Bimini, located just 50 nautical miles east of Miami, is a top cruise destination in the Bahamas.
The Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port is the second most popular cruise port in the Bahamas, and it serves as the gateway to North and South Bimini. Learn how it offers access to everything these islands have to offer.
In This Article:
Bimini Cruise Port Location and Address
The Bimini Cruise Port is located on North Bimini Island, just outside Alice Town. It is only 53 miles east of Miami, Florida, which means it is much closer to PortMiami than Nassau Cruise Port. This explains why it is growing in popularity as a destination for Bahamas cruises.
The port is owned and operated by Resorts World Bimini, owned by The Genting Group, one of the world’s largest resort companies. The company opened the port and the luxurious tourist complex it is connected to in the summer of 2021.
The Bimini Cruise Port has a single pier extending from the island. The pier has only a single berth for cruise ships but can also accommodate several smaller vessels along its south-facing side.
Although it can only dock a single cruise ship, the berth is wide enough and the water deep enough to enable Oasis Class ships and other similarly sized vessels to visit.
Before the pier’s construction in 2021, cruise ships could only drop anchor off the coast and use tender boats to allow their passengers to visit the Bimini island chain. Now, it is the second most popular cruise port in all of the Bahamas!
While it is a relatively small cruise port by Caribbean standards, its strategic location makes it a popular stop for some of the world’s most well-known cruise lines.
The port itself can be found at the following address:
Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port, PPX8 Bailey Town, North Bimini, Bahamas
What makes this location extra special is that the port is in a prime spot for exploring the island and its famous beaches. Plus, when you walk to the edge of the pier, you are just a short walk from various attractions, beaches, and the numerous amenities available at Resorts World Bimini.
As I will explain later, the port is just steps away from a free tram service, making it incredibly easy and stress-free to explore the Fisherman’s Village Marina, find your way to the surrounding resorts, or head into Alice Town.
Bimini Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
As mentioned, the pier at Bimini Cruise Port opened in the summer of 2021, so it is fairly new. Given that it can only accommodate one cruise ship at a time, the well-marked pier sidewalk takes passengers about five minutes to walk.
This also means that the port is relatively small, but I find some smaller ports to be the best to visit, as they are far less crowded and stressful than the major ports.
When you arrive at Bimini Cruise Port, this laid-back and intimate atmosphere is easy to pick up on. The Welcome Center Terminal Building is one of the first things you will notice upon disembarkation.
Here, helpful and welcoming staff can help with directions, tips for exploring the island, and any other questions or concerns you may have.
Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?
The building features clean and accessible restroom facilities. Unfortunately, the port does not offer complimentary Wi-Fi, but nearby restaurants will provide the password to paying guests. Several excursion kiosks are at the edge of the pier, where guests can book a shore excursion.
In terms of accessibility, the entire Bimini Cruise Port was designed to be fully accessible. Wheelchair ramps and flat pathways ensure that those with mobility needs can easily navigate the port, which is also true for the entire Resorts World Bimini Complex.
Even the Hilton Hotel, which is part of the Resort World Bimini complex, is entirely wheelchair accessible. Most guests access the second and third floors via an escalator near the main entrance, but there is also an elevator near the front desk for those who need it. If you require assistance, the staff in the Welcome Center can assist you.
Cruise Port Amenities
If you visit Bimini Cruise Port, remember that the port and its pier are only a small part of the Resorts World Bimini complex, one of the island’s busiest tourist attractions.
With two lagoon-style swimming pools, an enormous white sand Paradise Beach, ten bars and restaurants, and a 10,000 square foot slots and card games casino, there is plenty for visiting cruise passengers to do without leaving the complex. Plus, there are plenty of shops and a few more dining options in Fisherman’s Village.
Cruise Lines that Visit Bimini
Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port welcomes a wide variety of cruise lines, including some of the world’s most recognizable. The following are just some of the cruise lines that visit the port as part of their Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Royal Caribbean International
- Virgin Voyages
As with any other port, schedules can change. If you hope to travel with a particular cruise line, check the availability of voyages that include Bimini Cruise Port in their itinerary.
How to Get to Bimini Cruise Port
Whether your cruise ship departs from Bimini, you’re planning to extend your stay on the island, or you just prefer to travel independently, there are several ways to reach Resorts World Bimini and the cruise port.
Getting to the Cruise Port by Air
For visitors not arriving by cruise ship, flying into South Bimini Airport (BIM) is the most common way to get to Bimini. As the name suggests, the airport is located on South Bimini Island and receives regular arrivals directly from Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Airlines like Silver Airways run daily flights, with prices varying based on the season and booking time, but usually in the $250 to $400 range. You can also book connecting flights from other cities in Florida, but these will involve a transfer flight from one of the two above-mentioned cities.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a short ferry ride connecting you to North Bimini and the cruise port. The ferry comes every hour and only costs $10, or you can take a taxi for about $5, so arriving by air is fairly straightforward.
