Bimini Bahamas by Boat - How to Make the Crossing

Many people enjoy the close proximity of Florida to the Bahamas and the great boating and fishing that goes on in places like Bimini. If you have ever been curious what it takes to get from mainland USA to the little island nation of the Bahamas, check out this quick video and post whatever questions you may have.

[@Gardosunron]

The best video of a dock I've ever seen.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thanks!! It was a nice dock.

[@Logan-ns7uj]

Great video, on your yellow flag - I use zip ties all the time sure come in handy on the boat thanks.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Lee C thanks. Hopefully we will be posting our trip this year to Hawks Cay. Not as cool as crossing, but it should be fun!!

[@captainmorgan4947]

Great video! Port Royal Jamaica here

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thanks, maybe we can head your way one day!!

[@captainmorgan4947]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville ok great! I'm currently in New York City. Will be back home next Spring Break!

[@ZoTime747]

Very informative!!! Great video

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

King Blake88 thanks for the comment!!

[@Mr91495osh]

The Gulfstream’s current ranges between -2 to 5 knots north. This affects slow moving boats like sailboats and trawlers but not motor boats (much) running cruising over 20 knots. Your boats speed will depend on sea conditions and we found cruising at 20 to 25 knots was the norm. The 40+ foot outboards will cruise at 35 + knots. Head 90 degrees from Fowry Rocks and watch your radar. Bimini is real hard to miss. P.S. keep your compass clear.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

G Howard sounds like you have done this a few times. Thanks for the information!!

[@Mr91495osh]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville you’re welcome

[@Paul-su6gw]

Its nice that they do groups for the crossing, less problematic if someone has problem... Sometimes i want to do that crossing too.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Paul I have heard there are some forums that get together and make the crossing as a group. Definitely nice to have a bunch of people in case something goes wrong.

[@Paul-su6gw]

Yamaha Marine Center Jacksonville FL Thank you! Will take some years but if i do it i will look for that! Another question: Do you know if boat rental companies allow the crossing (if there‘s proof that the captain can really drive a boat)

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Paul not normal rental companies to my knowledge. There may be something out there that I am not aware of, but I am pretty sure you could hire a private charter and go where ever you wanted.

[@princianojnr]

Great video .but How can I join and how much do I need to pay . What about the check in when you reach . What are some of documents the coast customs must need to check you in before they will allow you to enter

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@princianojnr this is with the Pursuit Owners group. It doesn’t cost anything to join, just get on their mailing list and they send out annual invites. You do have to own a Pursuit to attend. I am making another video when we went to the Abacos. That one will have more procedural information. Stay tuned. Thanks for the comment.

[@walkwithdezi]

Great video with good information thanks for providing the nice information, from where do you buy the flags, what happens when you visit several island nations and from where you get those flags.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thanks. Most dealers can get the flags from their parts distributors. West Marine also has them. Let us know if we can help at all.

[@Runarukaya]

Hi Sir. I hope everything going well for you. Please how much is Bahamas to Miami

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Miami to Bimini is only about 60 miles.

[@Runarukaya]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville okay thanks for the information please can l get your contacts so we link up when I come

[@UrbanFisherman]

Great video 📹

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thanks!! Hopefully have another one coming soon. This time with a little more planning and info.

[@KathyTheStockGal]

I have a Chaparral 260 signature 26' long is that a decent size to go across.?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

It really depends on the sea state. There are many groups that cross on personal water craft. As long as you take the proper precautions I would assume any sea worthy vessel can make it . It isn’t very far.

[@KathyTheStockGal]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville tnx cant wait to make the journey

[@agcorp1]

Great vid, we are planing on a cross, are you guys part of a poker run club that makes the cross often ? would definitely love to make the cross with a large group.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

andrew heilbroun we go over with the Pursuit group for their annual rendezvous. We are going to the keys this year. Hopefully we will be getting together for a regular Bimini trip in the next several years apart from the Pursuit group. Stay in touch!!

