Bimini Cruise Port — Attraction in Bimini

While on the Celebrity Apex we stopped at the Bimini Cruise Port for a day. There is a very nice beach right at the end of the pier. The water is bright blue and beautiful, the sand is soft and on this day the water was calm. You can rent chairs and umbrellas or use the beach towel the ship provides. I didn’t see any bathrooms at the beach. It’s a .4 mile walk from the boat to the end of the pier where the beach is.

Close to the port is a small group of shops, restaurants and bars. It doesn’t feel like some ports which have too many junk tourist shops. It felt nice, with live music when we got there. There were people offering rides and renting out their golf cart/ATV vehicles. The rental price was $80 for the day.

We talked to a friendly local and asked if we should walk north or south. He said the town was south and it was the better direction to go. We headed south over half a mile. There were no sidewalks and cars drove on the opposite side of the road from the US. It wasn’t interesting and didn’t feel safe for walking. After half a mile or so we turned around. Then we walked north on Blue Lagoon road for 1.6 miles from the pier to a small bridge where there is a security gate with a guard. I’m not sure if we would have been allowed to continue but it was enough walking for us. There was a nice free beach just before we turned around. It only had a few people on it. A couple who rented one of those ATVs offered to take us back to the ship but we wanted to walk a total of 5 miles. We did talk to them for a few minutes and they said we should have continued south from the pier and it would have got to a nice beach.

We have another cruise that will stop here in a few months. Next time I might walk all the way south to the nicer beach or more likely just stay on the ship. Bimini needs to make sidewalks paved or dirt so people can walk safely. Second, it needs to be cleaned up. There was junk and garbage along the road. It wouldn’t be a big job. Anyplace that doesn’t have someone to pick up junk will have roads that look bad. Maybe the cruise lines should help with this so that cruisers enjoy the port more. The port feels safe and the local people were all friendly.

We like walking and this is not the place for us. To be fair there is a free tram that will take you around the town. You can sign up for one of the beach resorts and the tram will take you to the resort. Rent an ATV to see the island...

The Bimini Cruise Port, a gem in the Caribbean where history unfolds at the speed of a sloth with a particularly leisurely agenda. Nestled in the Bahamas, this charming port offers a journey through time, making you question whether you've entered a time warp or just stumbled upon a Caribbean version of Narnia.

First things first, the history. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the annals of time. Legend has it that even Christopher Columbus, that swashbuckling explorer, did a double-take as he sailed by. Perhaps he mistook Bimini for a mirage, a tropical oasis where even pirates would consider retiring just for the scenic views.

Now, the port itself – a testament to human patience and resilience. The architecture is a nod to the days when pirates wore frilly shirts, and the term "walk the plank" was just a suggestion for a stroll by the sea. The Bimini Cruise Port makes you feel like you're in the middle of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, minus Johnny Depp but with a sprinkle of rum-soaked nostalgia.

As for the cruise experience itself, it's like sailing on a ship that has a Ph.D. in relaxation. Time slows down as you navigate the crystal-clear waters, and the ship's captain, who may or may not be a distant relative of Blackbeard, ensures a smooth voyage. The onboard entertainment includes reenactments of pirate shenanigans, because who doesn't want to witness a pirate singing karaoke?

In conclusion, the Bimini Cruise Port is not just a port; it's a portal to a bygone era where swashbuckling and time-traveling go hand in hand. So, pack your sense of humor, a compass that may or may not work, and set sail for a historical adventure that will leave you wondering if you've just had a dream or stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the Caribbean....

First Visit to the Island

This was my first time visiting the Bimini island, and overall, it was a pleasant experience.

Pier and Arrival Experience: The pier is narrow, but it appears well-maintained, clean, and organized. After disembarking from the ship, there's a short 3-5 minute walk where free transportation is available for those who prefer not to walk. For those who enjoy walking, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the end of the pier.

Beaches: Once at the end of the pier, you're greeted by stunning public beaches. They are exceptionally clean, and the views are breathtaking. The beach is divided into two sections: one side is open with no beach chairs or umbrellas, perfect for those who enjoy a natural, unobstructed experience. The other side is equipped with chairs and umbrellas, offering more comfort, yet both are fully public spaces.

Accessibility and Safety: The island is wheelchair-friendly, with clearly marked pedestrian pathways, which makes navigating easier. However, parents should keep a close watch on their children, as the pier lacks barriers in some areas, and there's a risk of falling into the water.

Etiquette: A gentle reminder: please do not leave trash or waste behind on the beach to help preserve its natural beauty.

Locals and Other Attractions: The locals are friendly and polite, adding to the charm of the island. While the beaches near the pier are lovely, the island boasts even more beautiful beaches worth exploring if you have time.

Final Thoughts: This island is a must-visit destination, whether you're looking for relaxation on clean, public beaches or an opportunity to discover its hidden gems. I’d highly recommend it to...