Jewel of the Seas
Arrive 08:00 AM | Depart 05:00 PM
Itinerary: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise (4 nights)
Caribbean
Bimini Islands Cruise Port Guide: Beaches, Snorkeling & Getting Around
Bahamas
Ships anchor offshore; tenders required to reach Alice Town dock.
Choose the Right Port Day
Best Overall
Half-day guided snorkel tour (3–4 hours, $90–140 per person) departing from the dock; includes reef/wreck snorkeling, less crowded than beach herds.
Best Beach
Bimini Bay Resort Beach is closest and cleanest; Radio Beach is walkable from town and free; both have calm, shallow water.
With Kids
Bimini Bay Resort Beach with its shallow, protected bay; kids can wade safely. Alternatively, join a small-group snorkel tour (4–6 hours) if you want structure.
Only 3-4 Hours
Skip advanced plans. Hit the nearest beach (Bimini Bay Resort or Radio Beach), swim 90 min, grab conch salad at a beachside shack, tender back. Budget 2.5 hrs in water.
Cheapest Option
Walk to Radio Beach (free, ~10 min from tender dock), swim, buy lunch at a local cafe ($8–15), return. Total: $0–20 + transport.
What To Avoid
Do not rely on the tender arriving exactly on schedule (can add 30–60 min delays); avoid expensive resort day-passes unless you want a full resort experience; skip the small downtown shopping district—overpriced.
Top Things To Do
1
Snorkel tour (reef, wreck, or Atlantis site)
Local boats offer half-day snorkel tours to nearby reefs, the SS Sapona wreck, or the alleged 'Atlantis' underwater stones. Tours include snorkel gear, boat, and a guide. Reefs are colorful and busy with fish; the wreck is a memorable sight for underwater explorers. Tours run 3–4 hours.
⚡ Popular — books out early. Reserve before you sail.
2
Beach swimming and relaxation
Radio Beach and Bimini Bay Resort Beach are the closest and cleanest swim spots. Water is warm, clear, and shallow. Bring your own towel or rent one. No lifeguards, but areas are generally safe. Ideal for floating, sunbathing, and decompressing.
3
Local fishing village walk and lunch
Walk through Alice Town and explore the small settlement. Visit local restaurants or beach shacks for authentic Bahamian conch salad, grouper sandwiches, or fruit. Chat with locals. No formal sightseeing, but you get a real feel for island life.
4
Bimini Bay Resort day-pass (optional upgrade)
The main resort offers day-passes ($60–80) for pool, beach, and lunch access. Useful if you want comfort, facilities, and a structured base, but not necessary for a cruise day.
Book with the ship, or on your own?
Booking independently
- Often noticeably cheaper than the ship’s version of the same tour.
- Smaller groups and local operators, with traveler reviews you can read before you pay.
- Free cancellation on most tours, usually up to 24 hours before.
When the ship’s excursion makes sense
- Short port calls or long transfers where the timing is tight.
- Tender-only stops where getting ashore can run late.
- The ship waits for its own delayed excursions — it won’t wait for independent ones, so leave a buffer before all-aboard.
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Quick Take
- Port Type
- Small beach resort port, tender-only dock.
- Best For
- Snorkeling, beach swimming, water-focused relaxation, casual island exploration.
- Avoid If
- You want museums, culture, or structured activities; tender delays are frustrating; or you need extensive shopping.
- Walkability
- The settlement is small and walkable; most activities require water transport or taxi.
- Budget Fit
- Medium to high; beaches are free, but snorkeling excursions, food, and water taxis add up fast.
- Good For Short Calls?
- Poor. Tender time eats 30–45 min round-trip; plan 4+ hours ashore minimum.
Port Overview
Bimini is a tiny, laid-back island settlement in the central Bahamas, roughly 50 miles east of Miami. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a small dock in Alice Town, the main settlement. This is not a developed resort port—it feels genuinely small and quiet, with limited infrastructure but real charm for water lovers.
Most cruisers come for snorkeling, beach swimming, and simple relaxation. The island itself has little to do beyond water activities; there is no downtown, limited restaurants, and minimal shopping. Expect a 30–60 minute tender window each way, which eats into your time ashore. If you are in a hurry or tender-queues stress you out, Bimini is not the best use of a port day. If you love snorkeling, reef exploring, or just floating in warm water without crowds, it's worth the friction.
Is It Safe?
Bimini is generally safe for cruise tourists. Petty theft is the main concern; don't leave valuables unattended on beaches or leave bags in taxis. Stick to the dock area, beaches, and known tour operators. Violent crime is rare but not nonexistent; avoid walking alone after dark or venturing into remote areas. Use common sense and tour groups for snorkeling. Local police and tour guides are helpful.
Accessibility & Walkability
Accessibility is limited. The tender dock itself has basic ramps and railings, but rough seas can make boarding difficult for those with mobility issues. Beaches vary; some have sandy entry, others rocky. No dedicated wheelchair-accessible facilities on the island. Consult your cruise line before booking if mobility is a concern; staff can advise on tender safety.
Outside the Terminal
You exit the tender onto a small, functional dock in Alice Town. A handful of shacks, tour operators, taxi stands, and souvenir stalls surround the dock area. The settlement is quiet and low-key; no crowds or pressure. Locals are friendly and informal. You immediately feel you are on a small island, not a cruise resort. Most shops and restaurants are a 5–10 minute walk away.
