Bimini yacht charter, private crossing from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the closest Bahamian island

The Closest Bahamian Island to Florida

Bimini Yacht Charter

Private Bimini yacht charter and boat rental with captain and crew. Book a private yacht charter to Bimini, or a boat charter to Bimini for a day on the water, sportfishing, or a multi-day island escape.

Captain and crew on every crossing. Customs coordination included.

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PRIVATE BIMINI CHARTERS FROM SOUTH FLORIDA

Bimini by Private Yacht Charter

Bimini sits just 50 miles east of Florida, the closest Bahamian island to the mainland. A private Bimini yacht charter covers that distance in about 2 to 3 hours across the Gulf Stream, which makes it the only Bahamian crossing you can comfortably do as a day trip. Every crossing departs from a deep-water marina in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, fully crewed and private to your group.

Crown Yachts runs private, crewed charters from South Florida across to Bimini. The captain manages the crossing, the weather window, customs clearance at the North Bimini port of entry, and all navigation. You spend the day at Honeymoon Harbour with the friendly stingrays at Gun Cay, snorkeling the SS Sapona wreck, exploring the Bimini Road, or fishing the drop-off that made Bimini the sportfishing capital of the world. A Bimini boat rental can run as a single day or as a multi-day stay aboard.

A Bimini boat charter is quoted per trip rather than at a fixed rate. The vessel, the format, the number of guests, and add-ons such as a private chef and an open bar all factor in. Share your date and plan via WhatsApp and we build the quote.

Luxury yacht at anchor in Bimini's turquoise water, private Bimini yacht rental from South Florida

Bimini Fleet

Yachts for the Bimini Crossing

Private charter yachts available for the Bimini crossing from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Captain and crew on every booking. A faster vessel is ideal for the round trip on a single-day Bimini day trip.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How a Bimini Yacht Charter Works

A Bimini yacht charter is the easiest way to reach the Bahamas from South Florida. Here is what every crossing includes, from the marina in Florida to the anchorage off North Bimini.

PLAN YOUR CROSSING
THE CLOSEST ISLAND

50 Miles from Florida, a 2 to 3-Hour Crossing

Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida, roughly 50 miles east of Miami and Fort Lauderdale across the Gulf Stream. On a motor yacht the crossing takes about 2 to 3 hours, which is what makes a Miami to Bimini yacht charter possible as a single day trip. The short distance is the reason Bimini is the most popular first crossing for anyone new to Bahamas cruising.

DAY TRIP OR MULTI-DAY

Leave in the Morning and Return the Same Evening, or Stay Aboard

A Bimini day trip departs South Florida early, spends the day at anchor on the flats and sandbars, and returns the same evening. If you would rather slow down, the same Bimini yacht rental can run as an overnight or a multi-day charter, letting you wake up at anchor off North Bimini. Both formats are fully crewed and private to your group.

COMPLETELY PRIVATE

One Group, One Vessel, No Other Passengers

Every Bimini boat charter is a completely private booking. No shared passengers, no group tour format, no other guests at the marina or on board. Your group has the vessel, the captain, and the crew exclusively for the entire crossing to Bimini and back to the South Florida departure marina.

CAPTAIN HANDLES EVERYTHING

Customs, Cruising Permit, and Navigation Managed by the Crew

Passengers carry only a valid passport. The captain handles the Bahamian cruising permit, vessel documentation, customs clearance at the official port of entry in Bimini, and all navigation across the Gulf Stream. Every part of the private yacht charter Bimini crossing is managed by the crew from the dock in Florida to the anchorage.

WATER AND WILDLIFE

Stingrays, Shipwrecks, and Some of the Clearest Water in the Bahamas

Bimini packs an extraordinary amount into a small island chain. Honeymoon Harbour at Gun Cay is famous for the friendly southern stingrays that glide across the sandbar. The SS Sapona shipwreck is an easy snorkel in shallow water, and the flats around North and South Bimini offer visibility other bays cannot match. A Bahamas snorkeling charter can be built around all of it.

