Bimini Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Bimini

Bimini sits on the very edge of the Bahamas, just 80 km east of Miami across the Gulf Stream. This tiny chain of islands – North Bimini, South Bimini, and a scattering of surrounding cays – packs an outsized reputation into a very small footprint. Ernest Hemingway spent years here chasing giant marlin and writing Islands in the Stream. Martin Luther King Jr. drafted sections of his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize on the island. And generations of anglers have crossed the Gulf Stream to fish waters so rich that Bimini earned the nickname ‘Big Game Fishing Capital of the World’.

For yacht charter guests, Bimini offers something no other Bahamas destination can: the shortest crossing from the US mainland. A motor yacht can make the Miami-to-Bimini run in as little as 2.5 hours, with no flights, no airports, and no transfers – just a straightforward ocean crossing that deposits you in a different country and a completely different state of mind. The turquoise flats, mangrove creeks, and offshore reefs of Bimini provide two to four days of excellent cruising, and the island pairs naturally with Nassau and the Exumas for longer itineraries.

Bimini’s waters are also home to some of the most extraordinary marine encounters in the Caribbean. Hammerhead shark aggregations between December and March, wild spotted dolphins year-round, and the mysterious Bimini Road (a submerged rock formation that some believe is a remnant of Atlantis) all draw divers and snorkellers to this compact but remarkable cruising ground.

Why Charter a Yacht in Bimini

Closest Bahamas Island to the US

At just 80 km from Miami, Bimini is reachable by motor yacht in 2.5–4 hours depending on conditions. No flights needed. This makes Bimini ideal for long-weekend charters, first-time Bahamas visitors, and guests who want to maximise time on the water rather than in airports.

World-Class Fishing

The Gulf Stream runs right past Bimini’s western shore, carrying blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and mahi-mahi within a few miles of the island. The deep-water drop-off is one of the most productive big-game fishing grounds in the Atlantic. Inshore, the flats around the Bimini chain offer excellent bonefishing. Your crew can arrange dedicated fishing charters or set trolling lines from the yacht’s stern.

Hammerhead Shark Encounters

Between December and March, great hammerhead sharks aggregate on the shallow sand flats near South Bimini. Guided scuba dives and snorkelling excursions offer the chance to observe these magnificent animals up close in clear, shallow water. It is one of the most reliable hammerhead encounters in the world and a bucket-list experience for divers.

Hemingway Heritage and Island Character

Bimini wears its literary history proudly. The Compleat Angler Hotel (where Hemingway wrote) was a local landmark until a fire in 2006, but his legacy pervades the island. The Bimini Museum documents the writer’s years here and the island’s broader history. Alice Town on North Bimini has a laid-back, slightly rough-around-the-edges charm that feels authentically Bahamian – no gated resorts or cruise-ship crowds here.

The Bimini Road

A submerged formation of large, flat limestone blocks arranged in a J-shape in about 5 metres of water off North Bimini’s coast. First discovered in 1968, the Bimini Road has sparked decades of debate – natural beach rock or remnant of Atlantis? Whatever you believe, snorkelling or diving it is a fascinating experience, with the blocks clearly visible in Bimini’s crystal-clear water.

Top Destinations Near Bimini

• Alice Town (North Bimini) – The main settlement, with colourful waterfront bars, the Bimini Museum, fresh-fish shacks, and Resorts World Bimini (the island’s largest resort and marina).
• South Bimini – Quieter and less developed, with the Bimini Biological Field Station (the Shark Lab) and the hammerhead shark dive sites.
• Bimini Road – The mysterious underwater rock formation off North Bimini’s western shore. Snorkelling depth (5 metres), visible in clear water.
• Honeymoon Harbour – A sheltered cove on Gun Cay (south of Bimini) where stingrays gather in the shallows. Feed the rays by hand in knee-deep water – a gentle, family-friendly encounter.
• Gun Cay and Cat Cay – Small cays south of Bimini with excellent snorkelling, pristine beaches, and the ruins of a Prohibition-era rum-running dock.
• The Gulf Stream – Not a destination you anchor at, but the deep blue river of warm water flowing past Bimini is a marine highway for pelagic fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Crossing it by yacht is an experience in itself.

