If you’re visiting Bimini on a cruise, you’re in luck! In fact, many avid cruisers consider Bimini the most beautiful island in the Bahamas.
Located approximately 55.6 nautical miles from Miami, Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to the mainland of the United States. Bimini is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and marine life.
There are many great ways to spend your day visiting Bimini. Whether you want to relax on the beach, snorkel, or go on a jetski adventure, there is something for everyone. Recently, we visited Bimini and had an amazing time!
In this Bimini cruise port guide, I share best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas as a cruise traveller. I’ve also included information you’ll want to know before you visit this Bahamian island.
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Bimini Cruise Port
The Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port is a new cruise port that accommodates the world’s largest cruise ships and vessels of all sizes. The cruise port is within walking distance of the Resorts World Bimini Complex.
Since this is a newer cruise port, the pier is charming and less developed. Unlike other Caribbean cruise destinations, which house popular cruise port shops including Diamonds International, this isn’t the case with Bimini. Instead, there are local shops to purchase souvenirs and crafts.
Bimini cruise port can accommodate two cruise ships at a time, making this island a nice change from busier ports of call. Cruise passengers can take a taxi, a shuttle service, or use a tour guide to visit the island.
What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Bimini Cruise Port
Currency
The Bahamian dollar ($BSD) is the official currency for the Bahamas. However, U.S. currency is widely accepted and usually given as change in the Bahamas.
In Bimini, the majority of businesses and restaurants accept U.S. cast of credit cards. Furthermore, local vendors will accept U.S. money when you’re shopping for souvenirs.
Language
English is the official language of the Bahamas. However, locals may speak Bahamianese or Creole. For the most part, everyone speaks and understands English in Bimini.
Time Zone
Since Bimini is located in the Bahamas, it operates on Eastern Standard Time. Furthermore, the cruise ship’s time will be the same as the time on land.
Weather
Typically, when you visit Bimini, the temperatures range from 60 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees in the summer. However, the breeze from the ocean makes it feel a bit cooler.
The water temperatures vary between 77 degrees in the middle of winter and 87 degrees in the summer.
Getting Around Bimini
Although Bimini is only 7 miles long, there are a few ways to get around the island.
Here are a few ways you can get around Bimini:
Resorts World Tram
The Resorts Worlds tram service operates every 30 minutes and makes several stops around the Island. In fact there’s a stop right within short walking distance at the cruise port.
The tram is completely free and available for anyone to use. However, keep in mind that it will only take you to the Resort World properties, where you can visit the casino, beach, resorts, and restaurants.
You’ll find the free pick-up location right outside your cruise ship. It’s easy to find the pick-up location, and many people use the tram when visiting Bimini.
By Taxi
When you visit Bimini, there will be taxi services available. The taxi rates vary depending on where you want to go, but the common fare is between $5-$10 per person. Since the cruise port is the midway point of the island, the southern and northern parts are equal distances from the pier.
By Golf Cart
There are a few golf cart rental companies that operate in Bimini. They charge approximately $90 per day for a four-seater and $120 for a six-seater. Golf cart rentals are a great way to explore the beautiful island.
Tip: I have heard from other cruisers that there may be some room to negotiate prices.
By Foot
If you want to stay close to the cruise port, you can always walk to your destination. Bimini is a small island and is very walkable!
The Resorts World Hilton resort is a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ship. Bring water if you plan to walk because it can be very hot in Bimini.
Bimini Map
Best Things To Do In Bimini, Bahamas on a Cruise
1. Beach Club 360
Beach Club 360 is a private beach resort owned by Resorts World. You’ll find 2 large pools, a gorgeous white sand beach, bars and restaurants, beach games, lounge chairs, and crystal-clear waters.
Beach Club 360 is one of the most popular shore excursions offered by cruise lines. Lounge chairs and facilities are included. However there may be some extra costs to rent cabanas at the pool and beach resort.
