Radio Beach takes its name from a radio station that once broadcast from this stretch of North Bimini’s western coast. That crescent of white sand, roughly 1.5 miles long, now anchors the island’s social life — a spot where locals and visitors share the same calm, aquamarine water. A protective offshore reef buffers the shore from ocean swells, creating conditions that suit both swimmers and first-time snorkelers. This guide covers what you’ll find along that stretch of sand: the swimming, the shore snorkeling, the amenities, and the marine excursions you can arrange from here.
Radio Beach stretches roughly 1.5 miles along North Bimini’s western shore, its calm waters protected by an offshore reef.
A quick look at what Radio Beach offers in one table.
| Feature | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Calm, wave-free shallows with a sandy bottom and gentle slope | Families with young children, casual swimmers |
| Snorkeling | Rocky reef sections north of the beach with parrotfish, snappers, angelfish, and occasional nurse sharks | Beginners, shore snorkelers |
| Amenities | Beach chair rentals (~$40/pair per day), food vendors, restrooms, outdoor showers | Anyone wanting a full beach day |
| Getting There | 10–15 minute walk north from Alice Town’s King’s Highway; free parking at the access point | Visitors staying in or near Alice Town |
Swimming and Beach Conditions
The offshore coral reef that runs parallel to Radio Beach does more than just look good — it breaks the incoming ocean swells, leaving the shallows largely wave-free. The sandy bottom stays clear of rocks and debris, and the gentle slope means a child can wade out several feet before the water reaches chest height. That combination makes this one of the safest swimming spots in the Bimini chain.
Most visitors gravitate to the section nearest the main access point from Alice Town. That’s where you’ll find the densest cluster of beach chairs and vendors, but the full 1.5-mile crescent offers plenty of quieter stretches if you walk a little farther. The water temperature sits warm year-round, and the western exposure means the afternoon light turns the surface a bright aquamarine that photographs well even with a phone.
Note: The protective reef keeps conditions calm on most days, but check the wind forecast before heading out — a stiff westerly can kick up small chop even here.
Snorkeling the Reef
Walk north along the sand and you’ll reach the rocky reef sections that offer some of the most accessible shore snorkeling in the Bahamas. The reef begins in shallow water and extends outward, so you don’t need a boat or even strong swimming skills to explore the coral formations. Parrotfish, snappers, and angelfish cruise the edges regularly, and nurse sharks occasionally rest on the sandy patches between the rocks.
The western exposure matters here too — afternoon sunlight penetrates the water at an angle that lights up the coral and makes fish colors pop. Calm conditions prevail most days, which keeps visibility high and currents low. If you’re used to snorkeling from a boat at other Bimini sites, the convenience of walking straight from your towel into the water is a genuine time-saver.
Amenities and the Social Scene
Radio Beach has evolved into something close to Bimini’s living room. The section near the Alice Town access point fills with a mix of locals and visitors, especially from late morning through mid-afternoon. Beach chair rental stands cluster here — expect to pay around $40 for a pair of chairs for the day. Food and drink vendors operate from small setups along the sand, selling cold drinks, grilled fish, conch fritters, and similar beach fare.
Restroom facilities and outdoor showers are available, though as of mid-2026 renovation work was underway to improve the bathrooms. Bimini and Berry Islands MP Randy Rolle described the project as the first phase of a broader improvement programme for the beach, responding directly to requests from residents. That means the facilities may be in a state of flux during your visit — nothing that should stop you from enjoying the water, but worth knowing if you’re planning a full day with young kids who need frequent bathroom breaks.
Chair rentals run roughly $40 per pair per day — bring cash, as card options at the vendors can be spotty. If you arrive after noon, you’ll often find unrented chairs available at a negotiable rate.
