Cruising to Bimini, Bahamas often comes with a familiar dilemma:
Should you book a paid beach excursion or resort day pass—or can you explore the island on your own and still have an amazing beach day?
If you’ve browsed cruise excursions, you’ve probably seen Resorts World Bimini Beach Club, all-inclusive passes, and curated experiences promising the “perfect” beach day. But after visiting Bimini multiple times, we’ve learned something important:
You don’t need an excursion to enjoy Bimini’s incredible beaches.
We’re Crystal and Marshall, and on our most recent cruise stop in Bimini, we decided to do something different. Instead of settling for just one beach, we explored nearly every accessible beach from north to south—using free transportation, a little walking, and a lot of curiosity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
Every major beach in Bimini
How easy each one is to reach
The vibe, amenities, and crowds
And which beach is best for you
Whether you want a party atmosphere, a quiet stretch of sand, or the most convenient beach steps from your ship, Bimini truly has something for everyone.
Why Bimini Is One of the Easiest Cruise Ports to Explore
One of the best things about Bimini Cruise Port is how incredibly walkable and accessible it is. The very first time we stepped off our ship in Bimini, we were struck by how close the beach was—white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees visible almost immediately.
Unlike many cruise ports where you need transportation or excursions to reach anything worthwhile, Bimini invites you to explore independently.
Even better?
There’s a free tram operated by Resorts World Bimini that runs directly from the pier to several key locations around the island.
North Bimini Beaches: Resort World vs. the Free Public Beach
Resorts World Bimini Beach Club (Paid Experience)
The northernmost major destination is Resorts World Bimini Beach Club, one of the most popular excursion options on the island.
As soon as you arrive, it’s easy to see why:
A massive, beautiful pool
DJ music and a lively atmosphere
Lounge chairs, umbrellas, bars, and food
A wide, pristine beach
If you’re sailing on Virgin Voyages, access is included. For most other cruise lines (we were on Royal Caribbean), entry costs around $67 per person for the all-inclusive experience.
Our take:
If you want a carefree, high-energy resort day where everything is handled for you, this could absolutely be worth it. The vibe is very much resort party—music, dancing, and social energy.
The Free Public Beach Next Door (Hidden Gem)
Here’s what many cruisers don’t realize:
👉 Right next to the Resorts World Beach Club is a completely free public beach.
To get there:
Take the free tram from the cruise pier
Get off at the Resorts World stop
Walk 4–5 minutes around the corner
Suddenly, the scene changes completely.
This public beach offers:
Expansive white sand
Stunning water
Far fewer people
A peaceful, relaxed vibe
You can still hear faint music from the beach club, but instead of crowds, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the day.
Amenities at the Public Beach
Chair rentals: ~$10 per chair
Umbrella rental: ~$30
Full setup: ~$50
Drinks, coconuts, and light snacks available
Access to clean bathrooms nearby
We brought a pop-up beach tent (one of our best cruise purchases ever), which gave us shade and flexibility. We spent hours going in and out of the water, completely relaxed—and didn’t spend a dime on entry fees.
Our verdict:
⭐ One of our favorite beaches in Bimini.
Resort-level scenery with none of the cost or crowds.
Paradise Beach: The Closest Beach to Your Cruise Ship
If convenience is your top priority, Paradise Beach is unbeatable.
This beach is located right at the cruise pier, stretching underneath it and beyond. It’s often the very first beach you see when stepping off the ship—and for good reason, many people never go any farther.
Why Paradise Beach Is So Popular
Walkable in minutes
No transportation needed
Food trucks nearby
Easy access back to the ship
Shade under the pier
This was the focus of our very first Bimini visit, and we completely understand why so many cruisers choose it.
Perfect for:
Short port days
Families
Anyone wanting to return to the ship for lunch
A no-stress beach stop
Our verdict:
⭐ The most accessible beach in Bimini.
If you only have a few hours, this is your best option.
Heading South: Local Beaches and Authentic Island Vibes
Want to see where locals go? It’s time to head south.
You can:
Walk (about 1.5–2 miles total)
Take a taxi (~$5 per person from Fisherman’s Village)
Rent a golf cart
Radio Beach: Local Favorite With a Party Feel
Our tram driver told us something we’ll never forget:
“This is where locals go.”
Radio Beach has:
Music playing from nearby yachts
Beach bars and food vendors
Chair and umbrella rentals
A lively but authentic atmosphere
It’s not a polished resort—but that’s the charm.
Our verdict:
⭐ Great for a local, social vibe without a formal beach club.
Blister Bay: Quiet, Natural, and Underrated
Just past Radio Beach is Blister Bay, one of the quieter beaches we visited.
What to know:
Fewer people
No chair or umbrella rentals
Peaceful atmosphere
Bring your own shade
This beach is especially popular with cruisers because of one nearby attraction…
Big Mike’s: The Legendary Beachside Food Stop
Near Blister Bay is Big Mike’s, a legendary roadside beach stand known for its fresh Bahamian food—especially its famous conch (or conchk!) salad.
While we didn’t get to eat there this time, it’s firmly on our list for next visit. Big Mike’s typically opens in the early afternoon and stays busy with both locals and visitors.
Tip:
If you plan to spend time at Blister Bay, a beach tent or umbrella is essential—especially later in the day.
Sun & Shade Tip: Know Where the Sun Will Be
All of Bimini’s west-facing beaches look directly toward Florida.
What that means:
Morning: Natural shade from palm trees and vegetation
Afternoon: Sun reflects off the water and can be intense
Plan accordingly—especially if you’re heading south where amenities are limited.
Quick Beach Recap: Which Bimini Beach Is Best?
| Beach | Best For |
|---|---|
| Public Beach (North) | Best overall value, peaceful |
| Resorts World Beach Club | Party vibe, all-inclusive |
| Paradise Beach | Short stays, convenience |
| Radio Beach | Local energy, social scene |
| Blister Bay | Quiet, natural beach day |
Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need an Excursion in Bimini?
After exploring five beaches in one day, our answer is clear:
👉 No—you don’t need a paid excursion to enjoy Bimini.
What you do need is:
A sense of adventure
Sun protection
A willingness to explore
Bimini rewards cruisers who step just a little beyond the pier.
Whether you want a lively party, a serene escape, or something in between, this small island delivers—often for free.