So, you are going on a Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip and you want to make sure you have everything sorted before you go so you can enjoy the warm white sand of the paradise islands. With many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, the Day Trip to Bahamas makes it to our top spot as a true bucket list activity.
Well, the first step is to round up some information on tours and transportation in the Bahamas. After that, your job will be building an itinerary. Luckily, the information below should go a long way in getting you started. It may take a little bit of work at first, but all work has its reward, and your reward happens to be a day trip to one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
So, you are going on a Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip. . .
Here are some things you should prepare for your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip to ensure your experience goes as smoothly and action-packed as possible:
How are you getting there?
The first decision you will have to make is how you get to the Bahamas. Below we have outlined the two most popular routes of getting to Bahamas. You should choose which fits your family or whoever you are traveling with the most.
Fort Lauderdale Bahamas day trips by plane
On the contrary to the ferry, the Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip by plane from Bahamas Air Tours is quick, painless, and full of fantastic views and awe. However, the upgrade on the trip will also cost you a decent bit in your wallet.
Though, most seem to agree it is worth the difference if you want the full Bahamian experience. The large viewing windows and excellent views from above get your trip started off right and the ability to build your own itinerary makes sure everything goes as you planned.
Your pilot will act as the best tour guide available in the Bahamas, answering any questions you have as you go along. Once you touch the ground, you will be transported to your private boat where you will be able to zip around from island to island faster than the ferry can.
It is the perfect way to island-hop around the Bahamas — exactly how they were meant to be seen!
Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferry
There are positives and negatives to taking the boat to the Bahamas. First and foremost, affordability must be mentioned. The ferry is the least expensive option for taking a day trip to Bahamas, but that doesn’t mean it is the best way.
The Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferry leaves mid-morning and returns after sundown. However, it is slow. There are tons of passengers and the schedule is often delayed due to hold-ups in the security and immigration queues.
Not to mention, the ride isn’t all-too-comfortable. There will be limited space (especially in the high-season) and you may find yourself feeling sea-sick. Even the most experienced seafarers will sometimes get sick with harsh sea conditions between Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas.
If you can look past all of that, you will still be limited to what you can see by where the large ferry can go. Many of the Out Islands are surrounded by shallow waters where the ferry can’t access. To explore further into the Out Islands, you will have to find a different avenue for travel.
What to bring on your one day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale
Here is a list of things to bring on your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip:
- Sunscreen
- External battery for appliances
- Swim/beach apparel
- Towel
- U.S. Passport
- Sunglasses
- Hat/ headwear sun protection
- Extra U.S. Dollars
- Waterproof electronic bag/sack
- Waterproof phone case
- Emergency medication
- Swimming goggles
What to do on your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip
There are a dozen or more things to do on your day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale. Here are some crowd favorites:
Take Bahamas swimming pigs tours to Pig Beach
The Exuma pigs in the Bahamas hang out on Pig Island (Big Major Cay) which is the most visited place in the Bahamas. In 2018 alone, the island was visited by more than 6.6 million people — most of whom were day-trippers just like yourself. That means you should arrive early to beat the rush. The only way to do that is via private Bahamas air charter. It is a must on any Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip.
Staniel Cay day trips to other surrounding attractions
There are dozens of other things to do which we will cover next, but just to give you an idea of all the great things around Staniel Cay, you can go to Staniel Cay Yacht Club where you are sure to meet other travelers and experienced Bahamian locals who can tell you the best spots to go on your day trip.
Exuma day trips to Bahamas sharks at Compass Cay Marina
Compass Cay is one of the places we recommend visiting as part of your tour to the Exuma Cays. It is just a short boat ride from Staniel Cay and gives you yet another experience swimming with creatures you never imagined being side-by-side in the water with. Make your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip complete with a dive into the water with these beasts. . . but only if you dare!
Bahamas vacation getaway to Great Exuma
Great Exuma is one of the more popular getaway destinations in the Bahamas, though, it is big so you will probably like to have more time than just a day to explore. Nevertheless, if you had a few attractions around the island in mind, it could be the perfect secluded getaway on a Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip.
Florida to Bahamas tours to Bimini
Many Bahamas ferry tours will head to Bimini where there are luxurious 5-star resorts and tons of romantic beaches. It is the closest island in the Bahamas in proximity to Florida which means you will have a lot of time to explore even if taking the slow ferry.
Flights to Bahamas Harbour Island
Harbour Island is truly a couple’s getaway made in paradise. Spend a day on its famed Pink Sand Beach or walk around the cute neighborhoods. It is a great time.
Bahamas air tours over the Exuma Cays
No matter where you go, it is an experience in itself to fly over the Exuma Cays. Make your journey feel a part of the experience by flying over what astronauts consider the most beautiful place on Earth seen from the sky!
Check out the iguanas of Bitter Guana Cay
The Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas are near extinction and have been on the endangered list for years due to human interaction (mostly local tradition of hunting). There are only three places in the Bahamas (or the world, for that matter) you can still track these rare creatures down. The largest population of iguanas resides on Bitter Guana Cay. Check them out on your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip before it is too late!
Suggested Itinerary of day trips to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale (Exumas)
- Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach
- Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
- Sand Bar at Pipe Cay
- James Bond Thunderball Grotto
- Staniel Cay Yacht Club on Staniel Cay
- Underwater Plane Wreck next to Harvey Cay
- Bahamas Rock Iguana at Bitter Guana Cay
The Staniel Cay Tour Map from Bahamas Air Tours:
How long is your day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale?
A day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, depending on which mode of transportation you choose, should last nearly all day. You will generally leave in the early-to-mid-morning and return after dark back to the United States.
Why do we recommend a Fort Lauderdale Bahamas day trip by plane?
We have given you the information for you to decide which trip is right for you. For our money, we prefer the Fort Lauderdale/ Miami to Bahamas day trip through the air. Overall, it will provide a better experience for you and your family on your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip and will forge memories for a lifetime.
Book your trips to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale today!
Your Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas day trip will be infinitely better knowing this information and it will eliminate all the stress of figuring things out as you go. Book your trip today and take that burden off your shoulders so you can start imagining a day in paradise as it should be.
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