[@nothandozinyawu4446]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville hi

[@mgdwj]

Do you have to go through customs if your not going to be going ashore? I’m thinking of just doing a day trip for a little fishing.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

To my knowledge u need a permit to fish in Bahamian waters. I am not sure if u can get one online or if they make u check in??

[@kevinturpin7937]

I live in Georgia and was wanting To eventually haul my boat down to Fort Lauderdale and make the Crossing stay for about a week.... my question is is there any online groups anyone recommends I can possibly join up with other boaters when they take trips over to Bimini especially doing it for the first time would love to have some other people to go just in case anything may arise .. people who have done it before and know the area And the ends and outs for safe crossing

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

kevin turpin that’s a good question. I don’t know of any groups outside of dealers or manufacturers putting on events/crossings. Hopefully someone will see your comment and be able to share some info.

[@markjarvis21]

Search Bahamas or Bimini flings out of fort Lauderdale. There's also bimini crossing Facebook groups that people will post their travels dates and link up for crossing. www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/events/sf-boat-trips-bahamas-tourism-trips-20180618-story.html

[@FlaGolfer]

kevin turpin Kevin, the Bahamas Tourism Department organizes flotillas to the islands. Unfortunately, I lost the brochure with the specific info. I got it at the boat show in West Palm Beach which is coming up.

[@FlaGolfer]

kevin turpin Kevin, found it bookmarked on the computer. Go to Bahamas.com/things-do/boating. Scroll down and look for “flings” on the right side of the page. Enjoy.

[@benschroeder1161]

Are you located in Jacksonville FL? Also weird question but I have a pair of jet skis and want to do this trip on them but would feel way more comfortable to go with someone who has a boat so we can tag along just for the ride over and possibly back. Never done this before and doing a ton of research on it but that’s my biggest hurtle to overcome. Is this trip once a year for y’all or whenever y’all feel like going over?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

We are in Jax FL. When we went over this trip there were several jet ski groups that made the crossing independent of us. I am sure there are some groups online that make this crossing quite a bit on PWC’s. We went to Bimini 2 out of 3 years during these rendezvous trips. Last year was Duck Key and this year was Captiva. We are planning on the Abacos next year.

[@benschroeder1161]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville I can’t find any kind of groups online. Not too sure where to look either. Y’all had 40+ boats so y’all must know of an app or something right? And how’s the ride over to Bimini/what’s your cruising speed typically?

[@YouNiverse-gf3kf]

hello, how can I find group of boats doing crossing at the same time? is there a website for that?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

We always go over with the Pursuit group when they get their owners together. You may want to check with your local dealership for whatever brand of boat you have. Many times the dealers will sponsor this type of event as well. We are headed back with the Pursuit group summer of 2023. Hopefully I will have that video up late 2023.

[@bonafidenet7533]

How much time spend miami to Bahamas?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@bonafidenet7533 we left Lauderdale to Bimini and it took us about 2 hours.

[@baitguru9197]

Thanks for the Video. I was looking to purchase an older model 2870 with Twin yamaha 200's (would prefer 250 or 300's but Pursuit doesn't recommend it), and towing down from Texas (large beam on U.S. interstates). Is there a good place in your area to park an Excursion and trailer (even pay) while we are doing the Pursuit rendezvous? In the Video, the announcement did indicate 34mph, and the best I can determine (Google Maps) it is 56 miles (49 nm) to North Bimini. Thank you

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I'm not sure about parking. We parked our rig at the factory in Ft. Pierce and then drove the boat from Ft. Pierce to Lauderdale. There are several marinas on the way that may have some parking for trucks and trailers for a week or so. I need to research this as that would be good info. Yes we ran about 34mph on the way over and it didn't quite take us 2 hours. Ride back was a little rough and we could only do about 22-23mph.

[@Mr91495osh]

We use to take our Bertram to Bimini in the 80’s. Everybody ignored customs and they didn’t care.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@Mr91495osh I completely believe that. I wouldn’t want to risk that these days. Good way to get your boat taken away.

