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The Bahamas🇧🇸 | townsAlice TownBig Game Club docks, Dolphin House, King’s Highway, sand-floor bar | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Alice Town
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Alice Town is where people come for the bonefish flats and the Bimini Big Game Club, and for the Hemingway legend that still clings to the bar stools. What matters just as much, and gets overlooked, is how walkable it is: the whole strip is one road, King’s Highway, so you skip rental cars and taxi fares. It sits on North Bimini, in the northwest of Bahamas, a short hop across the Gulf Stream from Florida. Getting here is easy by air or ferry, and the dock scene is friendly. Dive into the Dolphin House and the beaches, skip anything that promises a “nightlife district.” Evenings are slow rum-and-conch affairs, and Saturday-night spots fill fast, so arrive early. You will meet other travelers at the guesthouses and bars, mostly boaters and anglers. Beds are limited, so book ahead. Slow travelers, snorkelers and fishing fans will love it. Anyone chasing nightclubs, big resorts or a long list of sights will be bored by day two.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 town in The BahamasWhat makes it a must-see town

Alice Town works because everything useful sits on one strip, so you can drop your pack and stop planning. Most travelers stay two or three nights, and the ones who linger are usually here for the water. The Bimini Road underwater limestone formation, the wreck of the Sapona and the dolphin and shark encounters nearby all start from the town’s docks, so a morning conversation with a boat captain is the real planning tool. Guesthouses and small marina inns keep the scene friendly, and the main road makes it easy to bump into the same faces twice. Fresh conch salad and cracked conch from roadside shacks beat the pricier marina restaurants. Nightlife is real but small: one or two bars carry the evening, and it’s mostly a rum-and-fishing-stories crowd. Slow travelers, snorkelers, solo travelers … read more 👉
Alice Town works because everything useful sits on one strip, so you can drop your pack and stop planning. Most travelers stay two or three nights, and the ones who linger are usually here for the water. The Bimini Road underwater limestone formation, the wreck of the Sapona and the dolphin and shark encounters nearby all start from the town’s docks, so a morning conversation with a boat captain is the real planning tool. Guesthouses and small marina inns keep the scene friendly, and the main road makes it easy to bump into the same faces twice. Fresh conch salad and cracked conch from roadside shacks beat the pricier marina restaurants. Nightlife is real but small: one or two bars carry the evening, and it’s mostly a rum-and-fishing-stories crowd. Slow travelers, snorkelers, solo travelers and anyone after Hemingway-era atmosphere will settle in happily. If you need trails, big sights or budget-chain comforts, treat Alice Town as a short stop.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Bimini Big Game Club docks: This is the fishing heart of Alice Town and the reason Hemingway’s name still hangs over the place. Sportfishing boats come back in late afternoon, and tournament weeks bring crowds, scales and plenty of noise. Walking the docks is free and takes about an hour. Go between 4 and 6 pm.
  2. Dolphin House: A folk-art home built by local Ashley Saunders from shells, bottles, driftwood, tile and salvaged finds. It is part museum and part cheerful clutter, and the guide often explains the pieces with real affection. Expect a donation of about US$5 to 10 and 30 to 45 minutes. Late morning is easiest.
  3. End of the World Bar: A weathered beach bar with sand floors, walls covered in business cards and graffiti, and a long history as a hangout for fishermen and travelers. Entry is
… read more 👉
  1. Bimini Big Game Club docks: This is the fishing heart of Alice Town and the reason Hemingway’s name still hangs over the place. Sportfishing boats come back in late afternoon, and tournament weeks bring crowds, scales and plenty of noise. Walking the docks is free and takes about an hour. Go between 4 and 6 pm.
  2. Dolphin House: A folk-art home built by local Ashley Saunders from shells, bottles, driftwood, tile and salvaged finds. It is part museum and part cheerful clutter, and the guide often explains the pieces with real affection. Expect a donation of about US$5 to 10 and 30 to 45 minutes. Late morning is easiest.
  3. End of the World Bar: A weathered beach bar with sand floors, walls covered in business cards and graffiti, and a long history as a hangout for fishermen and travelers. Entry is free, beer and rum drinks run about US$5 to 9, and you can spend one to two hours easily. Best in the late afternoon through evening.
  4. King’s Highway stroll: The one main road is the town’s living room, with painted shopfronts, conch shacks, bakeries, small stores and the Atlantic and harbor sides a few steps apart. It costs nothing and takes one to two hours with stops. Mornings are cooler, and afternoon breezes arrive from the water.
Day trips from Alice Town include snorkeling the Bimini Road formation, visiting the concrete shipwreck Sapona off South Bimini, and boat trips to Gun Cay and Cat Cay. Start with the docks in the late afternoon, because the weigh-in is a one-time spectacle and gives you boat captains to talk to for the rest of your stay.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsHow different areas shape the experience