Best Time to Charter in Bimini

Peak Season: December to April

The best weather for the Gulf Stream crossing: calmer seas, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures (24–28°C). Hammerhead shark season runs December–March. Big-game fishing peaks in spring (March–June). Book early for winter dates.

Summer: May to August

Warmer water, excellent fishing (wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna), and softer charter rates. The Gulf Stream crossing can be bumpier in summer, so your captain will choose the optimal weather window. Hurricane risk increases from June onward.

Shoulder: September to November

The quietest months, with hurricane risk peaking in September–October. Charter with flexible terms. November can deliver excellent conditions as the dry season returns.

Signature Experiences

• Gulf Stream Crossing from Miami – The 2.5-hour crossing is an experience in itself: deep blue water, flying fish, and the thrill of arriving in a foreign country by yacht.
• Hammerhead Shark Dive – December–March. Great hammerheads on the sandy flats near South Bimini. Guided by the Bimini Biological Field Station’s shark experts.
• Big-Game Fishing – Troll the Gulf Stream for blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Bimini has been the big-game fishing capital of the world since Hemingway’s day.
• Stingray Feeding at Honeymoon Harbour – Wade into knee-deep water at Gun Cay and hand-feed wild southern stingrays. Safe, gentle, and a hit with children.
• Snorkel the Bimini Road – Swim over the mysterious underwater rock formation and decide for yourself: natural geology or lost civilisation?
• Bimini Museum and Hemingway Heritage – A small but fascinating museum documenting Bimini’s literary, fishing, and cultural history.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – The most practical choice for the Gulf Stream crossing. Motor yachts handle the open-water passage comfortably and then navigate Bimini’s shallow flats and channels with ease.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Resorts World Bimini marina can accommodate superyachts. The Gulf Stream crossing is straightforward for larger vessels, and the extra comfort is appreciated on the open-water passage.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Catamarans handle the Gulf Stream crossing well (their stability reduces rolling) and are ideal for exploring Bimini’s shallow-water attractions. Popular with families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the crossing from Miami to Bimini take?

Approximately 2.5–4 hours by motor yacht, depending on vessel speed and Gulf Stream conditions. The crossing is roughly 80 km. Your captain will choose the best departure time based on weather and current forecasts to ensure a comfortable passage.

Is the Gulf Stream crossing rough?

It can be. The Gulf Stream is a powerful northward-flowing current, and when the wind blows from the north against the current, steep, short-period waves can build. Your captain will only make the crossing when conditions are safe and comfortable. The calmest crossings typically occur in the morning on south-wind or light-wind days. On a good day, the crossing is smooth and scenic; on a marginal day, your captain may recommend waiting 24 hours.

Can I do a short charter to Bimini from Miami?

Absolutely. A 3-day or even a long-weekend charter from Miami to Bimini and back is one of the most popular short-charter routes in the western Atlantic. Depart Miami in the morning, arrive in Bimini by lunch, and enjoy two or three days of island time before returning. Enquire with Boatcrowd for Miami-based yachts.

Is Bimini suitable for families with children?

Yes. Bimini’s shallow flats, calm anchorages, and gentle wildlife encounters (stingray feeding at Honeymoon Harbour, dolphin sightings) are all family-friendly. The Gulf Stream crossing should be comfortable for children on a well-timed, calm day; your captain will advise.

What is the best time for hammerhead shark encounters?

December through March. Great hammerhead sharks aggregate on the sandy flats near South Bimini during these months. Encounters are guided by experienced operators affiliated with the Bimini Biological Field Station (the Shark Lab). Both scuba and snorkelling options are available.

Can I combine Bimini with Nassau and the Exumas?

Yes, although not recommended due to long crossings – it is safer to charter a yacht from Nassau if you want to experience the Exumas. Bimini to Nassau is approximately 200 km – a 10–12 hour cruise by motor yacht, or an overnight passage. A possible route is Miami → Bimini (2–3 days) → Nassau (1–2 days) → Exumas (3–5 days). This makes for an excellent 10-day to two-week yacht charter. Your Boatcrowd specialist will design the optimal itinerary.