Many cruise enthusiasts think Bimini is the most beautiful island in the Bahamas. Just a short distance from Miami, making it the closest Bahamian island to the United States. 

Bimini has stunning beaches and clear waters that create a paradise. When your cruise ship arrives at Bimini Cruise Port, you’ll experience a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of fun things to do in Bimini, like relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, or going on a jet ski ride. 

In this guide, you can find information about the Bimini Bahamas Cruise Port, such as cruise line terminals, services,attractions and things to do in Bimini Bahamas. 

Where is Bimini Cruise Port? 

The Bimini Cruise Port opened in 2021 and is 50 nautical miles (80 km) from Miami, making it the closest Bahamian island to the United States. The Bimini Cruise Port is part of the Resorts World Bimini complex in the Bahamas.   

Who Owns Bimini Island in Bahamas? 

Bimini is made up of two main islands, North Bimini and South Bimini, along with some smaller cays. These islands are part of the Bahamas and are owned by the Bahamian government and people.  

There are also private resorts and residential areas on the islands. Some of the major private properties on Bimini include Resorts World Bimini, owned by the Genting Group, Bimini Bay Resort, owned by a private investor group, and Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, a smaller boutique resort owned by private investors. Alice Town, the main populated area in North Bimini, has a mix of private homes and businesses. 

Bimini Cruise Port Terminal Info: Each Cruise Line 

The Bimini Bahamas Cruise Port has only one spot that multiple cruise lines share. Each time, only one cruise ship can dock there. The cruise lines that visit the port are Royal Caribbean, Holland America Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages.  

Bimini Bahamas Population 

Bimini islands has about 2,000 residents spread across three islands and many cays. Most people live on the North and South Bimini islands, as East Bimini is smaller.  

Bimini has two seasons: wet season from May to November, with heavy rain and hot temperatures. The rainy season gets about 47mm of rain at its peak, with a yearly average of 551mm. 

The dry season from December to April, which is cooler. During the dry months, there are usually 7 to 10 rainy days per month, but from July to September, there can be 20 days of rain or more. If you’re traveling in the summer, remember to pack an umbrella. Hurricane season is from June to November, but storms are rare. 

How Big is Bimini Island Bahamas? 

Bimini is a small island, about 9 sq miles in total, consisting of two main islands: North Bimini and South Bimini.  The water around the islands is shallow, about 25 feet deep. The Gulf Stream flows to the west of Bimini, bringing many fish to the area. Bimini is popular for sport fishing due to its diverse marine life. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Bimini? 

The best time to visit the Bimini Bahamas depends on the activities you plan to do. The best time to see both the land and sea is in mid-December and mid-April, but it can be crowded. Diving is great from December to late March. The weather is most pleasant with less rain from mid-November to early February. Summer is a bit warmer and there is a risk of hurricanes, but there is no bad time to visit Bimini.  

Bimini Island Transportation 

Although the island is small, you may need to find a way to travel around.  

Tram Service 

When you get off your cruise ship at Resort Worlds, a tram service is ready to take you around the island. The trams run every 30 minutes and stop at different Resort World properties. Trams only go between Resorts World properties. 

Golf Cart 

A Golf Cart is convenient because you can explore the island at your own pace and it is less crowded, but it costs a lot. Some golf cart rental companies on the island charge $90 per day for a four-seater and $120 per day for a six-seater.  

Note: Other cruisers say you can try to negotiate prices.  

Taxi 

Taxi prices depend on your destination, but it usually costs $5 to $12 per person. 

Things to Do in Bimini Bahamas 

Bimini is a beach spot known for water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and swimming with sharks. Cruise lines offer many Bimini excursions. If you want something unique to do, we have some suggestions for you. If it’s your first time in Bimini, here are some ideas for you. 

Bimini Bull Run 

The Bimini Bull Run is a shark diving activity organized by the Bimini Big Game Club. It offers a safe and educational experience where you can see different shark species, including Bull sharks, up close. A strong cage ensures your safety during the encounter.  

Positive interactions with sharks can help change public perceptions. By being part of activities like the Bimini Bull Run, we can help save shark populations globally. It’s not just an adventure; it’s a way to help marine life and ensure the survival of these amazing animals. 

SS Sapona Shipwreck 

One of the best things to do in Bimini is to visit the shipwreck of the SS Sapona if you like adventure. The shipwreck is located a few miles from Bennetts Harbour, South Bimini. 

The SS Sapona was originally built as a troop transport by President Woodrow Wilson, using concrete instead of steel due to a shortage of steel. It is a World War I ship ran aground near the Bahamas during a hurricane in 1926. The wreck is in 15 feet of water. 

