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Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Freeport and Nassau the Bahamas

  • Bahamas

    Bahamas

    Your Ultimate Guide to Bahamas Getaways: Bimini, Freeport, and Nassau

    The Bahamas, a stunning archipelago of over 700 islands, is a world-class destination known for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking a quick day trip or a longer vacation, three of its most popular islands—Bimini, Freeport, and Nassau—offer distinct experiences and are easily accessible from Florida. This guide will walk you through how to get there and where to stay, helping you plan your perfect Bahamian escape.

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    Getting to the Bahamas: Your Transportation Options

    Getting to the Bahamas from South Florida is convenient, with several options available by both sea and air.

    By Sea: Day Cruises and Overnight Adventures

    • Bimini Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale: For a quick escape, a fast ferry from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale can get you to Bimini in as little as two hours. This is a popular option for a day trip, allowing you to spend several hours exploring the island’s famous beaches and attractions before returning to Florida in the evening.
    • Freeport Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale: Similar to the Bimini day trip, you can take a high-speed ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. The journey typically takes around three hours, giving you a full day to discover Freeport’s resorts, markets, and natural beauty.
    • Overnight Cruise from Palm Beach: If you’re looking for a slightly longer cruise experience, a 2-night getaway from the Port of Palm Beach is a great choice. On the 2 Night Cruise you can visit either, Freeport or Nassau, Bahamas
    • A 4 Night Cruise to Bahamas typically sail to both Freeport and Nassau, allowing you to visit two different islands in a single trip.
      The 2 night cruises to the Bahamas often depart on Mondays and Wednesdays, offering a mini-vacation with onboard entertainment and dining.
    • The 3, or 4 night cruises to Bahamas often depart on Fridays
    • Key West, FL – Freeport, Grand Bahama: A Key West and Freeport 4 night cruise was recently added and my be the most exciting of all the cruises that visit the Bahamas and a US port too.

    By Air: Flights and Seaplanes

    • Flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami: For a faster journey, several airlines offer direct flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA) to the Bahamas. You can find flights to both Bimini (BIM) and Freeport (FPO). These flights are a great way to maximize your time on the islands.
    • Seaplane to Bimini: For a truly unique and luxurious travel experience, consider a seaplane flight to Bimini. Services like Tropic Ocean Airways offer flights from private terminals in Fort Lauderdale, landing you directly at Resorts World Bimini. This provides not only a quick journey but also stunning aerial views of the coastline.

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    A Guide to Hotels in the Bahamas

    Once you’ve decided how you’re getting there, you’ll need a place to stay. Here’s a look at some hotel options in and around your destinations.

    Hotels near Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

    If you’re taking a morning cruise, staying near Port Everglades is a practical choice. Many hotels in this area offer shuttle services to and from the port and the airport.

    • Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina: Located right on the waterfront, this hotel offers a great view and is a short drive from the port.
    • Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port: This hotel is known for its convenient location and is just a short distance from both the airport and the port.
    • Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street: This all-suite hotel is a popular choice for cruisers, offering spacious rooms and a location close to both the port and local restaurants.

    Hotels in Bimini, Bahamas

    Bimini offers a mix of resort-style luxury and charming local accommodations.

    • Resorts World Bimini: This is a major hub on the island, featuring a large casino, multiple restaurants, a marina, and a beautiful beach club.
    • Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina: This historic resort is a favorite among anglers and divers, offering a classic Bahamian experience with a dive center and an outdoor pool.

    Hotels in Freeport, Grand Bahama

    Freeport is home to a variety of resorts and hotels, catering to different budgets and travel styles.

    • Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan: This all-inclusive resort provides a refined experience with harbor and ocean views, a spa, and multiple dining options.
    • Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham: A great choice for families and those seeking an all-inclusive experience, this resort features a private beach and multiple pools.

    Hotels in Nassau, Bahamas

    As the capital, Nassau has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly options.

    • Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: Part of a massive resort complex, this hotel offers a high-end experience with a casino, golf, a spa, and multiple pools.
    • Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau: This polished beachfront resort is a lively choice, featuring a water park, dining options, and a spa.
    • Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach: For a more affordable option that is still close to the action, this hotel is a solid choice with an outdoor pool and a gym.

