By Jennifer Sullivan • Pediatric Nurse & Island Mom • Updated July 29, 2025

OK, let's talk about the elephant in the room — hurricane season. When we first moved to Fort Lauderdale, I was TERRIFIED of planning any Bahamas trips from June to November. Eight years and 20+ hurricane season trips later? I've learned it's totally doable if you're smart about it!

The Real Deal About Hurricane Season

Facts, not fear!

First things first — hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. But here's what the weather channel won't tell you: not all months are created equal!

June - July
Risk Level: Low
Mostly afternoon thunderstorms. We've done tons of June trips — just expect a daily 3 PM downpour and plan beach time accordingly!
August - October
Risk Level: Higher
This is the peak. September especially. Some ferry routes literally shut down for maintenance (smart move!).
November
Risk Level: Moderate
Things calm down. Great weather returns. Locals call it "second summer" — fewer crowds, perfect temps!

Reality Check

In 2023, the Bahamas had only 2 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm. That's 180 days of hurricane season with 177 perfectly fine days! The key is being flexible and prepared.

How Ferries Handle Hurricane Season

The inside scoop from 8 years of experience

Here's what actually happens with ferry services during hurricane season:

The Good News

  • 24-hour advance notice: Ferries ALWAYS cancel at least 24 hours before a storm. No surprise cancellations!
  • Full refunds: Weather cancellations = 100% refund, no questions asked
  • Morning advantage: That 9 AM departure time? It's before afternoon storms develop
  • Captain's discretion: They won't sail if it's not safe. Period.

The Challenges

  • Limited alternatives: Unlike flights, there's usually only one ferry per day
  • Domino effect: One storm can mess up schedules for days
  • Some routes suspend: Nassau-Harbour Island? Takes a break in peak season
Route June-July Aug-Oct November
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini Daily service! 🎉 Weather dependent Back to normal
Fort Lauderdale → Freeport 2x weekly Often cancelled 2x weekly
Nassau → Eleuthera Normal schedule Reduced service Normal schedule
Nassau → Harbour Island Running SUSPENDED Resumes service

Hurricane Season Travel Hacks

From someone who's been there, done that!

🏆 Jennifer's Golden Rules

Book Refundable Everything

Hotels, ferries, activities — pay the extra $20 for flexible cancellation. Trust me, it's hurricane season insurance!

Tuesday/Saturday Strategy

Book trips starting Tuesday or Saturday. If Monday's ferry cancels, you've got backup options!

Choose Closer Islands

Bimini (2 hours) beats Freeport (4 hours) in rough weather. Shorter = less seasickness risk!

Weather App Arsenal

Download Windy, MyRadar, and NOAA. Check the 3-day forecast obsessively starting 72 hours out!

Have a Plane B

Know the flight options. Silver Airways flies Fort Lauderdale-Bimini if ferries stop. Pricey but works!

Travel Insurance FTW

"Cancel for any reason" coverage. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's worth it during hurricane season!

Nurse Jen's Weather Wisdom

Morning Math: Storms develop as the day heats up. That 9 AM ferry departure? It's not random — it gets you there before the 2-5 PM thunderstorm window. We've done the Bimini run in pouring rain at 3 PM coming back. Going over at 9 AM? Smooth as butter!

Hurricane Season Packing List

Beyond the usual beach stuff

Your regular packing list needs some storm-season upgrades:

🌧️ Rain Gear That Actually Works

  • Packable rain jackets — Not ponchos! They're useless in wind
  • Waterproof phone pouch — Those afternoon storms are no joke
  • Quick-dry everything — Clothes, shoes, bags. Cotton is your enemy!
  • Ziploc bags — For EVERYTHING. Passports, cash, snacks

💊 Enhanced Medical Kit

  • Extra Dramamine — Rougher seas = more seasickness
  • Ginger everything — Candies, tea, supplements
  • Prescription meds — Pack extra in case you're stuck
  • Basic first aid — Pharmacies might close for storms

🔌 Storm Prep Essentials

  • Portable chargers — Multiple! Power outages happen
  • Cash in small bills — ATMs go down, credit card machines fail
  • Downloaded entertainment — Netflix downloads for rain days
  • Snacks that don't melt — Protein bars > chocolate

Do NOT Pack

Umbrellas (useless in wind), expensive jewelry (humidity ruins it), anything you can't afford to lose (storms happen!)