The price varies depending on which cruise line you’re sailing with. However prices range between approximately $39-$99 a day, depending on what is included.
Virgin Voyages Exclusive Beach Club
If you’re visiting Bimini on a Virgin Voyages cruise, Beach Club 360 is included and becomes a
“private island” type destination. Your transportation, lunch, wifi, and entry are all included in your cruise fare.
When we visited Bimini on our recent Virgin Voyages cruise, we spent the day at Beach Club 360. It was an all-day party with a live DJ, and the food was amazing, which made for a perfect day in Bimini.
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2. Shipwreck Exploration Adventure
If you’re adventurous, then taking a trip to the SS Sapona shipwreck is a great option. The SS Sapona is a World War I ship that ran aground during a hurricane in 1926.
The wreck sits in 15 feet of water. Visitors will either scuba dive or snorkel around the shipwreck. This is a popular attraction for scuba divers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.
3. Jet Ski Tour
When it comes to exciting shore excursions, its hard to beat a Jet Ski tour. Taking a guided tour on jet skis around the island is an unforgettable experience and tons of fun!
Oftentimes, the jet ski tour can be booked through the cruise line. If you plan on booking a jet ski tour, it’s a good idea to book it in advance as it will sell out.
4. Dolphin House Museum
The Dolphin House Museum is roughly an 8-minute drive from the cruise pier. The Dolphin House Museum is unique because it was built over the last 27 years using recycled, salvaged, and donated materials by award-winning Bahamian author and historian Ashley Saunders.
If you’re looking to visit the Dolphin House Museum, it costs $10 per person.
5. Snorkel Tours
If you’re adventurous and love to snorkel, then you’ll enjoy Bimini. When it comes to snorkeling, Bimini has amazing reefs, marine life, and places to explore!
Here are the most popular locations for snorkelling in Bimini:
- Rainbow Reef
- Victory Reef
- Bimini Wall
Rainbow Reef is a great snorkeling location for beginners. Here, you will see turtles, fish, and other marine life. Many shore excursions visit Rainbow Reef, which is perfect for snorkelers of all levels.
Victory Reef is an interesting place to snorkel. Here, you will see marine life and underwater terrain.
The amazing thing about Victory Reef is that you can see the seafloor drop into the Straits of Florida. At Victory Reef, you’ll see fish, turtles, and nurse sharks.
Bimini Wall is one of Bimini’s greatest mysteries. The wall stretches for more than half a mile, and it was discovered over 50 years ago.
The Bimini Wall is also known as Atlantis Road, Bimini Road, or Road to Atlantis. Nobody knows how or what this submerged manmade structure really is, which is why it is such a mystery to locals.
6. Resorts World Pool & Beach Experience
Resorts World Pool & Beach Experience is an adult-only 750-acre luxurious resort. Here, you will find restaurants, bars, casinos, the beach, and pools.
Most cruise lines offer excursions to Resorts World. When you purchase the excursion through the cruise line, you’ll get access to an open bar, pool chairs and umbrellas, beach chairs, and access to the pools, casinos, and other amenities.
If you want to relax at a luxurious resort, you’ll love the Resorts World Pool & Beach Experience.
7. Island Bike Tour
The Island Bike Tour is a great way to explore the island and better understand what life is like in Bimini. You’ll be given a bike, helmet, and lock on this excursion.
On this tour, you’ll ride through Fisherman’s Village, Alice Town, and Bailey Town. You’ll get to visit the Dolphin House, Bimini Museum, and the Methodist Church graveyard.
Overall, this is a great way to visit Bimini, take some stunning videos, and learn more about the wonderful island.
8. Bimini Craft Center
The Bimini Craft Center is a great place to go if you’re looking for souvenirs or purchasing local crafts. The craft center is located in the heart of Alice Town, which is an 8-minute cab ride from the cruise port.
You will find 17 booths filled with locally-made crafts, t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs here. You’ll also get the chance to interact with the friendly Bahamians, which is a great way to learn about the local culture.