SPORTFISHING CAPITAL

Hemingway's Island and the Deep Water Just Offshore

Bimini earned its reputation as the sportfishing capital of the world in Hemingway's day, and the deep water sits only minutes from the island. Mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin run the drop-off just off the western shore. A Bimini fishing charter out of Bimini reaches productive grounds faster than almost anywhere in the region.

DEPARTURE POINTS

Miami and Fort Lauderdale Bimini Departures

Bimini charters depart from deep-water marinas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We assign the departure point closest to where your group is staying for the shortest run to the crossing.

Select a marina to see the location

Miami Beach Marina

South Beach, Miami

The primary Miami departure point for the Bimini crossing. At the southern tip of Miami Beach beside Government Cut, vessels clear the channel within minutes and are in open water heading east toward Bimini. The most requested marina for a Miami to Bimini day trip.

A Watson Island deep-water marina on the MacArthur Causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It accommodates larger vessels with deep-water berths, and a short transit south reaches Government Cut and the open Atlantic for the run to Bimini.

On the eastern shore of Key Biscayne with direct Atlantic access east of the island. One of the closest Miami departure points to open water, cutting the run out toward Cat Cay and Bimini with no inner bay transit required.

The best-known marina in Fort Lauderdale, on Seabreeze Boulevard at Fort Lauderdale Beach. From Bahia Mar the yacht clears Port Everglades and heads straight across the Gulf Stream, making it a popular Fort Lauderdale departure for the Bimini crossing.

A deep-water mega-yacht marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway near Rio Vista, minutes from the Port Everglades inlet. A natural Fort Lauderdale departure for larger vessels making the Bimini crossing.

On the Intracoastal at the foot of the Las Olas bridge, minutes from the Las Olas district and a short run south to the Port Everglades inlet. A central Fort Lauderdale departure for guests staying near the beach who want a Bimini day trip.

View Miami Beach yacht charters
  • Miami Beach MarinaSouth Beach, MiamiThe primary Miami departure point for the Bimini crossing. At the southern tip of Miami Beach beside Government Cut, vessels clear the channel within minutes and are in open water heading east toward Bimini. The most requested marina for a Miami to Bimini day trip.Miami Beach yacht charters
  • Island Gardens Deep HarbourWatson Island, MiamiA Watson Island deep-water marina on the MacArthur Causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It accommodates larger vessels with deep-water berths, and a short transit south reaches Government Cut and the open Atlantic for the run to Bimini.Downtown Miami yacht charters
  • Crandon Park MarinaKey Biscayne, MiamiOn the eastern shore of Key Biscayne with direct Atlantic access east of the island. One of the closest Miami departure points to open water, cutting the run out toward Cat Cay and Bimini with no inner bay transit required.Key Biscayne yacht charters
  • Bahia Mar Yachting CenterFort Lauderdale BeachThe best-known marina in Fort Lauderdale, on Seabreeze Boulevard at Fort Lauderdale Beach. From Bahia Mar the yacht clears Port Everglades and heads straight across the Gulf Stream, making it a popular Fort Lauderdale departure for the Bimini crossing.Harbor Beach yacht charters
  • Pier Sixty-Six Marina17th Street, Fort LauderdaleA deep-water mega-yacht marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway near Rio Vista, minutes from the Port Everglades inlet. A natural Fort Lauderdale departure for larger vessels making the Bimini crossing.Rio Vista yacht charters
  • Las Olas MarinaLas Olas, Fort LauderdaleOn the Intracoastal at the foot of the Las Olas bridge, minutes from the Las Olas district and a short run south to the Port Everglades inlet. A central Fort Lauderdale departure for guests staying near the beach who want a Bimini day trip.Las Olas yacht charters

BOOKING PROCESS

How to Plan a Bimini Yacht Charter

01

Share Your Date, Group Size, and Format

Contact us via WhatsApp with your preferred date, how many guests will be aboard, and whether you want a Bimini day trip or a multi-day stay. We respond with available vessels and a route recommendation matched to your group and timeline.

