Two hours after leaving Port Everglades, the Balearia Caribbean fast ferry pulls into Bimini’s harbour and the water turns that shade of turquoise you usually only see in screensavers. Dolphin sightings are common enough on this route that the crew announces them over the intercom — Lily spotted the first one before we’d even cleared the channel. This seven-day itinerary covers three islands (Bimini, Nassau, Eleuthera, and a day trip to Exuma) using scheduled ferries and short flights, with enough buffer time to handle the occasional weather delay. It’s built for travellers who want to see real variety — pink sand beaches, the swimming pigs, a shipwreck snorkel, and the fish fry shacks of Nassau — without spending every day in transit.
Balearia Caribbean operates the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry from US$198 round trip, with a crossing time of roughly two hours.
Who is this for? Anyone who doesn’t mind a few early starts and wants to cover ground efficiently. The pacing is moderate — long enough in each spot to feel settled, short enough to keep the itinerary full. If you only have five days, cut the Exuma day trip and spend an extra day in Eleuthera instead.
This route works best for families with kids aged 6 and up — the ferry rides are short enough to hold attention, and the variety of activities (pigs, pink sand, shipwreck snorkel) keeps everyone engaged. If you’re travelling with toddlers, swap the Exuma day trip for a second day in Nassau to reduce moving around.
| Day | Where | What | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Lauderdale → Bimini | Ferry crossing, afternoon beach, sunset | Full day (ferry 2 hrs each way) | Arrive at Port Everglades 90 min early for check-in |
| 2 | Bimini | Golf cart exploration, snorkel shipwreck | Full day | Rent the golf cart first thing — only ~80 units on the island |
| 3 | Bimini → Nassau | Morning flight, Bay Street walk, fish fry dinner | Half-day travel + evening | Book Western Air or Bahamasair at least 3 weeks ahead |
| 4 | Nassau → Exuma (day trip) | Swimming pigs, iguanas, Thunderball Grotto snorkel | Full day (12+ hrs) | Fly to Staniel Cay to save 3 hrs of boat time |
| 5 | Nassau → Eleuthera | Ferry to Governor’s Harbour, French Leave Beach | Half-day travel + afternoon | Book rental car before arrival — fleet is small |
| 6 | Eleuthera + Harbour Island | Queen’s Bath, Glass Window Bridge, pink sand beach | Full day (return ferry to Nassau evening) | Check tide tables for Queen’s Bath — low tide only |
| 7 | Nassau → Home | Cabbage Beach, Straw Market, airport | Half-day | Cabbage Beach is free and less crowded than Atlantis water park |
Day 1: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini — Ferry Start
The Balearia Caribbean fast ferry departs Port Everglades once daily on most days, with a crossing time of roughly two hours. The morning departure gives you a full afternoon on Bimini. Check the schedule for Tuesday blackouts — that’s the most common day for cancellations.
Arrive 90 minutes early. Parking is available on-site. The ferry terminal has basic waiting facilities. Bring snacks — the onboard options are limited and pricey. Balearia Caribbean’s Bimini ferry runs from US$198 round trip.
The 2-hour crossing often passes through dolphin feeding grounds. Crew usually points them out. The ferry has indoor and outdoor seating — sit on the upper deck for the best views.
The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is the largest hotel on the island, with a beachfront pool and direct ferry shuttle. North Bimini guesthouses are cheaper but book early. Radio Beach is a 5-minute walk from most hotels — soft sand, calm water, and a few beach bars.
The beachfront bars near Bailey Town serve cold Kalik beer and rum punches. The sun sets behind the flats — one of the more reliable sunset spots on the island.
Day 2: Bimini by Golf Cart — Shipwrecks and Conch Salad
Bimini is small enough to explore in a day on wheels. A golf cart covers the main road from Alice Town to the northern tip, with plenty of beach pull-offs and snorkel spots along the way.
Prices run around US$80 per day. Rent from a shop in Alice Town — the hotel front desk can point you to the nearest one. The island has one main road, so navigation is simple. Bimini golf cart rentals are in high demand on weekends.
The SS Sapona is a concrete-hulled shipwreck that sits in shallow water off South Bimini. The wreck is partially above water and easy to access from a kayak or small boat. The reef around it holds tropical fish and nurse sharks. A guided snorkel tour costs around US$60 per adult.
Stuart’s serves fresh conch salad, cracked conch, and fried snapper. It’s a casual outdoor spot near the ferry dock. Cash only, around US$12 a plate. Ethan declared the conch fritters the best thing he’d eaten all week.
Blister Beach on the north end of North Bimini is quieter than Radio Beach and has good shelling at low tide. The sand is coarser, so bring water shoes. The beach is public and usually empty on weekdays.
