Posted on: January 10, 2012
Balearia Bahamas Express Launches
Fast ferry service debuts between Port Everglades and Grand Bahama Island
The Balearia Bahamas Express plaque exchange ceremony brought together (from left) Gerardo Capo, chairman of Grupo Capo, a partner of Balearia Caribbean Ltd.; Pilar Lecha, area manager, Balearia Group; Francisco Jimenez, captain of Pinar del Rio; Hon. Jack Seiler, mayor of Fort Lauderdale; Phil Allen, port director/chief executive, Port Everglades; Dale V.C. Holness, Broward County commissioner; and Chip LaMarca, Broward County commissioner. // © 2011 Balearia Bahamas Express
Update (March 12, 2013):
Read the latest news about the launch of the Bimini Express ferry service between Miami and Bimini.
Original Article
After a series of stops and starts, the hugely awaited Balearia Bahamas Express fast ferry has officially launched, with service between Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Fla., and Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas.
The Balearia Bahamas Express service was first announced back in July and, at that time, planned a schedule between the Port of Miami and the Bimini Bay Resort & Marina on the island of Bimini. Due to some unresolved issues at the Port of Bimini, the company then announced that the fast ferry would travel back-and-forth between the Port of Miami and Grand Bahama Island. Third time’s a charm, and it looks as though the service has finally found an operable route from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama.
The ship, Pinar del Rio, offers fast ferry service between Port Everglades and Grand Bahama Island with fares starting at $49 per person each way, based on a roundtrip purchase. The ship will make the 76-mile trip in two and one-half hours and will operate daily, except for Wednesdays. The ferry has a capacity of 450 passengers. Amenities include an eatery/bar, duty-free shop and audiovisual equipment.
The Pinar del Rio is owned primarily by the Spanish group Balearia and its local partner, the Capo Group. Questions can be directed to info@ferryexpress.com.