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
Radio Beach sits on North Bimini’s western shore, an easy 10- to 15-minute walk north from Alice Town. Follow the path from King’s Highway near the settlement’s northern end, and you’ll hit the sand. If walking isn’t your style, golf carts are available around town and make the trip even quicker. For those arriving by ferry from South Bimini Airport, you can reach the beach directly from Alice Town without needing additional transportation. Parking at the beach access point is free.
The beach also serves as a convenient base for exploring Bimini’s wider marine attractions. The Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation — better known as the Bimini Shark Lab — operates on South Bimini, and visitors can arrange tours to learn about shark research and observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat. Boat excursions depart from Radio Beach for the underwater Bimini Road formation, Honeymoon Harbour stingray encounters, and the SS Sapona shipwreck.
Walk north from Alice Town’s King’s Highway (10–15 minutes) or take a golf cart. Grab a pair of chairs from a rental stand near the main access point.
The protected water stays nearly wave-free. Wade out slowly — the sandy bottom and gentle slope make it safe even for weak swimmers.
Walk north along the beach to the rocky reef sections. The coral starts in shallow water and extends outward — no boat needed. Afternoon light gives the best visibility.
Hit the beachside vendors for lunch or cold drinks. If you have more time, book a boat excursion from the beach to the Bimini Road, Honeymoon Harbour, or the SS Sapona wreck.
Planning Your Visit
Radio Beach works best as a half-day to full-day stop, depending on how much time you want in the water. The calm conditions hold through most of the year, but winter months (December through March) can bring slightly cooler water and a bit more wind. Summer and early fall offer the warmest water and the steadiest calm.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water shoes for the rocky reef sections, and cash for chair rentals and food. Snorkel gear is not available for rent on the beach itself — bring your own or pick up a basic mask and snorkel at a shop in Alice Town before you head to the sand. If you’re planning to visit the Bimini Shark Lab, call ahead to confirm tour availability, as hours can vary.
Bathroom upgrades were underway as of mid-2026, part of a broader improvement plan for Radio Beach. Confirm the current state of facilities before your visit if restroom access is a priority for your group.
Before You Go — Radio Beach
Is Radio Beach safe for swimming with kids?
Yes. The offshore reef blocks ocean swells, leaving the shallows nearly wave-free with a sandy, rock-free bottom. The gentle slope lets children wade safely without sudden drop-offs.
That combination makes it one of the safest swimming spots in the Bimini chain for young families.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Yes — no rental gear is available on the beach itself. Pick up a mask and snorkel at a shop in Alice Town before you walk over.
The reef starts in shallow water, so even basic gear works well for exploring the coral and fish just offshore.
How do I get to Radio Beach from Alice Town?
Walk north from King’s Highway — it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The path starts near the northern end of the settlement and leads directly to the sand.
Golf carts are also available around town if you prefer not to walk. Parking at the beach access point is free.
What amenities are actually available at the beach?
Beach chair rentals run around $40 per pair per day. Food and drink vendors operate along the main section, and restrooms with outdoor showers are on site.
Bathroom upgrades began in mid-2026, so facilities may be in transition — check recent reports before you go if this matters for your group.
A Broadcast That Still Draws a Crowd
The radio station that gave Radio Beach its name is long gone, but the beach itself still sends out a signal — one that pulls in anyone looking for the simplest version of a Bahamas beach day: calm water, accessible snorkeling, cold drinks, and sand that doesn’t ask for much in return. For a deeper look at Bimini’s layered past, exploring Bimini’s history through guided tours pairs well with a day on this shore.
References
Sail Abacos. “Radio Beach.” Sail Abacos, n.d. ↗
Bahamas Latest. “Radio Beach Upgrades Begin Following Requests from Bimini Residents.” Bahamas Latest, 13 July 2026. ↗
For more Bahamas beach and water guides, check out the best snorkeling and scuba spots across the islands, and the pink sands of Harbour Island for a different kind of shoreline. If you’re planning a wider Bimini trip, the guided history tours offer a solid counterpoint to a day on the sand.
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