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Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Harbour (Port Everglades, Terminal 21) is the Florida gateway for Baleària Caribbean fast ferries to the Bahamas. The main routes are Fort Lauderdale ↔ Bimini (about 2 hours) and Fort Lauderdale ↔ Freeport, Grand Bahama (around 3 hours). I Love Ferry tip: treat check-in times as strict — Baleària Caribbean states check-in opens 3 hours before departure and terminal doors close 1 hour before sailing.
Fort Lauderdale · Balearia Office
2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 · United States
GPS Location
Passengers
Embarkation Fort Lauderdale
⚠️ Please be aware that there is a 3 hour check-in window before departure. Terminal doors close 1 hour before departure. Please arrive at the terminal well in advance.
Departures and arrivals operate from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades. On specific dates the terminal may vary — always confirm the terminal number on your booking confirmation or by calling Baleària Caribbean directly.
Terminal is wheelchair accessible.
About Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city in Broward County, on the southeastern shore of Florida, roughly 30 miles north of Miami. Known as the "Venice of America" for its 300+ miles of inland waterways and canals lined with luxury yachts and million-dollar mansions, Fort Lauderdale blends a laid-back beach lifestyle with a genuinely cosmopolitan edge.
The city sits along Florida's Gold Coast and is home to Port Everglades, one of the busiest seaports in the United States and the departure point for Baleària Caribbean fast ferries to the Bahamas. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is just minutes from the port, making the city an easy launching pad for a Bahamas getaway.
The city's most iconic thoroughfare is Las Olas Boulevard, stretching from the beach westward through Downtown, lined with upscale boutiques, outdoor restaurants, art galleries and lively bars. A trip along the Intracoastal Waterway aboard the Water Taxi — with its 19 stops — is the best way to take in the city's extraordinary canal architecture, waterfront estates and marina life. For nature lovers, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the nearby Everglades are within easy reach.
Fort Lauderdale ferry: ferry routes
Fort Lauderdale ferry is the fast ferry that connects Florida (US) with the Bahamas. The boat departs from Port Everglades (Terminal 21), approximately half an hour's drive from Miami. The shipping company that operates the ferry Fort Lauderdale–Bimini and the ferry Fort Lauderdale–Freeport routes is Balearia Caribbean.
Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods
Most visited areas of Fort Lauderdale for ferry travelers are:
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the city's shining heart — a wide, golden stretch of Atlantic shoreline flanked by the famous white wave wall running along the beachfront promenade. The two-mile Beachfront Promenade is a constant scene of joggers, rollerbladers, cyclists and sun-seekers, with luxury hotels, beachside restaurants and water sports rentals all within walking distance.
The beach itself is well equipped for every kind of visitor. Beach volleyball courts line the sand, vendors offer everything from paddleboards to parasailing rides, and a cluster of top-rated restaurants — from casual fish shacks to upscale dining rooms — put great food steps from the surf. Fort Lauderdale Beach faces east, so early risers are treated to spectacular Atlantic sunrises.
North of the main beach strip, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a green escape with canoeing on a dune lake, nature trails and a quieter stretch of shoreline. Just inland, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens provides a stunning 35-acre historic estate and garden sanctuary. Both are easy walks or bike rides from the beachfront hotels.
The beach area is served by the Sun Trolley and water taxi routes, making it simple to connect to Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk and the rest of the city without a car. For travelers catching a Baleària Caribbean ferry from Port Everglades, the beach area is a 5–10 minute drive south to the terminal — a perfect spot to base yourself the night before an early sailing.
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is the beating heart of Fort Lauderdale — a tree-lined avenue stretching from the beach at A1A all the way to Downtown and the New River, passing through some of South Florida's most stylish blocks. The pedestrian-friendly sidewalks are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, outdoor cafes, high-end restaurants and lively bars, making it the go-to destination for an evening out before or after a Bahamas crossing.
At the western end, the boulevard meets the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk — a landscaped park along the New River leading to the Arts and Entertainment District, home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science and the NSU Art Museum. The historic Stranahan House, the oldest surviving building in Broward County (built in 1901), sits at the river's edge and is open for tours.
