Preparing for Bimini

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At a very minimum you need to add a handheld VHF and flares. Even though you are crossing in a group you may venture out on your own once in Bimini. Please consider what safety equipment you will have. We have Type 1 Life Vests, a fixed VHF radio (up to 25 mile range), two handheld VHF radios (up to 5 mile range), a chart plotter for navigation with a tablet for backup and a second bilge pump. Also extremely important...an Epirb or PLB. I currently have 2 PLB's from ACR. The app Navionics on your phone or tablet is a great backup. Even thought there is no phone signal once you hit about 15 miles offshore, the navigation apps will still work. During the crossing we will use VHF marine radios to communicate between boats. Once in the Bahamas they will be used for communication on shore as well. On shore they are basically a party line to organize outings, find friends, etc. Using US mobile phones is expensive in Bimini so VHF radios take their place. 

I would say that a Handheld VHF radio is a requirement. It is the minimum needed for boat to boat communication and having one or more will greatly improve your onshore experience.

It is your decision if you want to take your boat out of our departure port (Hillsboro Inlet this year) and attempt the crossing. I am sure that we will all be monitoring the weather and wave forecasts. If you do venture out it is your responsibility to get your crew safely to Bimini or return them back to the States.

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There is added safety in numbers when we cross as a group. But as the Captain you are responsible for your boat and crew. Any boat or crew member that is not prepared to pound waves for four hours (worst case) to spend a week in paradise should not attempt the trip. You need to have quality flotation, signaling, navigation and communications equipment on your boat. Boats should not be overloaded. All boats need to carry sufficient fuel to reach Bimini, which for most of the boats in our group should be approximately 28 gallons and 24 to return to the states with a reasonable reserve. For most of our boats that is simply a full tank

In 2015 Bimini established a policy of having their police department take firearms and ammunition from any vessel that does not have a cabin to sleep in on arrival in Bimini then returning them on your departure. Bringing a firearm will cost hours of you and your crews time dealing with extra government regulations. I strongly suggest leaving them in the US despite my very pro carry beliefs.

The Bahama's Government allows handgun(s) or shotgun(s) to be brought into the country and secured on your boat. They can not be taken ashore. You will need to provide make, serial number and a count of ammunition.

The US Embassy in Nassau has posted this "A pleasure vessel entering The Bahamas shall be allowed to import a maximum of three (3) firearms inclusive of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, which such calibre of firearms shall not exceed three hundred and eight (308) calibres. Two hundred fifty (250) rounds of ammunition are allowed per firearm. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you cannot remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. However, for opened center console vessels, if a firearm is on board such a vessel, The Royal Bahamas Police Force will detain the weapon until the vessel's departure. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamian Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamian Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely and The Bahamas has recently increased both the penalties and sentencing for violators of local firearm laws."

There is so much to do and so little time, so we prioritize time on the water over time spent in restaurants. We generally eat breakfast in the condo, take lunch and snacks out on the boat and return to the condo for dinner which is followed by fellowship and rum in the infinity pool.

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Options for eating out on South Bimini include;

• The Big Dipper located at Bimini Cove, this small diner like facility is located above the ship store. They have seating for perhaps 10 to 20 guests.
• LilDippers Bar & Grill is open at the infinity pool at Bimini Cove. The menu is written on a chalk board and seems to change on a daily basis. I expect fresh food an amazing drinks to enjoy in an around the pool.
• Small's Deli which is located about a half mile north of Bimini Cove offers burgers, wings, conch and fish for reasonable prices. A recent review praised the their fried conch.
• The Thirsty Turtle's Yacht Clubs bar and grill is supposed to be operating it is approximately a half mile north east of Bimini Cove and is accessible by boat. I understand that amazing seafood pizza similar to what Mackey's Sandbar offered is available.

Options for eating out on North Bimini include;

• A Taste of Heaven Bakery - This is where the amazing Bimini Bread comes from.
• The Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill offers a variety of food and drinks and often has live entertainment. We have always enjoyed meals there. Their menu is available online.
• Bimini Big Johns, offers a variety of food for Tourist prices with docks available.
• Edith's Pizza, is highly recommended for pizza and conch fritters.
• J & Ts Daily Manna, is said to have the best conch chowder in Bimini.
• Joe's Conch Shack, another well rated conch shack option
• The End of the World Bar & Saloon, this sometimes open waterfront shack is a Bimini Tradition.
• Stuart's Conch Stand, this is the best of the conch shacks in Bimini.
• Sherry's Paradise Beach Bar, offers food and drinks on Radio Beach. I have read great reviews of the fried lobster and lobster rolls.
• Three Daughters Deli, well reviewed, offers a variety of reasonably priced food. Many can be found in the link.

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Keep in mind that the condos have full kitchens with refrigerators, stoves with ovens and microwaves. We bring the types of groceries that we would normally eat at home and mainly cooked in the condo or grilled on the boat.

When you arrive back at the marina in the US call 1-800-432-1216 or 1-800-451-0393 

to report your arrival. 

If you are traveling under a SVRS float plan you should call 1-877-330-7327.

This call must be made before you leave the marina. You will need to have all passports for yourself and all crew ready. After providing the necessary information those that are not part of the SVRS program will be asked to report in person within 24 hours. Most likely that will be to the Port Everglades location at 1800 Eller Drive, Suite 110, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Reporting in person only takes a few minutes. It is likely that there will be some delay in answering our phone calls due to the large number of arrivals at the same time. I will be communicating with the call center and asked them to be prepared.

Bimini Cove has shore power and water available. The 110 volt power is supplied via a NEMA L5-30P female socket which is common at marinas. I would bring at least 50 feet of extension cords if you feel you need power to recharge batteries for your trolling motors.

The water is supplied via a standard garden hose spigot. I keep a Pocket Hose on the boat to fill my shower tank and wash down the boat. 

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Keep in mind that there is a charge for electric and water.

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Bimini is an amazing place. My family's trips there have been the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations that we have ever had. It is something that you will talk about all year long and be counting the days until you can go back again. The experience is similar to camping in a condo with the most amazing scenery and wildlife that you could imagine. You will want to bring everything that you need for the entire trip but also pack light. It is an adventure and will test your boating, navigational, communication, planning, camping, cooking and survival skills.