The Great Bahama Bank encompasses a large swath of shallow water. It's along the periphery of this Great Bank that you will find the islands and ports of call. Just a hop across the Gulf Stream from Florida (but seemingly a world away), lies the group of 100 cays known collectively as "Bimini." A trip across the shallow waters of the Bank will then take you to the Berry Islands or Andros. Another deepwater passage across the Northeast Channel or the Tongue of the Ocean takes you to Nassau or the Exuma Cays farther south.

Bimini is a popular port of entry, but it's a destination in its own right with excellent sport fishing, a charming community of locals and a large resort complex. Alice Town, the main settlement, lies on North Bimini. The airport, Bimini Cove Resort (formerly Bimini Sands Marina) and a few restaurants lie on South Bimini just across a narrow channel. Cat Cay, to the south, hosts an exclusive marina and resort complex.

For many coming from the southern parts of Florida, Bimini is the main point of entry into The Islands of The Bahamas. The islands are a mere 50 nm east of the U.S. mainland and–even contending with the Gulf Stream's northerly push–most boats with any speed can comfortably leave for these islands at daybreak and reach them before sunset. 

The Bimini Islands location is convenient enough that many begin their cruise here or come to the Bimini Islands for a mini-getaway from Florida. Convenience aside, the Bimini Islands are an all-time favorite cruising destination for many other reasons:

• Some of the best sport fishing found anywhere in the islands. The deep waters of the Gulf Stream to the west make Bimini a prime deep-sea fishing destination. There is superb snorkeling on the reefs along the shores of the islands and lots of big wildlife swims through. The eastern side of the islands abuts the Grand Bahama Bank and features miles and miles of shifting shallow sandbars, making this area is the perfect playground for flats fishermen to try their fly fishing skills.

• Great diving and snorkeling with sites that eclipse Florida's best.

• Distinct vibe. There is no mistaking that you are not in the U.S. as you stroll along the one-car-width King's Hwy.

Whether you're seeking Bimini's rustic beauty or its lively shops and eateries, Bimini is a great place to visit or to spend a few nights before setting off across the Great Bahama Bank or waiting out a blow to return to the east coast.

Bimini Approaches

When transiting the west side of North Bimini be aware of the large cruise ship dock that extends from shore directly off Bimini Bay Marina to N 25° 45.054'/ W 079° 17.270'. On charts, but not in reality, the entrance channel into Alice Town's harbor is clearly marked with red and green flashing buoys. From the Bimini waypoint the channel lines up almost directly with the channel through the jetties into the Bimini Cove Resort & Marina on South Bimini. The buoys marking the channel and the channel itself are frequently moved or off station. The channel with the deepest water is just off the entrance to the resort. Conditions change continually here.

You will need to approach carefully and if you have a deep-draft vessel, make sure to contact your Bimini dockmaster for up-to-date advice. There is a shoaling sand bar extending south from the tip of North Bimini Island. Once over the tip of the bar and near the South Bimini beach, keep that sandbar to port and turn north to parallel the shoreline of South Bimini into the Alice Town harbor entrance. There are usually markers along this channel but visual piloting is more reliable. Use great caution in this area and during these approaches if wind or seas are running out of the southwest through west.

The old channel is farther south but also is not well marked; however, there is a lighted range that is useful for making the initial approach. In settled conditions both approaches are fine, but in conditions of poor visibility, the old channel (with its range) is easier to follow. 

Older charts show another more southerly approach channel hugging the long beach along the western shore of South Bimini. For boats with drafts of less than 1.5 meters/5 feet, this may still be a viable passage into Alice Town or an alternate route for Bimini Cove Resort & Marina. There is a range on this approach, and this is the recommended approach in low light or rough conditions. Turn north after you are safely past the sandbar keeping the rocks and shallows to port. You will be close to the beach but in deep water.

All vessels must exercise caution entering Bimini as ocean swells in the cuts can cause you to hit bottom. Read the water carefully. At any state of tide go cautiously on your final run in, watch your depth and be prepared to abort if necessary. With all the changes and dredging that have taken place here, contact one of the local marinas to get the latest information.

If the wind is from the west and any kind of significant sea is running, neither approach is usable. Don't attempt it! It is better to head offshore and take your lumps to continue to Gun Cay or North Cat Cay.

North Bimini

North Bimini's main settlement, Alice Town, is a bustling hub of island activity. The main street (King's Hwy.) is a busy lane lined with homey restaurants, interesting shops and accommodating marinas. Everything is only a few minutes' walk from the Alice Town marinas. Long, sandy Radio Beach runs along the west side of Alice Town, looking out over the Straits of Florida. To the east are mangrove-covered islands with excellent bonefishing.

South Bimini

Separated by only 150 yards of water from its northern neighbor, South Bimini is an attractive, quieter alternative to busy Alice Town with easier access to the airport. On the north end near the ferry to Alice Town, there are a few homes, a snack bar, a liquor store and a grocery store. There is also a vehicle and small boat repair shop. The west coast has a stunning beach and this settlement is a treasured safe harbor for weather-weary cruisers. Taxis can bring your guests from the airport to the marina.

If you decide to spend some time here, don't miss touring the Bimini Biological Field Station where research is ongoing on lemon, bull, nurse and hammerhead sharks along with the tropical-marine ecosystem. Bimini Sharklab offers daily tours (242-347-4538). If you prefer hiking, spend a few hours on the 1-mile-long Bimini Nature Trail loop that begins and ends at the Bimini Cove Resort .

For more information on cruising in the Bahamas, purchase a Print Waterway Guide Bahamas Edition or a Bahamas Subscription.