[@Mr91495osh]

@ yup

[@bibianmurcia]

great vid, i have a question I have a maxum 4600 scb is it possible to dock without staying at any of the resorts or hotels? if so could you tell me where?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

You could do that... I think. They do have power and water at the dock and the company managing the dock is separate from the resort. The only issue you may have is with black water. You would probably need to pump out several times, but you know your boat better than I do. Most of the other docks on the North island are specific to the residences they are behind and I believe it is the same for the rentals on the South Island.

[@sansli1813]

Bahamas visa can get u to south Bimini ?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

We use Passports that get you into any of the customs offices. Not sure about the Visa procedure.

[@JoshBoggsexposedhomes]

is there a way to rent a boat and go over on our own and get with group? I have a boat but it's in TExas and wanted to take the family over.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Not that I am aware of. There are a lot of clubs that make runs over there more consistently than what we do. They may have more information. Sorry I don't have more information on it.

[@JoshBoggsexposedhomes]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville thank you for responding.. I'll be out that way in a few weeks and wanted to check things out. Thank you

[@1Carjunkie]

Just curious, why are all of the outboards tilted out of the water?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

At the marina?

[@1Carjunkie]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville yes, at the Hilton after arriving and waiting on the captains to return from immigration.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@1Carjunkie really just to reduce the corrosive effects of the salt water. Galvanic corrosion is even worse at marinas when there is a lot of electric current present.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@1Carjunkie it keeps growth off of the lower unit and mid section as well.

[@iamthundermug]

What did you say? Bahemium? Never heard of that. However I have heard of Bahamian.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

iamthundermug thanks for the correction. I will never make the mistake agàin.

[@billcasey8150]

How long did it take, how much fuel did you burn? How far of a trip is it? Are just some basics you might have covered!

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Very good points. I kind of did all this at the last minute. We are planning a trip to the Abaco's this year. I appreciate the feedback and will hopefully have a lot more information in the next one.

[@abshir_somalieee]

Man how much for crossing

[@KwaneleSbula]

How much from Bahamas to Miami

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@KwaneleSbula from Miami to Bimini should be about 60 miles. Depending on conditions you can usually get there in a couple of hours.

[@absoldati]

What Pursuit are you on? Looks like a good sized boat.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Pursuit S288. It did a great job.

[@yuzhen1993]

Good video Brad

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

yuzhen1993 thanks!! We had fun making it.

[@rodstowing]

What are the best areas to fish around Bimini for dorado and wahoo?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Unfortunately I am not the best resource for fishing info. Every time we go over is with a group and it is normally a work trip so we don't participate in the festivities most of the time. Sorry I couldn't be a bigger help.

[@michaelt.9372]

Sweet video! What’s the point of the quarantine flag?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

To let officials know you just arrived and have not yet cleared customs.

[@egresk1]

Do they search the boats of just left in the docks?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

egresk1 it is random searches. More chance of US coast guard checking when u get back.

[@Mr91495osh]

Are forms online?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@Mr91495osh yes. There are a couple of sites. This is the one I used www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/imports-and-exports/about-click2clear/

[@jcreyna72]

How much they charge your to dock the boat per day?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Juan Carlos Reyna I don’t remember the exact amount. It wasn’t cheap, but I don’t think it was ridiculous either. Seemed fair compared to everywhere else I’ve been.

[@jeffreymoscardelli8428]

I've seen video like this a lot what paperwork do you need and where can i get a copy if i go by boat

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

You can fill the paperwork out once you reach your nearest port in the Bahamas. If you want to save time and fill them out early here is a link to the entrance and exit policies: www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies There is an embedded PDF link with the customs forms. Make sure to print on legal paper or they will get cut off. Upon reentry you can download the CBP Roam application on your phone as well. It speeds up the reentry process.

[@jeffreymoscardelli8428]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville thanks

[@dmzink4297]

yeah what speed did you go for two hours looked like everyone on the water rushed not at a 3/4 speed, I dont know why people dont post the important things that would be more useful,

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

The way over was pretty favorable, we were running about 30-35 mph. The way back was a bit choppy so we were only running about 20 mph. We try to think of as much stuff as possible. Thanks for the comment and letting us know what is important to you.

