The cruise industry loves to paint Bimini as this picture perfect Caribbean paradise but in my experience this tiny Bahamian island seems to exist only for cruise ships, which is good and bad. Unlike Nassau with its amazing history and awesome attractions.  That said, it doesn’t make it worthless – it just means you need to adjust your expectations and know where to look for the authentic experiences hidden among the big resort development.
I’ve been to Bimini twice before and I love it, as I’m sure you will too. Here’s my guide about Bimini and everything there is to do there, enjoy!
Quick Facts: Bimini at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| đź“Ť Port Location | Bailey Town, North Bimini (50 miles from Miami, Florida) |
| 🛳️ Port Opened | 2021, single berth for large ships |
| ⏱️ Walking Distance | 10-15 minutes to Hilton/Virgin Beach Club |
| đźš– Transportation | Taxis, golf cart rentals, resort shuttles |
| 🏖️ Closest Beach | Radio Beach (5-minute walk) |
| đź’µ Currency | USD accepted everywhere |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Available at port terminal |
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Map of Bimini, Bahamas Cruise Ship Port
The Reality of Bimini’s Cruise Port
Bimini’s modern cruise facility opened in 2021 as part of Resorts World’s ambitious development project. This isn’t some quaint fishing village that happens to welcome cruise ships – it’s a carefully orchestrated destination designed specifically for day-trippers.
The terminal itself is efficient but basic: clean bathrooms, limited shopping, reliable Wi-Fi, and a taxi stand that’s usually busy but well-organized. What you won’t find are the elaborate facilities some newer ports boast. It’s functional, not fancy.
The insider reality: Most of Bimini’s appeal lies just outside the immediate port area. The real gems require a short taxi ride or golf cart rental to reach. Our complete first-time visitor’s guide to Bimini cruise port covers everything newcomers need to know, from avoiding common mistakes to maximizing your limited port time.
Getting Around: Your Transportation Options
Walking (Free but Limited)
Radio Beach sits just a 5-minute stroll from the port, making it the obvious choice for cruisers who want to minimize logistics. The walk is flat and well-marked, though it gets scorching hot by midday.
Taxis (Most Reliable)
Expect to pay $15-25 for most destinations around North Bimini. Drivers are generally honest with pricing, but confirm the fare before departing. The taxi stand at the port is your safest bet for legitimate operators.
Golf Cart Rentals (The Local Favorite)
Here’s where Bimini gets interesting. Golf carts are the island’s preferred transport, and renting one gives you genuine freedom to explore. Expect to pay around $60-80 for a half-day rental. Book early during busy cruise days – they go fast.
Pro tip: Golf cart rental companies cluster near the port. Compare prices quickly, but don’t agonize over $10 differences. The convenience factor is worth it. Our comprehensive Bimini transportation guide with current prices and booking tips covers every option from taxis to golf carts, including which operators to trust and how to avoid common rental scams.
Resort Shuttles
Resorts World provides complimentary shuttles to their beachfront areas, but these run on resort schedules, not cruise passenger convenience. Factor in potential waiting time.
Things to Do: Beyond the Marketing Brochures
Beaches That Actually Deliver
Radio Beach The closest option that doesn’t require transportation planning. Radio Beach offers decent sand, clear water, and basic amenities. It’s not spectacular, but it’s convenient and crowd levels remain manageable even on busy cruise days. Our complete guide to Bimini’s best beaches for cruise passengers reveals hidden gems beyond walking distance and rates each beach for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Virgin Voyages Beach Club This private beach club generates massive search interest, but access depends entirely on your cruise line. Virgin Voyages passengers get exclusive access to this well-designed facility with quality food, drinks, and activities. If you’re not sailing Virgin, forget about it – they’re strict about access. Our detailed Virgin Voyages Beach Club Bimini guide with photos, amenities, and booking strategies shows exactly what’s included and how to make the most of your exclusive access.
Activities Worth Your Time
Sapona Shipwreck Snorkeling The concrete ship SS Sapona, partially submerged since 1926, offers Bimini’s best snorkeling opportunity. The wreck sits in shallow water perfect for novice snorkelers, with decent marine life around the structure.
Book through reputable operators only – some budget tours cut corners on safety equipment. Our complete Bimini water sports and marine life guide reviews the best snorkeling operators, reveals top diving spots, and covers all water activities from kayaking to deep-sea fishing.
Hemingway Heritage Ernest Hemingway’s Bimini connection runs deep, and the small museum dedicated to his time here provides genuine historical context. The author spent significant time fishing these waters in the 1930s, and the stories are better than the touristy marketing suggests.
