A Helicopter Mom’s Guide to Grad Weekend in Bimini

Dads, you’re welcome here too.

Thinking about taking your kid to Bimini for graduation weekend — or letting them go on their own and trying not to spiral about it? You’re in the right place. Every Memorial Day weekend, Bimini becomes the destination where Miami’s 18-year-olds converge to celebrate graduation. Whether you want to join in the fun, stay close enough in case they need you, or send them off with their friends and trust the process — this guide is for you.

You might be wondering why we’re publishing this now, when graduation weekend just wrapped and the next one is nearly a year away. The answer is simple: a year is exactly how much time you need. Rooms go before most parents even know the dates are released, golf carts can’t be reserved in advance, and Airbnbs disappear fast. If this is on your radar for 2027, now is the time to start paying attention.

A quick note: this wasn’t written by a local or a Bimini expert. It was written by a mom who wanted to know what she was getting into and figured other parents probably did too. Everything here comes from firsthand experience. Take it in that spirit.

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About the Island

Bimini is a small, 7-mile-long island in the Bahamas, located just 50 miles from South Florida — the closest Bahamian island to the U.S. coast. It’s not overdeveloped. You won’t find sprawling resort chains or made-for-tourist attractions around every corner. What you will find is crystal-clear turquoise water, a laid-back Bahamian vibe, great fishing, and — during graduation weekend — a lot of 18-year-olds.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equal to the U.S. dollar — a one-to-one exchange. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, so no need to exchange currency before you go.

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Getting There: Your Options

By Ferry: Balearia Caribbean

The most popular option. The Balearia Ferry departs from Fort Lauderdale and is how most people make the crossing.

• Arrive between 6–7 AM — it’s an early morning departure
• Choose between economy or premium fare
• Food and drinks are available for purchase on board
• Pack light — bags over 27.5 lbs are technically subject to an extra charge, though in our experience no one actually weighed them. Still, this is not the weekend for a full suitcase. Think carry-on mentality.
• The crossing can be rough at times. This is open ocean. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, come prepared with medication.

When you dock, don’t rush to jump out of your seat and race to the doors — disembarking takes about 20 minutes and passengers are released in groups to manage customs and immigration. Once through, everyone is taken by tram to Resorts World Bimini regardless of where they’re staying.

One useful tip for the return trip through immigration: don’t be a lemming. Most people instinctively pile into the same line. Look up — there are multiple lines open. Pick any one of them and keep moving.

By Seaplane

Also departing from Fort Lauderdale, the seaplane is a faster and more scenic option — and a smoother ride if the seas are rough.

By Plane: American Airlines

American Airlines launched direct flights to Bimini in February 2026, making the island more accessible than ever. Worth checking if you’d rather skip the ferry experience altogether.

By Private Plane

Bimini has a small airstrip that handles private aircraft.

By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships do stop in Bimini. Note that on days when certain Virgin Voyages ships are in port, Bimini Beach at Resorts World is closed to all other guests — so check the port schedule at rwbimini.com before you book your dates.

By Private Boat

Many South Florida locals simply come by boat. It’s a popular option, though the crossing can be rough depending on conditions. If you’re traveling by private boat, be prepared to adjust your departure based on the seas — it’s not uncommon to have your captain tell you they can’t leave the day you planned. Build some flexibility into your schedule and don’t book anything on the island you can’t afford to miss.

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Booking: Do It Now. No, Earlier Than That.

Bimini graduation weekend books up fast — and we mean fast.

Resorts World Bimini releases its reservation calendar for graduation weekend annually but does not announce the date in advance. As of early June 2026, the 2027 dates had not yet been released. Keep an eye on rwbimini.com and the moment the dates drop, get on at 12:01 AM and book immediately. Parents figured this out — they’re logging in in the middle of the night and booking up every room. By morning it’s gone.

Airbnbs and other rentals may open up earlier — if you’re planning for 2027, start checking now and book the moment you find something workable.

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Once You’re There: The Resort

Everything centers around Resorts World Bimini. Even if you’re not staying there, the tram drops everyone here first and it’s the hub of the weekend.

