The closest Bahamian island to Florida — Fort Lauderdale to Alice Town in about 2 hours by Baleària Caribbean ferry.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Population
~2,361
Best For
Families & Fishing
Currency
USD accepted
Language
English
Bimini is the westernmost district of the Bahamas — three small islands (North, South, and East Bimini) sitting roughly 50 miles east of Florida. The combined land area is only about 9 square miles, North Bimini itself is around 7 miles long, and Alice Town is the main settlement and ferry pier. Two practical things make Bimini stand out for short trips from the US:
What it is not: a mega-resort destination like Nassau or Atlantis. Outside Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, the island leans local, low-rise, and quiet.
The only year-round scheduled passenger ferry between Florida and Bimini is operated by Baleària Caribbean. The route runs from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive) to the Resorts World Bimini Pier in Alice Town. Crossing time is approximately 2 hours each way on a high-speed catamaran.
Operated by Baleària Caribbean
| Period | Typical days | Departure | Arrival | Fare (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round | ~3× per week (typically Wed / Fri / Sun) |
~9:00 AM (8:00 AM on some days) |
~11:00 AM (~10:00 AM on early sailings) |
From $155 + taxes (Economy) Premium ~$30 more |
| Peak season | Extra sailings added; daily on busiest weeks | Confirm on baleariacaribbean.com | Higher demand pricing applies | |
| Return sailing: Departs Bimini in the late afternoon/evening. Always confirm exact times on the operator's site before booking — Baleària adjusts the timetable seasonally and on holidays. | ||||
Source: baleariacaribbean.com, retrieved May 2026.
Two ways most travelers underpay for Bimini: (1) book a Sail & Stay package from Baleària — bundles round-trip ferry + hotel from around $399 per person and is usually cheaper than buying separately; (2) be flexible with your sailing day — midweek departures are often noticeably cheaper than Friday/Sunday peaks.
See live availability and current Baleària fares for your dates.
Search Bimini FerryBimini's coastline divides cleanly: the western, leeward side faces the Florida Straits with calm, shallow water; the eastern, Atlantic side gets more wave action. The three beaches most travelers spend time on:
Public beach on the western side of North Bimini. Shallow, generally calm water and a long sandbar make it the most popular family swim beach. No entrance fee.
Private beach attached to the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini. Day passes (when available) typically include lounger and pool access. Confirm current day-pass availability and pricing directly with the resort.
Atlantic-side beach in the King's Highway area. Bigger surf and stronger currents than Radio Beach — better for body-boarding and beach-combing than for small children swimming unsupervised.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen (selection on the island is limited and prices are high), water shoes, and any snorkel gear you want to use. Snorkel and golf-cart rentals are widely available in Alice Town but cost more than on the mainland.
For an island this small, Bimini punches above its weight on water-based activities. Highlights:
Bimini is one of the few places worldwide with reliable seasonal great hammerhead encounters (typically December–March). Operated by local dive shops; expect ~$200+ per person. Confirm season and minimum age with the operator.
Folk-art house built by local historian Ashley Saunders from recycled materials. A short walk from the ferry pier; small entry donation typically requested.
Bimini has been a sport-fishing destination since the 1930s. Half-day flats and offshore charters are widely available; pricing varies by boat and season — book direct via the Big Game Club marina or local guides.
The most practical way to see North Bimini end to end. Rentals are easy to find in Alice Town; daily rates typically run around $80–100.
Underwater rock formation off the northwest coast of North Bimini, popular with snorkelers and divers. Often associated (geologically inconclusively) with the "Atlantis" legend.
Concrete-hulled cargo ship grounded off South Bimini in 1926. Easy snorkel site with the wreck partially above water — most boat tours combine it with a stingray or shark stop.
Ernest Hemingway spent extended periods on Bimini between 1935 and 1937, fishing offshore aboard his boat Pilar and writing parts of To Have and Have Not. The historic Compleat Angler Hotel, where Hemingway often stayed, was destroyed by fire on January 13, 2006 and was not rebuilt — many older guides still mistakenly list it as operating. Today, the Hemingway connection is mostly visible at the Bimini Big Game Club (period photos, marina history) and at the small Bimini Museum in Alice Town.
Almost all visitor accommodation is concentrated in Alice Town on North Bimini, within walking or short golf-cart distance of the ferry pier. The map below pulls live availability and prices from major booking sites — handy for comparing dates side by side.
| Hotel | Style | Typical price (2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton at Resorts World Bimini | Resort & casino | From ~$299/night | Resort amenities, pools, private beach, casino |
| Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina | Boutique marina hotel | From ~$263/night | Sport fishing, marina-front rooms, central Alice Town |
| Sea Crest Hotel & Marina | Local hotel | ~$130–155 standard / $260–360 suite | Budget travelers, walking distance to ferry and Radio Beach |
Prices are typical 2026 rates from Booking.com / KAYAK / official hotel sites; actual fares vary by season and demand.