Day 3: Bimini to Nassau — Flight Day
There’s no scheduled passenger ferry from Bimini to Nassau, so a short flight is the practical option. The flight takes roughly 30 minutes and gives you a full afternoon in the capital.
Western Air and Bahamasair both fly Bimini to Nassau. Fares start around US$140 one-way. The flight is short — you’ll be in the air for about 30 minutes. Book at least 3 weeks ahead, especially during peak season (Dec–Apr). Western Air Bimini to Nassau flights depart from South Bimini Airport.
Hotels in downtown Nassau are within walking distance of Bay Street. The Straw Market is open daily for souvenirs — expect to haggle. The Nassau Public Library and Parliament Square are a short detour and worth a quick look.
Arawak Cay has a cluster of casual seafood shacks serving cracked conch, fried snapper, and peas ‘n’ rice. Plates run around US$12-15. The atmosphere is lively in the evening with local music. Cash only at most stalls.
Day 4: Exuma Day Trip — Pigs, Iguanas, and Thunderball Grotto
This is the longest day of the itinerary, but it’s also the most iconic. The Exuma Cays are home to the swimming pigs, the rock iguanas, and a James Bond snorkel grotto. The key decision is whether to fly to Staniel Cay or take a speedboat from Nassau.
A speedboat tour from Nassau takes about 3–4 hours round trip and costs US$300–$500 per adult including park fees and lunch. A flight to Staniel Cay (roughly 40 minutes) followed by a short boat hop is faster but pricier. For a full day, the speedboat option works if you’re comfortable with long stretches on the water. Exuma day tour operators typically include park fees and lunch.
The pigs swim out to meet boats when they hear engines. The tour usually stops here first. The water is shallow and clear. Bring dry bags for your belongings — the pigs splash.
The endangered Bahamian rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay are fed by tour guides — keep a safe distance. Thunderball Grotto is a limestone cave system with clear water and coral formations, featured in a James Bond film. Snorkel gear is provided on most tours.
Most tours include lunch at the yacht club. The menu is basic — burgers, conch salad, and cold drinks. The club has a small shop and bathrooms. The atmosphere is relaxed and salty.
Day 5: Nassau to Eleuthera — Ferry to the Out Islands
Bahamas Ferries runs a fast ferry from Potter’s Cay in Nassau to Governor’s Harbour on Eleuthera. The crossing takes about 2 hours and gives you a proper Out Islands experience without the flight cost.
Bahamas Ferries departs from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau. Tickets start around US$155 one-way. The ferry has air conditioning and a snack bar. Arrive 45 minutes early. Bahamas Ferries to Eleuthera runs multiple times per week — check the schedule for weekend-only restrictions.
Eleuthera’s car rental fleet is small, so book ahead. A 4×4 is helpful if you plan to explore the island’s unpaved side roads. The main road runs the length of the island — about 110 miles — so a car is essential for getting around.
Governor’s Harbour has a few lunch spots — Tippy’s near Pineapple Fields is a good option but requires reservations. French Leave Beach is a long stretch of pink-tinged sand with gentle surf. The water is clear and calm enough for swimming.
Day 6: Eleuthera Adventure and Harbour Island Pink Sand
This is the most packed day of the itinerary, but it covers two of the most scenic spots in the Bahamas. The key is timing — Queen’s Bath needs low tide, and the water taxi to Harbour Island runs on a flexible schedule.
Queen’s Bath is a natural tidal pool carved into the limestone rocks. Visit during low tide only — the water is calm enough to wade in, and the surrounding rock formations are dramatic. Check tide tables the night before. The entrance is off the main road near Gregory Town.
This narrow rock bridge separates the deep blue Atlantic from the calmer Bight of Eleuthera. The contrast is striking. Park on the shoulder and walk to the viewpoint. The bridge is narrow — keep kids close. It’s a quick stop, maybe 15 minutes.
Three Island Dock in North Eleuthera runs a water taxi to Harbour Island. The crossing takes about 10 minutes and costs US$5 each way. The dock is easy to find — follow the signs from the main road. Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach is a 3-mile stretch of sand coloured by microscopic organisms called foraminifera.
The afternoon ferry from Eleuthera back to Nassau departs from Governor’s Harbour. The trip takes about 2 hours. If you miss the ferry, you can stay overnight in Eleuthera and fly back to Nassau the next morning — but that adds a day to the itinerary.
Day 7: Nassau — Beach Morning and Departure
The final day is deliberately low-key. You’ve got a half-day before your flight home, and the best use of it is a beach morning and some last-minute shopping.
Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is free and open to the public. The water is clear and the sand is soft. It’s far less crowded than the Atlantis water park. There are a few vendors renting chairs and umbrellas. Cabbage Beach access is via a short walk from the main road.
