South Bimini Airport

South Bimini Airport sits on the southern tip of North Bimini, the main island of the Bimini chain in the Bahamas. It handles scheduled and charter flights from Florida and Nassau, connecting this low-key out island to the outside world. With a single runway and a small terminal, the airport is a straightforward facility that largely avoids the stress of larger hubs. The adjacent Port Royal area is known for its marinas, sportfishing, and quiet beaches, making this airport the typical entry point for travelers seeking the island's relaxed pace.

Getting There

South Bimini Airport is located on South Bimini, a separate island from the main settlement of Alice Town on North Bimini. There is no bridge between the two islands. To reach Alice Town or the resorts on North Bimini, passengers must take a water taxi from the airport dock. The water taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and costs around $10–$15 per person. The ferry dock is a short walk from the terminal exit. Alternatively, some hotels arrange private boat transfers. If you are staying on South Bimini itself, the airport is a 5-minute walk from the Bimini Bay Resort and the South Bimini beach area. There is no public bus service on the island. Taxis are available at the airport but are limited; it is wise to pre-arrange transportation with your accommodation. Rental cars are available in Alice Town but must be taken via water taxi. The airport parking lot is small and free for short-term parking. For those flying into the Bahamas by private aircraft, customs and immigration are located in the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at South Bimini Airport is compact and open-air. Upon arrival, passengers walk from the tarmac through a covered walkway into a single room that handles both arrivals and departures. The facility is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp at the entrance and accessible toilets. Baggage storage is available, though the airport advises calling ahead to confirm availability, as staff may not always be on hand. There is a small baggage claim area with a single carousel. The departure area has bench seating and a small snack bar that sells drinks and light food — cash only, as the credit card machine sometimes malfunctions. Restrooms are clean but basic. The entire terminal has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere: open windows let in the breeze, and the staff are friendly. There is no air conditioning, so dress for the heat. Security screening is quick and minimal — they ask to see ID and may check bags manually. The busiest times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9–10 AM, when the scheduled flights from Fort Lauderdale and Nassau arrive and depart. Arriving during those times means a brief wait at customs. Expect the entire process from landing to baggage claim to take less than 20 minutes on a normal day. The airport is not open all day — hours are tied to flight schedules, so it is best to confirm your flight's operating times with your airline.

South Bimini Airport and Port Royal

Port Royal is the area on South Bimini directly adjacent to the airport. Historically, Bimini has been a destination for sportfishing and boating, and Port Royal is home to the Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, one of the island's largest resorts. The area is quieter than Alice Town, offering a handful of restaurants, a small grocery store, and access to beaches such as Radio Beach and the beach at Bimini Bay. The famous Bimini Road — an underwater rock formation that some speculate is part of the lost city of Atlantis — lies off the coast and is accessible by snorkeling or diving tours that depart from the marina. The island also has a rich literary connection: Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here in the 1930s, and the Compleat Angler Hotel (now closed) housed his memorabilia. The Bimini Museum in Alice Town provides further context. For nature lovers, the Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab) offers educational tours about shark research. The airport's location makes it easy to reach these attractions: the water taxi to Alice Town is frequent, and many visitors choose to stay on South Bimini itself for its convenience. The airport serves as more than a transport hub — it is the first and last impression of Bimini for most tourists. The relaxed pace of the terminal sets the tone for the island. Port Royal itself is a mix of vacation homes, a few small shops, and quiet streets. There is no nightlife to speak of, which suits the island's character. The key to enjoying Bimini is to embrace its unhurried atmosphere. The airport is a gateway to that experience, not just a building.

Practical Information

South Bimini Airport is located on South Bimini, Bahamas. The phone number is +1 242-347-4111. The airport is not open all day; it opens and closes around scheduled flights. Passengers should confirm the airport will be open for their flight time with their airline or the airport directly. The terminal has wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, toilet, and baggage storage. The snack bar is cash-only. The busiest times are Monday through Thursday around 9–10 AM. For arriving passengers, have your passport and customs declaration ready. Departing passengers should arrive 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 1 hour for international. Water taxis to North Bimini run frequently but may stop after dark. One concrete piece of advice: bring cash — many small vendors and taxis on Bimini do not accept cards, and the airport ATM is often empty.