    “Thank You Google and Gemini for the help writing this article for Editor, Jay Taylor”

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  • Bimini Islands

    Bimini Islands

    Bimini Islands, Bahamas

    Bimini Islands Ocean View From Resort
    Bimini Islands Ocean View From Resort

    Bimini, Bahamas

    Quick Facts

    • North Bimini
      • Diving/Snorkeling
      • Resorts/Hotels
      • Bimini Cruise Port
    • South Bimini
      • South Bimini Airport
      • Quiet alternative to North Bimini
    • East Bimini
      • Radio Beach
      • Healing Hole
      • Bimini Wall

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    Bimini Islands History And Services

    Bimini Islands History

    The history of Bimini is full colorful tales, legends and drama. Merely 50 miles from the Miami coastline, Bimini is small, with its 1,600 residents residing on North Bimini, leaving South Bimini to stand alone as a quiet, pristine place.

    The Fountain of Youth

    Intriguing tales abound of “Bimini”, a place where there was once a mystic fountain of youth. There are rumors that it was located between North and South Bimini. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon searched for The Fountain of Youth but never found it.

    Other legends exist of a pool off North Bimini where people with ailments have been cured by the healing waters. It is believed that when the tide goes out, underground tunnels release mineral-rich fresh water that is believed to be healing. This location is called The Healing Hole and it is in a salt-water mangrove swamp.

    Atlantis

    Many rumors exist that the Lost City of Atlantis may be in the waters off the Bimini coast. Divers have found unusual slabs of rock that resemble part of an underwater city. These rocks have sparked much speculation. Since the stones were discovered in the 1960s, scientists and other experts have come here. This has resulted in a variety of unique explanations.

    Today, the Bimini Islands are a favorite place for sport fishermen, who come here for the big game fishing. It was precisely this that brought Ernest Hemingway to Bimini. Other notable names linked to Bimini are civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King who came to Bimini in 1964. Singer Jimmy Buffet, who also wrote one of his books while staying in Bimini.

    Services

    Beautiful Pools

    Bimini Islands Swim Up Bar

    The swimming pools of Bimini are luxurious aquatic playgrounds designed to complement the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

    Many of the island’s premier pools are stunning infinity-edge creations, where the crystalline water seems to merge seamlessly with the turquoise hues of the Atlantic Ocean, offering swimmers unobstructed, horizon-deep views.

    High above the marina, chic rooftop pools provide a more exclusive atmosphere with panoramic vistas of the entire island.

    Whether you’re seeking the vibrant, DJ-driven energy of a sprawling resort pool complete with swim-up bars and private cabanas, or the tranquility of a more secluded, lagoon-style oasis, Bimini’s pools serve as the centerpiece for both relaxation and sophisticated socializing in a perfect tropical setting.

    Water Sports

    Bimini Islands Water Sports Rental

    Beyond the serene environment of the resort pools, the turquoise waters surrounding Bimini offer a vibrant playground for adventure seekers, with watersports rentals readily available along the main beaches and at the marina.

    You can feel the thrill of skimming across the glassy sea on a jet ski or opt for a calmer pace by exploring the coastline on a stand-up paddleboard or in a clear-bottom kayak, marveling at the marine life below.

    For those wanting to dive deeper, snorkeling and scuba excursions provide access to legendary underwater sites like the haunting SS Sapona shipwreck.

    From guided tours to swim with the famous Bimini sharks to chartered deep-sea fishing trips, the island offers countless ways to experience its world-class aquatic environment firsthand.

    Transportation

    Bimini Islands Transportation

    Navigating Bimini is an adventure in itself, trading the rush of city traffic for the laid-back pace of island life.

    The undisputed vehicle of choice is the golf cart, which visitors rent to zip along the scenic Queen’s Highway, feeling the warm sea breeze as they discover hidden beaches and colorful local eateries at their own leisure.

    For guests within the expansive resort areas, a complimentary tram service conveniently connects hotels, the casino, marina, and beach clubs.

    The charming, narrow streets of Alice Town are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, offering a chance to soak in the local culture up close.

    Connecting the two main islands is a reliable water taxi, which shuttles travelers between the airport on South Bimini and the bustling hub of North Bimini, making the journey itself a memorable part of the authentic island experience.

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