Today, the SS Sapona is a popular spot for snorkeling, with new reef growth and tropical fish. People can scuba dive or snorkel around the shipwreck. Many scuba divers, history enthusiasts, and adventure lovers enjoy this attraction. 

The Bimini Wall 

The Bimini Wall is an underwater rock formation near North Bimini that stretches over half a mile, running from northeast to southwest and sits 18 feet underwater.  It was founded more than 50 years ago and is also called Atlantis Road, Bimini Road, or Road to Atlantis. 

This rock formation has sparked controversy about its origin. Some believe it could be a manmade structure that was submerged later. Whether it is a road, wall, pier remains unknown or formed by a tsunami. The large limestone slabs, arranged in rectangles, have led to various theories. Nonetheless, it is a memorable sight that you will never forget. 

The Fountain of Youth 

Explorer Juan Ponce de León heard about the Fountain of Youth in Bimini in the 1500s. He sailed from Puerto Rico to Bimini to find the Fountain of Youth in 1513, but never found it. 

The limestone rock was carved over thousands of years as a filter. This fountain is considered as magic spring which brings health and youth to those who drink from this. 

Fountain of Youth is near Bimini Airport.  

Rainbow Reef 

Rainbow Reef is one of the popular spots to dive in Bimini Island. Once you go underwater, you’ll see many colorful fish, turtles, reefs and other sea creatures there. It’s a great place for new and experienced divers of all ages. Rainbow Reef is popular among underwater photographers and has something for every diver.  

Victory Reef 

Victory Reef is a great spot for snorkeling. It is full of marine life like fish, sea turtles, lobsters, and nurse sharks. It’s a great spot for drift diving, where you can float with the sea creatures and see the colorful coral. You can see the seafloor drop into the Straits of Florida at Victory Reef. The reef is south of North Cat Cay, near the Bimini islands, and is 30 to 80 feet deep.  

Victory Reef is a dive site connected to Tuna Alley and the Nodules. These dive sites are in the Bimini Cays. The dive starts with a gradual slope, reaching depths of 120 ft before rising back to around 70 ft. Diving through the Victory reef Bimini lines allows you to experience ancient shorelines over time. 

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina 

Bimini Big Game Club Resort, located in Alice Town since 1947, is great for sports fishermen who want to catch big fish. This Resort offers many activities like swimming, games, diving, dining, massages, and more.  

The waterfront dining at the Big Game Club Resort is casual and aims to create a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant overlooks the marina and offers great views. 

Tuna Alley 

Some Scuba divers say Tuna Alley is the best diving spot in the Caribbean and Bahamas. It is a reef system near North Cat Cay that is easy to reach by boat. The average depth is 49 feet, with a maximum of 98 feet. The underwater wall is over 100 feet tall and amazes guests. The water is clean because the Gulf Stream washes away debris, keeping it a beautiful Bimini blue. The site got its name from the many tunas near the reef. 

The site has good visibility and low current, making it perfect for diving and taking photos of the reef. The best time to dive is from December to March for the clearest views. 

Dolphin House Museum 

The Dolphin House Museum is a short 8-minute drive from the cruise pier. It is special because Bahamian author and a retired school teacher Ashley Saunders built it over 27 years using recycled materials donated by fellow Bahamians.  

The museum, created in 1993, showcases the island’s history through a collection of shells, glass, coins, and other items found on the island. The Dolphin House has three levels to explore, including a rooftop terrace with a view of the water.  

Bimini Brown Charters 

Bimini Brown Charters has been serving the island and its visitors for over 30 years. They provide private charters and have extensive experience in sport fishing and snorkeling trips. They are experts in all the hidden spots and coves on the island. Getting assistance from a local expert is the best way to explore the island.  

Food and Drinks  

In Bimini Island, there are different places to eat, like the Lobby Bar, The Tides, the Sushi Bar, and Hemmingway’s. 

The best local food in Bimini is conch. You can order it in different ways, like fried conch fritters or ceviche. Most seafood restaurants and some roadside stands serve conch.  

The two best drinks in Bimini are Rum Runners (banana liquor, rum, and fruit juices, grenadine) and Goombay Smash (pineapple juice, rum, and orange juice). These drinks became popular due to rum smuggling between Miami and Bimini.  

You can enjoy pastries, fine wines, cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, Japanese food, and burgers. You can also eat and drink on the beach or by the pool.  

Shopping 

The Fisherman’s Village is a convenient shopping spot next to the Bimini Hilton hotel. It’s not as big as a full shopping area, but it’s great for visitors who want to buy souvenirs or things they need close to where they’re staying. There are different shops, restaurants, and boutiques that offer a variety of things to buy. You can also do water sports like jet skis and paddleboats at the marina nearby, which adds excitement to your shopping trip.