Bimini: A Memorable Island Adventure With Some Surprises

If you’re thinking about heading to Bimini, you’re not alone! I recently returned from a group getaway to the Bimini Islands in the Bahamas, and it was one unforgettable trip. We were a group of six, all ready to enjoy sun, sea, and sand, and while we had an amazing time, there were definitely some unexpected twists along the way.

Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the downright surprising aspects of visiting Bimini. If you’re asking yourself whether Bimini is worth the trip, here’s my take—complete with everything you need to know before you go.

Getting There: A Journey Full of Surprises

Bimini is located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, often referred to as the Gateway to the Bahamas. Our group flew out from Southeastern Alabama, starting with a flight from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale, and then onto Bimini via Silver Airways. Full disclosure: I knew Silver Airways wasn’t the highest-end carrier, but I’ve survived Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant, so I figured it couldn’t be that bad.

Our round-trip tickets were around $450 each, which wasn’t exactly cheap, but Silver Airways is the only U.S. carrier flying directly to Bimini. Still, I wish I’d paid more attention to the warnings I’d heard about delays and cancellations. It was an adventure, but not the kind I’d want to repeat.

We stayed at Resorts World Bimini, a Hilton property near the cruise port on North Bimini Island. This resort was perfect for our needs, offering great amenities and perks like free breakfast (thanks to my Hilton Honors status). However, as of recent reports, the resort is no longer affiliated with Hilton, though it’s still considered one of the best places to stay on the island.

The Good: Picture-Perfect Beaches and Delicious Seafood

Let’s start with the positives! The weather was perfect during our stay—warm with plenty of sunshine, and the beaches were absolutely stunning. Clear blue waters, soft sands, and beautiful scenery made for an ideal tropical retreat. We also had a chance to visit the Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club, a well-maintained spot with great facilities, perfect for relaxing or enjoying water activities.

Renting a 6-seater golf cart was super easy and affordable, giving us the freedom to explore other parts of the island. One of our stops was Radio Beach, a more laid-back spot where we spent a few hours soaking up the sun.

Bimini is known for its excellent fishing and seafood, and we were not disappointed. Between the restaurants at Resorts World and several local spots, we indulged in some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had. One highlight was dinner at the Bimini Big Game Club, a must-visit for seafood lovers.

The Bad: Travel Troubles and Delays

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great parts of our trip. The biggest issue was the air travel. Silver Airways definitely put a damper on our experience, with multiple delays and a canceled flight that nearly ruined our return plans.

Things got off to a rough start when our flight from Dothan, Alabama, to Fort Lauderdale was delayed. After more delays, we finally boarded the flight, only to find out our connection to Bimini had already been altered. Instead of heading straight to Bimini, we were rerouted to Exuma—a detour that added hours to our trip. After deplaning, going through immigration, and reboarding the plane, we finally made it to Bimini well after sunset.

On the way back, things got even worse. Our Monday flight was unexpectedly canceled. Despite the website showing it was on time, we quickly learned it was grounded. I spent two hours trying to contact Silver Airways without success, and we were left scrambling for another option.

The solution came through one of our friends, who arranged a private charter flight. The cost was $550 per person—much higher than we had planned—but it was the only option. The charter flight was a fun experience (it was my first time on a private plane), but the entire situation was stressful, especially since Silver Airways didn’t offer any compensation or customer support.

The Best Way to Get to Bimini: Skip Silver Airways

If you’re planning to visit Bimini, I can’t recommend Silver Airways. The delays, cancellations, and lack of customer service were too much of a hassle. Instead, consider other ways to get there:

1. Ferry: The Balearia Caribbean Ferry offers a direct, 2-hour trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, running multiple times per week. For many, this is a great way to get to the island, especially if you’re not in a rush.

2. Private Boat or Small Plane: If you’re feeling adventurous and want more flexibility, you can also get to Bimini by private boat or small plane. This is a great option for those who value convenience and are willing to pay for it.

Final Thoughts

Bimini is a beautiful and relaxing destination, and despite the travel hiccups, I’d still recommend it to anyone seeking a tropical escape. The beaches are breathtaking, the seafood is top-notch, and the laid-back vibe of the island makes it an ideal place to unwind. Just be sure to plan your travel carefully and consider alternatives to Silver Airways.

So, if you’re wondering whether Bimini is worth the trip—definitely yes. But do your research, manage your expectations when it comes to flights, and enjoy everything this incredible island has to offer.