02

Receive an Offshore Vessel Shortlist

We send a curated list of vessels suited to the Bimini crossing and your group size. Options range from the Lazzara LSX 75 and Azimut 105 to the Pershing GTX 116. A faster vessel is ideal if you want the full round trip in a single day.

03

Choose Your Departure Marina and Stops

We confirm the departure marina closest to where your group is staying in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, then map the day around what you want to see. Honeymoon Harbour stingrays, the SS Sapona wreck, Radio Beach, or a fishing run off the drop-off. The itinerary is built around your group.

04

Arrange Catering, Add-Ons, and Documentation

We coordinate provisioning, a private chef, an open bar package, and any celebration setup for the crossing. Every passenger receives the passport and entry checklist at this stage so nothing is missed on the day.

05

Confirm with a Deposit and Receive Your Charter Agreement

Secure the vessel and date with a deposit. You receive a full charter agreement covering the marina address, boarding time, captain contact, and everything included. The captain monitors the marine forecast and confirms the exact departure window ahead of the crossing.

06

Board Early and Cross to Bimini

Most Bimini day trips depart early to make the most of the island. The captain and crew are aboard before you arrive, every add-on is ready, and the vessel clears the inlet and heads east across the Gulf Stream. You arrive in Bimini with nothing left to arrange.

WHERE YOU WILL GO

What to See on a Bimini Charter

Bimini packs stingray sandbars, shipwrecks, a mysterious rock formation, and calm swim beaches into one small island chain. These are the stops most requested on a Bimini day trip or overnight.

Select a spot to see where it is

North Bimini & Alice Town

Main Island

North Bimini is the main island and the heart of Bimini life. Alice Town runs along the King's Highway with waterfront bars, dive shops, and the historic Compleat Angler district that Hemingway made famous. The North Bimini harbour is the official port of entry where the captain clears customs on arrival. It is the natural base for a day trip or an overnight anchorage.

Honeymoon Harbour at Gun Cay, just south of Bimini, is the single most requested stop on the island chain. The shallow sandbar is home to friendly southern stingrays that glide right up to swimmers in ankle-deep, crystal-clear water. It is the highlight of most Bimini day trips and one of the most photographed sandbars in the northern Bahamas.

The SS Sapona is a concrete-hulled cargo ship grounded in shallow water south of Bimini since a 1926 hurricane. The wreck sits partly above the surface, making it an easy and dramatic snorkel for all abilities. Schools of fish shelter inside the hull, and the clear, shallow water around it makes it one of the best beginner snorkel sites in the Bahamas.

Off the northwest coast of North Bimini lies the Bimini Road, a half-mile line of massive rectangular limestone blocks resting in about 15 feet of water. The formation has fueled decades of legend and speculation, and it remains a fascinating and easy snorkel and dive site. The clear, shallow water makes the geometry of the blocks visible from the surface.

Radio Beach on North Bimini is a long, calm stretch of soft white sand and shallow turquoise water on the western shore. It is the classic Bimini swim and relaxation beach, easy to reach from the anchorage and ideal for a beach afternoon between snorkel stops. The gentle shallows make it a favorite for families on a Bimini day trip.

South Bimini is quieter than its northern neighbour, with protected anchorages, calmer water, and the Bimini Sharklab research station on its shore. The channel between North and South Bimini offers sheltered water for swimming and paddleboarding, and the southern flats are a launch point toward Gun Cay and the Cat Cay sandbars.