Alice Town is the main settlement on North Bimini, a strip of road about 2 miles long, so you can see every part of it on foot in an afternoon. Here is how I would split your time.
  • Queen’s Highway waterfront: This is the main drag, and it is where you will spend most of your hours. Rum shacks, conch stands and small bars sit within a few hundred meters of each other. Walk it at dusk, when the dock fishermen are cleaning their catch and the pelicans hover for scraps. Skip the gift stalls and spend that time at a conch salad stand, where the conch is cracked and chopped in front of you for about US$10 to 14.
  • Bimini Road and the Hemingway sites: The old bars and photo spots along the central stretch are fun for a drink and a quick look, but they take an hour at most. Do not build a day around them.
… read more 👉
Alice Town is the main settlement on North Bimini, a strip of road about 2 miles long, so you can see every part of it on foot in an afternoon. Here is how I would split your time.
  • Queen’s Highway waterfront: This is the main drag, and it is where you will spend most of your hours. Rum shacks, conch stands and small bars sit within a few hundred meters of each other. Walk it at dusk, when the dock fishermen are cleaning their catch and the pelicans hover for scraps. Skip the gift stalls and spend that time at a conch salad stand, where the conch is cracked and chopped in front of you for about US$10 to 14.
  • Bimini Road and the Hemingway sites: The old bars and photo spots along the central stretch are fun for a drink and a quick look, but they take an hour at most. Do not build a day around them.
  • Bailey Town: A ten-minute walk or short golf-cart ride north, this is where residents eat. Go for lunch, order the cracked conch or fresh bread from a bakery counter, and you will get bigger plates for less money. It is quiet at night, so head back before dark.
  • The beaches on the Atlantic side: Cross the island in five minutes and you reach wide, empty sand with clear water. This is the best free use of your morning, before the wind picks up.
  • The southern end: Mostly marinas and docks, with ferry and boat access. Worth a stroll only if you are arriving or leaving.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

Alice Town is a one-road strip, so you walk everything and use a golf cart or taxi only for the far beach, and you rest in the shade through the midday heat. Start slow.
8:00 AM: Breakfast on King’s Highway
Grab johnnycake or eggs at a local café and watch fishing boats leave the harbor. It is a gentle start and gets you talking with the regulars.
9:30 AM: Bimini Museum and the Dock Area
Walk the short distance to the old customs building that houses the Bimini Museum, where small displays cover rum-running, Prohibition and the island’s fishing history. Allow 30 minutes, then wander the waterfront.
11:00 AM: Hemingway’s Haunts
Stroll to the Compleat Angler area, tied to Ernest Hemingway’s stays in the 1930s. Photos and memorabilia fill the walls, and the history is better here than at any modern … read more 👉
Alice Town is a one-road strip, so you walk everything and use a golf cart or taxi only for the far beach, and you rest in the shade through the midday heat. Start slow.
8:00 AM: Breakfast on King’s Highway
Grab johnnycake or eggs at a local café and watch fishing boats leave the harbor. It is a gentle start and gets you talking with the regulars.
9:30 AM: Bimini Museum and the Dock Area
Walk the short distance to the old customs building that houses the Bimini Museum, where small displays cover rum-running, Prohibition and the island’s fishing history. Allow 30 minutes, then wander the waterfront.
11:00 AM: Hemingway’s Haunts
Stroll to the Compleat Angler area, tied to Ernest Hemingway’s stays in the 1930s. Photos and memorabilia fill the walls, and the history is better here than at any modern bar.
12:30 PM: Lunch and a Break in the Heat
Order cracked conch or a conch salad at a waterside shack, then rest in the shade. The sun is harshest now.
2:30 PM: Radio Beach and Snorkeling
Walk or ride a few minutes to the quieter west-side beach for calm water, soft sand and easy snorkeling. Bring your own mask and water.
4:30 PM: The Healing Hole
Head inland by cart or taxi to this small, off-the-tourist-track mangrove spot reputed locally for its buoyant, mineral-rich water. Few visitors make it out here, and it is worth the detour for the quiet.
6:30 PM: Sunset Dinner
Return to the strip, pick a dock-side bar, and finish with grilled fish and a rum punch as the boats come in.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Alice Town

