Balearia Bahamas Express Launches

Update (July 2013)
Read about a new one-day cruise to Bimini from Miami.

Update (March 2013)
Read an update about the launch of the Balearia Bahamas Express service between Miami and Bimini.

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 [email protected].

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