The Bahamas Hurricane Shelters List for 2015 (Bahamas Press)

Bahamas Hurricane Shelters (Click to View)

Hurricane Danny 5-Day Track - Fri. 11AM (NHC)

Hurricane Danny 5-Day Track - Thurs. 11AM (NHC)

Tropical Storm Danny 5-Day Track - Wed. 11AM (NHC)

New Fuel and Dockage Survey Posted (Explorer Chartbooks)

A new Fuel and Dockage Survey has been conducted and posted on June 18.  Diesel and gasoline prices changed little this month.

The June 18, 2014, Fuel and Dockage Prices survey is available on the Explorer website at www.explorercharts.com.

Bimini Ocean Ship Pier Under Construction (Explorer Chartbooks)

Construction of an ocean ship pier has begun off the west coast of North Bimini near the Bimini Bay Resort.  The current offshore end of the construction site is near 25° 45.054′ N/79° 17.270′ W. The construction currently consists of large steel pilings, floating hawsers, and possible underwater obstructions. It is unknown at this time what characteristics of any lights in the area may be. Mariners traveling the area should use caution and steer well clear of the area. (Posted February 4, 2014)

Anchorage in North Bimini (Explorer Chartbooks)

Anchorage in North Bimini just south of Bimini Bay Resort (aka: Resorts World Bimini) is now a turning basin for seaplanes but area is not defined. There is a seaplane mooring with two red balls which is used when two planes are in at same time! On your own to figure out where planes will reach in their turn toward the dock. Dock master may or may not shout you out of the way!

New Fuel and Dockage Survey Posted (Explorer Chartbooks)

A new Fuel and Dockage Survey has been conducted and posted on October 11.  More fuel prices have gone up since last month’s survey.

The October 11,2013, Fuel and Dockage Prices survey is available on the Explorer website at www.explorercharts.com.

Stop Plans to Construct a Cruise Ship or Ferry Docking Terminal off Bimini's Western Shore

Bimini needs help from every Bahamian. Add your name to the growing list:

Sign the Petition to stop plans to construct a Cruise Ship or Ferry Docking Terminal off Bimini's Western Shore.

https://www.change.org/petitions/prime-minister-perry-g-christie-stop-plans-to-construct-a-cruise-ship-or-ferry-docking-terminal-off-bimini-s-western-shore

Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Announces First Annual Billfish Bonanza

thebahamasweekly.com - Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Announces First Annual Billfish Bonanza

They are charging hard again offshore Bimini and the historic Big Game Club Resort & Marina is putting out the call for teams to compete in the upcoming Billfish Bonanza tournament.

Following two recent, highly successful Wahoo tournaments, in which over 10 dozen anglers hauled in nearly three tons of fish, Billfish will be on the hook for May 15-18 for what should prove to again be a memorable outing.

“Considering our last tournament in February, we have a lot to live up to,” smiled Big Game General Manager Michael Weber.

The Bimini Smackdown II Wahoo tournament brought together 22 boats over 100 anglers in a fun-filled weekend that featured plenty of Wahoo action, a Playboy Playmate, Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, country music artist and outdoor TV show host Craig Morgan and the launch of the world’s first, at-the-dock shark experience—Bimini Bull Run.

Weber said the entry fee for the upcoming billfish tournament will be an affordable, $1,450 per boat, which includes four anglers per boat, events, prize money and giveaways.

To register online, please go to www.biggameclubbimni.com/big-game-marlin-tournament.htm

Host to numerous major sport fishing tournaments for more than half a century, The Billfish Bonanza is a world-class bluewater tournament angling in Bimini, a world-class fishing destination, recently ranked #3 in the top ten fisheries of the world by Sport Fishing Magazine.

Weber said the tournament will feature three days of fishing, and target all billfish species. Eligible species for the Billfish Tournament include Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish and Swordfish.

Bimini’s location along the legendary Gulfstream (a “river” of warm water) location is at the apex of a superhighway for migrating fish and acts as a kind of sushi conveyor belt carrying abundant food to the local fish. Deepwater game fish include marlin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo and swordfish, while big grouper, barracuda and schools of snapper can be found on the reefs. Bimini’s flats are home the fishermen’s favorite prey, bonefish and permit. With more than 50-record-setting catches in the waters around the island, Bimini has earned its title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World.

About The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

The Bimini Big Game Club, a legendary outpost for fishermen and host to numerous major sportfishing tournaments for more than half a century, officially re-opened in 2010 following completion of a $3,500,000 renovation that included all guest rooms and the new Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill. More recently owners have added the Gulfstream Conference Center and Hemingway’s Rum Bar & Social Lounge, a fully outfitted watersports facility and a floating dock to accommodate seaplane service directly to and from the resort. For information on the Big Game Club Resort and Marina go to www.biggameclubbimini.com

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.

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.”

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

Unique 'Bimini Bull Run' shark dive experience coming to the Big Game Club

Unique 'Bimini Bull Run' shark dive experience coming to the Big Game Club

ALICE TOWN, Bimini — The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina announced plans Monday for a unique one-day guaranteed shark encounter experience that will also help fund regional shark tagging and conservation efforts through a partnership with the Shark-Free Marinas initiative.