Dining

Most restaurants at the resort are casual and walk-in friendly, so don’t stress about reservations. The one exception: The Tides, the sit-down restaurant on property, is the only one that requires a reservation. Book it in advance if you want to dine there.

The Scene: Bimini Beach

The main gathering spot — 4.5 acres of beachfront with ocean, pools, and the party. Beach clubs are a drive away, which is why everyone rents golf carts.

If you’re staying at the hotel, you’ll receive a wristband that gives you access to the two on-property pools — separate from Bimini Beach.

Water (The Drinking Kind)

No complimentary water station in the lobby here — and honestly, that’s a miss for a resort of this caliber. We couldn’t find one at the beach club either. Water is available for purchase in your room and at the hotel store. Buy a large case at the store for around $20 and stock up early. Hydration is not optional in this heat.

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The Daily Rhythm

Every day the kids make their way to Bimini Beach — accessible by tram, golf cart, or private boat from the resort. Unless it’s closed for a cruise ship day, this is where the action is: boats pulled up on the sand, bars, a restaurant, a large pool, and multiple DJs.

We were greeted at the entrance with what may be the best question we’ve ever been asked: “Are you spring breaking, adulting, or boozing?” Spring breaking meant the beach area. Boozing meant the bar. Adulting meant the pool — and that’s pretty much how it played out. Mostly adults at the pool with a few kids mixed in.

If you want to get into the mix with your kid and their friends, the beach is where it’s at. If you’d rather do your own thing, the pool is perfectly pleasant. Both are valid choices and nobody will judge you either way.

At night it’s the casino, Big John’s (Friday night), parties on private yachts, kids going in and out of each other’s rooms, and Bimini Bash on Saturday and Sunday night. Standard graduation weekend energy.

One thing we do want to flag: the golf carts. Many are not in great shape to begin with, and then kids pile in with way more people than they should. It’s an unsafe situation that’s easy to overlook in the middle of a fun weekend. Remind your kids before they go.

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The Main Event: Bimini Bash

The centerpiece of graduation weekend is Bimini Bash — a 3-night party weekend produced by LAS Events, held at the Monkey Business Rooftop, 5th Floor at Resorts World Bimini.

• Doors open at 9 PM each night — though most kids don’t show up until around 10 PM
• Tickets are purchased separately through LineLeap at tickets.lineleap.com
• The 3-night package runs $97 after fees

This is not included in your hotel stay. Your kid has almost certainly already bought the ticket before you finished reading this sentence. But now you know too.

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Friday Night

Friday sets the tone. The Resorts World Casino is the first stop — expect it to be packed, which is both the point and the chaos. From there, the night moves to Big John’s for the party.

That said, let your kid be the lead on where the party is and when. They know. Things change year to year and they will have the most current intel long before you do.

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The Legal Landscape (A.K.A. Why the Kids Love It)

The legal age in the Bahamas is 18. Your graduate can legally drink, gamble at the casino, and drive the golf cart. This is not a coincidence in terms of why graduation weekends end up here.

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What to Wear (Or Rather, What to Leave Home)

The dress code for the entire weekend is very casual. This is a small Bahamian island, not South Beach. That said, some kids do dress it up a bit for Bimini Bash — linen shirts with rolled sleeves, chinos or casual pants for the guys; a few girls were dressed to the nines while most had on cute, lightweight summer dresses. Either way, sandals or flip flops work for every occasion. Leave the heels, the blazers, and anything that requires ironing at home. For daytime, it’s swimsuits, shorts, and sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.

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Getting Around: The Golf Cart Saga

Rent a golf cart — that’s just how the island works. But let’s be honest about what you’re actually getting into.

Golf carts cannot be reserved through the hotel — we asked the concierge directly and were told to find “any of those guys” on the street. Drivers cruise up and down soliciting rentals, and this is apparently the fully endorsed system. There is no rental desk. There is no contract. There is no Yelp review you can leave.

Rates run around $120/day, sometimes with a gas charge attempted on top. Some owners will push for a full 3-day commitment upfront.

