The Bahamas’ Beloved “Boating Flings” Are Back, From Bimini to Abaco to Grand Bahama
Throttles nudge forward at sunrise, bowlines slip free, and a convoy of South Florida boats eases past the jetties into the open Atlantic. Within an hour the water fades from slate to neon aqua, radios crackle with chatter from skippers comparing fuel burn, and first-timers realize why veteran captains call a Bahamas Boating Fling the easiest—and most social—way to make the crossing.
Every weekend this summer, flotillas of sport-fishers and center-consoles will push off from Fort Lauderdale’s Bahia Mar Marina, ride the Gulf Stream east and tie up in Bahamian harbors as the Ministry of Tourism’s 2025 Summer Boating Flings return June 6–July 28.
The escorted crossings—six in all—range from quick hops to Grand Bahama and Bimini to a 10-day “Extended Fling” through the Abaco chain:
- June 5–8: Grand Bahama
- June 12–15: Bimini
- June 19–22: Bimini
- June 26–29: Bimini
- July 9–19: Extended Fling to Abaco
- July 24–27: Bimini — Canes × The Bahamas Boating Fling
The new Canes-branded weekend teams the ministry with University of Miami basketball Hall of Famer Jack McClinton and other UM alumni for snorkeling outings, cultural events and receptions timed to Bimini’s Goombay Summer Festival.
South Florida group Black Boaters of SOFLO will lead a dozen-plus vessels on one Bimini leg under Bahamas Boating Ambassador Larry Quiton, an effort organizers say is designed to broaden access to the sport.
All trips depart Bahia Mar after a mandatory captains’ meeting the Wednesday before each fling at 6:30 p.m. Boats must secure Bahamas cruising permits in advance, and registration is first-come, first-served. You can find more info at Bahamas.com.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