The Bimini Bull Run is a first for the global shark diving industry, providing divers and non-divers with an up-close and personal adrenaline packed thrill of shark encounters from the safety of specially designed cage systems attached directly to the docks at The Big Game Club Marina. The system will employ a unique “Hooka’ air system, allowing non-certified divers to experience the opportunity in addition to those certified divers who would prefer to SCUBA.

“You can fly from South Florida, check into your hotel room and be in a Shark Cage all in less than an hour,” said Michael Weber, Big Game Club General Manager.

For those who prefer to stay firmly on dry land, the Bimini Big Game Club is also constructing a new bar at Bimini Bull Run to allow those interested in an educational look at these wonderful sharks from behind safety rails.  Bimini Big Game Club also conducts other types of dive expeditions in Bimini, a tiny, but historically significant Bahamas out-island less than 30 minutes flight-time from Southeast Florida.  The 51-room resort and marina offers various wreck and reef dives, thrilling offshore shark dives, and world-class offshore big game fishing trips and well as a variety of family-friendly watersport activities.

Weber said the Bimini Bull Run operation will feature safe encounters with a variety of sharks, including Bull, Tiger and Lemon sharks.

“As a Shark-Free Marina member we only welcome live sharks at our docks,” said Weber.  “We are very excited to be able to partner with conservation organizations like The Shark-Free Marinas initiative to help fund regional shark research and the ability to introduce the world of sharks in their own environment and in a manner that is safe both for the sharks and humans.”

Weber said the Bahamas, a collection of 700 islands sweeping across 240,000 square miles of territorial waters was recently declared a Shark Sanctuary with the government banning commercial shark fishing. One of the premier shark-watching destinations for divers, reeling in $800 million over the past 20 years for the Bahamian national economy, sharks in the Bahamas are big business and certainly worth more alive than dead. Globally, sharks are under attack with estimates of up to 90 million harvested annually commercially for their fins, considered a delicacy in certain areas of the world.

Instagram Photo of Bimini Bay Infinity Pool

Photo by biminibayresort • Instagram

Old Bahama Bay is now a Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property:

Old Bahama Bay, like many other Bahamian resorts, has struggled to deal with the economic slowdown that began in 2008. Ginn Resorts, which acquired the property in 2007, eventually had to file for bankruptcy in 2009 when its real estate programs collapsed. Its lenders kept the lights on, but operations were scaled back and hospitality marketing came to a virtual halt. This led to uncertainty for both the vacationing public and the OBB staff.

In early 2012 a dedicated group of Old Bahama Bay property owners decided to take matters into their own hands to provide purpose and direction for the resort. With the help of the management team that managed the resort from 2001 to 2007, they formed a new company, Island Ventures Resort, & Club, Ltd. to operate the property. This became effective on August 10 th of this year.

The new team has already implemented a number of new partnerships:

1. Old Bahama Bay is now a Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property: Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Marinas is a collection of properties in unique destinations owned and staffed by people who are passionate about their time on, in, and around the water. http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/

2. Stuart Cove now operates an award-winning scuba diving operation directly from Old Bahama Bay. Guests can dive with all kinds of fish, rays, and other exciting sea life from a high-speed dive boat. Offered 3 times a week, the all-day Tiger Beach Shark Excursion offers a truly unique way to interact with these amazing creatures. The diving off of West End includes excellent wrecks, reefs, walls and wild dolphins – all located within an easy ride from the dock. http://www.stuartcove.com/tigerbeachhome.aspx

The new management team also has plans to make the following immediate improvements:

Upgrade the resort’s activities programs including the purchase of new bicycles and water sports equipment.

Restart weekend promotional events including beachfront bonfire cookouts and live Bahamian entertainment.

Restart its very special wedding programs

Other new initiatives are in the final stages of planning and will be announced as they become available.

Contact Information:

* 1-888-800-8959

* sales@oldbahamabay.com

Balearia Ferry To Hit Bimini in November 2012

The Nassau Guardian is reporting that a new direct Ferry Service from South Florida to Bimini could bring up to 1,000 visitors daily to the small island.  Stakeholders at Bimini Bay Resort are banking on this service to support the island's new casino.

Bimini Bay Closes until November

Bimini Bay Resort will be undergoing a seasonal closure effective September 30th, 2012 for a period of four to six weeks with an opening on or before November 15th, 2012.

During this time the project will be performing a comprehensive exercise to upgrade and improve various resort amenities including the enhancement of several of food and beverage outlets and common areas.

The cost of these resort improvements will amount to several million dollars. This is in addition to the $24 million that is being spent on the new boutique casino that will open in the beginning of 2013.

Shoaling in Bimini Channel

The entrance channel at North Bimini is shallower than charted on Chart BIM 3, p. 54 of Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas, 5^th edition. A January 3, 2011, survey by the Explorer Team found the controlling depth to be 1.7 meters (5 2/3 feet) in the area of 25° 42.70’ N by 79° 18.25’ W. There was a little deeper water east of the dashed track. The sandbar west of this position has encroached on the entrance channel. Two larger buoys (red and green) are easily seen from well offshore, plus one smaller green buoy closer in to shore. The large red buoy is almost directly on the Explorer waypoint, so caution should be taken in approaching the waypoint. Channel buoys here have been unreliable in the past and the sand here is fluid and continually shifts. (Explorer Chartbooks)