The closest Bahamas landfall from Florida is Bimini, about 48 nautical miles from South Florida. That is roughly 55 statute miles or 89 kilometers in a straight line. A typical on-the-water routing runs about 52 nautical miles because you angle south of the rhumb line to offset the north-setting Gulf Stream. In a fast center console you can be on the bank in about two hours, but the weather window matters far more than the distance.
Bahamas crossing distance from Florida
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Straight-line distance | 48 nautical miles |
| Statute miles | 55 miles |
| Kilometers | 89 km |
| Typical on-the-water routing | about 52 nautical miles |
The crossing runs from a South Florida inlet, Government Cut out of Miami or Port Everglades out of Fort Lauderdale, across the open Gulf Stream to the Bimini approach. The strongest north set sits on the Stream axis about 22 nautical miles out, so steer a southerly ferry angle and let the current carry you back onto the line. Watch the shallow bank east of Bimini on the final approach.
How long does it take, and how much fuel, by boat type
These are real numbers from the same engine that powers our boat fuel calculator, run over the 48 nautical mile crossing at a steady cruise. Plug in your own boat in the calculator below to get your exact figure.
| Boat | Cruise | GPH | MPG | Trip time | Fuel | Fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 ft center console (twin 150s) | 28 mph | 17.2 | 1.6 | 1 hr 58 min | 34 gal | $153 |
| 38 ft express cruiser (twin gas) | 26 mph | 43.0 | 0.6 | 2 hr 07 min | 91 gal | $411 |
| 50 ft trawler (single diesel) | 10 mph | 21.7 | 0.5 | 5 hr 31 min | 120 gal | $539 |
Fuel cost assumes $4.50 per gallon. A planing boat at a slow trawler pace can do far worse on miles per gallon, so do not just scale from the table: run your own hull and load.
Estimate the fuel for your own boat
The calculator below is pre-loaded with this crossing. Change the engine, horsepower, load, cruise speed, and tank to match your boat and it recomputes the fuel, range, and time instantly.
Best season and weather for the crossing
Best window: late spring through early fall, when fronts are infrequent and the seas lay down.
Never cross the Gulf Stream in a north or northeast wind. A north wind against the north-setting current stacks short, steep seas that turn an easy 48 mile run into a beating. Wait for a south or southeast wind under 15 knots and a clean two to three day window so you are not trapped on the far side by a front.
Route notes
- Departure inlet: Government Cut from Miami or Port Everglades from Fort Lauderdale. Time your exit for slack or fair current at the inlet.
- Gulf Stream axis (about 22 nm out): the strongest north set. Hold a southerly ferry angle so the current sets you back onto the rhumb line rather than pushing you north of Bimini.
- Bimini approach (48 nm): the shallow bank lies east of the channel. Call Bimini harbor on VHF 16 before you reach the cut and enter in good light.
- Fuel: top off before you leave the mainland. Carry the full round trip plus a healthy reserve; do not count on a quick top-off at a busy island fuel dock.
Gear to sort before you go
- A fuel system you trust: clean filters, a known tank gauge, and a real reserve calculation, not a guess.
- Ground tackle sized for an open anchorage on the far side.
- A hull and gelcoat in good repair before a long open-water run; fix the soft spots and chips at the dock, not at sea.
Need to get the boat crossing-ready first? See our fuel tanks and systems and marine gelcoats for the repair and maintenance supplies that keep a long run uneventful.
Plan the rest of your trip
Bahamas from Florida: frequently asked questions
How far is Bimini, Bahamas from South Florida (Miami / Fort Lauderdale)?
Bimini, Bahamas is about 48 nautical miles from South Florida (Miami / Fort Lauderdale), which is roughly 55 statute miles or 89 kilometers in a straight line. A typical on-the-water routing runs about 52 nautical miles.
How long does it take to get from South Florida (Miami / Fort Lauderdale) to Bimini, Bahamas by boat?
A 24 ft center console (twin 150s) cruising at about 28 mph covers the 48 nautical mile run in roughly 1 hour 58 minutes. A slower trawler takes much longer, and a fast express cruiser a little less. Use the fuel calculator on this page to plug in your own boat.
How much fuel does the South Florida (Miami / Fort Lauderdale) to Bimini, Bahamas trip use?
The 24 ft center console (twin 150s) burns about 34 gallons on the 48 nautical mile run at roughly 17.2 gallons per hour and 1.6 miles per gallon. Your number depends on horsepower, load, and cruise speed, so run your own boat through the calculator below.
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How far is Bimini from Miami?
Updated on 07 June 2026
