Bimini

O

Odyssey

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Jun 28, 2006
RO Number
22049
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19
Last summer, we made a trip to Bimini and the route to get into Bimini Harbor had changed (without me knowing it). We made our usual approach from the south, then saw other boats leaving the harbor and heading straight west in stead of motoring along the shore.

Does anyone know what the correct route is now? We are thinking about a trip there later this month.

Thanks
 
You'll be happy to hear that Bimini has dredged and marked a channel into the main harbor where the old "local cut" used to be. The coordinates for the first set of bouys as you enter the from the ocean are N25 42.698 W79 18.362.
 
Thanks - I looked at the coordinates you provided and they are along the lines of the old approach. Do you have to hug the coastline like you did before? Are there buoys marking the new channel? Was the dredging part of the channel made for Bimini Bay?
 
quote:
Originally posted by a1anne

You'll be happy to hear that Bimini has dredged and marked a channel into the main harbor where the old "local cut" used to be. The coordinates for the first set of bouys as you enter the from the ocean are N25 42.698 W79 18.362.

Click to expand...


Anne, Do I understand that old approach is the same?? You cant cut across the Bar unless you have minimum draft??
 
The depth of the new, dreged channel is 14 feet. It's not hugging the coast, more of a slight curve in toward the harbor . There are bouys and one fixed daymark.

The old approach, using the range markers, is still there. Bimini Sands (red roofed buildings on S. Bimini) Marina enterance has shaoled over the route along the beach. I see people do it at high tide, but it's much quicker and deeper to take the new channel.
 
Anne - the chart below shows the location of the coordinates you listed. Is this where the channel starts? Also, I understand that you get to Bimini Bay from inside Bimini Harbor. Is that correct?

Thanks
BiminiHorbor-1.jpg
 
That's correct. I don't remember if there are 3 bouys on each side of the channel, or 4 - but it's very clear what to do when you're approaching. To get to Bimini Bay, go inside Bimini Harbor, and continue past the Big Game Club, until you reach another marked channel - it's almost impossible to stray out of the Bimini Bay Channel, since there are so many markers.

bimini.enterance.gif
 
Thanks Anne - have you been to Bimini Bay? That's where we're thinking of staying. What do you think of it?

Thanks
 
Bimini Bay is a very modern, very new marina. They have floating docks and easy access. The bar/restaurant is open now and there is a very cool infinity pool overlooking the ocean. I think you can clear customs/immigration at their marina now, too. They did a very good job of covering up the Bahamas with an American version of a resort. In a sense, it's like sailing into a gated community in Fort Lauderdale.

You will be removed from the "strip" or main part of town (Alicetown). The local bars, local restaurants, straw market, true Bahamian flavor, etc. are all located a long, long walk away... or a short golf cart ride.
 
quote:
Originally posted by a1anne

Bimini Bay is a very modern, very new marina. They have floating docks and easy access. The bar/restaurant is open now and there is a very cool infinity pool overlooking the ocean. I think you can clear customs/immigration at their marina now, too. They did a very good job of covering up the Bahamas with an American version of a resort. In a sense, it's like sailing into a gated community in Fort Lauderdale.
Click to expand...


Are Casinos next???[:-cry][:-cry]
 
Yes, a casino is in the plans... know the old Rockwell/Lyon Mansion on the point? That's the location.

A golfcourse is also in the works. Say goodbye to the mangroves.
 
Paul, My feelings exactly.

Still be able to sign in Customs and run south to fish near one of the small Cays, come back to North Bimini late afternoon, go for a swim at Blue Water Pool, get a cracked Conch/chicken/peas&rice dinner at one of the Alice town locals. Will miss the old Complete Angler.
Only negative will be the cost of fuel.

There I go , Dreamin again.
 
quote:
Originally posted by a1anne

Yes, a casino is in the plans... know the old Rockwell/Lyon Mansion on the point? That's the location.

A golf course is also in the works. Say goodbye to the mangroves.
Click to expand...


Anne, Does that mean the "Fountain Of Youth" will be in the middle of a Golf Coarse??
 
I understand there were very strong opinions regarding the development of the resort. I read online that environmentalists said the resort was a disaster and the developer said they did everything right.
 
I'm not sure - the proposed pics don't show a lot of detail.

mapa_golf.jpg


Here's another stomach turning addition... the grey area at the right of the photo is where the golf course will start. With all the dredging from the mega yacht marina (to be built, yet) they're putting in a man-made island for more homes...

location_map_large.jpg
 
We have seen this type of development all over the Caribbean and it is a mixed blessing for the locals. They generally get good jobs and better pay which raises thir standard of living but the region is changed forever, such is the price of progress.

Resorts, casinos and better facilities come at a price and getting away from the crowd is more difficult every year. There is nothing anyone can do about it except complain that their favorite watering hole is now a high priced mega resort. We do our best to stay away from the tourist crowd but sometimes it is nice to be able to take a long hot shower and relax by letting someone else do the cooking and cleaning for a day or so.

None-the-less it is sad to see the pace of change in the Caribbean.

SeaQuest OE
A Lagoon 570
 
It's sad to some extent but nice in other ways. We love the "rustic" Bahamas but not when the marina power goes out or is out of phase. It's also not so good when the marina is out of water or you can't get provisions or fuel. There needs to be a way to provide nice boating/vacation facilities but not destroy what we all love about the Bahamas.
 
How do the Biminites feel about it? Do they feel it has helped Bimini or is Alice Town tourism down?

I have not been to Bimini in a few years so I don't know.
 
As TP has stated "Nothing anyone can do about it".
As long as there is not any commercial(Freighter) traffic, maybe the waters around Bimini will stay Crystal clear.

Will Alicetown,Red Lion Pub,End Of The World Bar be considered "The Slums"??

Will they drill for OIL in Honymoon Harbor??[:(!]

Hope they will make signing in at customs and Immigration a little easier/Faster. Online Docs. to fill out would be nice.

Dave S., Are you the one who started all this "Progress" on the Island?.;)
 
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