For those who prefer the water, the Las Olas Gondola and the city's Water Taxi both depart from the Las Olas Intracoastal area, offering rides past the mansion-lined canals of Millionaires Row. The first Sunday of each month, Riverwalk Park hosts a morning jazz concert — one of Fort Lauderdale's most beloved free traditions.
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach (Central Beach)
The most popular stretch of sand in the city, Fort Lauderdale Beach is located just over a mile from Las Olas Boulevard. The two-mile promenade runs along the iconic white wave wall, flanked by luxury hotels, beach bars and water sports vendors. Perfect for swimming, parasailing, beach volleyball and people-watching — and the east-facing shore makes for spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
A charming, walkable beach village just north of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the area's top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving — coral reefs start just 100 yards offshore. The laid-back atmosphere, seafood restaurants and a relaxed pier make it perfect for those who want beach life without the crowd of the main strip.
Hollywood Beach
Just south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is known for its wide, flat Broadwalk — a 2.5-mile pedestrian and bike path running right along the ocean. Family-friendly and lively, with shops, restaurants and beach rentals all along the boardwalk. It's a great option for a pre-departure afternoon stroll, given its proximity to Port Everglades.
Deerfield Beach
The northernmost beach in Greater Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach is a family favorite with wide white sand, a 1,000-foot international fishing pier and a relaxed vibe. Surf lessons, paddleboard rentals and skimboarding are all available here. Less crowded than the main Fort Lauderdale strip, it's a great choice for a quiet pre-trip beach day.
Fort Lauderdale harbour information
Fort Lauderdale Harbour: ferries, terminal, routes & how to get there
Fort Lauderdale (Florida) is the mainland gateway to the Bahamas via Port Everglades. Baleària Caribbean operates fast ferry services to Bimini (approx. 2 hours) and to Grand Bahama (Freeport) (approx. 3 hours). The usual departure terminal is Terminal 21, though Baleària Caribbean advises verifying the terminal on your booking confirmation, as it may occasionally vary. Because these are international sailings, plan extra time for check-in and document control.
Port Everglades Terminal 21: Baleària Caribbean departures to Bimini and Grand Bahama. 
Tip: check-in opens 3 hours before — terminal doors close 1 hour before departure. | Harbour | Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) · International passenger ferry terminal |
| Terminal address (Baleària Caribbean) | 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 |
| How to get there (GPS) | Directions to Terminal 21 (Port Everglades) |
| Main routes | Fort Lauderdale ↔ Bimini (~2h) | Fort Lauderdale ↔ Freeport (Grand Bahama) (~3h) |
| Operator | Baleària Caribbean |
1) Quick facts
The essentials
- State: Florida, United States
- Port: Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
- Terminal: Terminal 21 (usual — verify on booking)
- Main operator: Baleària Caribbean
- Route type: International (passport required)
Sailing times & frequency
- To Bimini: approximately 2 hours
- To Freeport (Grand Bahama): approximately 3 hours
- Frequency: several sailings per week (varies by route and month)
- Schedules: seasonal — always verify your date
2) Terminals & check-in
Baleària Caribbean states that check-in opens 3 hours before departure and that terminal doors close 1 hour before departure. Since this is an international crossing to the Bahamas, allow extra time for document checks and boarding procedures.
Fort Lauderdale terminal (Baleària Caribbean)
- Port: Port Everglades
- Terminal: Terminal 21 (standard) — may vary on certain dates
- Address: 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Note: always confirm terminal on your booking or call +1 (866) 699-6988
Documents to keep handy
- Valid passport (international crossing)
- Booking confirmation / ticket (download offline)
- Check any current entry requirements for the Bahamas before travel
Parking
Paid parking is available in Port Everglades (approximately $20/day at Terminal 21). Rideshare and taxi drop-off areas are also available at the port entrance.
Baggage
Baleària Caribbean includes a luggage allowance on board (details can vary by fare). Keep essentials — documents, meds, charger — in a small day bag for faster boarding.
