Here’s the cool part: Bimini is only about 50 miles east of Miami. You can practically see it from Florida on a clear day. It’s closer than driving from Miami to Orlando, which is wild when you think about it.
That proximity makes people wonder if they can just zip over on a boat or a small plane without the whole passport song and dance. Spoiler: you can’t, but there’s a small exception that makes this story even more interesting.
The boat loophole (and why it’s not a loophole)
If you’re sailing to Bimini on a private boat, you might get away with just a government-issued ID—like a driver’s license. But here’s the catch: you need to have a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) from certain states. A regular license won’t cut it.
Even then, it’s risky. Customs officials can ask for a passport book, and if you don’t have it, you might be turned away. Think of it like trying to sneak into a VIP party with a fake wristband—it’s just not worth the drama.
