The easiest way to get to Bimini is to fly from South Florida. American Airlines flies from Miami International Airport to South Bimini Airport, while Tropic Ocean Airways operates seaplane flights from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini. Baleària Caribbean runs a ferry from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, with a crossing time of about two hours.
Bimini Transportation at a Glance
| Travel option | Departure point | Arrival point | Approximate journey | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Miami International Airport | South Bimini Airport, BIM | About 50 minutes | Travelers who want a conventional airline |
| Tropic Ocean Airways | Fort Lauderdale Sheltair | North Bimini Seaplane Base, NSB | Less than 30 minutes | The fastest arrival on North Bimini |
| Aztec Airways | Fort Lauderdale | South Bimini Airport, BIM | Short regional flight | Travelers near Fort Lauderdale |
| Baleària Caribbean | Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale | Fisherman's Village, North Bimini | About two hours | Ferry travel, day trips and travelers avoiding flights |
| Western Air | Nassau | South Bimini Airport, BIM | Regional flight | Travelers already in Nassau |
| Private boat | South Florida marinas | Bimini port of entry | Varies | Experienced boaters |
Bimini has two main islands. South Bimini Airport handles most commercial flights, while North Bimini is home to Alice Town, most hotels, restaurants and popular attractions. Travelers who land at South Bimini usually take a taxi to the ferry dock, followed by a short water taxi to North Bimini.
Flying to Bimini from Miami
American Airlines operates nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to South Bimini Airport (BIM). The route runs on selected days, and schedules can change, so check the airline's booking system before making travel arrangements.
After landing at South Bimini Airport:
- Complete Bahamian immigration and customs.
- Take a taxi or minivan to the South Bimini ferry dock.
- Take the local water taxi to North Bimini.
- Continue by taxi or golf cart to your hotel.
This route suits travelers staying in South Bimini. Visitors staying in Alice Town or at a North Bimini resort need to arrange the extra taxi and water taxi transfers.
Flying from Fort Lauderdale
Tropic Ocean Airways Seaplane
Tropic Ocean Airways flies from Fort Lauderdale Sheltair to the North Bimini Seaplane Base. The flight takes less than 30 minutes and lands on North Bimini, so passengers do not need the taxi and water taxi transfers associated with a commercial flight to South Bimini.
A seaplane makes sense if you:
- Want the fastest route.
- Are staying in North Bimini.
- Prefer to arrive near the resorts and marinas.
- Are comfortable traveling on a small aircraft.
Tropic Ocean Airways also offers private charter flights. Confirm scheduled availability and baggage rules with the carrier before booking.
Aztec Airways
Aztec Airways operates flights from Fort Lauderdale to South Bimini Airport on selected days. It is a conventional regional flight, but passengers staying on North Bimini still need to arrange the local transfer from South Bimini.
Taking the Ferry from Fort Lauderdale
Baleària Caribbean operates a high-speed ferry from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Fisherman's Village in North Bimini. The crossing takes about two hours and arrives near Alice Town and the North Bimini resort area.
The Fort Lauderdale terminal is:
Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Baleària recommends arriving at least two hours before departure for check-in and customs processing. The ferry has onboard seating, a café-bar, duty-free shopping and a luggage allowance. Its route page displays fares from $235, although the final price depends on the sailing, passenger details and booking conditions.
The Bahamas tourism authority lists the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini service on selected days. Schedules can change, so confirm the sailing with Baleària before booking accommodation or airport connections.
The ferry is a good fit if you:
- Do not want to fly.
- Are staying in North Bimini.
- Need more luggage capacity than a small aircraft provides.
- Are planning a short trip around the ferry timetable.
Getting to Bimini from Nassau
Western Air operates flights between Nassau and Bimini. This option suits travelers already staying in Nassau or arriving in The Bahamas through Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Travelers connecting from an international arrival in Nassau to a domestic flight to Bimini need time to clear immigration and customs before transferring to the domestic terminal. The Bahamas tourism authority recommends allowing at least one and a half hours for this process.
Travelling to Bimini by Private Boat
Bimini is a common first stop for boaters crossing from South Florida, but the route crosses the Gulf Stream. Treat it as an offshore passage rather than a casual coastal trip.
Private boaters must:
- Enter through an official port of entry.
- Clear Bahamian customs and immigration on arrival.
- Fly the yellow quarantine flag until clearance is complete.
- Keep passengers onboard while the captain completes the initial clearance process.
- Submit the required vessel information through the Bahamas Customs and Immigration online system.
Resorts World Bimini says boaters can submit information and payment through the Click2Clear system before arrival, with documents processed in advance.
Check marine forecasts, fuel range, vessel safety equipment and Gulf Stream conditions before leaving South Florida. A licensed local captain or an experienced charter operator is advisable if you are unfamiliar with the crossing.
Do You Need a Passport to Visit Bimini?
Yes. Bring a valid passport for entry into The Bahamas. Entry and visa rules vary by nationality.
For U.S. citizens, no tourist visa is required for stays of one month or less. The U.S. Department of State says the passport must be valid for the entire stay and have two blank pages. Travelers should also have a return or onward ticket. Other nationalities may need a passport with longer validity or a Bahamian visa.
Which Way Should You Choose?
Choose based on your departure point, your arrival island and whether you want to fly, take the ferry or travel by boat.
- Fastest overall: Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini.
- Best standard airline option: American Airlines from Miami to South Bimini.
- Best if you are staying in North Bimini and do not want to fly: Baleària Caribbean ferry.
- Best if you are already in Nassau: Western Air.
- Best for boat owners: Private vessel, provided you are prepared for Gulf Stream conditions and Bahamian clearance procedures.
Before booking, confirm whether your accommodation is on North Bimini or South Bimini. That determines whether you need a taxi and water taxi after arrival.