LIGHTS ON GRAND BAHAMA BANK via Explorer Chartbooks

LIGHTS ON GREAT BAHAMA BANK | Bahamas Chatter

On the Great Bahama Bank, both Russell Beacon and the Northwest Channel Light are missing. The structures are no longer standing, so these visual points are no longer available as navigational aids to yachtsmen traversing from Bimini to the Berry Islands. Although the Mackey Shoal Light pole is still standing, it is unknown whether it is lit, so it should be considered as unreliable.

BIMINI UPDATE via Explorer Chartbooks

BIMINI UPDATE | Bahamas Chatter  (click to go to the website)


There are currently no problems with the channel leading into North Bimini. Two large, easily seen buoys, a red and a green, mark the entrance to the channel near their charted locations. The dredging operation has been suspended and there is no equipment in the harbour, yet it is expected to continue on an as-needed basis to keep the channel open for the fast ferry, which comes on weekends. Seaplane service from Florida is active in the harbour, so you should be aware of the possibility of a landing in North Bimini harbour as you traverse the area.

In North Bimini off of Alice Town, there is a new concrete jetty jutting out from the government dock. It has a green quick-flashing light on the end of it.

Also, the old Customs building near the government dock is slated to be torn down. It is currently not being used. The Customs officer is now located at Bimini Big Game, where cruisers must go to clear in. The Immigration officer is still in the small building next to the old Customs House. Reports are that stays as long as six months are being granted in Bimini.

Exuma’s Fresh Water Fill Stations

Looking for fresh water in the Exuma's?  You can purchase water at the following marinas:

Highbourne Cay
Compass Cay
Sampson Cay
Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Farmers Cay Yacht Club
Exuma Yacht Club (George Town)

Explorer Chartbooks - Feb. 2013 Fuel and Dockage Prices

Explorer Chartbooks has just released their February 2013 Fuel and Dockage Survey. (Click the link below)

http://tinyurl.com/a5uukq2

Ferry Service 'will put Bimini back at forefront'

WITH the Resorts World Bay Bimini Casino scheduled to open in 10 weeks, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said that more than 200 jobs could become available.

Speaking to The Tribune during the docking of the Balearia Bahamas Express vessel on Saturday, which brought nearly 200 visitors from South Florida, Mr Wilchcombe said the multi-million dollar casino, along with the weekly stop over visits from the Baleria going forward, will bring Bimini closer to becoming a “complete” island capable of having a self-sustaining economy.

#“That casino is going to be run by Genting, one of the renowned casino operators in the world and they will open May 1. Of course, what’s going to happen is you’re talking immediately about 250 jobs,” the minister said.

#“We’ve already started the applications and the Gaming Board has already secured its facilities because we have to bring people in too, so you’re talking about another 200-250 jobs,” he added.

#“Again, it’s a part of us causing for these islands to become so significant that they don’t have to worry about being able to sustain themselves and run themselves.”

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Ferry service 'will put Bimini back at forefront' | The Tribune