The Straw Market on Bay Street is open daily. Haggling is expected. Straw bags, wood carvings, and local rum are the main items. Keep an eye on your flight time — Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is about 15 minutes from downtown Nassau.
Taxis are readily available from Bay Street to the airport. The ride takes about 15 minutes. LPIA has a small duty-free shop and a few cafes. Allow at least 2 hours for check-in and security.
Practical Tips for Bahamas Island Hopping
Ferry schedules, cash logistics, and baggage limits are the three things that trip up most travellers. Here’s what to plan for before you go.
Ferry schedules and booking windows
Not all ferries run daily. The Balearia Caribbean ferry to Bimini has occasional Tuesday blackouts. Bahamas Ferries from Nassau to Harbour Island runs on weekends only. Always check the operator’s schedule before booking accommodation. Book ferry tickets at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season (December to April).
Cash is king on the Out Islands
Many small operators, water taxis, and island restaurants are cash only. ATMs are available in Nassau and at the larger resorts, but they can run out of cash on weekends. Bring US$500 minimum in small bills for a week of island hopping. Michael learned this the hard way when a water taxi driver in Eleuthera couldn’t make change for a US$100 bill.
Packing for island hops
Ferries and small planes have strict baggage limits. One carry-on and one personal bag per person — soft-sided luggage is easier to store than hard cases. If you’re still weighing which bag to bring, this interactive map of Bahamas hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare accommodation options against the ferry docks and airports. A lightweight polycarbonate luggage set with spinner wheels handles the varied terrain well — the smooth wheels work on ferry ramps and airport tiles alike.
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in August and September. Travel insurance is strongly recommended if you’re travelling during this window. Ferry cancellations are common with short notice.
- Book ferries and flights at least 3 weeks ahead — seating is limited on inter-island routes.
- Carry US$500+ in small bills for cash-only operators and restaurants.
- Add a buffer day between Bimini and Nassau if weather looks uncertain — the flight is short but can fill up.
- Pack soft-sided luggage to fit ferry baggage limits and small plane overhead bins.
Before You Go: Bahamas Island Hopping Questions Answered
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
US citizens need a valid passport for flights. Sea travel may accept a passport card or birth certificate, but a passport is the safest option. Check the US State Department’s Bahamas travel page for current entry requirements.
What’s the best time of year for island hopping?
March to May and November to December offer the smoothest seas and most reliable ferry schedules. The peak season runs mid-December to mid-April, with higher prices and more crowds. Summer is rainy and less crowded, but hurricane risk is higher.
How much should I budget for a 7-day island hopping trip?
A typical 7-day budget runs US$1,500 to US$2,500 per person, including ferries, budget hotels, and food, but excluding flights from home. Day trips like the Exuma tour add US$300–$500 per adult. The Arawak Cay Fish Fry is a good budget-friendly dinner option — plates run around US$12-15.
Is the Exuma day trip worth it with kids?
The swimming pigs and iguanas are a hit with most kids, but the day is long — expect 12+ hours with a speedboat tour. If your kids are under 6, consider skipping the Exuma day trip and spending a second day in Eleuthera or Nassau instead. The Cable Beach lazy river is a solid alternative for a relaxed day.
What’s the downside of this itinerary?
The pace is tight — Day 6 especially requires careful timing with tides and ferry schedules. If you prefer staying in one place longer, cut the Exuma day trip and spend two nights in Eleuthera. The Bahamas has 20 international airports, so you can also fly into one island and out of another to avoid backtracking to Nassau.
Making the Most of a Week in the Bahamas
Seven days in the Bahamas gives you enough time to see real variety — the sleepy beach bars of Bimini, the pink sand of Harbour Island, and the absurdly photogenic pigs of Exuma — without feeling like you’re spending every other day in transit. The ferry and flight network is reliable enough to plan around, but the schedule isn’t as forgiving as a major city transit system. Give yourself a buffer day somewhere in the middle (Eleuthera is the best island for it) and you’ll have room to absorb the pace of island time rather than fighting it. For a deeper dive into one of the quieter spots, Love Beach on New Providence offers a quieter alternative to the busier resort strips and is worth a half-day on its own.
References
BahamasHopping. “Bahamas Island Hopping Guide.” 2024. ↗
Villa Pads. “Bahamas Itinerary: Perfect 3, 5, and 7 Day Island Plans.” 2024. ↗
Travel + Leisure. “Bahamas Travel Guide.” 2024. ↗
If you’re planning a longer stay in the Bahamas, the Abacos offer a completely different island-hopping experience — the blue holes and cays of the Abacos are worth a dedicated trip, and the family-friendly activities in Freeport make Grand Bahama a good add-on for anyone with extra days. The boat-access beaches around Pink Sands are another option for travellers who want to trade the itinerary for a slower pace.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.