[@conradcanty9255]

I thought I heard the guy say 43. Then I thought well.. I’m a little slow for that. My WOT is 38.

[@derrickbridgers6378]

What kind of spend were y’all making ?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Spend for what? Sorry, I'm not sure what you are asking.

[@curtisp9982]

So do you go back through customs getting back to Florida?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Yes. In sight of land you must contact Customs and Border Patrol to let them know you are back. They have created an app that you can use called CBP Roam. A lot of times they will just accept your arrival, if something comes up they will video chat with you to make sure you are who you say you are.

[@tobylarone3831]

what's the smallest boat you would try this on?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I see people doing it on personal watercraft all the time. It is really just what you are comfortable with.

[@conradcanty9255]

Like a jet ski?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@conradcanty9255 yes. There were several jet skis that had crossed when we were there.

[@drno9683]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville WHAT 🤣🤣🤣

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@drno9683 they have more guts than I do. That’s for sure.

[@seandingle58]

How much do they charge to dock your boat

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I don't remember unfortunately. Pretty sure it was at least 20% more than any dockage state-side.

[@womarmd1]

What charter boats that make this trip to Bimini ??

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Walid Omar I’m not sure if any charter boats go over. If you are just looking for transportation there’s a company FRS that has ferries that run over. Or there are several charter planes that are reasonable as well.

[@bjross67]

What size was you in?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Pursuit S288. The boat is 30’ LOA.

[@707fv]

Dude, I wanted to see more detailed info. As a noob I'm looking for heading directions, what weather windows to look for. Etc

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Ferd Vega thanks for the feedback. I will post some more content to help with the heading info and then maybe the apps we use for weather. Most of the chartplotting we leave up to the electronics and just set waypoints and autopilot. That’s is why it is nice to travel with a group, usually if my charplotter goes down I can still follow. The suggestions are appreciated and hopefully we can address more items for you.

[@Icutmetal]

Ferd Vega There’s not enough KZbin videos for ya that already cover that?

[@titusoverholt134]

dude google it,follow pie plates when u get close

[@quadcomputers]

They use electronic navigation equipment. Your looking at 60 miles (53 NM) You have the gulf stream drift and wind to compensate (your a smart man always do a weather review) You can get detailed weather from NOAA even using their aviation website. I recommend using a paper chart (still highly recommend even to this day) and write down your magnetic headings; while your in route you can cross-check your compass headings with an inexpensive hand-held GPS. You do not need tens of thousands of dollars worth of navigation equipment to make such a short run. I don't know what vessel your using to make your intended trip? The only other concern here is to review your approach and make sure you spot your marks, which will lead you into the main channel. One of the biggest problems heard from people visiting any of the islands are the aggravations involved with customs/passports and the fact they are now bleeding people more and more fee's. They will actually track you down to ensure you PAID. As for this video it appears to be a cluster-fuck adventure for some young people who simply decided it would be nice to race full throttle over and back. As for a boat be it sail or power never assume anything always check and inspect. Next day do it again check and inspect. Have a safe season and enjoy yourself.

[@aronbechiom565]

2 hours to cross..at what speed was the group running. Considering a 20' Wellcraft bowrider..350 I/O. Too small? Figure myself, and one other as passenger.

[@Turbotalkin]

Im thinking of doing it in a 22ft cuddy 🤷‍♂️

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Running over we were at about 34mph. Seas were a little rough coming back, all we could run was about 22-23mph. I have seen jet skis do the crossing so it is really what you are comfortable with!!

[@Mr91495osh]

Aron Bechiom Done it many time in 25 footers. Just choose your weather going over and take your chances coming back.

[@aronbechiom565]

@@Mr91495osh Thanks. Looking at doing this in the next year or two.

[@Mr91495osh]

Aron Bechiom I would pass by Bimini for the unspoiled islands. There are so many only a few miles farther. Bimini is a big resort like in the keys.

[@lesgrossman9492]

When the weather is good enough, drive your boat east until you get to the Bahamas. Simple......