Beaches Near the Port
Radio Beach
Free, public beach within walking distance of the dock. Calm, shallow water, sandy entry, and local casual vibe. No facilities, but it's clean and ideal for a quick swim.
Bimini Bay Resort Beach
The nicest developed beach on the island, with a protected, shallow bay. Clean sand, clear water, and some shade. Day-pass required for facilities; otherwise, walk-on beach access is possible but limited.
Sandy Cay (via boat tour)
A small, remote sandy island accessible only by boat. Pristine, quiet, and great for snorkeling or a secluded beach experience. Usually part of a half-day snorkel tour.
Local Food & Drink
Dining in Bimini is casual and limited. Expect conch salad, fresh grouper sandwiches, and casual seafood at beachside shacks and small restaurants near the dock. Prices run $10–20 for a meal. Options include local joints like the Conch Bar and casual waterfront eateries. Quality is good but service is slow; order early if you are on a time crunch. There is no fine dining. Most restaurants close by evening or are quiet mid-cruise-day; lunch is more reliable than dinner.
Shopping
Shopping is minimal. The dock area has a few souvenir stalls selling T-shirts, local crafts, and beach trinkets. Downtown Alice Town has small shops, but prices are inflated for a cruise port, and selection is limited. Don't expect malls or big-box retailers. If you need anything serious, buy it before leaving your ship. Liquor and cigarettes are cheaper onboard than ashore.
Money & Currency
- Currency
- Bahamian Dollar (BSD), USD widely accepted
- USD Accepted?
- Yes
- Card Payments
- Cash is preferred; cards accepted at resorts and some restaurants, but bring cash for small vendors, taxis, and beach shacks.
- ATMs
- One ATM near the dock; may be out of service. Withdraw cash onboard before tendering ashore.
- Tipping
- 15–20% at restaurants and bars. Taxi drivers: round up or add $1–2.
- Notes
- USD is used interchangeably with BSD at 1:1. Bring small bills for taxis and vendors; change-making can be slow.
Weather & Best Time
- Best months
- November–April (calm, warm, dry, 75–85°F)
- Avoid
- June–October (hurricane season, hot, humid, 85–90°F)
- Temperature
- 75–85°F, calm waters, low rain
- Notes
- Bimini is exposed to Atlantic swells; snorkel visibility can vary. Calm mornings are common; afternoon swell is possible. Check the daily marine forecast.
Airport Information
- Airport
- Bimini Island Airport (BIM)
- Distance
- 15 km (9 miles) south of Alice Town dock
- Getting there
- Taxi from dock (~$20–30); rarely used for cruise embarkation.
- Notes
- This is a small regional airport serving private charters and inter-island flights. Not relevant for cruise itineraries.
Getting Around from the Port
Tender
Ships anchor offshore. Tenders run continuously between ship and the dock in Alice Town. Expect 15–30 min boat ride each way, plus queuing at both ends. Plan 45–60 min round-trip dead time.
Taxi
Taxis queue at the tender dock. Rates are negotiated (no meter). Fares to nearby beaches or resorts run $5–10 per person, one-way.
Book a transfer 5% off with code TPO5 at checkoutWater taxi or boat rental
Private boats and water taxis available at the dock for snorkeling tours, island hops, or secluded beach access. Prices vary; small-group snorkel tours $90–140 per person.
Book ferry ticketsWalking
Alice Town is small enough to walk end-to-end in 15–20 min. Radio Beach is a 10 min walk from the dock. Most other attractions require transport.
Details last checked April 2026
Check The Port Traffic
Cruise Ships in Port
Once you have your shore plan, use the schedule to see how busy the harbour will be on your date, plus the ships, lines, and published call windows.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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13
14
15
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17
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1 ship
21
22
1 ship
23
1 ship
24
25
2 ships
26
27
28
29
30
1 ship
31
Quiet (1–2)
Busy (3–4)
Packed (5+)
1 scheduled call
September 22, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
1 ship
Planning a cruise here?
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line & more sail to Bimini Islands.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Arrive at the tender dock early to minimize queuing; morning tenders move faster than afternoon ones.
- Book snorkel tours through your cruise line's excursion desk or directly at the dock when you land; local operators fill up fast and prices are better than pre-booking.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and an underwater camera; snorkeling is the main draw, and the reefs are photogenic.
- Don't overbook your time; tender delays are common, and a 4-hour shore day becomes 2.5 hours in the water after logistics. Manage expectations.
- Bring cash (USD or BSD) for taxis, food, and vendors; ATMs are unreliable and card acceptance is spotty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not ideal. Tender time consumes 45–60 min round-trip, leaving ~2 hours ashore. You can squeeze in a beach swim and quick lunch, but you'll feel rushed. Book a port day with 6+ hours for a relaxed experience.
Not required, but you can book via your cruise line's shore excursion desk beforehand. Local operators at the dock offer tours too; prices are competitive ($90–140), and spaces are usually available. Morning tours fill faster.
Yes, Bimini is safe for cruise tourists in populated areas (dock, beaches, tour groups). Petty theft happens; don't leave valuables unattended. Avoid walking alone after dark or in remote spots. Use taxis for longer trips and stay near established tour operators.
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