In 2021, the Bimini Cruise Port joined Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, giving cruisers another option when choosing a Bahamian itinerary.
In July 2021, Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port welcomed its first ship, the Crystal Serenity, which brought cruise passengers to the island. Four days later, Carnival Cruise Line made its inaugural visit with the Carnival Horizon. Since then, numerous cruise lines have added the island to their itineraries.
Location
Located 55 nautical miles off the coast of Miami, the Bimini Islands are primarily a beach destination with some added history tours. With a total population of under 2,000 people, it’s practically untouched, except for a few resorts, the anchor resort being a Resorts World Hilton.
Bimini is made up of two islands, North and South Bimini. The cruise port is in North Bimini, and the airport is in South Bimini. You can take a quick ride between the two islands with the local ferry service at $8 per person each way.
The island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for photographers in the spring. You can find breathtaking images of Bimini, Bahamas, and other tropical cruise ports and locations on Depositphotos, including a stunning collection of May-themed stock photos.
The island is 62 miles south of Grand Bahama Island, 127 miles northwest of Nassau, 77 miles from West Palm Beach, and 58 miles from Port Everglades.
This island is known as Virgin Voyages’ private beach club. However, other cruise lines like Holland America, Carnival, Celebrity, and others use the resort when Virgin ships are not in port.
Pier Location
The Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port is a new cruise port that can now hold the largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels (225,000 gross registered tons).
The ship docks in East Bimini. The pier was originally built for the now-defunct Bimini Superfast but was recently expanded to accommodate the world’s largest cruise vessels.
The pier is charming because it’s new to major cruise lines and hasn’t been developed or overrun by Caribbean staple shops like Diamonds International.
In addition to cruise ships, high-speed ferry service from Balearia Caribbean Ferry also makes stops there, running routes from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini Island.
Weather at Bimini
Being right off the coast of South Florida, there isn’t much difference in the weather. You can expect the same weather as in Miami, Florida (so pack shorts!).
The temperatures range from around 60 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees in the dead of summer. Even with the humidity, the breeze off the ocean tends to make it feel a bit cooler.
The water temperatures average between 77 degrees in the winter and 87 degrees in the summer.
Local Currency and USD Accepted
Legal tender is the Bahamian dollar ($BSD), but US currency is accepted and usually given as change in the Bahamas. If paying in cash, confirm you’re getting a change in US currency.
ATMs are around the resorts, but you must pay a steep service fee to access them. Credit cards and digital payments are also accepted at most locations on the island, especially at the large resorts.
READ MORE: 16 Photos of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Transportation Options in Bimini
Even though the island is only seven miles long, you may want to find a way to get around.
By Tram
A Resorts Worlds tram service makes select stops around the island and operates every 30 minutes. These trams have marked pick-up locations and will take you to different Resorts World properties from the cruise ship. (Note: they only operate between Resorts World properties.)
Anyone can use the Resorts World tram. Just remember it will take you to one of their properties where you can go to a casino, beach, or eat.
By Taxi
Taxi rates will vary by where you want to go, but the common fare was $5 per person to most locations. The cruise pier is at the midway point of the island, so it’s equal distance to both the northern and southern areas.
By Golf Cart
A couple of golf cart rental companies on the island charge around $90 per day for a four-seater and $120 for a six-seater. With little traffic on the island, it’s an easy and stress-free way to explore on your timetable.
You can walk to your destination if you stay close to the pier. The Resorts World Hilton is about a 10-minute walk from the ship.
To explore beyond that, however, you’ll want to find a form of transportation — if only because of the heat!
Shopping
As I mentioned earlier, one of Bimini’s charms is that it hasn’t been overdeveloped, especially around the pier. As it becomes more popular in the coming years, that’s likely to change, but for now, it’s one of the things that makes this cruise port so appealing.
A small market with a few shops is just south of the cruise pier. Otherwise, you’re limited to shopping at one of the Resorts World properties if you’re looking to pick up a souvenir.
While shopping for necessities, remember that you are on an island with limited resources. Items in the resort gift shops tend to be pricey, as they must all be imported from the mainland.
Best Things to Do and See
Bimini is primarily a beach destination that offers water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with sharks, and jet skiing.
If you want to explore independently, rent a golf cart or set out with food (and plenty of water to stay hydrated) and explore the island.
Cruise lines offer around a dozen shore excursions in Bimini, but if you’re looking for something a little different, we’ve listed some things to do in the area. If this is your first time visiting Bimini, here are some suggestions.