3) Ferry routes from Fort Lauderdale
Baleària Caribbean operates two routes from Fort Lauderdale: to Bimini (the closest Bahamian island, ~2 hours) and to Freeport, Grand Bahama (~3 hours). The fast ferry typically sails on specific days of the week and seasonally, so always check the timetable for your travel date.
| Route | Duration | Search |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Bimini | ~ 2 hours | Prices >> |
| Bimini → Fort Lauderdale | ~ 2 hours | Prices >> |
| Fort Lauderdale → Freeport (Grand Bahama) | ~ 3 hours | Prices >> |
| Freeport (Grand Bahama) → Fort Lauderdale | ~ 3 hours | Prices >> |
4) Services in the harbour & nearby
Port Everglades Terminal 21 offers standard international ferry terminal facilities. Paid parking is available on-site, and rideshare and taxi pickup areas are located at the port perimeter. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a 10-minute drive from the terminal.
- Check-in desks & ticketing counters (Baleària Caribbean)
- Waiting areas & restrooms
- Food & drinks (limited, terminal-dependent)
- Customs / immigration procedures (international terminal)
- Paid parking at Port Everglades (~$20/day)
- Rideshare / taxi pickup areas
- FLL Airport: ~10 min drive
- Recommended: water + power bank
- Accessibility: wheelchair accessible terminal
- Nearby: hotels, restaurants on Las Olas & beachfront
5) How to get to Fort Lauderdale Harbour
By car / rideshare
- Set GPS to 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale.
- Allow extra time for port entry traffic and security checkpoints.
- Paid parking on site (~$20/day). Rideshare drop-off at the port perimeter.
Map / GPS
- Use this pin: 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Open map to Terminal 21
From the airport (FLL)
- The closest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), approximately 10 minutes by car.
- Use taxi or rideshare and add a buffer for port security and check-in queues.
- Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 40 minutes south.
❤ I Love Ferry tip
- Save a screenshot of your Terminal 21 GPS pin + booking confirmation + sailing time. Port Everglades can have weak signal at peak times, and having everything offline avoids last-minute stress.
6) Boarding tips (avoid problems)
- Arrive early: check-in opens 3 hours before departure and terminal doors close 1 hour before sailing (Baleària Caribbean).
- Passport ready: this is an international crossing to the Bahamas — keep your passport and ticket/QR accessible for check-in and document control.
- Verify your terminal: Terminal 21 is the standard reference, but Baleària Caribbean notes the terminal may vary on certain dates — confirm before leaving home.
- Download everything offline: ticket/QR code, GPS pin, booking confirmation. Port signal can be unreliable at peak times.
- Pack a day bag: sunscreen, meds, water, charger — so you don't need to open checked luggage during the crossing.
7) FAQs & quick questions (Fort Lauderdale Harbour)
Which routes operate from Fort Lauderdale?
From Fort Lauderdale operate the Fort Lauderdale ↔ Bimini route (~2h) and the Fort Lauderdale ↔ Freeport (Grand Bahama) route (~3h), both Baleària Caribbean.
How long is the crossing?
Around 2 hours to Bimini and approximately 3 hours to Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Where exactly is the Fort Lauderdale terminal?
Baleària Caribbean lists it at 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (Port Everglades). The terminal number may vary on certain dates — always verify on your booking confirmation.
Quick question: what's the #1 mistake?
Arriving too late for the international check-in process. Solution: aim for early check-in (3-hour window) and treat the terminal door closing time (1 hour before) as non-negotiable.
8) Quick checklist before you leave
- ✅ Passport + ticket/QR downloaded (offline).
- ✅ Terminal confirmed (usually Terminal 21) + GPS pin saved for 2021 Eller Drive.
- ✅ Arrival plan: be inside the port early (check-in opens 3 hours before).
- ✅ Door closing time noted: terminal closes 1 hour before departure.
- ✅ Transport arranged (rideshare/taxi/parking) + buffer for port entry and security.
- ✅ Day bag ready: water, sunscreen, meds, charger/power bank, light jacket.
- ✅ Time buffer from FLL Airport (~10 min drive) or from Miami (~40 min drive).