The Bimini Craft Center has restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and food trucks. Going to the craft center is a fun activity, and it’s near many other attractions.
9. Stingray Encounter
The stingray encounter is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. You’ll go to a secluded beach called Honeymoon Harbor for this excursion. Here, you’ll be in calm, crystal clear waters, which are home to friendly stingrays.
You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the sun while the stingrays swim up and interact with you. This is a great way to learn about stingrays and create life-long memories.
10. Bimini Island Food Tasting Experience Tour
If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love the Bimini Island Food Tasting Experience Tour. On this excursion, your tour guide will bring you to some of the best restaurants in Bimini.
You’ll get to try Bahamian cuisine like conch fritters, peas and rice, and baked macaroni. You’ll quench your thirst by drinking Gully Wash and Bahamian soft drinks.
When you’re on this tour, you’ll stop at CJ’s Deli and Joe’s Conch Shack, popular restaurants locals love. This food tour is a great way to explore the island while experiencing Bahamian cuisine.
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Free Things to Do in Bimini:
11. Kayak Beach
Kayak Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port. If you want to visit Kayak Beach, you can walk there or take the tram. It’s a 2 minute walk from the cruise ship, or it’s the first tram stop.
We found out about Kayak Beach through the crew members. When they visit Bimini, Kayak Beach is there go-to beach.
At Kayak Beach, you can rent a Kayak, lounge chairs, and relax in the calm waters. Overall, Kayak Beach is a great option for those who want to spend the day at the beach, while staying near the cruise ship.
12. Radio Beach
Radio Beach is a free local beach with beautiful turquoise waters. If you’re looking for something “off the beaten path,” you’ll love Radio Beach.
At Radio Beach, you can rent a cabana or lounge chairs. Furthermore, there are local restaurants and bars nearby. If you look into the ocean, you may see marine life like stingrays and dolphins.
You can get from the cruise port to Radio Beach by taxi, and when you are ready to leave, there will be taxis ready to take you back.
Overall, Radio Beach is a great place to spend the day when you visit Bimini.
13. Fountain of Youth
In the 1500s, explorer Juan Ponce de León learned that Bimini was the site of the Fountain of Youth. According to an old legend, the spring water supposedly restored youth to those who drank or bathed in the water.
In 1513, Ponce De León set sail from Puorto Rico to Bimini. Unfortunately, he could never find the fountain of youth in Bimini, but he did go on to discover Florida and the Gulf Stream instead.
Today, you can visit a natural wellspring that the locals claim to be the fountain of youth. The locals believe that the mineral water from the springs brings good health and youth to those who drink it.
14. Visit The Bimini Museum
Built in 1921, the Bimini Museum was once the Commissioner’s Office and jail. However, it was abandoned in 1974. In 1999, the building was restored by Sir Michael and Lady Barbara Checkly.
Now, the Bimini Museum contains historical artifacts, such as photographs of Ernest Hemingway and old cannon balls. There is no entry fee for the Bimini Museum. However, they do accept donations.
15. War Memorial and Hero’s Park
The War Memorial and Hero’s Park is located in Alice Town, which is right next to the Dolphin House Museum. The memorial is an 8-minute drive from the cruise port, and it honours the war veterans from World War I and II.
When you visit the War Memorial, you’ll be nearby other attractions, and you’ll get an amazing view of the ocean.
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Final Thoughts: Best Things To Do In Bimini, Bahamas on a Cruise
Well, there is is, everything you need to know about the Bimini cruise port.
Bimini has a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, partying at a beach club, or going on a snorkel adventure, there is something for everyone.
The great thing about Bimini is that there are so many things to do. Whether it’s your first time in Bimini or you’ve been several times, there are always new foods to try, beaches to visit, and places to explore!
In this post, I shared a complete Bimini port guide and the best things to do when you visit Bimini.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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