Miami to Bimini by Boat | Day Trip Guide 2026

In This Article

Bimini sits just 50 nautical miles east of Miami across the Gulf Stream, making it one of the most popular international day trips you can take by boat from South Florida. Clear Bahamian water, laid-back island restaurants, and incredible snorkeling are all within reach of a single day on the water.

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a Miami to Bimini boat trip in 2026 — the crossing distance, customs requirements, which vessels handle the journey best, what to do once you arrive, and how to time the trip right.

The Crossing: Miami to Bimini

Distance and Travel Time

The distance from Miami to Bimini is approximately 50 nautical miles, depending on your departure point and the specific dock in Bimini. Most charters depart from a marina near Government Cut, which provides direct ocean access.

Travel time depends on the vessel:

• Sport boats and performance vessels (30+ knots) — Under 2 hours in calm conditions
• Mid-size yachts (18-25 knots) — 2 to 2.5 hours
• Larger motor yachts (12-18 knots) — 2.5 to 3 hours

The Gulf Stream current runs north between Miami and Bimini. Your captain will factor in the current when setting the course. On the outbound crossing, it can add a slight angle to your heading. This is routine for any experienced captain making this run.

Sea Conditions Matter

The Bimini crossing is an open-ocean passage. Unlike cruising in Biscayne Bay or along the Intracoastal, you are exposed to wind and swells for the full transit.

Calm seas (under 3-foot swells) make for a comfortable ride. Choppy conditions (4-6 foot seas) are manageable on the right vessel but can be rough for passengers not used to open water. Your captain will assess conditions on the morning of departure and make the final call.

If conditions are unfavorable, expect your captain to recommend rescheduling. A responsible operator will not push through dangerous seas just to keep a schedule.

What You Need for Entry into the Bahamas

Every passenger aboard needs the following:

• Valid passport — This is non-negotiable. The Bahamas requires a passport for all visitors arriving by private vessel. Make sure yours is not expired and has at least six months of validity remaining.
• Bahamas immigration and customs forms — These can be completed electronically through the Bahamas Immigration portal or handled on arrival. Your captain will typically coordinate the paperwork process.
• Customs clearance on arrival — The vessel must clear customs at an official port of entry in Bimini. Your captain handles docking at the appropriate facility and guiding you through the process.

There is a small Bahamas entry fee per person. Children under a certain age may be exempt. Confirm the current fee before departure.

Keep your passport accessible during the trip, not buried in a bag at the bottom of the cabin. You will need it at clearance and again when returning to the United States.

Best Vessels for the Bimini Crossing

Not every boat is suited for an open-ocean crossing. You want a vessel with:

• Stability in open water — Deep-V hull design handles swells far better than flat-bottom boats
• Range and fuel capacity — Enough fuel for the 100+ nautical mile round trip plus a comfortable reserve
• Speed — Faster vessels mean more time in Bimini and less time in transit
• Comfort — Enclosed cabin space matters if conditions turn bumpy

Recommended: Axopar 37 Brabus Edition

The Axopar 37 is purpose-built for exactly this kind of trip. It is a 2025 model with a deep-V hull designed for offshore performance, comfortable seating for up to 13 guests, and the speed to make the crossing in under 2 hours in good conditions.

A full-day Bimini charter on the Axopar 37 starts at $4,600, with captain, fuel for the round trip, and crew included. No surprise fuel surcharges for the ocean crossing. Gratuity for your captain and crew is not included (15-20% is customary).

The Axopar also comes equipped with a floating beach pool, two coolers, and snorkel masks — all useful once you reach Bimini’s clear waters.

Larger Yachts for the Crossing

For groups that prioritize comfort over speed, yachts in the 50-foot and above range can make the Bimini run. Larger yachts ride smoother in swells and offer more interior space for the transit. The tradeoff is a longer crossing time (closer to 3 hours each way), which means less time on the island unless you extend to a full 8-hour or longer charter.

Browse the full fleet to compare vessels and their capabilities for ocean crossings.

Planning Your Day in Bimini

A well-planned Bimini day trip follows a rhythm: early departure, morning crossing, several hours on the island, and an afternoon return to Miami.

Sample Timeline for a Full-Day Charter

• 7:00 AM — Meet at the departure marina
• 7:30 AM — Depart Miami
• 9:30 AM — Arrive Bimini, clear customs
• 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM — Explore, swim, eat, snorkel
• 3:00 PM — Depart Bimini
• 5:00 PM — Arrive back in Miami

This gives you roughly five hours on the island. An 8-hour charter is the minimum recommended duration for a Bimini day trip. Anything shorter and you will feel rushed. A 10-hour charter gives more breathing room.