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thats Pretty much it. It’s just fun to talk about.

[@johfran]

Hello friends, I hope everything goes well for you ,,, What is the distance between Miami and the Bahamas and how long does it last?

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Johfran Alarcon from Lauderdale to Bimini it isn’t very far. Maybe 40-50 miles. It was a very calm day on the way over and took us under 2 hours, even with all the boats we had.

[@guerrycharlesakatweezie6920]

Hey was up bro

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Whats up with you?

[@guerrycharlesakatweezie6920]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville cool man the video was nice man, the ride looked even more 😎

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@guerrycharlesakatweezie6920 for sure. You should try it sometime. Thanks for the comment.

[@Boeinguy]

Q flag and courtesy flags are flown on the starboard side.... not port

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I didn’t know that. Thanks for the information.

[@eugeneabreut5208]

What boat size do you recommend

[@kevinmayo3130]

Crossing all depends on weather and direction of wind crossing the stream. I would recommend twin power and hull of 25' personally and just be sure of the wind direction.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I agree with Kevin Mayo. We often see people in Bimini that have crossed on personal watercraft. I personally wouldn't do it on a PWC, but it is completely up to the individual.

[@polie67]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville so a scout 192 with a single yammy 150 would be a little on the small size?

[@Bingwadc]

Great video. Pan the camera slower please...

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Will do. Ordered new equipment so hopefully next time is a little smoother.

[@pantera6672]

and get a wind buffer :)

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

Ba HAY Mian

[@vinzclortho8938]

lol. I was waiting for him to hoist a Bohemian flag

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

We should be headed back this summer. I will make sure to take note of the pronunciation. Hopefully I remember.

[@polie67]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville when are yall planning on heading over?

[@TWHITTICO]

too much movement on camara i quit

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Timothy Whittico thanks for the info. Looks like we need better equipment.

[@ريانبنفهدالفهد]

الإعصار مدمر في الجزيره سنويا

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

لقد كنا محظوظين لفترة طويلة حتى آخر مرة.

[@aquaman461]

I would never trust yamahas to get me to the Bahamas. My 2021 XTOs have been in the shop for a total of 4 months. 2 major engine killer issues..sad ending to my 20+ yr relationship with yamahas...rest in peace POS!

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

That is a bummer to hear you are having those issues. We have had good luck with all of the XTO's we have dealt with so far. I hope you come to a good conclusion to your issues. Maybe it is time to find another dealer to help out?

[@aquaman461]

@@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville its not the dealer its the Yamaha outboard motors repeated major failures and yamahas consistent inability to provide parts and materials. This is a Yamaha failure not a local boat dealers

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

@@aquaman461 I appreciate your perspective and I can only speak from my experience. I agree with you on the parts issues. Every one of our suppliers are weeks out, maybe months. I hope you reach a resolution that is fair for everyone. Thanks for your comments.

[@zero1fifty8]

Seems like a lot of petty non sense paper for just wanting to take a boat ride to some islands just off the coast of the US.

[@natehowell793]

Yepppppp.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

I can't say I disagree which is why I wanted to make the video so you know what is involved. It is pretty easy stuff once you know what to do, but finding the proper stuff to do it is the pain in the butt.

[@billjones3071]

To much paperwork seems like a pain stay in the USA your better off they rip you off out there

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

It is worth the paperwork. Keys are nice too, but there isn't much out there like the Bahamas!!

[@jonathanlippold4674]

Sorry , I do not share the view of many posting here. Your camera work is terrible, the sound has too much wind and you did not plan what you were going to say. All in all, a wasted opportunity.

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

First time trying it out. Thanks for the heads up. Ordered new equipment so we don't have to use cell phones anymore.

[@thearchitect0312]

Trump 2020

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Thanks for the comment.

[@tarpanc34]

how did usa get control of the virgin islands but then left out the closer island of Bahamas .. thats messed up shit right there..

[@YamahaMarineCenterJacksonville]

Good question, but they are celebrating their 50th year of independence right now.