Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Private Charter Flights

Suggested Aircraft: Beechcraft King Air C90 / 250 (Twin Turboprop)

Why We Recommend This Plane for Fort Lauderdale to Bimini: FXE or FLL to Bimini is only 50 nautical miles across the Gulf Stream (25 minutes door-to-door). It is best flown on a twin turboprop or piston aircraft because of cost efficiency—the trip simply isn't far enough to get the speed benefit of a jet, which would cost two to three times more to save less than five minutes.

Other Popular Aircraft Categories on This Corridor: Twin-Engine Piston, Pilatus PC-12, King Air 250, Light Jets, Amphibious Seaplanes

Key Route Highlights: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

25-minute Gulf Stream crossing—the closest Bahamian island to South Florida
Depart private FBO terminals at FXE, FLL, or OPF with zero commercial security lines
On-site Bahamas Customs and Immigration clearance right on the ramp at South Bimini (MYBS)
Ideal for Resorts World Bimini weekend escapes, marlin tournaments, and day trips

Crossing the emerald waters of the Gulf Stream from South Florida to Bimini is the fastest international private aviation hop in the Western Hemisphere. Located just fifty nautical miles east of the Florida coastline, the twin islands of North and South Bimini serve as the closest Bahamian gateway for travelers departing Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Miami. Through Latitude 18 North Charter and our network of vetted charter partners, we connect discerning travelers directly with the ideal turboprops, twin pistons, and light jets flying the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini corridor daily.

Choosing the Right Departure Airport in Fort Lauderdale

When planning a private charter from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, selecting the right departure airport streamlines your entire travel day. Most private flyers prefer Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), located minutes north of downtown Fort Lauderdale and easily accessible from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. FXE hosts four world-class Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs)—including Banyan Air Service, Atlantic Aviation, Jetscape, and FXE Jet Center—where passengers drive directly to the lounge, hand luggage to the flight crew, and board within ten minutes of arrival. For travelers connecting from a domestic commercial airline flight, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) also offers dedicated general aviation FBO facilities on the west and south ramps, allowing seamless transfers from commercial terminals to your private charter aircraft.

Arriving at South Bimini Airport (BIM / MYBS)

Your flight touches down at South Bimini Airport (IATA: BIM, ICAO: MYBS), which features a 5,430-foot paved asphalt runway capable of handling everything from agile twin-engine pistons and pressurized turboprops to light and midsize business jets. Bahamas Customs and Immigration officers are stationed directly inside the South Bimini terminal. Because private flights arrive with four to nine passengers rather than hundreds of airline travelers, customs clearance typically takes less than ten minutes. From the airport ramp, luxury transfers carry you straight to the water taxi dock for a five-minute crossing to North Bimini, Resorts World Bimini, Big Game Club Marina, Honeymoon Harbour, or private oceanfront residences at Bimini Bay.

Best Aircraft Categories for the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Route

Because the overwater crossing spans only fifty nautical miles, total block time from takeoff at FXE or FLL to touchdown at BIM is twenty-five to thirty minutes. That short distance makes three distinct aircraft categories especially popular among South Florida flyers:

Pressurized Single and Twin Turboprops: The Pilatus PC-12 NGX and Beechcraft King Air 250 or 350 are the undisputed workhorses of the Bimini corridor. With spacious executive cabins, generous baggage holds for deep-sea fishing tackle and dive bags, and low operating costs on short stages, turboprops deliver exceptional value for groups of six to nine passengers.
Twin-Engine Piston Aircraft: For couples or small groups of four to five travelers seeking the most economical private flight option for a quick weekend trip, sportfishing tournament, or casino getaway, modern twin-engine aircraft operated by experienced Bahamas charter specialists offer reliable, cost-effective point-to-point service.
Light Jets and Seaplanes: Travelers prioritizing jet speed and cabin refinement frequently book the Embraer Phenom 300 or Cessna Citation CJ3+, while amphibious Cessna Caravan seaplanes offer direct water landings in North Bimini during daylight visual flight conditions.

U.S. Re-Entry, eAPIS Manifests, and Customs Pre-Clearance

When returning from South Bimini to South Florida, your charter flight crew files all electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) manifests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to departure. Both Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) feature dedicated U.S. CBP general aviation clearance facilities right on the airfield. Instead of waiting in crowded international arrival halls, you clear U.S. Customs privately at the FBO facility in minutes and step directly into your waiting vehicle.

Planning Your Bimini Day Trip or Weekend Charter

Whether you are crossing the Gulf Stream for a single-day billfish tournament at Big Game Club, spending a long weekend at a Resorts World Bimini oceanfront suite, or provisioning a private sportfish yacht at Bimini Cove, flying privately turns the journey into the highlight of your getaway. Share your preferred departure date, passenger count, and luggage or fishing gear requirements to compare tailored turboprop and light jet quotes for your next Fort Lauderdale to Bimini flight.