How to Plan the Ultimate Bimini Day Trip from Miami, FL
- Bimini is only 50 nautical miles from Florida, making it a quick getaway reachable by a high-speed ferry or commercial flight.
- Top attractions in Bimini include Radio Beach for sunbathing, The Dolphin House Museum for cultural insights, and the S.S. Sapona Shipwreck for snorkeling adventures.
- Travelers should plan their itinerary carefully to maximize time, as ferry schedules allow for about five to six hours on the island.
- Day-trippers must bring a valid passport, book ferry tickets in advance, and pack lightly due to baggage restrictions.
- Local culinary delights, such as conch salad and Bimini bread, should be enjoyed at popular spots like Stuart's Conch Stand and Joe's Conch Shack.
Bimini or Bust: Your Guide to International Island Hopping
Planning the ultimate Bimini day trip from Miami is one of the easiest ways to experience an international island escape in a single day. Located just 50 nautical miles off the coast of South Florida, Bimini, Bahamas, can be reached in approximately two hours via high-speed passenger ferry from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) or in 20 to 30 minutes via regional commercial flight or seaplane.
| Attraction | Estimated Cost | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio Beach | Free public access | Relaxing, sunbathing, budget travelers | Crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and local beach shacks like Shadow's serving cold drinks. |
| The Dolphin House Museum | ~$10 cash per person | Art lovers, history buffs, families | Unique eco-museum built entirely from recycled tiles, sea glass, and shells by local artist Ashley Saunders. |
| S.S. Sapona Shipwreck | Excursion fees (~$50–$90) | Snorkelers, divers, adventure seekers | A historic 1920s concrete cargo ship resting in shallow water, creating an artificial reef teeming with tropical fish. |
| Resorts World Bimini Beach Club | Day pass required (~$40–$60) | Resort luxury, party vibes, couples | Lagoon-style oceanfront pools, private cabana rentals, live DJ sets, and full-service food and cocktail bars. |
| Stuart’s & Joe’s Conch Shacks | ~$12–$18 per dish | Foodies, local culture enthusiasts | Fresh Bahamian conch salad prepared right in front of you with fresh citrus, peppers, and raw conch. |
| Honeymoon Harbour | Boat tour fees (~$75–$125) | Wildlife lovers, families | Wade in waist-deep, crystal-clear water to interact with and feed friendly wild stingrays on a secluded beach. |
Just 50 miles off the Florida coast, Bimini offers a full Bahamian island escape without the need for a multi-day itinerary or a long flight. In about two hours by boat, you can trade Miami’s bustling streets for turquoise waters, shipwrecks, and quiet stretches of white sand, and still make it back to Florida by dinner!
Whether you want to scuba dive Bimini reefs, tour local historic sites, or spend the day relaxing at a beachfront club, Bimini packs an international getaway into a manageable single-day trip.
Our Bimini Bahamas travel guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan a smooth day trip from South Florida, including transportation, top island spots, and essential travel tips.
How to Get to Bimini from Miami
Getting from the mainland to the Bahamas is surprisingly easy. Bimini sits just 50 nautical miles east of Florida, giving you two primary transportation options: high-speed ocean ferry or a quick commercial flight.
Taking the Bimini Fast Ferry (The Most Popular Route)
For most day-trippers, taking the high-speed passenger ferry is the most budget-friendly and scenic option.
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Departure Point: Ferries depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, which is a convenient 30- to 40-minute drive north of Downtown Miami or Miami Beach.
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Travel Time: Approximately two hours each way aboard a high-speed catamaran.
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Schedule: The ferry typically departs South Florida around 9:00 a.m. and arrives in Bimini by 11:00 p.m. The return ferry departs Bimini around 6:00 a.m, getting you back to Port Everglades by 8:00 p.m. This gives you a solid five to six hours of pure island time.
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What to Expect Onboard: Air-conditioned seating, snack bars, full-service cocktail bars, and open-air decks for taking in ocean views.
Flying to Bimini
If you’re worried about seasickness or just want to maximize every minute on the island, you can opt for a short flight.
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Seaplane Flights: Seaplane services depart directly from South Florida waterways and land right in the harbor of North Bimini, providing unmatched aerial views of the reefs.
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Commercial Flights: Silver Airways and regional carriers offer quick 30-minute flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or Miami International Airport into South Bimini Airport.