Our Hurricane Season Adventures

The good, the bad, and the wet!

"July 2022: Tropical Storm warning for Bimini. Ferry cancelled Wednesday. We rebooked for Thursday, had the ENTIRE beach to ourselves because everyone else chickened out. Water was like glass, sun was perfect. Sometimes the best trips happen right after storms!"

— Jennifer, eternal optimist

The Time We Got Stuck (And Loved It)

September 2021. Hurricane warning. Ferry cancelled our return trip. Sounds terrible, right? WRONG! The Hilton gave us the "hurricane rate" (50% off), we had the pool to ourselves, and spent two extra days in paradise. The kids still talk about our "hurricane vacation" as their favorite trip ever!

The Close Call

August 2023. Watched a storm develop while IN Freeport. The ferry company was ON IT — called us at 6 AM, moved our 3 PM return to 9 AM. We made it back before the first raindrops. Their weather monitoring is better than mine!

The Learning Experience

June 2019. Ignored a small craft advisory because "it's just rain." BIG MISTAKE. Four hours of washing machine seas. Everyone got sick except the captain. Now I check wave heights religiously — anything over 4 feet, we reschedule!

Smart Alternative Routes

When Plan A gets stormy

Some routes handle weather better than others. Here's your hurricane season playbook:

🏆 Most Reliable: Fort Lauderdale → Bimini

  • Only 50 miles = less weather exposure
  • Balearia's ships have great stabilizers
  • Daily service in summer = more flexibility
  • If ferry fails, flights are only $150

⚠️ Proceed with Caution: Fort Lauderdale → Freeport

  • 4-hour journey = more weather variables
  • Only 2x weekly = less flexibility
  • Crosses deeper water = rougher seas
  • But hey, fewer tourists brave it!

❌ Maybe Skip: Nassau → Out Islands

  • Smaller boats = really feel the waves
  • Some routes literally close (looking at you, Harbour Island)
  • Mail boats are tough if you're not a good sailor
  • Save these for winter!

Pro Alternative

Consider flying to Nassau and doing day trips to nearby islands. More expensive but WAY more weather-flexible. Paradise Island ferry runs every 30 minutes — even in rain!

Hurricane Season = Bargain Season!

The silver lining to those clouds

OK, let's talk about why we actually LOVE hurricane season travel:

What Peak Season Price Hurricane Season Price Your Savings
Atlantis Day Pass $195/person $125/person Family of 5 saves $350!
Bimini Hilton $450/night $225/night 50% off!
Snorkel Tours $150/person $95/person Private tour vibes!
Restaurants 2-hour wait Walk right in Priceless!

Real Talk

We save about $2,000 per trip in hurricane season. Even buying travel insurance ($300), we're still WAY ahead. Plus, no crowds? That's the real treasure!

Bottom Line: Should You Risk It?

After 20+ hurricane season trips, here's my honest take:

✅ Go for it if:

  • You're flexible with dates (can shift by 2-3 days)
  • You book refundable everything
  • You're OK with afternoon rain
  • You want to save serious money
  • You hate crowds (beaches are EMPTY!)

❌ Maybe wait if:

  • This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip
  • You have zero flexibility
  • You get super seasick
  • You'll stress the entire time

"Some of our best memories happened because of hurricane season, not in spite of it. Empty beaches, amazing deals, and yes — the occasional adventure when plans change. The Bahamas in June is still better than no Bahamas at all!"

— The Sullivan Family

Essential Hurricane Season Resources

🌊 Weather Monitoring

  • Windy App — Best for wave heights and wind
  • NOAA Hurricane Center — Official storm tracking
  • MyRadar — Great for rain timing
  • Bahamas Weather Facebook Groups — Real-time local reports!

📞 Important Contacts

  • Balearia Caribbean: 1-866-699-6988
  • Bahamas Ferries: 242-323-2166
  • US Embassy Nassau: 242-322-1181
  • Travel Insurance: Keep that number handy!

💡 Decision Timeline

7 Days Out
Start monitoring weather models
3 Days Out
Make go/no-go decision
24 Hours Out
Final weather check, confirm with ferry company
Day Of
Check morning forecast, pack rain gear!

Ready to Brave Hurricane Season?

Check real-time weather conditions and current ferry schedules!

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