December to April is the easiest window for Alice Town, with dry, breezy days.
  • Winter (December to April): Highs of 24 to 27°C (75 to 81°F), cooler nights near 18°C (64°F), and about 10.5 to 12 hours of daylight. Crowds and room prices are at their highest, especially around holidays.
  • Spring (May to June): Heat climbs toward 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F). Fishing tournaments fill rooms and boats, while the water is calm and clear for snorkeling. Daylight reaches about 13.5 hours in June.
  • Summer and early fall (July to October): Hot, humid, 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), with afternoon storms and peak hurricane risk. Rooms are cheaper and the island is quiet, but boat trips get canceled.
  • November: Storm risk fades, temperatures drop to the mid-20s°C (high 70s°F) and prices are still below winter peak.
If you … read more 👉
December to April is the easiest window for Alice Town, with dry, breezy days.
  • Winter (December to April): Highs of 24 to 27°C (75 to 81°F), cooler nights near 18°C (64°F), and about 10.5 to 12 hours of daylight. Crowds and room prices are at their highest, especially around holidays.
  • Spring (May to June): Heat climbs toward 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F). Fishing tournaments fill rooms and boats, while the water is calm and clear for snorkeling. Daylight reaches about 13.5 hours in June.
  • Summer and early fall (July to October): Hot, humid, 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), with afternoon storms and peak hurricane risk. Rooms are cheaper and the island is quiet, but boat trips get canceled.
  • November: Storm risk fades, temperatures drop to the mid-20s°C (high 70s°F) and prices are still below winter peak.
If you want cheaper beds and decent weather, go in late November or early May and book flights early.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Alice Town itself is the best base, and the stretch between the dock and the southern tip gives you the most for the money. Dedicated hostels are almost nonexistent on Bimini, so budget travelers usually take small guesthouses, simple motel-style rooms or shared rentals, typically US$ 100 to 180 a night for a double that you can split. Rooms fill fast in spring fishing season, so book weeks ahead, and ask for fan or air-conditioning details before paying.
Staying downtown means you can walk to the bars, the dock for boat trips, small grocery stores and the water taxi to the airport. Expect noise … read more 👉
Alice Town itself is the best base, and the stretch between the dock and the southern tip gives you the most for the money. Dedicated hostels are almost nonexistent on Bimini, so budget travelers usually take small guesthouses, simple motel-style rooms or shared rentals, typically US$ 100 to 180 a night for a double that you can split. Rooms fill fast in spring fishing season, so book weeks ahead, and ask for fan or air-conditioning details before paying.
Staying downtown means you can walk to the bars, the dock for boat trips, small grocery stores and the water taxi to the airport. Expect noise on weekends from music and late patrons near the southern tip, so ask for a room set back from the main road if you sleep lightly. Nights are generally calm, and walking between the bars and your bed is normal here, although the road is dark in places, so carry a headlamp.
Bailey Town, a 20 to 25 minute walk north, is the quieter alternative. Rooms and rentals there can be cheaper, the setting is residential and you sleep in silence, but you give up the convenience of town and need a bike or a taxi for evenings out. Resort rooms further north cost much more and rarely suit a backpacker budget.
Best hostels in The Bahamas


