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sailing now · 02-12-2009, 12:04

We have gone into Lucaya in the past but this year the resort is closed, the marina is in recievership. Friends cleared in there a few days and we lied to about dockage rates and the customs people were surly and uncooperative. That said, I wondering about clearing in at Bimini. If anyone has been there RECENTLY, I'd appreciate your input.

Other suggestions welcomed as well..

Vasco · 02-12-2009, 12:35

You don't like Nassau?

sailing now · 02-12-2009, 13:04

Not really. Looking for other options.

imagine2frolic · 02-12-2009, 14:26

Depends on your destination. I don't care for the town of Nassau, but there is provisioning, and ease of checking in. I avoid Bimini at nearly any cost..........i2f

opsailor · 02-12-2009, 14:38

Could you elaborate on not liking Bimini for check in? We checked in there a year and a half ago and had a good experience.

JusDreaming · 02-12-2009, 15:09

we cleared at Bimini the last few years. You have a couple of options, 1. go to one of the marinas, and walk to the customs and immigration offices. Very easy and usually about 1.00 p/f for an overnight. 2. go to Bimini Sands and grab a cab to the airport, again pretty easy and about the same price. 3. Anchor and dingy into the offices, BUT the holding kinda sucks, and strong currents. So just clear in and move to a better spot, like the south end of the island in Nixon Hbr

sailing now · 02-12-2009, 15:27

I, like opsailor, am curious why you decided to avoid Bimini? Details??

nautical62 · 02-12-2009, 15:51

Of course West End isn't far away. If you are coming from Palm Beach or north, going there first wouldn't be out of your way.

sailing now · 02-12-2009, 16:21

I want to clear in and head to the Berrys then south, not go thru the Abacos. My options seem to be Bimini, Chubb and Cat. Looking for info on Bimini then Chubb. I've been to Cat.

Dave852 · 02-12-2009, 16:44

Nothing wrong with Bimini except for the anchorage as noted by Jusdreaming. Chub will cost you $100 extra if the marina is still open, best to check first. Nassau is best but if you want to hang out in the Berry's for a while I guess best to check in.

JusDreaming · 02-12-2009, 16:52

you could clear in at Great Harbor, real easy, but have to be in marina,(I think), but they came to the boat and were extremely nice

osirissail · 02-12-2009, 19:44

You can also clear in at Morgan's Bluff on the north end of Andros Island. I used to always clear in there until I found the operation at Nassau Harbor Club was much better and I could refuel, restock food and wash the boat all in one day's stay. The onto the Exumas.

nautical62 · 02-12-2009, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailing now

I want to clear in and head to the Berrys then south, not go thru the Abacos. My options seem to be Bimini, Chubb and Cat. Looking for info on Bimini then Chubb. I've been to Cat.

West End is obviously on the way to the Abacos, but one can also turn south instead and head down to Lucya and then across to the Berry's without going through the Abacos. That's how I did it on my Exumas cruise. I preferred cruising along the shore of Grand Bahama Islands to another day or two heading down the ditch in Florida. Personally, I like to be open to what ever the weather presents at the time.

imagine2frolic · 03-12-2009, 04:58

Bimini tries to force you to a dock is my biggest gripe. To me it's a fishing, and drinking town. Although that has seemed to quiet down a bit since the larger entry fee? Not much of a choice in groceries if you need provisioning that I know of. Don't get me wrong I used Bimini in June of 08. Ducked in to get out of weather. I just prefer to move on with the Exumas being my destination. One man's pleasure can be another man's irritation?

.........i2f