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 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.
	Gun Cay - Honeymoon Harbour ★ 4.1 Wind and swell can be an issue at this anchorage. Visitors enjoyed activities such as snorkeling and interacting with marine life. The location offers a peaceful environment, though protection can vary significantly depending on conditions.
	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.
No image	Port Royal South Anchorage ★ 3.3 Anchoring conditions vary, with sandy patches offering questionable holding while grassy areas reportedly provide better anchorage. Protection from north and northeast winds is notable. Visitors have reported good fishing opportunities, including conch and snapper.
	North Bimini Anchorage ★ 3.3 Conditions vary significantly at this anchorage. Visitors report difficulty due to sea grass obstructing good anchor holds and mosquitoes. In contrast, others appreciate the sandy bottom and nice beach available at low tide.
	Alice Town, North Bimini ★ 3.2 Rolly conditions are common at the anchorage, attributed to both wind and constant boat traffic. A nearby beach is accessible by tender, where customs and immigration can be handled efficiently. The local staff are noted for their friendliness.

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Marinas

	Browns Marina ★ 4.7 The marina features reliable power and water availability at slips, with friendly and helpful staff. Recent upgrades aim to enhance the visitor experience. The restaurant on site serves quality meals, and the location offers quick access to customs and local amenities.
	Bimini Cove Resort & Marina ★ 4.6 The marina features floating docks, a renovated pool, and dining options. Entry should only occur at high tide due to shallow areas. Multiple visitors noted good staff interactions and the location's safety for extended stays.
	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: