Miami to Bimini

[iluxa]

Planning on crossing over to Bimini on 06/28 coming back 07/03. We have 2 jet skis and a 26 foot Sea Ray Sundancer chase boat. Its our first time crossing. If anyone would like to join or have any advise please let me know!!

I know ice and food is really expensive over there so we are trying to bring with us as much as possible.

We plan on scuba diving but are looking to rent tanks in Bimini to keep the weight down on the equipment we bring. Has anyone rented 02 tanks there? If so, how much did it cost?

We have alot of the basics covered. We are following this ride plan posted by ANNUAL BIMINI SANDS PWC 100

IF YOU HAVE CROSSED BEFORE, PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY/ ADVISE/ RIDEPLANS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE

RIDE PLAN:
Haulover Marina to Bimini, Bahamas

CUSTOMS/VESSEL FEE:
$150 FOR PWC

ADDITIONAL FEES:
Food
Drinks
Gas
Tax
Gratuity
Misc.

RESORT 1 CONTACT INFO:
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina
Viveca Sherman Lubin
Office Manager
Bimini Bahamas
Email - viveca@biminisands.com
Website - www.biminisands.com
(242) 347-3500 Office (International Call)
(242) 347-3501 Fax

RESORT 2 CONTACT INFO:
The Sea Crest Hotel
Bimini, Bahamas
Email - no email
Website - www.seacrestbimini.com
(242) 347 3071

FUEL:
Bimini Sands Resort
www.biminisands.com
Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina
http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/

FREEPORT RESORT 1 CONTACT INFO(OPTION):
Flamingo Bay Hotel
http://www.expedia.com/Freeport-Hote...-9b52c8c8c3af&
FUEL: Port Luyaca Marina
http://www.portlucaya.com/index.htm

MARINA IN MIAMI:
Haulover Marina (Private Marina & Boat Ramp - charge for parking)
10800 Collins Ave
Miami, FL 33154
(305) 947-3525

BAD WEATHER:
If the weather is bad, we reschedule, BSR is very understanding as are most resorts on Bahemian Islands.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel your reservation up to 10 days prior to arrival and within the 10 days we will have up to a year to reschedule.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:
1) Valid Passport & I.D.
2) PWC must be ready to travel.
3) PWC must be equipped with all USCG required items.
4) PWC must be equipped with valid Registration.
5) PWC must be equipped with INTAKE SHUT OFF VALVES or LINE CLAMP in case of towing.
6) PWC must be equipped with minimum 50' Tow line with quick clips.
7) PWC should have NEW BATTERY, spare spark plugs & plug tool(2 STROKE)
8) PWC should have small tool kit, first aid kit & oil if needed
9) Pack fluids, food and suntan lotion, be smart, it will be HOT
10) You must be both physically and mentally capable to do this ride.
11) $150 Bahamas Vessel Fee in cash.
12) $300 approx cash in hand for personal expenses.
13) GPS with 16 hours minimum battery life(extra batteries)
14) VHF 2 Way Radio or SAT Phone
15) SPOT or CATEGORY I EPIRB 406mhz (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons)
16) CELL PHONE
17) ATLEAST 1 - 5 GAL can with FUEL
18) Appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc.
19)YELLOW QUARINTINE FLAG(mandatory) - can purchase from West Marine
20) BAHAMAS COURTESY FLAG(preferable) - can purchase from West Marine
21) American Flag or sticker on your PWC(optional)

EPIRB RENTAL PROGRAM:
www.boatus.com/foundation/epirb/default.asp

SATELLITE PHONE RENTAL COMPANIES:
GMPCS Personal Communications - www.gmpcs-us.com
Global Com - www.globalcomsatphone.com
Mobal Communications - www.mobalrental.com
Outfitter Satellite - www.outfittersatellite.com
World Cell - www.worldcell.com
Cellular Abroad - www.cellularabroad.com
Cellhire - www.cellhire.com<
Sat Phone Store - www.satphonestore.com
All Road Sat - http://allroadsat.com/

SPOT:
www.lowergear.com/product.php/id/261
West Marine carries these, well worth the money

 

[JimG]

I applaud your adventurous spirit!

There are several threads here discussing this trip.

It's on my bucket list! Good luck!

 

[trit21]

Bimini is quite and easy ride as long as the seas are calm. Done the trip several times but typically with other boats as well. Come up some contingency is the SeaRay has a problem as well. I know if the skis are in trouble the SeaRay can tow but just make sure you know what the plan is in case the chase boat develops problems as well. From the post it seems like you have done your homework and then some, congrats. When going to the Bahamas we don't pack an enormous amount of food as there are some pretty neat places to eat in the islands, even Bimini and who wants to cook on your vacation, but again that is just us. Now, on the other hand, beer and certain alcohol is real expensive over there. Rum, cheap; vodka, expensive; scotch and whiskey, expensive; beer , real expensive. Get a good cooler if you have room like a Yeti or Engle (what I have) if you have room. Keeps ice for a week if packed full with limited access during the hot day. Also make a plan for if you return trip is washed out and you can't cross back for several days or worse, sometimes it happen but during your trip dates typically not, but you never know. I don't know the tank rental in Bimini but they are readily available since they have at least one if not 2 well know dive operators there. Last but not least, HAVE FUN!

 

[Sea Gull]

I can't see a PWC carrying a category 1 EPIRB. I'd probably opt for a PLB in my pocket or a category 2. I can't really visualize a PWC carrying a 5 gallon can of gasoline either, but maybe this will be carried by the SR.

 

[nautic_32]

Hi Iluxa:
When I purchased my 28' Aquasport on my first long trip we ventured towards Bimini right around mothers day weekend 2013, took us right around 4 hours doing the crossing with 4'-5' seas, once you enter the Bahamian waters its like paradise, must be a good and adventure making this trip on jet skies. We stopped at Seacrest Marina for the night and had a great experience with locals and some drunk captains, rented a golf cart with no lights, horn and literally no brakes, head straight to the new marina ( cant remember the name ) while still in construction and had a blast. We are serious planning a trip around that time too with some other boats depending on weather, I have made some research and looking at Youtube videos showing perfect time to cross the stream is around mid june to august IMO. Please keep us posted on this trip and maybe we can go at same weekend.

john