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Bimini

Cruising Guide

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Reviews:

"The author did a great job of researching the island. He includes all the inside spots and local knowledge. And I should know, having lived on the island my entire life."

Al Sweeting Jr.

Charter captain, Bimini, Bahamas

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Cruising the islands in a right and proper vessel.

Chalks International Airlines - the worlds oldest passenger airline. Since 1919.

"In deference to the dead, no beer drinking was to be permitted on the stern, and once this prohibition was announced all sinners moved quickly to the bow."

Sean Rowe

New Times

An Introduction to Bimini ::

A couple of miles long and a few hundred yards wide. Maximum elevation is roughly one palm tree high. Twin dirt roads optimistically named the King and Queen's highways. No cruise ships, casinos or mega-resorts. Plenty of golf carts but no golf courses. Traffic is defined as a boat anchored in the way of the seaplane. The island of Bimini has been called a glorified sandbar. And therein lies its enduring appeal.

Nestled on the border between the Gulf Stream and the Great Bahama Bank, the island and nearby cays provide some of the most sparklingly clear waters in the western hemisphere. The dazzling neon shades are as vivid as anywhere in the Caribbean, with underwater visibilities over 100 feet common.

Discovered in the early 1500's by Ponce De Leon, Bimini's long history is replete with literary figures, sport-fishing pioneers and numerous celebrities. Among them Ernest Hemingway, Adam Clayton Powell, Martin Luther King, Jimmy Buffet and many others. But equal billing over the years has gone to the pirates, rum-runners, ship-wreckers, outlaws and modern day cocaine cowboys. Indeed, the island is infused with a certain sense that "things are just different here."

Yes, Bimini inhabits a wonderful dichotomy. As the crow flies it's less than 50 miles from Florida. But between the skyscrapers of Miami and the shacks of Alice Town stalks the fabled Gulf Stream. The world's most powerful ocean current, it can be a benevolent companion or your worst enemy. This explains much of Bimini's character, physically close to the US but spiritually a world away.

Bimini has always had a reputation as a colorful place. Many would argue crusty is a better description. In a sense the island is a throwback to the 50's. A bit boozy and often laced with machismo, it's a place where small boats square off against the Gulf Stream and tales of the 'one that got away' are ubiquitous. A place where no one looks twice at a cold beer before noon. A place where politicians slink away to after falling from grace. Or, as in the case of one would-be President, Bimini is where they go to fall from grace in the first place.

In Bimini, Political Correctness is

still just a distant theory.

Bimini island is actually a misnomer. More correctly "Bimini" is one island in the Bimini island chain. There are two main islands, north and south Bimini, and then a string of islets running south to Cat Cay, a private island for the rich and famous. About 25 miles north of Bimini on the edge of the Northwest Providence Channel lies the haunted island of Great Isaac, its picturesque lighthouse standing lonely watch over the nearby waters.

Bimini can rightfully lay claim to being the birthplace of modern sport-fishing. The International Game Fish Association, the IGFA, was essentially born on Bimini. In fact its first President and Vice President, Michael Lerner and Ernest Hemingway respectively, both lived on the island and fished it's surrounding waters. Deep sea, bottom fishing or fly casting on the flats - the variety is nearly endless. It is the ideal fishing destination, with a story on every dock.

In summer months the winds and seas of the Gulf Stream typically lay down. It is these favorable conditions that prompt south Florida boaters to head across in droves. It's not uncommon to see boats under twenty feet making the run, including the author who's crossed in a 17-footer with his 66 year old father. Indeed Bimini during summer weekends takes on a festive air of revelry, sometimes bordering on debauchery.

In summer it's not unheard of to

see boats under twenty feet making

the run, including the author who's

crossed in a 17-footer with his

66 year old father

But that's only half the story. During the rest of the year the island is often deserted, with visitors numbering in the dozens, not hundreds. It is remarkable to witness the change in atmosphere from the rowdy summer months.

In terms of hotels and nightlife, Bimini will never be confused with the any of the "Saint somewhere" islands. More than a few local buildings are in a perpetual state of construction, and we use the term construction very loosely. The hotels are generally modest and likewise the restaurants will never give South Beach a run for its money. Which is just fine by those who frequent the island. They come to appreciate its real charms - the beautiful waters, easy fishing and slightly shady, always colorful atmosphere. It truly is, as Hemingway wrote, an island in the 'Stream.

Maybe next year we'll make the trip...

"The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before

we know it, the tomb is sealed."

Sterling Hayden

Actor, sailor, adventurer, world traveler

The Bell Tolls For Him

by Sean Rowe. New Times

The following is a fantastic article about the passing of Cap't Harcourt Neville Brown, one of the legendary figures of Bimini. It was written by Sean Rowe for the Miami New Times. It is one of the best articles I have seen to date on the islands and is beautifully written.

"In deference to the dead, no beer drinking was to be permitted on the stern, and once this prohibition was announced all sinners moved quickly to the bow. A brother-in-law of the departed, a Mason, hunkered on a milk crate and kept vigil through the night, in accord with the custom of Masons..."

Hemingway is part of a long train of notable temperaments who have visited Bimini, responded strongly to its special charms, and lingered. But ultimately he was still a tourist, and like tourists after him he found on Bimini a garden of sensual delights: the pursuit of the big fish, trade winds in palm trees, pristine beaches leading down to gin-clear water, lazy afternoons with a rum glass close at hand. For those born on Bimini and trying to make a go of it, the picture is a bit different..."

For the whole story, click on the link below. But don't forget to bookmark the biminicruisingguide.com before you leave!

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"Anyone who goes on the sea the year round in a small powerboat does not seek danger. You may be absolutely sure that in a year you will have it without seeking, so you try always to avoid it all you can."

E. Hemingway

"The Gulf Stream is the last place on earth where nature holds dominion and man is a mere intrusion."

Advice:

If you are contemplating a trip to Bimini, remember the following. 

Experience is how we avoid mistakes. Mistakes are how we gain experience. 

Never dock any faster than you are willing to hit something.

The Gulf Stream is nature's way of saying, "No, your yacht's really NOT that big."

In the right conditions, no boat is too small to make the trip to Bimini. In the wrong conditions, no boat is big enough.

"But ultimately he was still a tourist, and like tourists after him he found on Bimini a garden of sensual delights: the pursuit of the big fish, trade winds in palm trees, pristine beaches leading down to gin-clear water, lazy afternoons with a rum glass close at hand."

Sean Rowe

New Times