Best quality hotels in The Bahamas

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

Alice Town is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes, so renting a golf cart for your whole stay is the move that burns the most money. Carts run roughly US$ 60 to 90 a day and most of the island’s sights sit within a short stroll or a cheap ride. Traffic is light, nobody is in a hurry, and the road is one long strip with water on both sides.
  • Walking: Free and the best choice for Alice Town and the beaches along Queens Highway. Bailey Town is 20 to 25 minutes north. Go early or late, because midday sun on the pavement is brutal and there is little shade.
  • Bicycle: Rentals run about US$ 15 to 25 a day. The road is flat, so a bike covers the full length of North Bimini comfortably. I’d pick this over a cart for a solo traveler.
  • Golf cart: Worth it for a single half day if you are splitting the
… read more 👉
Alice Town is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes, so renting a golf cart for your whole stay is the move that burns the most money. Carts run roughly US$ 60 to 90 a day and most of the island’s sights sit within a short stroll or a cheap ride. Traffic is light, nobody is in a hurry, and the road is one long strip with water on both sides.
  • Walking: Free and the best choice for Alice Town and the beaches along Queens Highway. Bailey Town is 20 to 25 minutes north. Go early or late, because midday sun on the pavement is brutal and there is little shade.
  • Bicycle: Rentals run about US$ 15 to 25 a day. The road is flat, so a bike covers the full length of North Bimini comfortably. I’d pick this over a cart for a solo traveler.
  • Golf cart: Worth it for a single half day if you are splitting the cost among three or four people, or if you want the resort area up north. Drive on the left, keep to low speeds and don’t drive after the bars.
  • Taxi: Short rides in Alice Town generally cost US$ 5 to 15 per person depending on distance. Agree the price before getting in. Taxis are the sensible option after dark or with luggage.
  • Water taxi: The airport sits on South Bimini, across a narrow channel from Alice Town. A small boat crosses in about five minutes for roughly US$ 5 to 10 each way. Boats run through the day and meet most flights, but go early in the evening, since service thins out after dark.
To arrive, most travelers fly from Fort Lauderdale or Nassau, with flights taking about 20 to 45 minutes. Bring small cash, because drivers rarely have change.

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Backpacking in Alice Town, The Bahamas, carries a distinct rhythm—sunlight bouncing off turquoise waves, salt in the air, and a laid-back vibe that shapes every expense. Here’s what you’re looking at for daily costs, broken down so you can plan smart and savor the experience without surprises.
  • Dorm Accommodation: Expect to pay around $25 to $40 USD per night for a bed in a basic hostel dorm. Options are limited, so prices can lean toward the higher side compared to mainland hostels. The rooms are simple but clean, often with shared bathrooms and a fan or basic AC—enough to cool you after a day in the sun.
  • Meals: Budget about $10 to $20 USD daily if you stick to local eateries or street food. Think fresh conch salad, fried fish sandwiches, or roti from small stands. Groceries for self-cooking
… read more 👉
Backpacking in Alice Town, The Bahamas, carries a distinct rhythm—sunlight bouncing off turquoise waves, salt in the air, and a laid-back vibe that shapes every expense. Here’s what you’re looking at for daily costs, broken down so you can plan smart and savor the experience without surprises.
  • Dorm Accommodation: Expect to pay around $25 to $40 USD per night for a bed in a basic hostel dorm. Options are limited, so prices can lean toward the higher side compared to mainland hostels. The rooms are simple but clean, often with shared bathrooms and a fan or basic AC—enough to cool you after a day in the sun.
  • Meals: Budget about $10 to $20 USD daily if you stick to local eateries or street food. Think fresh conch salad, fried fish sandwiches, or roti from small stands. Groceries for self-cooking can be cheaper but expect limited variety and higher prices than mainland Caribbean spots.
  • Local Transport: Getting around Alice Town is straightforward but not free. A local bus or jitney ride will cost around $1 to $2 USD per trip. Taxis are pricier, roughly $5 to $10 USD for short distances, so plan accordingly if you’re hopping between beaches or markets.
  • Basic Activities/Entry Fees: Many natural attractions like beaches are free, but organized tours or entry to certain parks can run $10 to $30 USD. Snorkeling gear rental or boat trips push the budget higher, so factor in an extra $15 to $40 if you want to dive into water adventures.
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: This covers essentials like bottled water, sunscreen, or a cold drink. Expect to spend around $5 to $10 USD daily here, especially since hydration and sun protection are non-negotiable under the Bahamian sun.

