You think you know how to get to the Bahamas. Pop over to Nassau, maybe a quick hop to Freeport. But Bimini? Honestly, it’s a different beast entirely. It’s only 50 miles from the Florida coast, yet people spend hours—sometimes days—messing up the logistics because they don't understand how the aviation "bridge" to this tiny sliver of land actually works.
Bimini is basically two islands: North and South. Most of the action, the resorts, and the "Hemingway was here" vibes are on North Bimini. But the runway? That’s on South Bimini. If you don't account for the ferry ride between them, you’re already starting your vacation with a headache.
The Reality of Flying to Bimini Bahamas Right Now
Forget what you see on generic travel booking sites. They often miss the niche carriers that actually dominate this route. If you’re flying to Bimini Bahamas, you have three primary ways to do it: scheduled commercial flights, seaplanes, or private charters.
Silver Airways is the big player here. They run out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). It’s a standard airport experience, but with a twist—the planes are smaller turboprops. Expect a Saab 340 or an ATR. It’s loud. It’s cramped. But it gets the job done in about 45 minutes.
Then there’s Tropic Ocean Airways. This is the "flex" move. They fly Cessna Grand Caravans—seaplanes—out of the Fort Lauderdale Sheltair terminal or even the Miami Seaplane Base at Watson Island. You land right in the water behind Resorts World Bimini. No taxi from the airport. No ferry. You just step off the float and you're basically at the bar. It costs more, obviously, but when you factor in the time saved skipping the South Bimini ferry, the math starts to make sense for a lot of people.
Don't Ignore the South Bimini Airport (BIM)
South Bimini International Airport is... rustic. Don't go looking for a Starbucks. It’s a single strip of asphalt and a small terminal. When you land here on a scheduled flight like Silver or Western Air (which runs frequently from Nassau), you’ll go through a very tiny customs area.
Once you’re out, you take a $5 taxi van to the ferry dock. Then a $3 boat ride to North Bimini. It’s efficient in a "tropical island time" sort of way, but if you’re carrying five suitcases and a cooler of bait, it’s a workout.
Why the Departure City Changes Everything
Most travelers assume Miami (MIA) is the hub for everything. It isn't. Not for Bimini.
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is the true gateway. Because the distance is so short—literally 53 miles from shore to shore—the fuel costs are low, but the landing fees at MIA are high. That’s why the smaller operators cluster in Broward County.
Western Air is a sleeper hit for people coming from other parts of the Bahamas. They fly out of the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. If you’re doing an island-hopping trip, this is your best bet. Their planes are surprisingly modern Embraer jets, which feel like a luxury compared to some of the puddle jumpers you’ll find elsewhere.
The Charter Factor
If you have a group of four or more, look at Makers Air or Aztec Airways. They fly out of Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE). This is a game changer. Why? No TSA lines. You show up 20 minutes before your flight, park for free, and walk onto the tarmac.
I’ve seen people spend $400 on a commercial seat and another $100 on baggage fees and parking at FLL. A shared charter might run you $500–$600, but the lack of stress is worth the price of a few Bahama Mamas.
Things Nobody Tells You About the Customs Process
Entering the Bahamas by air is usually smoother than by sea, but it has quirks.
- The Paperwork: You still need to fill out those blue customs forms. Keep a pen in your pocket. Seriously. The airport often runs out.
- The Bahamas Travel Health Visa: This was a massive thing during the pandemic years. It’s gone now. You don't need it. You just need your passport and a return ticket.
- The "Island Time" Buffer: If your flight is at 2:00 PM, don't expect to be in the air at 2:00 PM. Weather in the Florida Straits is fickle. Thunderstorms can pop up in ten minutes, hold everything up for twenty, and then vanish.
Private Pilots: The 50-Mile Leap
If you’re flying your own Cessna or Cirrus, Bimini is the ultimate "first international flight" for US-based pilots. It’s so close you can see the lights of Miami from 5,000 feet over the island at night.
But you have to follow the eAPIS (Electronic Advance Passenger Information System) rules. You can't just wing it. You file your manifest, squawk your code, and land at BIM. The airport has fuel (usually 100LL), but it's expensive. Most pilots tank up in Florida to save a few bucks. Also, remember to bring your "tie-downs." The wind on that South Bimini strip can get gusty when a front moves through.
Staying Legal
You need a temporary cruising permit if you’re staying, though for a quick fly-in, the standard entry fees apply. It’s roughly $50 for the arrival tax, but check the latest rates because the Bahamian government likes to adjust these every few budget cycles.
Misconceptions About the "Fast Ferry" vs. Flying
People love the Balearia Caribbean ferry because it's "cheap." Is it, though?
The ferry leaves from Port Everglades. You have to get there two hours early. The ride takes two to three hours depending on the sea state. If the Gulf Stream is grumpy, half the boat is using those little white bags.
Flying to Bimini Bahamas takes 30 minutes of air time. Even with the airport hassle, you save about four hours of your life. If you're only going for a weekend, those four hours are the difference between a sunset dinner and sitting in a terminal waiting for a boat to dock.
Logistics on the Ground
Once you land and cross the water to North Bimini, your primary mode of transport is a golf cart. You can’t really rent cars here.
Most people book their cart in advance. If you’re staying at Resorts World, they have a fleet. If you’re staying at a boutique spot like the Bimini Big Game Club, there are local vendors right outside the ferry landing. Negotiate. If you’re staying for a week, don't pay the daily rate.
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Navigating Peak Season
March through August is prime time. The water is glass. The fishing is world-class (wahoo and tuna runs are legendary). But the flights fill up months in advance.
If you try to book a flight to Bimini for Memorial Day weekend two weeks out, you’re going to see prices north of $700. Or worse, you'll be stuck with a 6:00 AM departure that requires you to wake up at 3:00 AM.
Winter is different. The "Northers" blow in. These cold fronts bring wind and swells. Small planes—especially the seaplanes—might face delays. If you’re flying in January, build a "cushion" day into your itinerary.
Essential Steps for Your Trip
To make this work without losing your mind, follow this specific sequence:
- Check Silver Airways first to get a baseline price for your dates.
- Compare that price against Tropic Ocean Airways. If the difference is less than $150, take the seaplane. The time and ferry costs you save make it an even trade.
- Book your golf cart the same day you book your flight. They do run out.
- Pack light. These small planes have strict weight limits. If you bring a 50lb suitcase, they might leave it behind for the next flight if the plane is at its maximum takeoff weight.
- Verify your terminal. In Fort Lauderdale, Silver is at the main airport (FLL), but many charters are at the Executive airport (FXE). Don't go to the wrong one. They are 20 minutes apart.
Bimini is the closest "real" Caribbean experience you can get to the United States. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s surprisingly easy to reach if you stop trying to book it like a trip to Orlando. Fly small, pack light, and get on the water.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your passport expiration: The Bahamas requires six months of validity beyond your stay.
- Download the "WhatsApp" app: Most local businesses and golf cart rentals in Bimini communicate exclusively through WhatsApp rather than standard phone calls.
- Verify baggage dimensions: Ensure your luggage fits the 62-inch (total linear) limit common for turboprop carriers to avoid heavy "excess baggage" fees at the gate.