Here’s how our experience actually went: A man confidently told us he was taking us to his other golf carts. He then proceeded to drive around running a personal errand, dropped us back at the hotel, and informed us “you caught me at a busy time” — call him in an hour. We took the tram back to Fisherman’s Wharf and tried again. Six people later, we secured what we came to lovingly call the Purple POS — sliding seat, no windshield, no gauges, and the general structural integrity of a shopping cart. Our contract? A phone number. The woman who rented it to us. That’s it.

Reader, we drove it anyway. And it was perfect.

If You Want to Plan Ahead: Two Better Options

Sue & Joy’s Golf Cart Rentals — Located on King’s Highway in Alice Town, they reportedly take reservations in advance, which in this ecosystem makes them practically a luxury service. We couldn’t find a website, but here’s the number: 242-347-3115

BMB Rental — The most formal option on the island. Book online in advance at rentbmb.com. They offer 4-seater carts, 6-seater carts, and 6-seater UTVs. Gas-powered, well-maintained by all accounts, and they accept Visa and Mastercard. Note: all transactions are charged in Bahamian dollars. Call: 1-242-818-2278 or email info@rentbmb.com.

Neither of these was recommended by the hotel — they may simply not be aware of them, or the street rental system is just how things have always worked here.

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Exploring the Island

Once you have your golf cart, get off the resort campus. There’s a whole island out there.

Nate’s Bimini Bread

A local institution. Fresh-baked Bimini Bread is the thing to get — you’ll smell it before you see it.

Stuart’s Conch Salad Stand

You can’t come to Bimini and not get conch. Mr. Fabian Stuart makes his fresh conch salad to order, daily. It doesn’t get more local than this.

• Location: King’s Highway, Bailey Town
• Hours: Monday through Sunday, 1:00 PM until
• Phone: (242) 347-2474

The Fishing Village

Walkable from Resorts World with shops and a few restaurants worth checking out.

The Craft Center

What some call the Straw Market is actually The Craft Center — a collection of booths operated by island locals. You’ll find straw crafts, hats, T-shirts, souvenirs, and woodcarvings. Great for picking up something local and supporting the people who actually live here.

The Dolphin House Museum

A standout for parents looking for something beyond the beach. The Dolphin House was built by a local over decades using seashells, sea glass, and other recovered and recycled materials. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen and genuinely worth a visit.

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Things to Do Beyond the Party

For parents — or kids — looking for a break from the beach:

• Snorkel the Sapona Wreck — a concrete-hulled ship that ran aground during a 1926 hurricane and now sits partially above the waterline. A unique and accessible snorkel spot.
• Snorkel the Arch — another popular snorkel destination worth the trip
• Golf cart tour of the island — small enough to see it all in an afternoon
• Fishing — Bimini has world-class sport fishing and it’s a big part of the island’s identity

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A Note on the Group Dynamic

Many teens come to Bimini in large groups with no parents at all — or with just one or two parents loosely nearby. If you’re the parent who did come, congratulations: you’re either very brave or very anxious, and possibly both. Either way, knowing the lay of the land helps. That’s what this is for.

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The Bottom Line

We’ll be honest — we were pleasantly surprised. The teens we encountered were polite, nobody was fighting, nobody was sick in a corner. Just kids celebrating a hard-earned graduation and looking for a good time. We encountered far more parents than we expected too — couples, groups of moms, you name it. It felt mostly safe and well-spirited.

Whether you decide to send your kids on their own, stay in a room nearby, rent a house, or go all in and join the fun — hopefully this gives you a little more intel going in. For every parent who has never been and didn’t know where to start, we hope this helps.

*6/11/26 update from RWB: Bookings will officially open today at 4:00 PM for Resorts World Bimini. We understand that some parents may not have received graduation dates yet. To help accommodate everyone, we encourage guests to book Friday through Monday for now. If graduation schedules require adjustments, we will be happy to modify reservations to Saturday through Tuesday once the graduation dates are published.Rates start at $749.00, and we know there is a lot of excitement surrounding this weekend.