You have planned the most epic vacation to Miami, Florida. Did you know you can add a trip to the Bahamas to your itinerary? Bimini is only 55 miles from Miami. Why not visit this tropical paradise? If you have not gotten enough fun in the sun, choose one of these top-rated trips to Bimini from Miami.

This article contains the most up-to-date information on trips to Bimini from Miami to include what tours are currently operational.

Why Would You Want To Visit Bimini?

Why would you want to visit Bimini, Bahamas while in Miami? The real question is why wouldn’t you want to? As mentioned, Bimini is only 53 nautical miles from Florida. There are several options to get there in a short amount of time.

There are three islands that makeup Bimini: North, South, and East Bimini. Depending on your available time to explore, there is plenty to do and see!

What To Do In Bimini, Bahamas?

Whether you wish to enjoy white sand beaches, interesting scenery in Alice Town, or the turquoise waters brimming with marine life, there is something for everyone in Bimini. Known as the “Gateway To The Bahamas”, Bimini has much to explore. Here are my recommendations for things to do while in this paradise.

Visit the beaches:

One of the highlights of visits Bimini the the absolutely gorgeous beaches. Here is a list of our favorite beaches on the island of North Bimini.

Radio Beach is the most popular and in close proximity to Alice Town. There are snack bars as well.

Blister Beach is the best beach for snorkeling.

Spook Hill beach, located next to a cemetery, is shallow so great for small children. There is a snack bar at this beach but no restroom facilities.

One of the more secluded beaches, Porgy Bay Beach, is home of the Shark Mound. This mysteriously raised section of the beach is in the shape of a shark. If you happen to take a plane to Bimini, look for this from the air.

If you stay longer than one day, there are several other beaches on South Bimini. I recommend the Bimini Sands Resort or Shell Beach.

Swim With Wild Dolphins:

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat at Big Game Club Bimini. They provide snorkel gear and will take you into the ocean where you will have an opportunity to swim with them in the wild. There is also a Hammerhead Shark Safari for the more brave tourist.

Shopping In Kings Highway in Alice Town

Head to Kings Highway if you want shops and a bite to eat. In this area, there is a large collection of shops and restaurants.

The Dolphin House:

Visit this mosaic masterpiece crafted from shells and beach glass.

The Gallant Lady Shipwreck

Located at the tip of the North Island, do some incredible diving or watch the sunset near this rusted ship.

The Sapona Shipwreck

Located on South Bimini, the Sapona Shipwreck is the perfect spot to snorkel or dive as it is home to several marine ecosystems including natural coral.

The Lost City Of Atlantis

Who wouldn’t want to discover The Lost City Of Atlantis? If you are a scuba diver, check this out.

In 1968, a private pilot flew over the waters near North Bimini. The pilot reported seeing a strange structure in the shallow water. This was the discovery of the Atlantis Road, or Bimini Road, and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bimini.

There are many who believe this is the Lost City of Atlantis. Decide for yourself. Look for clues and decide on your own the origin of the monolithic stone.

The Fountain of Youth

According to Explorer Juan Ponce de León, the Indians told him Bimini was the site of the “Fountain of Youth.” This spring was known to restore youth to older persons who bathed in or drank its waters. In 1513, Ponce de León set sail for Bimini from Puerto Rico with three ships. He found Bimini but failed to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. He went on to discover the Gulf Stream and Florida instead.

However, in the mangroves of South Bimini, there is a sinkhole. Some claim Ernest Hemingway’s brother was cured of cancer by visiting this legendary fountain. Whether it is truly a healing hole or merely a sulpher spring, the Fountain of Youth is a must visit attraction while in Bimini.

How Do I Get From Florida To Bimini?

There are two options to get from Florida to Bimini. You can either book a cruise/fast ferry ride on the Balearia Caribbean out of Port Everglades or book an air tour.

Let’s explore these options and the companies available for your trip.

Cruise or Ferry Trips To Bimini From Miami

Let’s explore the fast ferry to Bimini from Miami options:

Is There A Cruise Or Fast Ferry From Miami To Bimini?

There is no longer a cruise or fast ferry from the Port Of Miami to Bimini. The FRS ferry from the Port of Miami is currently out of business.

There is only one fast ferry from Florida to Bimini and that is on Balearia Caribbean. Though one of the easiest, most available, and cheapest ways to get to the Bahamas, the Bimini ferry leaves from Fort Lauderdale at the Port Everglades. Fort Lauderdale is about one hour from Miami so this is still an option when vacationing in Miami.

What Companies Should I Use If I Am Interested In The Fast Ferry?

Please make note there are several companies still advertising ferries from Miami. As mentioned, there is no longer a ferry from Miami. These companies are all booking their tours on the Balearia Caribbean fast ferry.