Getting to the Cruise Port by Ferry
The Balearia Caribbean Ferry Service also offers regular trips from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini and Grand Bahama Island. The journey takes two hours, making it a popular option for daytrippers and cruise passengers.
While rates depend on when you book, how many bags you bring, and the season when you travel, booking a round-trip journey is possible for just $160. The ferry offers complimentary Wi-Fi and drops you off right at Resort World Bimini, so it couldn’t be easier to get from there to the cruise port.
Taking an Inter-Island Ferry or Flight
For those already in the Bahamas, local ferries and island-hopping flight routes connect Bimini to other Bahamian islands. Availability and rates depend on your method of travel, which island you are traveling from, and when you book, but rates are surprisingly affordable.
As a tip, I highly recommend booking in advance if you are considering this option. Not only can you save some money, but you can also secure your preferred arrival time well in advance. The government website for the Bahamas also offers information and links that make it easy to book inter-island transportation.
Getting Around Bimini
Once you arrive in North Bimini by cruise ship, there are several transportation options available to you, including some that are completely free to visitors:
The Free Tram
Resorts World Bimini offers a complimentary tram service throughout the complex. With a pickup location directly at the end of the cruise pier and various stops within the resort area, it is a great way to get around.
Whether you are looking to transport your bags to the hotel, want to check out the casino, head into Fisherman’s Village for some shopping, or even just tour the entire complex, the tram is the go-to way to get around.
Golf Cart and Bicycle Rentals
Another popular option for exploring Bimini is renting a golf cart. You can inquire about golf cart rentals at the front desk of the cruise pier or in the Hilton Hotel lobby. Rates vary between $60 to $90 per day.
While they are subject to availability, renting a golf cart is a fun way to explore the entire island at your own pace. Resorts World Bimini also offers bicycles, which are another fun way to explore while getting some exercise.
If there are no golf carts available through Resorts World Bimini itself, there are several private rental companies available just outside of Fisherman’s Village on Bimini Road, including Humpy’s Golf Cart Rentals, Miss Philly’s Rentals, and Dolphin’s Elite Carts.
None of these providers have websites, but all three are just a seven-minute walk from the pier, so it is easy to check availability in person.
Taxis
If you want to explore beyond the resort complex, taxis are a good option. Most operate with a per-person flat rate of $5, which covers 15 minutes of driving. Given the island’s relatively small size, you can usually get to your destination for a flat fee of $5.
Walking
The island’s compact size and well-marked sidewalks make it a very pedestrian-friendly destination. If you want to stretch your legs, exploring the Resorts World Bimini complex on foot is easy. Even walking directly to the center of Bailey Town only takes about 10 to 15 minutes, while Alice Town is still a reasonable 45-minute walk.
Beaches Near Bimini Cruise Port
If you’re like me, one of the biggest draws of visiting the Bahamas is spending some time at the beach. Luckily, Bimini boasts some truly stunning beaches within easy reach of the cruise pier. The following are just some of the many options:
Resorts World Bimini Beach
If you’re looking to enjoy a day of lounging at the beach, you’ll be excited to learn that the resort complex has its own 4.5-acre sandy beach.
While it is located on the far side of the resort complex, it is one of the stops for the free tram, so it’s easy to get to from the pier. Although it’s free for hotel guests, cruise passengers can purchase a $40 day pass to access the beach and its amenities.
If you do decide to pay for a day pass, this white sand beach area provides a range of facilities, including pools and waterslides, beachside restaurants and bars, and beachfront cabana rentals, which can be booked online and cost between $100 and $400 per day, depending if you opt for unlimited bottle service or not.
While these fees may sound steep, it’s worth remembering that visiting the beach and its amenities is one of the most popular shore excursions in Bimini.
Paradise Beach
For those looking to avoid unnecessary spending, Paradise Beach is also located within the resort complex, and it is free for cruise passengers. It is located directly beside the pier, so you do not have to walk far to spend some time on the sand.
It doesn’t have the same level of amenities as the Resorts World Bimini Beach, but it still offers clear waters, a designated swimming area, soft white sand, beach loungers and umbrellas, and a rental office where visitors can rent a towel, snorkel, water floatie, and more.
Radio Beach
If you’re willing to travel down to Alice Town, I highly recommend visiting Radio Beach. This is one of the most popular beaches in North Bimini. Despite the name, it is actually made up of three contiguous beaches, which are all open to the public.
Whether you get there by golf cart, taxi, or just hiking on foot, it’s a great place to spend the day. Plus, visiting Radio Beach means you can also explore Alice Town, which means you can easily visit the National Geographic-funded Dolphin House Museum, the most popular Bimini museum, and one of the top tourist destinations on the entire island.