  • North Bimini & Alice TownMain IslandNorth Bimini is the main island and the heart of Bimini life. Alice Town runs along the King's Highway with waterfront bars, dive shops, and the historic Compleat Angler district that Hemingway made famous. The North Bimini harbour is the official port of entry where the captain clears customs on arrival. It is the natural base for a day trip or an overnight anchorage.
  • Honeymoon Harbour, Gun CayStingray SandbarHoneymoon Harbour at Gun Cay, just south of Bimini, is the single most requested stop on the island chain. The shallow sandbar is home to friendly southern stingrays that glide right up to swimmers in ankle-deep, crystal-clear water. It is the highlight of most Bimini day trips and one of the most photographed sandbars in the northern Bahamas.
  • SS Sapona ShipwreckSnorkel WreckThe SS Sapona is a concrete-hulled cargo ship grounded in shallow water south of Bimini since a 1926 hurricane. The wreck sits partly above the surface, making it an easy and dramatic snorkel for all abilities. Schools of fish shelter inside the hull, and the clear, shallow water around it makes it one of the best beginner snorkel sites in the Bahamas.
  • Bimini RoadRock FormationOff the northwest coast of North Bimini lies the Bimini Road, a half-mile line of massive rectangular limestone blocks resting in about 15 feet of water. The formation has fueled decades of legend and speculation, and it remains a fascinating and easy snorkel and dive site. The clear, shallow water makes the geometry of the blocks visible from the surface.
  • Radio BeachSwim BeachRadio Beach on North Bimini is a long, calm stretch of soft white sand and shallow turquoise water on the western shore. It is the classic Bimini swim and relaxation beach, easy to reach from the anchorage and ideal for a beach afternoon between snorkel stops. The gentle shallows make it a favorite for families on a Bimini day trip.
  • South BiminiQuiet AnchoragesSouth Bimini is quieter than its northern neighbour, with protected anchorages, calmer water, and the Bimini Sharklab research station on its shore. The channel between North and South Bimini offers sheltered water for swimming and paddleboarding, and the southern flats are a launch point toward Gun Cay and the Cat Cay sandbars.

PLAN YOUR BIMINI CROSSING

Ready to Charter a Yacht to Bimini?

Tell us your date, how many guests, and whether you want a day trip or a multi-day stay. We recommend a vessel, build the itinerary, and quote the crossing. Everything from the Florida marina to the Bimini anchorage is handled.

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BIMINI YACHT CHARTER

Bimini by Private Yacht: Stingrays, Shipwrecks, and Sportfishing

Crown Yachts runs private, crewed Bimini charters from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Every booking is fully private, fully crewed, and managed from first inquiry to the anchorage off North Bimini.

Private yacht crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida to Bimini in the Bahamas

Bimini Yacht Charter: The Closest Crossing to the Bahamas

50 miles from Florida, a 2 to 3-hour crossing

A Bimini yacht rental is the easiest way into the Bahamas from South Florida. The island sits only 50 miles east of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, a 2 to 3-hour run across the Gulf Stream, so the crossing fits inside a single day. Crown Yachts operates private yachts with the range and speed for the passage, departing from Miami Beach Marina or the nearest marina to your group. See the shortest route on the Miami to Bimini page.

Fully stocked yacht bar for a Bimini day trip charter from South Florida

Bimini Day Trip: Honeymoon Harbour and the Stingrays

The most requested day on the island chain

A Bimini boat charter as a day trip departs Florida in the morning and anchors at Honeymoon Harbour off Gun Cay, where friendly southern stingrays glide across the shallow sandbar. See the Bimini stingray tour for the full experience. From there the day can add the SS Sapona shipwreck snorkel, a swim at Radio Beach, and time on the North Bimini flats before the evening return. Multi-day charters include full provisioning, a private chef, and open bar service loaded before departure.