What to Do in Bimini

Beaches — Radio Beach (also called Alice Town Beach) is the closest to the marina. The sand is soft and the water is that transparent turquoise the Bahamas is known for. It is rarely crowded on weekdays.

Snorkeling — The waters around Bimini are crystal clear with excellent visibility. The Bimini Road (sometimes called the Road to Atlantis) is an underwater rock formation off the western shore that draws snorkelers and divers from around the world. Your captain can anchor nearby for a snorkel stop.

Restaurants and Bars — Stuart’s Conch Stand is a local institution for fresh conch salad. Big John’s Beach Bar on the beach offers cold drinks and grilled seafood. The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini has a pool and restaurant open to day visitors for a more resort-style stop.

Fishing — Bimini has earned its reputation as the big game fishing capital of the Bahamas. If your group is interested, discuss fishing options with your captain before departure.

Walking the Island — North Bimini is small enough to explore on foot. The main road runs the length of the island with shops, small restaurants, and local color. It is an authentic Bahamian experience, not a tourist-polished resort island.

Weather and Timing

Best Months for the Crossing

The calmest seas in the Gulf Stream corridor are typically from late April through September. Summer months bring lighter winds and flatter water, making the crossing more comfortable for first-timers.

Winter months (November through March) can be rougher. Cold fronts push through South Florida every week or two during winter, stirring up seas for 2-3 days at a time. This does not mean winter crossings are impossible, but your departure date needs to be flexible enough to wait for a weather window.

Checking Conditions

Your captain will monitor NOAA marine forecasts in the days leading up to the trip. Key factors include:

• Wind speed and direction — East or southeast winds under 15 knots are ideal
• Wave height — Under 3 feet in the Gulf Stream is comfortable; 4-6 feet is manageable but bumpy
• Gulf Stream current — Runs north at 2-4 knots; stronger current combined with opposing wind creates steep, uncomfortable seas

If the marine forecast shows unfavorable conditions, plan to reschedule rather than push through. The crossing is not dangerous in good weather, but it demands respect for the ocean.

What to Bring

Pack for a day that splits between a boat ride and a beach island:

• Passport — First on the list for a reason. Do not forget it.
• Sunscreen (reef-safe) — The Bahamas sun is intense, and you will be exposed for hours. Reef-safe formulas protect the marine environment.
• Swimwear and a cover-up — You will likely be in and out of the water all day.
• Towels — Bring your own. Most charters provide a limited number, but extras are useful.
• Cash (US dollars) — Accepted everywhere in Bimini. Bring small bills for restaurants, bars, and tips on the island. Credit cards are accepted at Resorts World Bimini but not everywhere else.
• Light jacket or windbreaker — The ocean crossing can be breezy, especially in the morning.
• Snacks and drinks — BYOB is welcome on most charters. Bring a cooler with water, snacks, and beverages for the crossing.
• Seasickness medication — If you are prone to motion sickness, take it 30-60 minutes before departure. The open-water crossing has more motion than a bay cruise.

Fuel and Cost Considerations

One of the biggest concerns people have about a Bimini trip is fuel cost. The round trip covers over 100 nautical miles of open ocean, which burns significantly more fuel than a typical bay cruise.

With an all-inclusive charter, fuel is included in the quoted price. You do not need to calculate gallons, tank capacity, or fuel prices at the Bimini marina. The rate you see is the rate you pay.

For context, a Bimini round trip on a sport boat can burn $500-$1,000+ in fuel alone on a non-inclusive charter. That hidden cost is why all-inclusive pricing matters especially for longer-distance trips like this one.

Additional costs to budget for:

• Gratuity — 15-20% of the charter cost is customary for your captain and crew
• Bahamas entry fees — Small per-person charge at customs
• Food and drinks on the island — Cash for restaurants and bars
• Parking at the departure marina — Varies by location ($7-30 depending on the facility)

Booking Your Bimini Day Trip

Book a Bimini charter at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December through April). This gives your charter company time to confirm vessel availability, weather windows, and customs coordination.

When you inquire, have these details ready:

• Your preferred date (and backup dates in case weather forces a reschedule)
• Group size
• Whether you want to snorkel, fish, or focus on exploring the island
• Any dietary preferences if you are adding catering

The Axopar 37 is the recommended vessel for this crossing, but discuss your options with the charter team based on your group size and priorities.

Get a custom quote for your Bimini day trip, or reach out on WhatsApp for quick answers about the crossing. You can also explore the full fleet and Miami yacht charter options to compare vessels.