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The United States has two land border neighbors - Canada and Mexico. But it also has some nearby neighbors separated by only a small stretch of water - Siberia is only 2.5 miles away from Alaska's Little Diomede Island, and The Bahamas' Bimini Islands are just a two-hour ferry ride away. The Bimini islands are located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida and are calling Miami holidaymakers.
Winter is coming, and soon the snowbirds from the northern USA and Canada will be flocking south to Florida and Miami. While in Miami, escaping the cold, it is possible to visit a completely different country - The Bahamas - even for a day trip. There are also day trips to the Bahamas offered by Bahamian Air Tours to go swimming with the pigs and more.
The Bahamian Islands Of Bimini - The Closest Parts To Florida
The Bahama's westernmost district of Bimini has three islands - North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini (North Bimini is the largest). Bimini is the closest part of The Bahamas to the United Stations and is around 50 miles east of Miami. North Bimini is around 7 miles long and only 700 feet wide. The main settlement is Alice Town, which with a population of around 300. Alice Town has hotels, bars, and restaurants and is the local hub of the tourist industry.
- Population: 2,000 Residents In Bimini
- Distance: 50 Miles (80 Kilometers) Due East of Miami
- Islands: North Bimini, South Bimini, East Bimini
The main street in Alice Town is called "The King's Highway" and has a collection of shops, restaurants, and bars. A second road is called the Queen's Highway.
Bimini is a popular destination for American anglers who go to the islands to fish. Other activities include enjoying local nightlife, snorkeling, sunbathing, and scuba diving. Additionally, there are many shipwrecks around the island (notably the SS Sapona that ran aground in 1926).
During Prohibition in the United States, Bimini was used for bootlegging as it was a haven and supply point for the rum-running trade.
Planning To Take The Ferry From Miami To Bimini
The ferry to Bimini from Miami leaves from Fort Lauderdale ferry port in the heart of Miami and goes to Bimini ferry port on North Bimini.
- Fort Lauderdale Ferry Port: 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21 or 26, Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, 33316
The ferry runs once per day and takes only 2 hours to get to Bimini, and there is only one line connecting Miami with Bimini. There are three to six sailings per week (the number of sailings had been reduced due to the pandemic).
- Duration: 2 Hours
Bimini is a small group of isolated islands quite far away from the rest of The Bahamas. If one would like to continue on to Grand Bahamas or Nassau, then one will need to take a different ferry from Miami. There is a ferry line, Miami (FL)- Grand Bahamas that crosses the longer 85-mile distance to the main part of The Bahamas.
There is parking at the Fort Lauderdale ferry at the Mid-Port parking garage. The Bimini ferry port is at the Fisherman's Village ferry deck at Bailey Town in North Bimini. Upon arrival, there is also a tram service waiting to take passengers to the Fisherman's village and Hilton Resort.
Cost Of The Ferry & Timetable
The cost of the ferry ranges in price, with return prices starting from one-way fares of around $99.00 on Balearia Caribbean. Passengers can choose economy or premium economy fares. The average price of the fares is $186 return plus taxes - taxes can be $70 per person.
- Cost: From $99.00 One Way
- Sailings: 3 to 6 Sailings Per Week
- Miami Departure: 9.00 am
- Bimini Departure: 6.00 pm
It is also possible to go to Bimini and back for the day. The ferry sails from Miami at 9.00 am and arrives at Bimini at around 11.00 pm. The return ferry leaves Bimini at 6.00 pm arriving back in Miami at 8.00 pm. Imagine going to another country for the day while in Miami - that is a fun and enjoyable activity everyone can enjoy. But don't forget to take a passport!