Florida to Bimini Island

[kozman01]

Has anyone ever made this trip from the East coast of Florida to Bimini Island of the Bahamas? If so, what size boat did you go in and how long did it take you. Any advice concerning this trip? I'm interested in making this trip next year and am just looking to get some preliminary information. Thank you.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

I have not and don't really care to, but my boss makes the trip frequently in a 28' Bertram.. <br /><br />On a good day at a 20 knot cruise, it'll take about 3 hours, more or less, depends on conditions...<br /><br />You can make the 55-60 mile crossing in a well equiped 20' footer (know people who do it), but I'd opt for something a bit bigger with twin engines and plenty of fuel capacity.. <br /><br />Gasoline in the islands is very expensive... $3.00 and up, usually about $3.50.. <br /><br /> When you arrive, you must first clear Bahamian customs... You will need $200 cash for the necessary crusing permit with up to 4 people on board, and $? for fishing permits which you will have to aquire at the Bahamian customs office when you check in... A Passport is best, but customs will also accept a birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID. ... <br /><br /> Clearing U.S. customs upon your return is no picnic either... <br /><br />Something you might be interested in.. Every so often, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism sets up an event in which a group of boats (a flotilla if you will) will leave from a certain port here in Florida and travel together to the Bahamas.. It a great idea to make the crossing with a group, much safer too... Check the link to the web page below for more info...<br /><br /> web page

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

I made that trip a couple of years ago for a SCUBA diving vacation. A company out of Miami runs 65' sailboats to Bimini (about a 7 hour trip the time we went I think) then cruises the western Bahamas for a week before coming back. The passages we made were VERY rough even in that size boat but if you're going on a private trip in a smaller boat you have the luxury of picking your departure time based on weather conditions. Hope you have a great time, we did!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

Great advice so far - If/when you make the trip I'm sure that you will depart when the sea is relatively calm. Only an idiot would start out in rough water.<br /><br />OK so you are there - - The Gulf Stream can get nasty quick. That means you should probably not go if you need to be back on a specific day as the weather can hold up your departure from there.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

my father inlaw makes the trip often. this year he surprised me- he took his 21' center console while towing his 14' inflatable. by himself. he really wasn't too concerned. if you are trying to plan a day, don't count on it. you need to be able to hang in florida until the weather is just right. he had a full tank of gas, cell phone, vhf radio, and the rest of his required safety gear. he got to the bahamas, unloaded his cargo, then called customs. that way he got his cases of coors light into the island and didn't have to pay for it. as for the gulf stream, remember it's the strongest current you will ever encounter. depending on speed, you may have to steer a heading of almost 10 degrees south of the island to compensate. enjoy-

 

[kozman01]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

Thank you for the input gentleman. I'm looking at taking 8-10 months to plan on this and will post when a decision/trip is made/planned. I found a website by some doctor who has travelled with his wife ten times. His mechanic was in high school in the Miami area years ago and him and his girlfriend would go over on a 16' Hobie Cat. There is a snippet on the Abaco Islands website about the husband/wife team who went over on their 10' homemade wooden sailboat. Crazy people! I'd probably done the same as the kid in high school if it increased my chances with the girl though. They sure make us do stupid things

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

Try to find the September 2002 issue of “Boating World”.<br />They have an article on 4 Sea-Doos and two Fish Hawks crossing over. Has some good info on how to plan a crossing. <br /><br />Mike

 

[BillP]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

I've been across from Key Biscayne and Anglefish Cut several times in 30'+ boats. Just watch the weather and you can do it in any type vessel. Plan for a daylight landing and do NOT go in at night until you know the area well. Modern electronics have taken much of the guesswork (and danger)out of the picture too.<br /><br />During the summer at Honeymoon Harbor (just south of Bimini) there are scads of 20' outboards that do day trips from Miami (approx 50 miles). Years back I ran into a couple that was cruising in a 16' Hobie cat and towed a canoe with all their supplies. They were all over the islands and camping in the Exumas (approx 100 miles southeast of Nassau) when I saw them.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Florida to Bimini Island

Never did that trip but have done many trips from NJ shore points up the Delaware bay and eventually up the Delaware river. The last trip I did was 118 miles in 2-3 foot chop. It was a rough ride to say the least but when the GPS cut out it was a whole lot more fun! The only advice I have is don't rely 100% on modern electronics. They are great but plot your course on a map and know how to use your compass to get to your destination. Always have a backup when traversing long distances.