bimini

The Bimini cruise port is teeny tiny compared to the other two popular ports of call in the Bahamas, Nassau and Freeport. Bimini comprises two main islands, North and South Bimini, with a total area of about 9 square miles, housing just 2,000 residents. It’s a very narrow and skinny island. In contrast, Nassau, located on New Providence Island, spans approximately 80 square miles and is the capital city with a higher population density and more developed infrastructure. Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, covers around 530 square miles. Bimini is surprisingly close to the United States, only 55 nautical miles offshore from Miami. Because of its very small size, there aren’t many options in Bimini for cruisers. Virgin Voyages is the main cruise line to call here, but some of the others like Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Margaritaville at Sea do as well. Cruisers most commonly use their time at this port of call as a beach day. Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days. Bimini Cruise Port to the City Center One advantage of Bimini’s small size is the ease of getting around, with everything situated close together. The Bimini cruise port is just over 2 miles from the main city center, known as Alice Town. This downtown area of North Bimini is the main hub of activity, featuring local shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural sites. Alice Town is where you can experience much of the island’s charm and local flavor. There are several transportation options for those who prefer not to walk. While Uber is unavailable in Bimini, local taxis offer a convenient alternative with regulated fares. A typical taxi ride to the city center costs around $10 USD. A local tram is also available (more on that below), providing a hassle-free option for travelers. Bimini Tram & Port Map A Malaysian company called Resorts World pretty much has a Bimini monopoly, as the island is so small and the company operates the only major hotel, a co-branded Hilton location on the Resorts World complex. While this makes for limited options in Bimini, it does provide cruisers with the benefit of an efficient and free tram service. Resorts World runs a tram service that operates every 30 minutes, making select stops around the island. With clearly marked pick-up locations, these trams transport passengers between various Resorts World properties from the cruise pier. Although they only stop at Resorts World locations, anyone can use them to access the island’s casinos, beaches, and dining options. This map, provided by Resorts World, highlights some of the key features of the Bimini cruise port area and details the various tram stops. Bimini Golf Cart Rentals Because of Bimini’s small size, some cruisers are tempted to rent a golf cart, which is a popular option at another similar cruise port, Grand Turk. While that’s a great option in Grand Turk, with numerous options and competing vendors, I do not recommend it in Bimini—at least without doing some homework first. There are very limited vendor choices in Bimini, and I’ve heard almost nothing but universal complaints about old and poorly maintained golf carts with regular breakdowns. Some cruisers have reported some success using this company by making an advance reservation, so that may be an option worth exploring. I’ve personally never used this company, though, so I can’t vouch for them. In Bimini, golf carts typically cost around $90 per day for a four-seater and $120 per day for a six-seater. Things to Do at the Bimini Cruise Port The Bimini cruise port area is pretty sparse (basically, a pier), but fortunately, there are options to explore that aren’t far away. The island is small enough that cruisers could conceivably explore downtown and have time to enjoy the beach, all on the same day. Explore Alice Town As noted above, downtown Bimini is known as “Alice Town,” many cruisers spend their day here exploring this area, which is just over two miles from the cruise port. Alice Town in Bimini is the main hub of North Bimini, known for its blend of local culture and activities. In Alice Town, visitors can explore the Bimini Museum to learn about the island’s history, enjoy seafood at local restaurants, and shop for souvenirs at quaint shops. Popular activities include visiting the Dolphin House Museum, a hand-built mosaic structure, and relaxing at nearby Radio Beach. Alice Town offers travelers a taste of Bimini’s heritage and a variety of experiences. Enjoy a Beach Day Radio Beach in Bimini is a popular public beach known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful Bahamian coastline. The beach is conveniently located near the Bimini cruise port, just about 2.5 miles away (about a 10-minute ride), making it easily accessible for cruise passengers looking to enjoy some time by the sea without traveling far. Other beaches, all on the tram line, include Paradise Beach and Bimini Beach. Bimini Beach Club The Bimini Beach Club, also known as The Beach Club at Bimini, is located on the western shore of North Bimini, within the Resorts World Bimini complex (see… that whole monopoly thing). It provides beachfront access and a range of amenities for visitors and is included as a stop on the free tram route. Resort day passes start at $40, but… there’s a big caveat here. When a Virgin Voyages ship is docked at Bimini, Virgin cruisers benefit from exclusive use of the Bimini Beach Club, a perk that I enjoyed when sailing Scarlet Lady on my visit there. It’s included in the cruise fare at no additional cost for Virgin gusts, and I found this club to be stellar, with fantastic beach access, including complimentary use of loungers and umbrellas, and a great pool area with a DJ and a fun, upbeat beach club vibe. The downside, however, is that the Bimini Beach Club is off-limits if you’re on a non-Virgin