Crown Yachts captain and crew ready for the Bimini crossing from Florida

Private Yacht Charter Bimini: The Crew Handles Customs, You Carry a Passport

Entry into the Bahamas managed from the dock in Florida

Entering the Bahamas by private vessel requires a cruising permit, vessel documentation, and customs clearance at the port of entry. On every Crown Yachts Bimini charter the captain handles all of it. Passengers carry only a valid US passport with at least six months of validity. The captain coordinates the arrival, presents the documentation, and manages the return clearance, so nothing about the international crossing falls to you. An island snorkeling charter or a fishing charter can shape the whole day on the water.

Luxury Bimini yacht charter for celebrations and multi-day island stays

Bimini Boat Charter: The First Stop on a Longer Bahamas Trip

From a single day to an island-hopping expedition

Because the crossing to Bimini is short, it is the natural first stop on a longer Bahamas itinerary. A multi-day charter can continue from Bimini to Cat Cay, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and on to the Exumas. For a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply a first taste of the islands, Crown Yachts coordinates the vessel, the route, the provisioning, and the crew service at every stop. See the full range of crossings on the Bahamas charters hub.

What Our Clients Say

Google Verified Reviews

JS

Joshua S.

2 hours ago

Amazing yacht rental experience. Ben was great on board, helpful, friendly and on top of everything. Everything went perfect, and the jet skis were superior. Will definitely be back.

AV

Anthony V.

1 day ago

Great service, fast responses, and everything perfectly arranged. The yacht was amazing and exactly as described. Would definitely recommend!

T

Tymo

3 days ago

We had an amazing experience with Crown Yachts Miami. The crew and captain were friendly, professional and made sure we had the best time. We cruised past Star Island and later stopped at a sandbar to swim. Such a great day, thank you!

CM

Carlijn M.

3 days ago

It was our first time exploring Miami by yacht and it was one of the best experiences we've had. The crew took great care of us the entire time. They were super friendly and patient. We stopped at multiple spots to take photos and the captain was more than happy to adjust the route whenever we wanted. Marinda also helped capture so many great moments for us, which made the whole experience even better. We will absolutely be returning!

EA

Enso A.

6 days ago

Booked a Sunseeker yacht in South Beach last month and it was amazing. The yacht looked incredible and the whole setup was perfectly arranged. Everything was on point from the moment we arrived. Our captain Ben was also very friendly and professional. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend!

KC

Kuba C.

6 days ago

We had the best day on Saturday. Chris and the crew/captain made sure it was a day we won't soon forget. From the yacht, food, service and weather, it was the perfect day. Thank you so much to everyone!!

J

Jesse

6 days ago

We were on vacation in Miami for a week and decided to book a yacht just 3 days in advance. Chris handled everything perfectly. The communication was super fast and really helpful! We had such a great time with the family. Totally worth it!

JP

Janis P.

6 days ago

Our company chartered the 105 ft Azimut for a corporate outing from Miami Beach Marina. All our distributors had a great time! Delicious food, great staff and a wonderful experience for our partners! Highly recommend, and it was a pleasure dealing with representative Chris!

VE

Vincent E.

1 week ago

We had an amazing experience with Crown Yachts Miami! They took care of every item on our list and the yacht was even nicer than we anticipated. 10/10 would recommend for a top-notch experience in Miami. Communication was also smooth.

HT

Haris T.

1 week ago

We rented the 66ft Azimut during our trip to Miami and it was honestly one of the best days of our vacation. Everything was smooth from the start. We ordered food and drinks ahead of time, and when we arrived, everything was already set up on the yacht and super fresh. The drinks were already chilled in the ice box, which was perfect. We had an amazing time out on the water, everything was exactly how we hoped it would be. Definitely recommend Crown Yachts Miami if you're trying to have a fun day out with friends. Would 100% book again!

