Key Largo to Bimini Bahamas

[davecook]

Any experiences in Bimini that are worth the trip ? We looked on the web and wonder if it would be a good 4-7 day trip ? Do to time restraints in April we won't do Abaco this time . What about favorite spots in the Keys for 2-3 weeks ? Any ideas would be appreciated. thanks

 

[dante3756]

Don't waste your time. Bimini is just a place to refuel and check in. If you have more time, go to the Exhuma chain from Bimini (midway stops at Berry Islands and Andros). Will cost you $100 just to visit Bimini. The other problem is that you can get stuck there due to weather needed for crossing the gulf stream, although April isn't too bad. The Keys are a good alternative if you have time restraints. You can stay inside, along ICW, or do the Hawk Channel. Islamorada is pleasant, but my favorite spot is Marathon, with its well protected harbor and great boating community. You can pick up a mooring, anchor just outside, or use a marina. We've stayed there for weeks at a time. Key West is expensive to take a boat, and has no good anchorage. We usually stayed in Marathon & rented a car for the day to do the 60 miles to Key West from there.

Dante

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Hi Dave:

Save your Bahama experience for when you have more time. As far as the Keys go make a stop for a day or two at Boca Chita at the beginning of the Keys but make it during the week and not the weekend as this is when all the locals go. Key Largo has marinas, anchorages and John Pennekamp State Park where there is a marina and mooring balls....lots of good snorkeling in this area. Islamorada and Tavernier is another favorite stop by many. Dante covered Marathon and I agree there is a great boating community and plenty to do here, a great visit. Going further, if you go on the Gulf side there are many anchorages between Marathon and Key West, we've done that stretch twice. If you go by Hawk Channel there are a few anchorages....check active captain.com and or cruisers net.net for more info.

As far as Key West is concerned we love it. Yes it is more expensive from a marina standpoint but with that said here's my advice. If you're going for just a few days stay at one of the marinas downtown so you can truly experience Key West. On the other hand if you're going for a month or so it's a lot less expensive to stay on Stock Island (adjacent) to Key West and only 10 minutes away. As you may have your truck this would make it easiest to get around, or the bus or a taxi (but this would get expensive) We've stayed at Sunset Marina and Key West Yacht Harbor. Like Marathon there is a lot to do in Key West, a lot. If you don't want to stay at a marina you can catch a mooring ball in Garrison Bight or anchor outside of Key West Bight but it can get a little lumpy if the wind kicks up. Between Stock Island and Boca Chica Key and on the Hawk Chanel side there is an area where a lot of folks anchor as well and you can find protection here but its a ways away from everything.

Let us know where or what you end up doing, Lisa and I will be in the Keys in a couple of weeks until the end of March, maybe we could rendezvous somewhere. If you have any additional questions that don't get covered here feel free to let me know by PM.

Jim