A new same-day flight service promising quicker access to The Bahamas is set to begin later this month, offering travellers the opportunity to visit Bimini and return home within hours.

Tropic Ocean Airways, in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, announced the launch of Saturday day trips to Bimini starting February 21. The initiative will allow travellers to fly from Fort Lauderdale Seaplane Terminal to Bimini in approximately 25 minutes.

The launch coincides with The Bahamas serving as Destination Sponsor for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, where the new day trip experience will be introduced to the public.

Through the programme, guests arrive at the seaplane terminal 30 minutes before departure, take off in the morning, land in Bimini before 9 am, spend the day on the island and return to South Florida by early evening.

“You don’t need a week off or a complex travel plan to go to The Bahamas,” Tropic Ocean Airways said. “You can wake up in South Florida, have lunch in The Bahamas, and be back home for dinner. This is about taking something people think requires pre-planning and is expensive and making it incredibly easy.”

The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, described the new service as a major step in improving accessibility to the islands.

“This partnership with Tropic Ocean Airways represents more than just a new flight path; it’s a total reimagining of how accessible our islands can be,” he said. “By providing the opportunity to get from South Florida to The Bahamas in a mere 25 minutes, we are removing the traditional barriers to international travel. We’re providing a seamless, premium gateway that allows our guests to prioritise their time while still experiencing the full depth of Bahamian hospitality.”

According to the itinerary, flights will depart Fort Lauderdale at 8:30 am and arrive in Bimini at 9 am. After clearing customs and transferring to local attractions, visitors will spend approximately five to six hours on the island before departing at 5 pm and arriving back in Fort Lauderdale at 5:30 pm.

The package includes round-trip seaplane transportation, complimentary valet parking, access to a private lounge with refreshments, customs handling, ground transfers and a guaranteed same-day return schedule.

Travellers can also add optional experiences depending on the season, including snorkelling trips to Honeymoon Harbour, bone fishing excursions, hammerhead shark dives and dolphin encounters.

The new service forms part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity between South Florida and The Bahamas while showcasing the ease of short-stay island travel.

Tropic Ocean Airways, a Fort Lauderdale-based seaplane carrier founded by former United States Navy fighter pilots, operates private charters and scheduled flights throughout South Florida and The Bahamas, with the capability to land directly at resorts, marinas and other waterfront destinations.