Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini is the favorite jumping off point to the Bahama Island group due to its close proximity to Florida.  The Cay consists of two inhabited islands, North Bimini and South Bimini, and numerous high spots in the water.  South Bimini has the airport and mainly just residential property.  North Bimini has customs, immigration, numerous businesses, and marinas.  Along the 7 miles of the Queen's Highway, are several small villages including Alice Town where most of the businesses are found.

Like the U.S., North Bimini appears to have had more prosperous times as numerous business have faded away.

We did find a bakery that makes unbelievably good oatmeal cookies and Bimini bread.

Our cruising guides listed several available marinas ranging from $.80 to $1.50 per foot, per night.  Then there is the exclusive Bimini Bay Marina and Resort at the far north end of the island that starts at $2.50 per foot.  We chose the Bimini Blue Water Resort at $1.00 per foot based on other cruiser's recommendations.  Blue Water's facilities are a little long in the tooth, but the docks are nice and th staff is friendly.  Some of the amenities listed in the guide book are not "currently" available, i.e., swimming pool, restaurant and bar.  So, we ventured down the street to the Bimini Big Game Club.

The Big Game Club has recently reopened after an infusion of cash.  Although it was listed in the guide book having a rate of $1.50 per foot the staff advised us that their rate was $1.00 per foot also (confirmed by a cruiser couple staying there).

Unfortunately most of the "cheap" cruisers are relying on the guide books and Blue Water's reputation, leaving Big Game's docks virtually empty.  Next time through, we will be at Big Game.

But, the real reason one ventures to Bimini is for the water, it is beautiful.  Yesterday, we watched a young man pull out a huge fish on light tackle from shore.  He was really excited.

Our next problem is leaving Bimini.  My XM Weather shows three back to back cold fronts headed our way, and we need to cross the Bahama Banks (about 80 - 90 miles).  We will have to anchor out on the overnight, so we will need about 32 hours to cross to Frazers Hog Cay.  We are still discussing and watching reports to decide if we want to make a run for it between cold front number 1 and 2 or wait until after number 3.  Like the sign said, "What's your rush, you are already here."