Bimini

Bimini is a natural first stop and port of entry for many cruising yachts heading to the Bahamas from Florida. The Bimini Islands consist of two main islands and a collection of cays, with a range of anchorages and marina facilities.

Dolphin House Museum presents an interesting shore‑side stop for visiting yachts, showcasing Bimini’s distinctive artistic style and local heritage.

The wreck of the SS Sapona, lying in shallow water south of Bimini, offers excellent snorkelling with abundant marine life and an opportunity for those with a head for height to climb the hull and jump into the waters below.

Caution is advised, and mariners should be prepared for mispositioned lateral marker buoys and strong tidal currents near the Bimini inlet.

Marinas can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons, making advance reservations advisable.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Gun Cay - Honeymoon Harbour ★ 4.5 The anchorage offers a peaceful environment with opportunities for interaction with marine life, including stingrays and nurse sharks. Despite occasional rolling from swells, many visitors enjoyed their experiences, often highlighting the tranquil setting and nearby beaches.
	Gun Cay East ★ 4.3 Anchoring is recommended to the south of the bay for better peace with less disturbance from tour boats. The sandy beaches are enjoyable for day use, although mosquitos can be an issue at dusk. Good conditions for holding in sand and sea grass exist, depending on wind direction.
	North Bimini ★ 4.0 Good protection and holding are noted, with anchorage suitable for several boats. However, it is distant from supplies and has limited nearby amenities. The channel is narrow, requiring careful navigation, especially with local boat traffic.
	South Mackie Shoal ★ 3.7 Anchoring at South Mackie Shoal is manageable only in light winds, with many noting rough conditions otherwise. Holding is generally good; expect rollers in windier conditions. Visitors reported a quiet atmosphere and beautiful sunsets during calm weather.
	Bailey Town, North Bimini ★ 3.5 Holding is generally noted as poor, particularly under crowded conditions. The anchorage serves its purpose in calmer weather, but may become challenging with multiple boats present. Be prepared for interruptions from a large cargo barge.
	Alice Town, North Bimini ★ 2.9 Anchoring in Alice Town offers protection from east winds, but boat and jet ski traffic can create rolling conditions. Immigration clearance is accessible nearby, with friendly staff and relatively fast processing reported by visitors. Noise levels may increase on weekends.

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Marinas

	Bimini Cove Resort & Marina ★ 4.6 The marina features floating docks and an infinity pool. Entry should occur at high tide due to shallow conditions near the entrance. Renovations are ongoing, and facilities like restaurants are available but report inefficient communication and service hours.
	Browns Marina ★ 4.6 This marina features accommodating staff and offers reasonable rates. The showers are clean, and the lounge area provides a comfortable gathering spot. Current conditions can be challenging for docking, with some reviews mentioning wakes from power boats as a concern.
	Blue Water Marina ★ 4.3 A well-maintained marina with reasonably priced services. The dockmaster JR receives frequent praise for his support, while nearby amenities and security are noted positively. However, noise pollution from a government dock was mentioned during a stay.
	Bimini Big Game Club ★ 4.1 Clear insights into the marina indicate it features a pool, restaurants, and strong currents at arrival. The costs for docking and amenities are relatively high, though the staff is helpful in aiding check-in procedures. A nearby power plant generates some noise.
	Fishermans Village ★ 3.0 The marina features modern concrete floating docks, providing access to power and water. Customs and immigration services are conveniently located nearby. Visitors have reported high fees, especially for electricity, and noted that amenities may not always be operational outside of cruise ship arrivals.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Bahamas: