Bimini Cruise Port Transportation: Trams, Taxis & Golf Carts

Ah, Bimini – the Bahamas’ closest-kept secret that’s just 50 miles off Miami’s coast, yet feels like a world away. As someone who’s navigated these crystalline waters more times than I can count, let me let you in on a delightful truth: getting around this tiny slice of paradise is half the adventure. With an island that’s barely seven miles long and 700 feet wide at its broadest point, you might think transportation is an afterthought. Think again!

The Lay of the Land (or Should I Say, Water?)

Bimini consists of two main islands – North and South Bimini – connected by a short ferry ride that locals call “crossing the creek.” Your cruise ship will dock at the Bimini Cruise Port on North Bimini, where the transportation options are charmingly limited yet perfectly suited to the island’s laid-back vibe. The entire developed area stretches along a single main road called King’s Highway, making navigation blissfully simple.

For first-time visitors to Bimini, understanding the layout becomes crucial for making the most of your shore time.

👉 Shore Excursions in Bimini fill up fast – book direct and save

Golf Carts: The Island’s Unofficial Mascot

Golf carts in Bimini aren’t just transportation – they’re a way of life. These colorful, often sun-bleached chariots come in various states of repair, from gleaming rental fleet models to charmingly weathered local rides that look like they’ve survived multiple hurricanes (they probably have).

Golf Cart Rental Details

• Daily rates: $80-100 (negotiate for better prices)
• Half-day options: Often available at reduced rates
• Group discounts: Multiple cart rentals typically get price breaks
• Speed limit: Maximum 15 mph – perfect for sightseeing

The beauty of golf carts extends beyond their practicality. They force you to slow down, literally and figuratively. The top speed rarely exceeds 15 mph, which is perfect for soaking in the scenery and actually seeing that iguana sunbathing by the roadside. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly – crucial for an island ecosystem as delicate as Bimini’s.

One caveat: golf carts and rain are not best friends. The island’s afternoon showers can turn your breezy ride into an impromptu shower, so keep an eye on those puffy clouds building on the horizon. Understanding Bimini’s weather patterns helps you plan better.

Taxis: Your Reliable Island Guides

Bimini’s taxi drivers are more than transportation providers – they’re unofficial island ambassadors, historians, and sometimes comedians all rolled into one. Most speak with the melodic Bahamian accent that makes even mundane directions sound like poetry. Taxi rates are typically fixed and posted at the cruise terminal, but as with most Caribbean destinations, confirming the price before you hop in saves awkward conversations later.

What to Expect from Bimini Taxis

• Well-maintained vans and SUVs perfect for groups
• Fixed rates posted at cruise terminal
• Many drivers offer guided tours with local insights
• Excellent source for restaurant recommendations
• Knowledge about authentic Bahamian cultural experiences

The taxi fleet consists mainly of well-maintained vans and SUVs, perfect for families or groups traveling together. Many drivers offer guided tours that combine transportation with local insights you simply won’t get from guidebooks. Ask your driver about the best conch fritters on the island – this question alone will earn you instant credibility as a savvy traveler.

“Just spent an amazing day in Bimini! Our taxi driver knew all the best spots and even waited while we grabbed lunch. The golf cart rental place he recommended was half the price of the cruise terminal options. Perfect day on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas!”

Trams: The Cruise Line Connection

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Most major cruise lines operate complimentary tram services from the dock to the main beach areas and shopping districts. These open-air shuttles run on a loop system, typically every 15-20 minutes during peak hours. The trams are perfect for getting your bearings on arrival and ideal for passengers who prefer not to walk in the Caribbean heat.

The downside? You’re on someone else’s schedule. The trams stick to predetermined stops and routes, which means you’ll miss some of the island’s hidden gems that require a slight detour. They’re excellent for beach days but less ideal for exploration.

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Getting to the Good Stuff

The real Bimini magic happens beyond the immediate port area. South Bimini houses the island’s airport and some fantastic local eateries that see fewer tourists. The inter-island ferry runs regularly and costs just a few dollars, but factor in the 10-minute journey each way when planning your schedule.

For beach enthusiasts, Radio Beach sits within walking distance from the port, but the more secluded Rainbow Beach requires transportation. The famous Fountain of Youth site (yes, Ponce de León’s legendary spring) sits about two miles from the port – easily accessible by any transportation mode but most fun via golf cart.

Many cruise passengers find themselves torn between Bimini’s stunning beaches and the excellent dining options. Transportation makes it possible to experience both during your port day.

Transportation to Popular Destinations

Bonus Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro

Here’s what most guidebooks won’t tell you: many local businesses offer free pickup services if you’re dining or shopping with them. Call ahead to restaurants like Joe’s Conch Bar or Big Game Club – they often send a golf cart to collect customers from the port. It’s a win-win: free transportation for you, guaranteed customers for them.

