IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

I just got back From N. Bimini and have to wonder what is it that some folks find appealing there -other than the great fishing/diving? -

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

The great fishing and diving isn't enough for you? Okay. It is for me.

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

Not necessarily my priorities but from observation it seems like:

1. bars and cheap rum

2. Of course fishing and diving plus beaches.

3. It's close.

4. Convenient spot to clear customs before crossing the banks heading down island.

5. Did I mention bars and cheap rum

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

The water!

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

A families take:

Boating to Bimini July/August 2010 - YouTube

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

Well done vid!!

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

IS Bimini a Run down dump?

i think that discription could be used for pretty much the whole of the carribean basin!

you may be in for a bit of a culture shock after the greek islands!

and watch out for the crack heads,boat boys and other foul-mouthed west indians!

fortunately they are in the minority!

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

Perhaps it is compared to Las Vegas or Disneyland.
Great place however and folks expecting wealth and artificial entertainment
should stay away, it would make Bimini an ever better experience.

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

It cracks me up when boaters, especially American boaters, complain about how run down and dirty places are in the Bahamas, Hispaniola or the Western Caribbean. I would suggest that if the expectation is to compare every port with Ft. Lauderdale that the boat stay in Ft. Lauderdale. Beauty and pleasure is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Some of the most friendly people, greatest scenery and most wonderful cruising in all of our years on the water has been in some of the poorest countries. Chuck

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

I like Bimini better than Miami,,people are friendlier.....small town,,,do not know what some people expect but you can not have an Atlantis casino on every island, it would ruin the whole Bimini experience.....go to the end of the world bar and enjoy

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

Hey, watch it! I live here! :cool: :)

Well, I've met plenty of boat boys, but they were all decent sorts just trying to make a small living being helpful to cruisers. Became close friends with one of them. But, over the 7-1/2 years we've been in the West Indies, I've met no crack heads or "foul-mouthed West Indians". They're some of the most polite and friendly people in the world down here, especially on Nevis.

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

Yes its true- My thoughts are= I was a bit surprised how run down everything is-garbage everywhere and broken down homes all over the place -it’s not the Greek Islands that’s for sure-
It’s been 10 years since I was in the Bahamas and I forgot what it was like- It does have its good points as mentioned in this thread, it does somehow have its charm!
-
I went to a Conch shack to have some cracked conch on day 1 it cost $6 with fries, the next day it was $6 without fries, on day 3 it was $9 with fries, , the price changed for no reason-- Fuel is $585 a gallon gas- $6,25 diesel- lots of thieves & drugs, drinking -

I went over with a very well know Sport Fisherman, who holds the world record blue Fin Tuna caught in Bimini I think about 20- 30 years ago- he’s been going there since 1961 and I Understand why he likes the place- great fishing still, wonderful water/diving

Most of the people I met seem very nice- there is a ad campaign to the public to say please & thank you , posted on big signs around the town-
I suppose I’m just a bit disappointed after being in the Greek islands /& Med the last 6 years –I find it hard to sell charters in a place that is clearly not very inspiring-

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

having also lived and worked in the west indies for a long time i have to agree they are generally on the whole nice generous,friendly god fearing people.

and mostly boat boys are honest traders and generally trustworthy!

but if you take off those rose tinted sun glasses, and leave the marina you will see a darker side as well,there is a lot of poverty,a big crack problem,alcohol abuse,domestic abuse,muggings,rape's etc,though nothing compared to mainland usa.........

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

We've met kind, honest and generous people throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean. We have more concerns about locking cables on our dinghy and bicycles in South Florida, but we've met pleasant people there too!

Re: IS Bimini a Run down dump?
 

I also just got back from Bimini. The Bahamas is a third-would country and that's part of its charm. We found Bimini a fascinating place to explore with locals who were warm and inviting.

Perhaps a cruise ship docking in a resort town is more of your liking.