Local Beaches
Some of the quietest and best beaches in Bimini run together on the southwestern side of the island in Alice Town: Radio Beach, Blister Beach, and Spook Hill.
There is also a string of beaches north of the resort’s cruise port. Remember that you’ll be required to pay a fee if you’d like to use a sun chair, resort facilities, pool, or a lounger.
Beach Club 360
Typically sold by the cruise line, this new private beach package is good if you want to spend a day there. Located right next to Resorts World Bimini Beach, the stretch of beach has some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Bahamas.
The club offers the option to rent cabanas, umbrellas, and beach chairs. The price varies depending on your cruise line and the add-ons you choose. This premium beachfront complex has two lagoon pools, swim-up bars, DJs, and plenty of beachfront property.
Explore a Shipwreck
You can set up a trip to the SS Sapona wreck through one of the resorts. The World War I ship ran aground during a hurricane in 1926 and has remained ever since. The artificial reef is filled with sea life. This can be booked at Resorts World or in advance.
Historic Attractions
You can explore some local histories at Bimini Museum, where you’ll learn about famous folks who’ve made the island their home over the years (including former resident Ernest Hemingway).
There is no charge to enter the museum, but they do take donations.
Also relatively close to the pier is Dolphin House Museum, a three-story home made entirely from recycled materials, including many items that washed up on the shore.
Shark Lab
If you’re a shark or marine life lover, you’ll love Bimini. Since the waters of the Bahamas are so warm, the Bimini Biological Field Station has a shark lab set up.
Visitors can sign up for a station tour, participate in research, or adopt a shark. In case you’re concerned, the area is filled with lemon sharks, which aren’t aggressive and have zero recorded fatalities against humans.
You must take a one-mile ferry ride to South Bimini to explore the Shark Lab.
Tips for Visiting Bimini Cruise Port by Ship
The local food favorite is the conch. It can be prepared in various ways, the most popular being fried conch fritters or ceviche. Conch can be ordered from almost any seafood restaurant, and even a couple of roadside stands serve this marine mollusk.
Speaking with the locals, I learned that Bimini serves two popular drinks: Goombay Smash (four different types of rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice) and Rum Runners (assorted fruit juices, banana liquor, rum, and grenadine).
These drinks were made famous by the illegal smuggling of rum between Miami and Bimini.
What do cruise passengers think about Bimini?
Cruisers visiting the Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port have shared positive feedback, especially raving about its clear waters and relaxing beach atmosphere. Many appreciate that Bimini offers a more intimate and less commercialized experience than Nassau or Freeport.
The Beach Club 360 (also known as Bimini Beach Club) has received high marks for its well-maintained pools, beachfront access, and relaxing environment. Getting around via golf carts or trams adds to the convenience. Though the price can vary, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
However, some passengers have noted that Bimini is best for those looking for a quieter, beach-focused day, as shopping and dining options outside the resorts are limited. Others noted that the drinks are overpriced in the main shopping district.
Overall, the new(ish) port is a peaceful retreat with enough activities to entertain water and beach lovers.
Final Thoughts of Bimini Cruise Port
Except for Carnival Corporation’s Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Bimini has the clearest and cleanest waters of any place where cruise ships stop in the region.
During our recent visit, we took the Beach Club package ($39.99 per person through Carnival Cruise Line), spending the day going back and forth between the lagoon swimming pools and the beach. There is plenty of chairs to lounge both on the beach and by the pool, along with changing areas.
The complimentary tram service took us directly from the beach to the cruise ship. The roads are bumpy, so hold tight when on the tram. It’s also not a walk you’ll take without the assistance of a tram or golf cart.
Overall, it was a memorable experience that I’d book again on another cruise to Bimini.
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Can you walk from Bimini Cruise Port to the beach?
Yes, you can walk to beaches close to the cruise port but not to Resorts World Beach Club, as it’s located on the other end of the island.
Is Bimini safe for cruise passengers?
Yes, Bimini is generally safe for cruise passengers, especially around popular tourist areas and the cruise port; however, it’s always best to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions when exploring the island.
Do you need cash in Bimini?
While most resorts, restaurants, and larger businesses in Bimini accept credit and debit cards, it’s recommended to carry a small amount of cash (U.S. dollars are widely accepted) for local vendors, small establishments, or tipping.
Are there ATMs at Bimini cruise port?
Yes, ATMs are available near the Bimini cruise port area, at Resorts World Bimini, and at various locations throughout the island.
