Browns or Bimini Sands??

[Snore]

Weather looks good for my first trip to the Bahamas this weekend.

Any thoughts on the preferred marina? Browns is a short walk to customs and Bimini Sands claims easy clearing also.

Any comments greatly appreciated.

[pete33458]

You should check active captain, a number of reviews for these (including mine). Sands is South Bimini, very limited amenities, but a nice marina. Browns is probably not as nice of a marina, but still quite respectable, and on North Bimini, which has much more stuff (still Bimini, though, don't go there expecting a vibrant night life!). pete

[RTB]

We just cleared in at Browns in May. They will bring the paperwork to your boat. A short walk to Customs. The Immigration office is at Bimini Big Game Club, a little farther down the road. It was an easy check in process, requiring very little time.

Browns is a nice marina. Offer Humphrey a shot of rum at the boat! He was very helpful with any request I had.







Be careful. The tide runs like a freight train in North Bimini. You will also get waked quite often at Browns, not sure about Bimini Sands.

I believe you have to check in at the airport on South Bimini.

Ralph
Temporary home | sailing away with R & B

[Waterway Guide]

Browns just upgraded their docks and is inexpensive. Ralph's right about the current...all the slips run parallel to make it easier to deal with, and the dockhands usually try to give you a slip running against the current to make it less harrowing. You might not be able to reach the dockhand on the radio...just pull up and they'll come. We've stayed at Bimini Sands, too...very nice, but more expensive.

[RTB]

Just one note. When we arrived at Bimini on May 1, there were not many markers. On our way back late June, there were all new very visible markers leading in. Very nice if they are still there!



Ralph

[bahamarich]

My vote is for The Bimini Sands on South Bimini. Dockage is 1.05 a foot w/ free WiFi. Beautiful grounds w/ pool, small store at marina w/ some supplies and baked goods, and a short ride to clear-in. Floating docks with no current make for safe easy docking. The difference is astounding compared to North Bimini. If you do not dock there take a ferry over to see what it is like.

Having said that Brown's is historic; having been around since Hemingway fished the waters of the Bahamas. I believe Brown's is 95 cents a foot.

[ShaktiGurl]

Bimini Sands is nice, great wifi, laundry and showers. Much easier to get fuel there too. It is nicely protected but the entrance is fairly narrow and shallow at low tide. You have to get a ride to customs (at the airport I think) but the people there are very friendly and will help you.

Rates
Up to 30 Feet - $33.00/Day + $10 Electric
Over 30 Feet - $1.10 Per Additional Foot

[RTB]

Originally Posted by bahamarich

I believe Brown's is 95 cents a foot.

Brown's is currently $1.50/ft. (summer rates).

Rates and Amenities - Brown's Marina in Bimini

Ralph

[bahamarich]

Yes summer rate. The rate at Bimini Sands also could be a higher summer rate. We were last there in May of this year. So sorry to have given you the wrong rates. Rich

[Snore]

Guys thanks for sharing your experiences. I will probably go to Brown's just to get the flavor of Alicetown and go to the other side next time.

Cheers!

[the_alpine]

Browns!