Fishing Excursions Bimini’s location on the edge of the Gulf Stream creates exceptional fishing conditions. Half-day charters run $800-1200 for up to six people, making group bookings sensible. Deep-sea fishing here consistently produces results, unlike some Caribbean ports where you’re paying for hope.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism reports that sport fishing contributes over $141 million annually to the Bahamian economy, with Bimini’s proximity to Florida making it a key destination for American anglers.
If you want something more cultural, visit the Dolphin House Museum, a mosaic-covered home created by local historian and artist Ashley Saunders.
For a complete breakdown of every available activity, our comprehensive Bimini shore excursions and tours guide for cruise passengers reviews all tour operators, includes current pricing, and reveals which excursions deliver real value versus tourist traps.
Shopping and Dining on Bimini
Local conch shacks near the port serve authentic Bahamian cuisine that’s genuinely good, not just “cruise port acceptable.” Prices reflect the captive audience, but quality exceeds expectations. Avoid the handicraft stalls unless you enjoy aggressive sales tactics – most items are mass-produced imports. Our guide to Bimini’s best restaurants and authentic local food experiences reveals where locals actually eat, which conch shacks deliver the best value, and how to avoid the tourist traps.
The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is right next to the cruise port, offering restaurants, a casino, and pools for day visitors.
Cruise Lines That Visit Bimini
- Virgin Voyages – Exclusive Beach Club access
- Carnival Cruise Line – Regular stops on Caribbean itineraries
- Royal Caribbean – Various ship classes
- MSC Cruises – Seasonal visits
Important distinction: Your cruise line determines your Bimini experience significantly. Virgin passengers get beach club privileges others can’t access, while other lines rely on public facilities and independent operators. Our detailed Celebrity vs Virgin Voyages Bimini comparison breaks down exactly what each cruise line offers, including exclusive amenities, pricing differences, and which line delivers better value for different traveler types.
Most Bimini cruises depart from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, making it one of the closest Bahamian ports to the US.
Practical Intelligence for Smart Cruisers
Timing Your Visit
Peak season (January-April) brings perfect weather but larger crowds and higher prices. Hurricane season (June-November) offers lower prices but weather risks that can affect tender operations. Our comprehensive Bimini weather guide and best time to cruise analysis provides month-by-month weather data, crowd levels, and pricing trends to help you choose the optimal sailing dates.
What to Pack
- High-SPF sunscreen (Bahamian sun is intense)
- Quality luggage{target=”_blank”} for day trips
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for taxi fares and local vendors
Safety in Bimini
Bimini is generally safe for cruise passengers who stick to developed areas. The crime rate remains low, particularly in tourist zones. Use standard precautions: don’t flash expensive items, stay in groups after dark, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Accessibility Considerations
The port terminal offers wheelchair access, but many island attractions involve uneven surfaces, sand, or boat transfers. Research specific excursions carefully if mobility is a concern.
When Bimini Works (And When It Doesn’t)
Bimini excels for:
- Travelers seeking easy Caribbean beach access
- Snorkeling enthusiasts
- Fishing aficionados
- Virgin Voyages passengers with beach club access
Skip Bimini if:
- You prefer authentic cultural experiences
- Shopping is your priority
- You need extensive dining options
- Crowds bother you significantly
Trying to decide between Bahamian destinations? Our comprehensive Bimini vs Nassau ports comparison analyzes attractions, costs, crowd levels, and overall experience to help you choose the right itinerary for your travel style and budget.
Common Questions
Can you walk to the beach from Bimini cruise port? Yes, Radio Beach is a 5-minute walk from the terminal. It’s the most convenient option for passengers who want to minimize transportation logistics.
How far is Radio Beach from Bimini port? Radio Beach sits approximately 400 meters (quarter-mile) from the cruise terminal – an easy 5-minute walk on flat, paved surfaces.
What excursions are available in Bimini? Popular options include Sapona shipwreck snorkeling, deep-sea fishing charters, golf cart island tours, and dolphin watching trips. Virgin Voyages passengers also get exclusive beach club access.
Which cruise lines stop at Bimini? Virgin Voyages, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises regularly visit Bimini, with Virgin passengers receiving exclusive beach club privileges.
Is Bimini worth visiting on a cruise? Bimini works well for passengers seeking convenient beach access and water activities. However, it lacks the cultural depth and diverse attractions found at more established Western Caribbean ports.
Can you use US dollars in Bimini? Yes, USD is widely accepted throughout Bimini. The Bahamian dollar equals the US dollar, making transactions straightforward for American visitors.
Related Port Guides
Planning other Caribbean cruise stops? Check out these detailed guides:
