from Miami to Bahamas
In addition to often being delayed, you also have to arrive super early to the ferry terminal (both going to and coming back from the Bahamas). The ferry company recommends on its website to arrive 2-3 hours before embarking in order to check-in and wait in security queues. Talk about a major disappointment of a Bahamas day trip!
Even once you get on board, the ferries are crowded, you may not get to sit with your family, and there is every possibility you get stuck to one of many people who get seasick aboard the boat from Miami to Bahamas.
What do actual customers say about the Miami to Bahamas ferry?
You can check TripAdvisor yourself to see what actual customers have to say about their experiences with Balearia Ferries. The reviews aren’t flattering. Imagine just as we’ve told you — long waits, grumpy people, unsatisfactory customer service. Any evidence you want to avoid the boat from Miami to Bahamas is right there on TripAdvisor. The proof is in the pudding.
Why we prefer the day trip to Bahamas from Miami by Plane
Other than the time you save, the views you see, the luxury you are afforded, the comfort it provides, the opportunities it gives you to explore the Bahamas further, and even the convenience you have by taking the plane, there is still one other thing that puts it above the boat from Miami to Bahamas for us; it is the knowledge you receive.
The last advantage we will mention about taking a plane is that the pilots are also trained as tour guides and have years of experience traveling to or living in the Bahamas. Ask them any question you have about your trip and they are almost guaranteed to have an answer for you.
What to expect on swimming pigs tours to Pig Beach
If flying to Pig Island, there will be dozens of Exuma pigs waiting for you on your Florida to Bahamas vacation. And the pigs in the Bahamas are not shy creatures. If you arrive early by taking one of the flights to Bahamas and are one of the first people to Big Major Cay, the pigs will swim right up to your water taxi (which is provided by the tour company) and eat food directly from your hand. Are you ready to go Swimming with Pigs?
If you wait and arrive late with the on the boat ride from Miami to Bahamas, the pigs are usually full and ready to be lazy.
What else to do on your Exuma day trips
There are plenty of other opportunities if you don’t take the boat from Miami to Bahamas and, instead, elect to take a Staniel Cay day trips where a bunch of great attractions. Most people stop by Staniel Cay Yacht Club for convenience’s sake. After that, they might take a dip in the water with sharks at Compass Cay before spotting endangered iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay. The schedule is completely up to you! If you want to spend your day deep sea fishing with a local expert, go ahead! If you would rather re-enact James Bond at Thunderball Grotto, go ahead! The tour is designed to do whatever you desire.
Book your Florida to Swimming Pigs Bahamas air charter today!
To conclude, the boat trip from Miami to Bahamas is one you can miss. Though it is advertised as a luxurious day trip (and costs as much), the reality is you would be much better suited aboard a plane where you know you will get the comfort and quality time with the swimming pigs that you deserve! So take the Plane instead on a Miami to Bahamas Day Trip and experience the authentic Bahamas!
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