North or South Bimini for Check-in

[IOPSailor]

Will be making the jump from No Name Harbor in about a week. Was planning to check in at Alice Town when someone said that South Bimini is better? I draw 6 ft and don't think entering Alice Town would be a problem if we call ahead and get info on the channel. Anyone have a preference for a first stop? Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Dave852]

While I only check in at Bimini if I am going to Bimini as its out of the way for my usual destination I don't see for what reason s Bimini would be better. 6' is ok for n Bimini. Lots more marina choices in north Bimini. Better anchorage in south Bimini but I guess you would have to go all the way to the airport to check in if you anchored in nixons Harbour. No I don't see it working out that easy in s Bimini.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[CSY Man]

We always check in at North Bimini and dock at Weeches either overnight or for a few hours.
Always always go in and dock at slack tide if using Weeches. If the tide is running the docking will be rather interesting pushing you into boats or docks.
Less of a problem if you are James Bond with a boat load of deck-apes to fend off, but if you are a mom and pop team doing this the first time, go easy and go at slack tide even if you wait overnight at anchor.

[Vasco]

Skip Bimini. Keep going to Nassau or Fresh Creek.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[pete33458]

The marina at South Bimini (Sands) is good and the basin is very well protected. But if you plan on going ashore, there is very little on South Bimini, and you'll probably end up taking the ferry to North Bimini, so why not just go there in the first place? Your draft is fine, just not for all docks and slips; check with the marina upon entry.

Pete

[pwmullins]

Several years ago, we always checked in at South Cat Cay, south of Bimini. Low key customs, low traffic....haven't been there in a while so not sure of situation now.

[Scaramanga F25]

The channel is parallel and REAL close to the beach.
Dock INTO the current ! at Weech's.

With 6 foot draft anchor out and wait for a rising tide.
I bumped at 6 ft 6'' in front of condo at near high tide.

They may have dredged? Anyone know recently?

[bratzcpa]

We were just there in December. Stayed at Brown's a few days. It's much much less expensive than Big Game Club. From Browns, you just walk about two blocks to the north to the first stop (actually inside of the Big Game Club), they do some of the paperwork and give you the cruising permit, then you walk another block or two to a different building for a different thing.

Real easy.

Brown's has had some major improvements in the past year. very nice, easy, low key, good WIFI. Always somebody on duty. It's the first major set of docks on the left as you enter.

I strongly strongly suggest you plan a time to transit the entrance when the tide isn't running strongly (either direction). There is a LOT of current. We had difficulty making headway against it - not much room for error if you get crossways too.

let me know if you need anything else.

~markb

[Scott N.]

We go into Bimini Sands South Bimini. Channel markers bring you into either north or south Bimini. Easy check in as airport is on South Bimini. Marina is very nice and even has an infinity pool and it's own beach for a great introduction to the Bahamas. Make sure you take latest Explorer Charts with you as they have all this information.... Wouldn't leave for the Bahamas without them!!!!!

[david knowles]

I never checked in at south and didn't know they even had offices in south. North Bimini was always easy and fairly quick . There are two offices about a block apart. Unless they have change they only take CASH.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by david knowles

I never checked in at south and didn't know they even had offices in south.

You have to go to the airport to do it, which is fine unless a flight happens to arrive at the same time... The Bimini Sands Hotel (which operates the marina) sometimes (as in, soon come, mon) runs a shuttle that can take you there, otherwise it is a taxi or a rather long walk (probably 2 miles/3 kilometers).

Pete