Their packages offer day passes to the Hilton Resort World Bimini. In addition, you can book a multi-day stay in Bimini with stays at the resort through these companies.

Some companies you can use to book this trip are:

Bimini Day Cruise, Bimini Shuttle Boat, or Go Bahamas Plus.

Book Direct With Balearia Caribbean

If you have transportation from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, you can book the fast fast ferry service directly with Ballearia Caribbean.

As mentioned, Ballearia Caribbean is the only fast ferry from Florida to Bimini.

The travel time from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini is approximately 3 hours. The ferry sails on  Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays most months. It can hold 600 passengers and there is economy and business premium seating options.

Whether you wish to stay just the day or book a multi-day overnight trip to Bimini, you can do so directly with Balearia Caribbean who partners with Hilton by Resorts World Bimini.

Balearia Caribbean also has a fast ferry to Grand Bahamas which takes about 4 hours.

Grayline Miami

Update: Grayline Miami is not offering this tour at this time. You may wish to check their website to determine it’s availability.

Gray Line Miami’s tour offers hotel pick-up from Miami hotels to Port Everglades. Included in this tour is a ferry ticket on the high-speed, 400-passenger, 170-foot craft that will whisk you away from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Bahamas in just 2 hours.

Once on the island, you will receive a Day Pass to The Hilton at Resort World Bimini where you will have full use of their outdoor facilities. Round trip tram transfers from the Resort to the port is also included. When you return back to the Port, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Grayline Miami also offers multi-day options where you can stay in the Bahamas overnight to enjoy even more of Bimini’s amazing attractions.

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Planning a trip to Key West? Check out my itinerary for visiting Islamorada

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Day Air Tour To Bimini From Miami

If you are prone to getting seasick, wish to spend as much time as possible in the Bahamas, or want some of the best photographs you can imagine from the air, booking an air trip to Bimini from Miami may be the best option.

Again, when googling Miami to Bimini air tours, several options appear. Here is the updated information on the air tours currently available.

Bahamas Air Tours

Bahamas Air Tours is no longer providing air cruises to Bimini and only does trips from Miami to Exuma.

You may wish to check their website to see if they add any additional trips.

Miami Seaplane Tours

The quickest way to get to Bimini from Florida is by air. Taking less than an hour to fly from Miami to Bimini allows you to spend more time enjoying island life. The tour with Miami Seaplane last six hours and requires a minimum of 2 passengers. Add on lunch and a guided tour of Bimini on golf carts to your package.

Tropic Ocean Airways Seaplanes

If you want to travel to North Bimini, Tropic Ocean Airways travels directly from Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy this stress-free flying experience without having to go into a commercial airport or through customs.

You will use their private terminal and within 30 minutes you will land in the Bahamas. No more than 9 passengers can fly at the same time and the plane offers an incredible view.

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RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: Top 5 Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale

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Commercial Flights from Miami To Bimini

There are no commercial flights from Miami to Bimini. There are flights from Fort Lauderdale to South Bimini on Silver Airways.

United Airlines also has a direct flight from Fort Lauderdale to South Bimini.

Things To Know Before Traveling to the Bahamas

Before you travel to the Bahamas, you should know the following information:

Travel Documentation:

All passengers traveling to the Bimini Islands are required to present a valid passport or a U.S. passport card. 

United States ID Cards or Birth Certificates are not an adequate substitute for a passport because these are international flights requiring entry to both the Bahamas and re-entry into the United States.

FAQ’s: Trips To Bimini From Miami

Is there a fast ferry from the Port of Miami to Bimini?

No. The fast ferry from the Port of Miami to Bimini, Bahamas is no longer optional. The only operational ferry is the Balearia Caribbean which leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

How long will it take to get from Miami to Fort Lauderdale?

It is about an hour drive from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, however I would plan on 2 hours because traffic can sometimes be heavy.

Is Grayline Miami offering its tour from Miami to Bimini?

No. Currently Grayline Miami is not offering its tour. I would recommend checking their website for availability. Their tour went out of the Port of Miami.

Can I stay overnight when I get to Bimini?

Yes. There is availability to stay overnight and take the fast ferry or air tour back to the United States on a later date.

In summary

If you are visiting Florida, add one of these trips to Bimini from Miami to your itinerary. You are too close not to experience the Bahamian paradise! Whether you choose to travel via a boat ride or by air, the experience is a once in a lifetime adventure.

Have you been to Bimini? If so, what did you think? Drop me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

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About the Author:

Hi! I’m Chris. I’m a mother, wife, college professor by trade and micro-influencer by hobby. I am a bargain hunter, jack of all trades, and master of chaos.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts on travel, my stories of life as an under appreciated mother of a teenager, and my easy recipes that have won no awards but instead my family’s love and adoration (which is WAY better, right?).