Bimini Cruise Port Guide

For most cruise visitors, the primary attraction is the Resorts World Bimini Beach Club. This sprawling complex, often reserved exclusively for cruise guests, offers multiple pools, a beautiful white-sand beach, cabanas, and various dining options, all just a short tram ride from the pier. For a more adventurous day, book an excursion to the SS Sapona Shipwreck, a partially submerged, concrete-hulled cargo steamer that ran aground in a 1926 hurricane. It's now a fantastic artificial reef perfect for snorkeling and diving. Another popular sight is the Dolphin House Museum in Alice Town, a whimsical three-story building constructed from shells, sea glass, and recycled materials by a local historian. Finally, a boat trip to The Healing Hole, a natural freshwater spring that pumps lithium and sulfur into a saltwater mangrove pond, offers a unique and tranquil experience.

As Bimini is a small island chain, 'nearby destinations' typically refer to different areas on the islands themselves rather than other cities. The main nearby hub is Alice Town on North Bimini, the island's commercial center. It's about a 10-minute golf cart or taxi ride from the Fisherman's Village marina area and offers a glimpse into local life with its small shops, bars, and restaurants. Another destination is South Bimini, accessible via a short ferry ride from North Bimini. It is much quieter and more residential, known for its pristine nature trails and the South Bimini Airport. Excursions also focus on aquatic destinations like Honeymoon Harbour, a popular spot for memorable stingray encounters, located just a short boat ride away.

The cruise pier is located at the northern tip of North Bimini and is part of the Resorts World Bimini complex. It is not within walking distance of Alice Town, the main settlement, which is about two miles south. Upon disembarking, passengers are directed to a complimentary open-air tram system that transports them from the long pier to the main resort area. This tram connects to key points like the resort's casino, restaurants, and the Fisherman's Village shopping marina. From these drop-off points, passengers can rent a golf cart or take a taxi to explore other parts of the island.

The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at a 1:1 ratio. The U.S. Dollar is accepted everywhere in Bimini, so there is no need for cruise passengers to exchange currency. Credit cards are also widely accepted at the resort, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs dispensing both U.S. and Bahamian dollars can be found at the Resorts World Bimini casino and in Alice Town. Be aware that you may receive Bahamian currency as change, which should be spent on the island as it can be difficult to exchange back home.

Bimini is considered a very safe destination for tourists. The primary visitor areas, including the Resorts World Bimini property and Alice Town, are accustomed to tourists and have a visible security and police presence. As with any travel destination, it's wise to practice general safety precautions such as securing your valuables and being aware of your surroundings. When participating in water activities like snorkeling or swimming, always be mindful of boat traffic and water conditions. Using reputable, cruise-line-approved tour operators for excursions is the safest way to enjoy activities like visiting the SS Sapona Shipwreck or shark encounters.

Bimini enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it an ideal beach destination. During the peak cruise season from December to April, the weather is typically dry and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C). The summer months are hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of afternoon rain showers. Visitors should pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It's important to note that Bimini is within the Atlantic hurricane belt, with the official season running from June 1st to November 30th, so travelers visiting during this time should monitor weather forecasts.

The main form of transportation for exploring Bimini is the golf cart. Numerous rental agencies are available near the resort and in Alice Town, allowing you to explore North Bimini at your own pace. Taxis are also readily available for fixed-rate trips. Upon arrival at the cruise pier, passengers use a complimentary tram service provided by Resorts World Bimini to get to the main resort areas. This tram is efficient and runs continuously throughout the day. To travel between North and South Bimini, a small water taxi or ferry service operates regularly from the Government Dock in Alice Town.

Shopping opportunities in Bimini are centered in two main areas. The Fisherman's Village at Resorts World Bimini offers a collection of resort-style boutiques and souvenir shops in a marina setting. For a more authentic experience, head to Alice Town, where you'll find smaller, locally-owned stores selling Bahamian crafts, rum cakes, cigars, and t-shirts. The Bimini Craft Centre in Alice Town is an excellent spot to purchase handmade straw goods and other local souvenirs. While prices in the resort shops are fixed, you may find some room for friendly negotiation with vendors at the smaller local markets.