How to Spend a Day in Bimini
To help you make the most of your time, here is a curated, action-packed itinerary covering the very best of North Bimini!
Morning: Arrival & Island Transportation
Once you arrive and clear Bahamian customs and immigration, the first thing you’ll want to do is rent a golf cart – the official mode of transportation on North Bimini.
Dozens of local rental vendors line the pier as you step off the boat, and renting a 4-seater golf cart typically costs around $60 to $80 for the day.
Then, head south down King’s Highway into historic Alice Town, Bimini’s central hub, to get a feel for the local charm and historic architecture.
Late Morning: Cultural Landmarks & Historic Stops
Before hitting the beach, take an hour to soak in Bimini’s rich cultural heritage.
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The Dolphin House Museum: Built entirely from recycled ocean materials, sea glass, shells, and colorful tiles by local author and historian Ashley Saunders, this whimsical structure is a living work of art celebrating Bimini's wild dolphin pods.
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Hemingway’s Footsteps: Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini from 1935 to 1937, finding inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream. Walk past the historic Complete Angler site where "Papa" spent his evenings telling fish tales.
Midday: Fresh Conch & Local Eats
By midday, you’ll be ready to fuel up on authentic Bahamian flavors.
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Stuart’s Conch Stand or Joe’s Conch Shack: Located in Bailey Town, these famous open-air shacks serve the freshest conch salad on the island. Watch local experts crack fresh conch shells right at the water's edge and dice up raw conch with citrus, tomatoes, onions, and spicy bird peppers.
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Taste Famous Bimini Bread: Stop by A Taste of Heaven Bakery or Nate's Bimini Bread to grab a freshly baked loaf of sweet, pillowy Bimini bread—perfect for a beachside snack or sandwich!
Early Afternoon: Beach Time
Spend your afternoon in the turquoise waters that make Bimini world-famous.
Radio Beach is Bimini’s most iconic public stretch of coastline. Featuring white sand, crystal waters, and vibrant local beach bars, it's the ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
However, if you prefer a luxury day-club experience, you can snag a day pass to The Beach Club and enjoy oceanfront lagoon pools, private cabanas, and plush sun loungers right on the water.
Late Afternoon: Snorkeling & Marine Adventures
If you want a dash of adventure before heading back, book a water excursion.
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S.S. Sapona Shipwreck: Lying in just 15 feet of water off the coast, this concrete-hulled cargo ship ran aground during a hurricane in 1926. Today, it serves as an incredible artificial reef teeming with tropical fish, stingrays, and coral.
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Honeymoon Harbour: Take a short boat ride south to feed friendly stingrays in waist-deep water on a secluded beach.
Evening: Return Journey to Florida
By 5:00 p.m., steer your golf cart back toward the ferry terminal, hand off your keys, and clear outbound check-in. Then, grab a cool drink on the top deck and catch the sunset over the Atlantic as you head back toward Florida.
Not ready to leave? Extend your trip with a stay at Westgate Bimini Bay!
Essential Travel Tips for Your Bimini Day Trip
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Bring a Valid Passport: Because Bimini is part of the Bahamas, all travelers, including infants, must present a valid passport to board the ferry or flight and clear customs.
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Book Ferry Tickets in Advance: Fast ferry seats sell out quickly during weekends and peak vacation seasons, so be sure to reserve your seats in advance.
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Pack Light: Day-trippers are limited to small personal items or backpacks on the ferry without incurring extra baggage fees. Pack your swimsuit, a light towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.
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Bring Cash (USD is Accepted Everywhere): While major resorts and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is king at local conch shacks, golf cart rentals, straw markets, and taxi stands.
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Watch the Clock: Bimini operates on Eastern Time (ET), matching South Florida time. Keep an eye on the clock so you don't miss your return window!
Your Ferry-Tale Escape to Bimini
Adding an international island hop to your vacation turns a great getaway into an unforgettable one. Whether you spend your day exploring historic sites, tasting local culinary treats, or relaxing on turquoise shores, Bimini delivers tropical magic just miles from the Florida coast.
For more travel tips, dining guides, and things to see in Bimini, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
RELATED ARTICLE: The 10 BEST Bimini Fishing Charters to Experience With an Expert Guide
At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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