Insider Transportation Secrets

• Free pickup services: Many restaurants offer complimentary transport
• Holiday awareness: Check Bahamian public holidays for service disruptions
• Pack smart: Bring towels for hot golf cart seats and waterproof bags
• Conch salad spot: Best one’s near the seaplane base
• Photography opportunities: Golf carts allow stops at colorful houses

The island observes Bahamian public holidays, which can affect transportation availability and operating hours, so check the calendar before your visit.

Pack a small towel in your day bag. Golf cart seats can get scorching hot under the Caribbean sun, and that towel becomes your best friend. Also, bring a waterproof bag for your phone – those afternoon rain showers appear faster than you can say “conch fritters.”

Another insider secret: the best conch salad on the island comes from a small stand near the seaplane base. Most transportation modes can get you there, but golf carts let you stop for photos of the colorful houses along the way. For more dining recommendations, check out the best restaurants and local food in Bimini.

Speaking of transportation experiences, the ease of getting around small islands reminds me of other charming coastal destinations. The efficient transport options from Genoa to Portofino share that same intimate, manageable scale that makes exploring so enjoyable.

👉 Shore Excursions in Bimini fill up fast – book direct and save

Transportation Costs at a Glance

Special Cruise Line Considerations

Different cruise lines offer varying transportation experiences in Bimini. The Virgin Voyages Beach Club in Bimini provides dedicated transportation for their guests, while other lines rely on the standard island options.

For those comparing ports, the transportation dynamics differ significantly when you contrast Bimini versus Nassau. Bimini’s intimate scale makes every transportation choice feel more personal and engaging.

Water Sports and Marine Adventures

Many visitors use transportation to reach departure points for water sports and marine life experiences. Golf carts easily navigate to various boat launch areas, while taxis can transport larger groups with snorkeling gear.

The variety of coastal experiences available reminds me of other Mediterranean gems, where tender boat services in places like Portofino create similar intimate connections between cruise ships and charming destinations.

Common Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to rent a golf cart in Bimini?
Most rental companies require a valid driver’s license, though enforcement varies. Some operators accept licenses from any country, while others prefer US, Canadian, or UK licenses. Always bring your license just in case.

Can golf carts handle Bimini’s roads?
Absolutely! The main roads are paved and well-maintained. However, some side streets and beach access points can be sandy or rocky. Stick to established paths, and you’ll be fine.

How far in advance should I book transportation?
Golf carts can often be rented on arrival, but booking through your cruise line or calling ahead ensures availability, especially during peak season or when multiple ships are in port simultaneously.

Are there any areas off-limits to tourists?
While Bimini is generally welcoming, some residential areas prefer minimal tourist traffic. Your taxi driver or golf cart rental agent can guide you on local preferences and the most tourist-friendly routes.

What happens if my golf cart breaks down?
Reputable rental companies provide phone numbers for assistance and typically offer replacement carts or pickup services. The island is small enough that help is never far away.

Can I walk everywhere in Bimini?
The main port area and Radio Beach are walkable, but distances to other attractions like Rainbow Beach or the Fountain of Youth make transportation advisable, especially in the Caribbean heat.

Transportation Tips for Different Travel Styles

For Families

• Taxis work well for groups with young children
• Golf carts provide flexibility for diaper changes and snack breaks
• Cruise trams offer shade and guaranteed seating

For Adventure Seekers

• Golf carts allow access to hidden spots and photo opportunities
• Combine transportation with shore excursions and tours
• Consider ferry rides to South Bimini for less crowded experiences

For Budget-Conscious Travelers

• Use free cruise line trams for basic transportation
• Walk to nearby Radio Beach
• Split golf cart costs among multiple passengers
• Take advantage of restaurant pickup services

The charm of small-scale island transportation extends beyond the Caribbean. The intimate nature of getting around places like Bimini shares similarities with exploring charming coastal villages in Italy, where every journey becomes part of the destination experience.

Planning Your Transportation Strategy

Success in Bimini transportation comes down to matching your mode of travel with your priorities. Beach-focused days work well with simple tram or taxi rides, while exploration-minded visitors benefit from golf cart flexibility. Consider your group size, budget, weather conditions, and desired level of independence when making your choice.

The island’s compact size means you’re never far from your next destination, but the journey between points offers opportunities to connect with local culture, spot wildlife, and capture memories that last long after you’ve returned to your cruise ship.

For those planning broader Caribbean adventures, Bimini’s transportation experience provides an excellent introduction to island life. Consider exploring other amazing Bahamas beaches on future cruises, or venture to different island experiences like Great Exuma or San Salvador.

Bimini’s transportation charm lies not in efficiency or speed, but in the journey itself. Each mode offers a different lens through which to view this magical island – the leisurely pace of a golf cart allowing you to wave at every local you pass, the insider knowledge of a chatty taxi driver, or the simple reliability of hopping on and off the cruise tram. The island rewards those who embrace its unhurried rhythm, where the journey truly becomes as memorable as the destination. After all, in a place where Ernest Hemingway once wrote and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. found refuge, perhaps the real treasure isn’t reaching your destination quickly, but savoring every sun-drenched moment along the way.