A new direct ferry service to Bimini is scheduled to begin next month, a move that is expected to dramatically boost the number of U.S. visitors to that island. The Balearia Bahamas Express, owned by a Spanish ferry operator, is currently the only service between Florida and Grand Bahama. The company is seeking to expand its reach by adding a stop to Bimini. While the island attracts around 50,000 tourists annually, the ferry service should bring thousands more through its quick and efficient service off the U.S.coast. "It has been a very complicated year, as beginnings are always difficult, but the company has all the faith in the world that it will keep growing as it has recently," according to Leslie Bethel, chief operating officer at RAV Bahamas, a key developer on the island.
"Besides being a completely new company to the area, we have provided a totally new service like this ferry that has nothing to do with the cruise industry." With the introduction of this ferry service, the company has already been able to tap into new markets. "For us, the divers market has been one that is growing. They would have to wait at least 24 hours to go back if they flew to The Bahamas. With Balearia Bahamas Express, they would arrive the same day after diving," Bethel explained. Upon completion, Bethel confirmed to Guardian Business that close to $2.8 million would have been spent to bring the ferry to Bimini.
The project is considered crucial to World Bimini Bay casino, the $30 million development expected to open in March. "Dredging the channel required the removal of some 200,000 cubic yards of silt, and the process also involved various utility companies. Normal delays in this exercise were anticipated but work finally [is] coming to conclusion," he said. "Alice Town dock expansion has been completed. We're now finalizing construction plans for a small passenger facility. This is just phase one of additional infrastructure works and investments planned to support additional visitor growth and transportation services.
"We are developing and studying plans for phased improvements to the airport in South Bimini. We are also exploring options for accommodating larger cruise ferry vessels." Bethel shared that his company is aiming for an average of 1,000 visitors daily to the island once the ferry service begins. This injection, he said, would bring a significant increase in traffic to an island that has been struggling to attract tourists.
"We are looking to attract between 500 to 800 passengers on the ferry service. When it starts, it won't be operating every day. Through stabilization, we hope to attract at least 1,000 visitors daily," Bethel explained. Michael Weber, general manager at Bimini Big Game Club, said that it has been more than two decades since Bimini had a direct ferry service to the island. "The role of the ferry is huge. We can do what we can with tour operators, and such, and going after the corporate and wedding market but those coming just for a couple of days, that's not available. But for Bimini, it's so close, and they can really spend the day here," he said. Bimini is just 50 miles away from the United States.
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