Virgin Voyages’ private island experience is another exciting reason to check out this up-and-coming cruise line. While the island itself is not private, the cruise line does offer a private beach club called the Beach Club at Bimini. Bimini is located in The Bahamas and features white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities for passengers to enjoy.
Virgin Voyages isn’t the first to offer its passengers a private beach club experience. In recent articles, we discussed Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, as well as Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay, which have become popular destinations for cruise-goers. However, as you’ll expect if you’ve read any of our recent Virgin Voyages articles, you can expect a unique twist on their beach club experience.
In general, Virgin Voyages attracts a younger generation of travelers, and the Beach Club at Bimini has a similar atmosphere to the swanky and fun beach clubs found in Ibiza. Expect upbeat music, tasty drinks, excursion offerings, and plenty of spots to sit back and relax. Keep reading as we take a closer look at what the Virgin Voyages private island experience has to offer.
Virgin Voyages Private Island: Overview
It’s important to point out that the Beach Club at Bimini isn’t on a Virgin Voyages private island. Bimini is an island in The Bahamas that Virgin Voyages has partnered with to create its beach club experience.
The cool thing about the Beach Club at Bimini is that it is exclusive for Virgin Voyages passengers. Plus, the beach club isn’t closed off, so if you and your group want to explore the island, then you have the freedom to do so. Just be sure you’re back before the ship departs!
Many cruise lines that take their guests to private islands or beach clubs don’t give them a lot of time to hang out or explore the surrounding area. However, Virgin Voyages cruises will typically arrive at the beach club early in the morning and stay until the sun goes down. This gives guests an opportunity to enjoy the island during the day and get a taste of the nighttime vibe, which includes dance parties, bonfires under the stars, and more.
At Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a bar or a place to relax. In total, there are six bars, and guests can mingle there or go to one of the lounge areas. The lounges have plenty of seating with hammocks, hanging wicker chairs, and booths, all situated near a pool.
Like the Virgin Voyages “Lady Ships,” the focal point of the beach club is a large lagoon-style pool. The pool is surrounded by umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas, and guests can cool off in the water or relax, soaking up some vitamin D. Guests will also have full access to the beach if they’d rather stick their toes in the sand or go for a swim in the ocean.
Beach Club at Bimini Must Dos
There are many things to do while at the Beach Club at Bimini. Of course you can sit back, relax, and enjoy cocktails near the pool. But if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, there are plenty of options.
Swim with Stingrays
The underwater world is a special place that is worth exploring, and one way to do that is to swim with stingrays. Guests can book an excursion that takes them to Honeymoon Harbour. From there, stingray professionals will prepare you on how to interact with the amazing creatures before you get in the water. The experience is unforgettable and a must-do for animal lovers and adventure-seekers alike.
Scuba Dive
If you are scuba certified, then take advantage of the two-tank scuba dive trip at Bimini. The shallow reefs in Bimini are some of the most biodiverse aquatic life in The Bahamas. If you are up for it, you can also book a hammerhead scuba dive trip.
If you like to scuba dive in the Caribbean, then add this activity to your list of things to do. You can explore a whole new world that lies beneath the water’s surface.
Snorkeling at Sapona Shipwreck & Triangle Rock
In case you aren’t scuba certified but want to do an adventurous water activity, then snorkeling at Sapona Shipwreck & Triangle Rock is a great option.
The Sapona ran aground during the Great Hurricane of 1926, and for many years, it was used to store illegal rum during the U.S. Prohibition. Now, it is one of the most sought-after snorkel and dive sites, as it is teeming with marine life.
On this underwater safari, you will also snorkel at Triangle Rock. This site is filled with nurse and reef sharks in a controlled environment.
Explore Bimini
If you are a traveler who loves learning about other cultures and their history, then take advantage of the opportunity to explore the island of Bimini. Travelers can choose to go on a self-guided tour or go with a tour guide. If you choose to book a tour, then you will see six historical spots in Bimini and learn about its history.
Is There Free Food at The Beach Club at Bimini?
If you have read our Virgin Voyages Food Guide article or have done your own research on the cruise line, then you know that all food is included in your fare. But what about when you are at the beach club?
Yes, there is free food at the Beach Club at Bimini. The food options include barbecue, fruit, tropical salads, and more. However, like when you are on the ship, alcoholic drinks are not included and will need to be paid for separately.
Guests can choose to go back to the ship for lunch if they want. Keep in mind that the beach club is about a 20-minute walk from the ship. There are bus transfers, but they are on a rotating schedule, so you may have to wait to catch a ride back to the ship.
Renting Cabanas at The Beach Club at Bimini
Cabanas are available for rent at the beach club and cost $350 for the day. The three cabana locations are called Bimini Beach, Bimini Grove, and Bimini Lagoon.
The Bimini Beach cabanas are located at the beach, Bimini Grove is in the beach club near the hammocks, and Bimini Lagoon is located in the center near the pool. If you choose to rent one of the cabanas, you will also get a free round of drinks included in the price.
Beach Club at Bimini: Richard’s Retreat
Aboard the Virgin Voyages fleet, guests who book a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar suite get exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private area. These guests will also get access to the Richard’s Retreat at the Beach Club at Bimini–sort of a private experience within the Virgin Voyages private island experience!
The exclusive area has its own bar with private cabanas and loungers. While there, you can enjoy music from a DJ and have food delivered. If you didn’t book one of the Rockstar suites, you might also get a chance to go to the exclusive beach club retreat. If all of the cabanas aren’t booked, they will offer them to other guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virgin Voyages Private Island: Conclusion
The Beach Club at Bimini is a luxurious highlight of a Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise. Guests have exclusive access to the beach and have the freedom to explore the island if they’d like.
Even though the excursions are an additional cost, they are a great way to make the most of your time on Bimini. And with plenty of bars, lounge areas, and a lagoon-style pool, there’s something for everyone at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club.
Want to learn more about Virgin Voyages cruises? Check out these articles: Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cabins and Suites, Virgin Voyages vs. Celebrity: Which to Choose?, Virgin Voyages vs. Carnival: Cruise Lines With Big Differences, and Virgin Voyages vs. Royal Caribbean: How Do They Compare?