If you do go to Radio Beach, you should also make time to grab a drink and a bite to eat at Sherri’s Paradise Beach Bar, which is just steps from Radio Beach and has some of the best fresh lobster rolls and conch fritters anywhere on the island.
Dining Near Bimini Cruise Port
Speaking of grabbing something to eat in Bimini, the entire island is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you want to try some of the local dishes and fresh seafood or just some international favorites, you don’t have to travel far from the port to enjoy a delicious meal. These are just some of my personal favorites:
Resorts World Bimini Restaurants
Since Resorts World Bimini has numerous dining venues, you don’t have to travel far from the port to enjoy a delicious meal. From Monkey Business Beach Bar and Restaurant to more formal venues like Beach Club 360, executive chef Curtis Smithen crafted every dining venue’s menu.
If you arrive early and want to enjoy breakfast or brunch, The Tides has a huge menu with crowd-pleasers like wood-fired baked bread and fresh seafood.
Since Bimini was a favorite destination of Ernest Hemingway, Resorts World Bimini paid tribute to the famous author with Hemingway’s, a restaurant that serves gourmet burgers, chicken wings, and delicious cocktails, including Hemingway’s own favorite, like mojitos and the rum-heavy Papa Doble.
There’s also the Healing Hole, Amicci’s Pizzeria, The Sushi Bar, and an ice cream stand in Fisherman’s Village.
Joe’s Conch Shack
This unpretentious eatery is one of the most famous in all of Bimini. Located on Main Street, it’s a go-to destination for seafood favorites cooked to local tastes.
As you may have guessed, the conch salad and fried conch fritters are the most popular items, but the giant sea snails, lobster, crab, and fresh grilled fish are also delicious. It’s only 1.2 miles from the cruise port, so it’s easy to visit on foot or by taxi.
Bimini Seafood Company & Conch Bar
If you haven’t guessed by now, seafood is a big deal on Bimini, especially conch-based dishes. The Bimini Seafood Company is located 1.9 miles away on the eastern side of Alice Town, and it is another popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Dining at the Bimini Seafood Company is also a great opportunity to try a tuna steak, goombay smash, fresh-caught wahoo, and more.
While the menu alone is worth the trip, the real highlight is the view. The outdoor dining area overlooks a marina and a reef where scuba diving lessons are taught.
Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill
Bart of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort, the Big Game Bar & Grill is located in Alice Town, just a short walk from Radio Beach. While the restaurant is open to the public, non-resort guests cannot use the pools and hammocks.
If you feel like treating yourself, the restaurant is one of the more upscale dining venues in North Bimini, so it’s a great place to enjoy gourmet American and Bahamian dishes. It’s also just 1.9 miles from the port, so reaching it doesn’t take long.
Shopping Near Bimini Cruise Port
While Bimini is not really well-known for shopping, there are a few local shops and boutiques where you can purchase souvenirs, local crafts, and cruise essentials.
Fisherman’s Village Marina is also located within the Resorts World Bimini grounds, and it is home to The Reef Retail Shops, a collection of souvenir shops and boutiques.
Within this strip of stores, you can find Rainbow Reef Shop, which specializes in colorful, tie-dye souvenirs, SPLASH Swimwear, and Home Reef, which offers handmade jewelry, purses, and accessories.
Near the Hilton Hotel, you can find Corals Clothing Boutique, Elephant Gems Jewelry, and Hidden Treasure Marketplace, a general store with a wide range of souvenirs and more practical vacation essentials.
If you plan to shop in Bimini, remember that the official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is on par with the US Dollar. Most retailers will also accept US currency, but some smaller retailers will not accept credit or debit cards, so it is worth bringing cash with you.
If you do make it into Bailey Town or Alice Town, there are plenty of local vendors selling everything you need. While the options are pretty limited, the Access Bahamas Bimini Shopping Mall and the Bimini Craft Center are both located just 2.2 miles from the Bimini Cruise Port in the center of Alice Town.
Best Time to Visit Bimini
Like the rest of the Bahamas, Bimini enjoys warm weather throughout the year, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to the high 80s°F. This means that the best time to visit Bimini and the other islands that make up the Bahamas depends on personal preference.
With that said, the peak travel season runs from December to April, which is due to the cooler temperatures and drier weather. If you want to explore the island and enjoy water sports, the reduced chance of rainfall can make these months a great time to visit.
Keep in mind that traveling to the island during peak tourist season also means that you may encounter larger crowds, so it is a good idea to book shore excursions and day passes to the private beaches ahead of time.
If you decide to visit during the summer months, you can avoid the crowds, just keep in mind that it can be somewhat humid and you may have to contend with brief showers.
Visiting during the summer also gives you the opportunity to take in the Bimini Goombay Summer Festival, the biggest event on the island, and a time when local artists, chefs, and bands share their culture with visitors. The main events run every year from July 28th to the 29th in Alice Town.
