Balearia Caribbean check-in and boarding guide: Bahamas ferry

Updated October 1, 2026 · sources: Balearia Caribbean Help Center and the travel terms published by I Love Ferry, official partner.

The short answer

In Fort Lauderdale, Balearia Caribbean opens check-in 3 hours before departure and closes the terminal doors 1 hour before: for the 9:00 AM sailing, from 6:00 to 8:00 AM, and I Love Ferry, an official partner, sends your boarding cards to your phone, your email or both when you book with them. Bring a valid passport for every passenger.

Check-in and arrival times

Departure port	Check-in opens	Doors / boarding close	Tip
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Terminal 21)	3 hours before (6:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing)	1 hour before (8:00 AM)	Arrive 3 hours before departure (6:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing): port security can cause traffic and the doors close at 8:00 AM
Freeport (Terminal 2, Freeport Harbor)	3 hours before	1 hour before	For the 6:30 PM return, be at the terminal well before 5:30 PM
Bimini (Fisherman's Village, Bimini Bay, North Bimini)	The Balearia Caribbean office opens at 9:00 AM on sailing days	1 hour before; no last-minute check-in	For the 6:00 PM return, check in as early as possible and before 5:00 PM

Note: in Fort Lauderdale and in the Bahamas, arrive 3 hours before departure; the terminal doors close 1 hour before departure. Always check the time on your booking confirmation or boarding card.

On the way back, allow at least one hour for vessel clearance by U.S. authorities when you arrive at Port Everglades.

Terminals and parking in Fort Lauderdale

• Address: Port Everglades Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The departure terminal may vary: check the Port Everglades vessel schedule or call Balearia Caribbean at 866.699.6988 before you travel.
• Parking: Palm parking garage (mid port). Take I-595 East straight into the port and continue east to the garage on the left. Rates are published at porteverglades.net.
• From Miami: Port Everglades is 30–45 minutes by car from Miami and Miami Beach. See drive times from each city in ferry near me.

Boarding cards

• Booked with I Love Ferry: your boarding cards arrive on your phone, by email or both, as you prefer. The booking confirmation comes in English and Spanish; boarding cards are issued in English.
• Booked with Balearia Caribbean: use the online check-in on the Balearia Caribbean website with your booking number (7-character code) and passport number to print your boarding passes at home. Passport details must be complete to get them in advance, and you can get the return boarding passes at the same time.
• Lost your boarding pass? You can get a new one on the day of departure with your booking number and proof of citizenship.

Boarding and embarkation instructions

• Documents: every passenger needs a valid passport; U.S. citizens can also use a valid passport card. Birth certificates, photo IDs, naturalization certificates and enhanced driver's licenses are not accepted. Green card holders need both the green card and the passport of their country. Details for each nationality: travel documents.
• Luggage: one free carry-on item (26.5 lb or less, up to 22” x 18” x 10”) plus a small purse or backpack. Extra bags cost $30 (up to 50 lb) or $60 (up to 70 lb) per trip; oversized items such as bicycles or scuba gear, $90. Extra luggage must be checked at the counter before boarding, even if you already have your boarding pass. Full policy: luggage allowance and fees.
• Prohibited items: weapons, cutting instruments, explosives, flammable items, narcotic drugs and alcoholic drinks. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the passenger areas.
• Passengers with reduced mobility: Balearia Caribbean offers priority boarding if you request it in advance through its accessibility desk.
• Children and pets: strollers and baby food are free, and families with infants get one extra free bag. For pets and minors, read the children policy and the operator's help center.

Ticket changes, cancellations and refunds are explained in Balearia Caribbean ticket conditions.

Check dates & book » Online check-in on Balearia Caribbean »

Bimini ferry schedule · Freeport ferry schedule · How to plan a trip with Balearia Caribbean