The largest resort on the island, formerly branded as Resorts World Bimini and now operated under the Hilton flag. 305 rooms and suites, multiple pools, private beach, on-site casino, and a marina. The Baleària ferry actually docks at the Resorts World pier, which makes this the easiest "step off the boat and check in" option. Daily resort charge applies on top of the room rate.
Historic sport-fishing resort in the heart of Alice Town with 51 rooms, cottages and suites, an outdoor pool, and a 75-slip full-service marina. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the Bimini Museum. A solid mid-range pick if your trip centers on fishing or you want a more "local" feel than the big resort.
Family-run hotel and marina in central Alice Town. Air-conditioned rooms with ocean or bay views, basic amenities, and the lowest published rates of the three main options. A short walk to Radio Beach, the ferry pier, and conch shacks. Best for travelers who plan to spend most of their day outside the room anyway.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Bimini's restaurant scene is small and concentrated in Alice Town. The local specialty is conch — usually served as fritters, in salad (raw, similar to ceviche), or cracked. A few well-known options:
Joe's Conch Shack and Stuart's Conch Stand are the two long-standing waterfront conch stands near the King's Highway / ferry area. Casual, mostly cash-only, plates typically run $10–20. Conch salad is freshly chopped to order.
Restaurant inside the Bimini Big Game Club marina. Broader menu (burgers, steaks, fish), table service, and views over the marina. Mid-range pricing — typically $20–35 for a main course.
Long-time local pizzeria in Alice Town. Useful change of pace from seafood; pizza, burgers, and chicken. Cash-friendly.
The resort has multiple on-site dining options open to non-guests, including casual poolside food and sit-down restaurants. Pricier than the village but convenient if you are staying at the resort.
Bimini imports almost everything, so groceries and restaurant bills are noticeably more expensive than mainland Florida. If you have a kitchenette, picking up breakfast and snacks at a local market and eating dinner out is the standard cost-saving move.
Many small restaurants, conch shacks, and golf-cart rentals prefer or require cash. ATMs exist on the island but are limited and may charge fees. USD is accepted everywhere.
Sand flies ("no-see-ums") can be a problem at dawn and dusk, especially after rain. Bring a DEET- or picaridin-based repellent.
Taxis meet most ferries. Golf carts (~$80–100/day) are the standard way to explore North Bimini. Most of Alice Town is walkable.
The Bahamas is international roaming for US carriers. Add a Bahamas roaming pass before you sail or rely on hotel/restaurant Wi-Fi, which is widely available but variable.
Imported goods (sunscreen, OTC medication, baby supplies) cost noticeably more than on the mainland and selection is limited. Bring essentials with you.
Summer afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms. Plan beach time in the morning, indoor activities or naps in the early afternoon.
The Baleària Caribbean crossing takes approximately 2 hours each way between Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Terminal 21) and the Resorts World Bimini Pier in Alice Town.
Economy fares with Baleària Caribbean start at about $155 + taxes one way; Premium adds roughly $30 per direction. Sail & Stay packages bundling round-trip ferry plus 2–3 nights at Resorts World Bimini start around $399 per person and are usually cheaper than buying separately.
Roughly 3 sailings per week year-round, typically Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Extra departures are added during peak summer weeks. Always confirm the current week's schedule on baleariacaribbean.com — Baleària adjusts the timetable seasonally and on holidays.
Yes. US citizens need a valid US passport book to enter the Bahamas. A US passport card is accepted for sea travel only (not for the return trip if you fly back). Children under 16 may travel with a certified birth certificate. Non-US citizens should check Bahamian visa requirements before booking.
March through May gives the best balance of comfortable temperatures (~75–85°F), generally calm seas, and manageable crowds. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30, with peak risk in August and September.
The three main options in Alice Town are Hilton at Resorts World Bimini (resort-style, from ~$299/night), Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina (boutique marina hotel, from ~$263/night), and Sea Crest Hotel & Marina (budget, from ~$130/night for standard rooms). See the Where to Stay section for details and live availability.
Yes. The 2-hour ferry crossing is short enough for most kids, Radio Beach is shallow and generally calm, and the island is small and walkable. The Dolphin House Museum, golf-cart island tours, and snorkeling at the SS Sapona wreck are popular family activities.
Yes — the schedule supports it on most sailing days. Day-trippers typically arrive around 11:00 AM and re-board for the late-afternoon return. Realistically, a 2-night stay gives you a full beach day plus a fishing or boat tour without rushing.
Compare current Baleària sailings, then check hotel availability for your dates. Most travelers book the ferry first.
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