All told, a realistic daily budget for backpacking in Alice Town hovers between $55 and $100 USD. This range balances basic comfort with the freedom to explore local flavors and sights without feeling pinched. The Bahamas isn’t the cheapest Caribbean stop, but knowing where to spend and where to save unlocks a smoother, richer experience.


source: bahamas.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Alice Town

Bimini is small, so day trips from Alice Town are really boat outings on the surrounding water, and they are easy to arrange at the dock the day before.Sapona Shipwreck: A concrete ship ran aground in shallow water south of the island in a 1926 hurricane, and today it is a snorkeling spot, with fish swarming the hull. Boats take about 20 to 30 minutes, and group trips run roughly US$ 50 to 100 each. Go in the morning, when the water is clear, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, since there is no shade.
Bimini Road: This underwater line of limestone blocks is said by some to be a lost city. Snorkelers can see it in about 5 meters of water. A boat trip costs around US$ 50 to 80 and takes half a morning. Choose a calm day, because swell turns the water cloudy.
👉 Explore Bimini RoadGun Cay and Cat Cay … read more 👉
Bimini is small, so day trips from Alice Town are really boat outings on the surrounding water, and they are easy to arrange at the dock the day before.Sapona Shipwreck: A concrete ship ran aground in shallow water south of the island in a 1926 hurricane, and today it is a snorkeling spot, with fish swarming the hull. Boats take about 20 to 30 minutes, and group trips run roughly US$ 50 to 100 each. Go in the morning, when the water is clear, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, since there is no shade.
Bimini Road: This underwater line of limestone blocks is said by some to be a lost city. Snorkelers can see it in about 5 meters of water. A boat trip costs around US$ 50 to 80 and takes half a morning. Choose a calm day, because swell turns the water cloudy.
👉 Explore Bimini RoadGun Cay and Cat Cay Waters: Boat captains run half-day trips south to Gun Cay, with a lighthouse, empty beaches and good snorkeling. Expect US$ 60 to 120 per person in a group, and a full morning. A common mistake is leaving without agreeing the price and the return time, so settle both first.
Bimini Sharklab, South Bimini: The research station on South Bimini studies lemon sharks in the mangrove nursery. Getting there takes a water taxi and a short ride, about 30 minutes from Alice Town, and visits depend on the schedule. Allow US$ 15 to 30 for transport and call ahead.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Alice Town

Alice Town is a small, friendly place where most problems are petty. Leave valuables out of an unlocked room or a parked golf cart, and use the lock on your door, since opportunistic theft is the usual complaint. At night, the main road is dark in stretches, so a headlamp helps, and walking between bars and your bed is common, but avoid isolated beach stretches after drinking. Solo travelers, including women, generally report being left alone beyond friendly attention, though a firm no works if a late-night bar gets pushy. The real hazards are golf carts driven after drinks, the left-side traffic and strong sun. Sand flies and mosquitoes bite at dusk, so carry repellent. Agree a price before any taxi ride or boat trip, and be wary of anyone offering drugs or unlicensed tours. Swim near the shore, since currents run hard in the channel.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Alice Town is worth a night or two rather than a pass-through, mainly for its Atlantic beaches, snorkeling and conch shacks along Queen’s Highway. Its small size means you see the whole settlement on foot in an afternoon. The short flight or ferry from Florida makes it a rewarding add-on, but costs run higher than most of the Bahamas.
Two to three days is a comfortable amount of time in Alice Town. One day covers the waterfront, Bailey Town and a beach, while a second lets you do a snorkeling or boat trip that costs roughly US$50 to 150. Add a third day if you want to rent a golf cart for around US$50 to 70 and explore the northern end at your own pace.
Alice Town can be done as a long day from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, since small planes and fast ferries cover the crossing in about 30 minutes by air or 2 to 3 hours by boat. That leaves only a few hours on the island, which suits a beach and conch lunch but not much else. Staying one night gives you sunset on the dock and an unhurried morning, and it is the better choice.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bahamian towns near Alice Town

Explore more nearby:

  • Marsh Harbour—Marinas, ferry docks, Abaco gateway, waterfront conch| 240 km away
  • George Town—Elizabeth Harbour, Stocking Island, conch salad, Fish Fry| 434 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Alice Town rewards two nights, three if you want a boat trip to the Sapona or the Bimini Road without rushing. One night feels like a ferry stopover, while a week starts to repeat itself. Book your boat captain by the second morning, since weather can shift plans, and bring cash plus reef-safe sunscreen.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in The Bahamas. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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