FAQ

Bimini Yacht Charter FAQ

How far is Bimini from Miami and Fort Lauderdale by yacht?
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida, roughly 50 miles east of both Miami and Fort Lauderdale across the Gulf Stream. On a motor yacht the crossing takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on vessel speed and sea conditions. That short distance is why a Bimini yacht charter can be done as a single day trip, unlike Nassau or the Exumas, which sit much farther out.
Can I do a Bimini day trip on a private yacht?
Yes. A Bimini Bahamas day trip is the most popular first crossing from South Florida. The yacht departs in the morning, reaches Bimini in about 2 to 3 hours, and spends the day at Honeymoon Harbour, the SS Sapona wreck, and Radio Beach before returning the same evening. For departure details and timing see the Miami to Bimini and Fort Lauderdale to Bimini day trip pages.
Do I need a passport for a Bimini yacht charter?
Yes. Every guest needs a valid US passport to enter the Bahamas by private vessel, including on a single-day Bimini crossing. We recommend at least six months of validity remaining on the passport. The captain handles the Bahamian cruising permit and clears customs at the official port of entry in North Bimini on arrival, so all you need to carry is the passport itself.
What is there to do in Bimini on a yacht charter?
Bimini packs a lot into a small chain. The most requested stop is Honeymoon Harbour at Gun Cay, where friendly southern stingrays glide across a shallow sandbar. The SS Sapona shipwreck and other Bimini snorkeling spots are an easy snorkel, the Bimini Road rock formation off North Bimini is a fascinating dive site, and Radio Beach is a calm swim beach. Bimini is also the sportfishing capital of the world, so a fishing charter or a snorkeling charter can shape the whole day.
How much does a Bimini yacht charter cost?
A Bimini boat charter is quoted per trip rather than at a fixed rate, because the total depends on the vessel, the format, and the add-ons. A single-day crossing, an overnight, and a multi-day stay each price differently, and provisioning, a private chef, and an open bar all factor in. Share your date, group size, and whether you want a day trip or a longer stay via WhatsApp, and we build a quote tailored to your crossing. Browse the fleet.
Where do Bimini charters depart from?
Our Bimini charters depart from deep-water marinas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In Miami the most popular departure is Miami Beach Marina beside Government Cut, along with Island Gardens Deep Harbour and Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. In Fort Lauderdale, Bahia Mar, Pier Sixty-Six, and Las Olas Marina all sit minutes from the Port Everglades inlet. We recommend the departure point closest to where you are staying.
Is Bimini good for fishing?
Yes. Bimini is known as the sportfishing capital of the world, a reputation it earned in Ernest Hemingway's day. The deep water of the Gulf Stream sits only minutes off the western shore, so mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin are reachable quickly. A Bimini fishing charter out of Bimini spends more time fishing and less time running than almost anywhere in the region.
Can I combine Bimini with other Bahamas islands?
Yes. Bimini is the natural first stop on a longer Bahamas itinerary. From Bimini a multi-day charter can continue to Cat Cay, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and on to the Exumas. Because the crossing to Bimini is short, many island-hopping trips begin here before pushing deeper into the islands. See the full range of crossings on the Bahamas charters hub.
What is the best time of year for a Bimini charter?
Bimini is a year-round destination. Late fall through spring generally brings the calmest seas and the most reliable Gulf Stream crossings, which suits day trips well. Summer brings warm, clear water and long days. The captain always makes the final call on crossing conditions and selects the departure window with the smoothest water for the day.
What is included in a Bimini yacht charter?
Every Bimini charter includes a licensed captain and professional crew, fuel for the crossing, all navigation and safety equipment, cruising permit coordination, and customs clearance at the Bimini port of entry. A private chef, full catering and open bar, watersports gear, and celebration decoration are available as add-ons and pre-loaded before departure from Florida.

Ready to Charter a Private Yacht to Bimini?

The closest Bahamian island to Florida, reachable in a single day. Tell us your date, group size, and whether you want a day trip or a longer stay. We recommend a vessel, build the itinerary, and handle everything from the Florida marina to the Bimini anchorage.

Captain and crew on every crossing 50 miles from South Florida Day trips and multi-day stays 5.0 Google rating