Planning a day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale but can’t seem to draw up the perfect itinerary? Fear of missing out on some of the best attractions in Bahamas on your one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale?
We understand how turning your long-awaited day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale to reality can be daunting. With so much to cover in this tropical archipelago and so little time, a perfect day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale is just too good to be true.
Well, lucky for you, we are here to assist you and share our insider tips on how to uncover the best of the Bahamas during your Fort Lauderdale Bahamas day trip.
The key for the perfect trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas is to travel in style. By “in style”, we mean sipping cocktails on your charter flights to Bahamas by the window and exploring secret gems exclusive to your group – VIP treatments reserved only for Bahamas Air Tours guests. Now with less time transiting than a Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferry and more time exploring, you can visit the best of this exotic sanctuary in your day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.
Read on to find out more about what to expect during your dreamy day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.
Go swimming with pigs in the Bahamas at Pig Beach!
8 Best Excursions on Your Day Cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale
Boasting some of the most mesmerizing oceans and pristine islands, it’s no wonder that the Bahamas often leaves its visitors puzzled over which destinations to opt for during their Miami to Bahamas Day Trip.
But worry not, we have summarized the must-visit destinations on your 1 day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale based on our years of experience. Read on to find out more.
Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
A day trip to Bahamas won’t be as exciting without a visit to Compass Cay – an idyllic small island with a unique twist – shark-infested water.
But instead of running away from them, we encourage you to plunge into the azure water and swim among the docile sharks. Harmless to humans, these slow-moving pet sharks are filled with thousands of tiny serrated teeth that will strike only if provoked. So, do not try anything funny such as putting your hands around their mouth or tease them with objects.
For those that are not as adventurous, simply swing your legs over the jetty and feed the sharks with food prepared by the tour guides and staff at Compass Cay Marina. But, truthfully, you have nothing to fear.
Relax at Pipe Creek Cay Sand Bar
A striking sand bar in the middle of nowhere – Pipe Creek Cay Sand Bar is ideal for a private getaway where its solitude and scenic landscapes will take your breath away.
This tropical playground is often regarded as one of the most beautiful sandbars in the region. As great as the sandbar looks, don’t forget you can dive into the crystal clear water and uncover the kaleidoscopic underwater world.
Aerial view from a Bahamas Air Tours plane over the Exuma Cays.
Try local culture at Staniel Cay Yacht Club
To immerse in the local culture during your Fort Lauderdale Bahamas day trip, a visit to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a must.
A hub of tourists and locals alike, Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers an array of exciting experiences for you to indulge in. From exploring remote Bahamian villages and hopping on fishing trips with local fishermen to a lavish vacation at a waterfront bungalow and scuba diving trips, you can curate your perfect vacation here.
Staniel Cay activities on a day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale
Perched just 80 miles southeast of Nassau – the capital city of the Bahamas, Staniel Cay is your ultimate gateway to explore the Exumas; where a collection of stunning and wondrous islands and cays are begging to be explored.
Thanks to the only airstrip in the area, the island is normally bustling with tourists despite having only a little over 100 residents. When you are not busy preparing to island hop through the Exumas, why not stroll around the area and socialize with the locals. You could even go shopping at one of their several retail stores.
Bahamas swimming pigs tours at Big Major Cay
Big Major Cay is the top highlight on your day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale. With the dozens of Exuma pigs ruling the island, you will be awestruck upon floating to shore.
Also known as Pig Beach, Big Major Cay is the only place in the Bahamas where you can go on swimming pig tours and frolic with the Exuma pigs. Just a ten minute boat ride from Staniel Cay, you will be welcomed by the pigs before your boat even reaches the beach.
The pigs at Big Major Cay will swim to your boat.
Iguana observing at Bitter Guana Cay
Exuma Pigs are not the only wildlife you can bump into during your one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Sailing south from Staniel Cay will take you to Bitter Guana Cay – a scenic island where the endangered Bahamian rock iguanas reside.
These friendly iguanas roam the island freely and are often curious about their visitors. This may be a good opportunity for you to snap some pictures with. But do not make them feel threatened as we cannot guarantee that they will not act in self defense.
Bahamian rock iguanas are in danger of extinction as it is estimated only 5,000 iguanas can be found in the world. So, while visiting, remember to protect these creatures and not feed them any food that they are not supposed to have (ask your guide for clarity).
Snorkel above a sunken drug cartel plane
Resting in the shallow water off Norman’s Cay is a sunken plane with an interesting story behind it.
This underwater plane was previously a drug-runner’s plane back in the 1980s. It was owned by the notorious drug dealer, Pablo Escobar, before crashing down in the northernmost area of Exuma Cays. Although both the pilot and drugs disappeared when the authorities arrived, you will still be able to take a look yourself. All you need is a snorkel and mask – both supplied by Bahamas Air Tours!
Adventure into 007’s Thunderball Grotto
Thunderball Grotto is the location of the iconic 1965 Hollywood blockbuster “Thunderball” where Sean Connery fought the villain in an epic underwater battle. Here, you can explore the adventurous side of the Bahamas during your 1 day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.
You can conquer your inner acrophobia by climbing through the cave ceiling and diving into an exotic adventure. Or, you can opt to snorkel into the cave through the underwater entrances while colorful fish swim by you. Either way, you will have a chance to be your own version of 007 and conquer the Bahamas.
See the Exuma pigs on a day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale!
Enjoy a Memorable Day Trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale
Now that you know which attractions to visit during your one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, you just need to find the right travel agent to make your trip happen. We highly recommend you travel with Bahamas Air Tours for the following reasons:
- You will get to visit all the aforementioned destinations on your day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.
- Instead of taking the Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas ferry which takes forever, you get to embark on a lavish trip on a charter airplane.
- A window seat is reserved for every single guest – now you get to appreciate the charm of the Bahamas through a bird’s eye view and with a cocktail in hand.
- Escape the crowds and have the destinations all to yourself – with a shorter travel time by flight, you get to enjoy the attractions during its less-packed hours.
Bahamas Air Tours will upgrade your ordinary day cruise to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale to a trip of a lifetime. Book your trip now!
Discover the Bahamas Out Islands
With beautifully illustrated maps and informative destination guides.
Download the Guidebook
