What to Do in Bimini Cruise Port for a Day – Ultimate Guide

Bimini is a tropical paradise in the Bahamas, famous for its clear blue waters, soft sandy beaches, and exciting activities. When your cruise stops at Bimini Cruise Port, you’ll have the perfect chance to explore this stunning island.

The island offers breathtaking snorkeling spots, vibrant marine life, and historic landmarks. Cruisers can relax on pristine beaches, enjoy delicious Bahamian cuisine, or take a golf cart ride around the island. Fishing, shopping, and exploring the legendary Bimini Road are also must-do activities.

From snorkeling at the SS Sapona shipwreck to visiting the Dolphin House, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bimini. Wondering what to do in Bimini Cruise Port for a day? Keep reading to find out!

Where is Bimini Cruise Port? 

The Bimini Cruise Port opened in 2021 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. 

The Bimini Cruise Port has one spot for cruise ships. The cruise port is in North Bimini, and the airport is in South Bimini. You can travel between the islands using the Bimini Ferry service for $8 per person each way. 

Who Owns Bimini Island in Bahamas?

Bimini is a group of islands governed by the Bahamas. As part of the country, the Bahamas government manages Bimini’s land, resources, and development to keep it a beautiful destination for both tourists and locals.

Much of the island is public land, but some areas are privately owned by individuals, businesses, or resorts. 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.

The natural beauty and beaches of Bimini remain accessible to everyone. This mix of public and private ownership helps make Bimini Island a top travel destination in the Caribbean.

Bimini Cruise Port Terminal

The Bimini Cruise Port, also known as Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port, is the main terminal for cruise ships arriving on the island. This 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 this Bimini Bahamas Cruise Port includes:

• Royal Caribbean
• Holland America Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Crystal Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Virgin Voyages

Bimini Bahamas Population

The Bimini Islands have an estimated population of 2,400 residents, spread across three main islands and several cays. The main islands are North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini with Alice Town serving as the capital. Most people live on North and South Bimini as East Bimini is smaller.

Bimini Bahamas Weather

The Bimini weather is warm and humid all year. The temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C throughout the year. The ocean breeze helps to make it feel cooler despite the humidity. 

Daytime temperatures are usually between 26°C to 32°C, while evenings are a bit cooler, dropping to 21°C to 24°C. In January, the temperature is around 23°C, while in August, it can reach 31°C. 

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

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 but beautiful island chain in the western Bahamas, located about 80 km (50 miles) from Miami, Florida. The total land area of Bimini is approximately 23 square kilometers (9 square miles), making it one of the smaller island districts in the Bahamas.

The main islands are North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini along with several smaller cays. North Bimini is the biggest and most developed part of the island, where you’ll find Alice Town, the capital of Bimini. South Bimini is known for its airport and quieter atmosphere, while East Bimini is smaller and less populated.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bimini?

The best time to visit Bimini is between December and April when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for outdoor activities. During this period, temperatures range from 24°C to 29°C, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.

From May to November, Bimini experiences warmer temperatures and higher humidity along with the Caribbean hurricane season. Summer offers fewer crowds and great deals on accommodations, but visitors should be prepared for occasional rain and storms.

Cruisers should plan their trip during the winter and early spring months for the best experience. This is when Bimini’s waters are at their clearest, marine life is most active, and local festivals bring vibrant energy to the island.

Bimini Island Transportation

Cruisers arriving at Bimini Island have several transportation options to explore the island easily:

Tram Service 

The main port for cruise ships in Bimini is the Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port, located on North Bimini. The service runs every 30 minutes and stops at different Resorts World properties. However, trams operate only between Resorts World locations.

Golf Cart 

A golf cart is a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace and it is less crowded. However, it can be expensive. Some golf cart rental companies on the island charge $90 per day for a four-seater and $120 per day for a six-seater. Some cruisers mention that you may be able to negotiate the price.

Taxi 

Taxi prices depend on your destination, but it usually costs $5 to $12 per person. Water taxis are another option for reaching nearby cays or snorkeling spots.

Best Things to Do in Bimini Bahamas

Bimini is a popular beach destination known for water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and swimming with sharks. Cruise lines offer a variety of Bimini excursions. If it’s your first time in Bimini and you’re looking for something unique to do, then following are best bimini things to do:

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. 

The resort offers guided fishing trips for both beginners and experts. You can stay overnight with hotel and diving packages or join a Bimini Dive Safari to see Hammerhead sharks and dolphins. 

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 entry fee for the Dolphin House Museum is $10 per person.

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 in Bimini Cruise Port

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. 

Best Bimini Beaches Near Cruise Port

Following are some of the best beaches in the Bimini islands. These beaches are not usually crowded, but some are more private than others. 

Radio Beach: It is the most popular beach because it is beautiful and easy to get to. Radio beach Bimini is very close to Alice Town and is the only public beach on the islands with bathrooms and food vendors. Guests can often see stingrays swimming near the shoreline.

Spook Hill Beach: It is popular in Bimini because it has shallow and calm waters. Spook Hill beach Bimini is near a cemetery, but the soft sand is inviting. It has rougher surf and rockier areas but stunning scenery with cliffs and sea grape trees lining the shore. Great for beach walks and enjoying nature.

Porgy Bay Beach: It is a small and charming beach located in North Bimini, near Resorts World Bimini in Bailey Town.  

Resort World Bimini Beach: It is a great place for a resort-style beach. It is a 4.5-acre beach that can accommodate up to 2,000 people.  

Tiki Hut Beach: It is on South Bimini Island and has a 2-mile stretch of white sand and palm trees. Tiki Hut Beach Bimini is private and perfect for a getaway. 

Blister Beach: It is also known as Bimini Bay Beach. It is a beautiful beach in North Bimini with calm waters and excellent snorkeling. There are shaded areas from palm trees but no major facilities. 

Other beautiful beaches to visit includes Holm Cay, Turtle Rocks, North Cat Cay (Honeymoon Harbour), Piquet Rocks, and South Cat Cay.

FAQs – Bimini Cruise Port Guide