Long sandy Radio Beach on North Bimini with turquoise Gulf Stream waters and a sailboat anchored offshore
North Bimini, The Bahamas

Radio Beach Anchorage

A Gulf Stream day anchorage where beach bars and ocean swells meet.

Radio Beach anchorage lies off the west side of North Bimini's southern tip, facing the open Gulf Stream. It is essentially an open roadstead with constant ocean swells, making it a popular day anchorage for beach access but unsuitable for overnight stays in most conditions.

The beach itself is Bimini's busiest, with vendors, beach bars, and easy access to Alice Town. Cruisers anchor here to swim, dinghy ashore, and enjoy a few hours on the sand before returning to protected water.

Approach and Conditions

Radio Beach lies immediately west of the Alice Town harbour entrance, facing the Gulf Stream. There is no protected approach; vessels simply anchor off the beach in depths that vary with distance from shore.

The anchorage is subject to constant swells from the west and any fetch across the Gulf Stream. Even on calm days, expect rolling motion. If there is any hint of west wind or building seas, this is not a safe stop. Treat Radio Beach as a fair-weather, daylight-only anchorage.

Holding and Limitations

The bottom is sand, and holding is generally adequate for a temporary stay. Set your anchor securely and maintain a watch. The open exposure means conditions can change quickly, and a comfortable morning can become untenable by afternoon if the wind shifts west.

Most experienced cruisers use Radio Beach for a few hours ashore and take refuge in Alice Town Harbour or another protected anchorage for the night. This is not a place to leave your boat unattended.

The Beach and Ashore

Radio Beach is a long sandy strand with public facilities, vendors, and beach bars. It is the beach of choice for cruise ship day visitors, so expect crowds on port days. The atmosphere is lively and social, with food, drinks, and watersports available.

Alice Town's restaurants and shops are a short walk from the beach. For cruisers, the appeal is easy beach access from the boat, a swim, lunch ashore, and a taste of Bimini's social scene before heading to calmer water.

Getting there

Radio Beach lies immediately west of Alice Town Harbour on North Bimini. Approach from the harbour entrance or from offshore, anchoring in sand off the beach. Conditions are entirely dependent on Gulf Stream weather; arrive only in settled conditions with light east or south winds.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stay overnight at Radio Beach anchorage?
No. Radio Beach is an open roadstead exposed to constant ocean swells. It is suitable only as a fair-weather day anchorage. Take refuge in Alice Town Harbour or another protected anchorage for overnight stays.
What is Radio Beach like?
Radio Beach is Bimini's busiest beach, with vendors, beach bars, and public facilities. It is popular with cruise ship visitors and offers a lively, social atmosphere.
Is Radio Beach safe to anchor at?
In calm conditions with light east or south winds, it is safe for a few hours. If west winds or swells build, leave immediately. Never leave your boat unattended here.