Bimini is part of the Bahamas, consisting of three small islands approximately 50 miles from the coast of Florida. East and South Bimini don’t tend to see many visitors. South Bimini houses an airport and is made up of mostly private residences. On the other hand, North Bimini is visited by cruise ships, Floridians, and travelers alike!
Where to Stay in North Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini is a small island, so only a few resorts and hotels exist. Here are some of the most popular: Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, Bimini Blue Water Resort. Be sure to note that hotel rooms fill up quickly during Bimini fishing tournaments!
Ernest Hemingway
Bimini was a favorite destination of Ernest Hemingway. He first visited the island in 1935 while working on his novel To Have and Have Not. He was immediately drawn to its unspoiled beauty and remote location. Over the next few years, he made several trips to Bimini, often fishing and drinking with his friends at the Bimini Bar.
Hemingway even owned a house on the island for a time. In his novel Islands in the Stream, Bimini serves as the setting for a key section. It is even said that the knowledge he gained from his fishing adventures in Bimini helped him write The Old Man and the Sea.
Today, Bimini remains a popular destination for Hemingway fans, who can visit his former home, bar, and many places that inspired his writing.
Things to Do in North Bimini, Bahamas
Things to do in Bimini include relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming with reef sharks, exploring a shipwreck, partying at a beautiful resort, eco-tours, fishing tournaments, and more!
“Sport Fishing Capital of the World”
Self-proclaimed, Bimini prides itself on being the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” A leisurely boat ride from parts of Florida, some residents take the 50-mile ride to Bimini in search of a great catch.
Bimini is home to a large variety of fish species. Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin, Billfish, and Marlin– to name a few. Popular types of fishing include charter fishing, flying fishing, and spearfishing. Bimini is also the host of many fishing tournaments in the Bahamas.
The island is home to several marinas, and charter boats are available for hire. In addition, Bimini is located near several reefs and shipwrecks, making it a prime spot for fishing. Whether you’re looking to catch a trophy fish or enjoy a day on the water, Bimini is the perfect place to cast your line.
Eco Conch Cruise
Conch shells (pronounced “conk”) can be found almost everywhere in Bimini! Conch is used in cuisine, building materials, décor, jewelry, and more.
This large sea snail is known for its beautiful shell, often used as a decoration or keepsake. The conch is also an important food source for many fish and animals. In addition to being a tasty treat, the conch is rich in nutrients and provides a valuable source of income for local fishermen. The Bahamas is home to several species of conch, including the queen conch and the Atlantic green conch. These creatures are an essential part of the Bahamian ecosystem and play a vital role in the economy of Bimini.
Bimini Blue Tours and Adventures is a great option for underwater adventures. Go on an Eco Conch Tour and learn about the aquatic creatures and their importance to those living on the island. A plus is that they offer complimentary rum punch on all their excursions!
LOCAL TIP: The Conch salad at Ebbie’s in Bailey Town is highly recommended by locals. They have a variety of other dishes made with conch as well!
Snorkeling with Reef Sharks
Bimini is a popular destination for shark enthusiasts. Several species can be found around Bimini, including great hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, and tiger sharks.
Shark sightings are relatively common, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and heed any warnings from locals. Although shark attacks are rare, they occur, so it’s always best to be cautious when entering the water.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping thrill or want to marvel at these impressive creatures, Bimini is the perfect place to see sharks up close and personal. The Bimini Scuba Center and Bimini Blue Tours and Adventures offer snorkeling adventures with hammerheads, reef sharks, and white tips. They also provide stingrays and dolphin voyages!
SS Sapona Shipwreck in Bimini
The SS Sapona was a German cargo ship that ran aground near Bimini in the Bahamas during a storm in 1926. The vessel was carrying a load of coal and was on its way from Germany to Cuba when it hit a reef and began to take on water. The crew was able to evacuate, but the ship quickly sank.
The Sapona is a popular dive site today, and its remains provide an eerie glimpse into the past. The ship’s hull remains intact, and the forward deck is covered in coral. You can swim through the hold, exploring the ship’s cargo of coal that has been turned into black diamonds by the sea. For many divers, the SS Sapona is a Bimini must-see.
The Bimini Scuba Center and Bimini Blue Tours offer opportunities to tour this spooky wreckage.
Alice Town Craft Center
Are you looking for great souvenirs on your Bimini vacation? Rent a golf cart or grab a taxi into Alice Town. There, you will find Bimini’s version of a straw market. Straw hats, hand-woven baskets, and colorful blankets are just some of the treasures that can be found at the market.
Bargaining is expected; you should be prepared to haggle for the best price. The market is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and it’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir to take home.
Dolphin House Museum
Located in Bimini’s Alice Town, the Dolphin House Museum is a must-see for tourists looking for things to do in the Bahamas. The museum offers insight into the island’s history and relationship with gracious sea creatures such as dolphins.
Visitors can explore captured images, including photographs and recordings from local fishermen, that showcase what life used to be like on Bimini Island. They can also enjoy artwork created by master dolphin whisperer Joe Tipingee, who has had face-to-face interactions with hundreds of dolphins over his lifetime.
Relax on the Beach
Bimini is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and abundant marine life. It’s also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Radio Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bimini. It’s named after the radio tower at the beach’s end.
The tower was built in the early 1900s and was used to relay messages between ships at sea. Today, it’s a popular spot for sunset watching and picnicking. The beach is also a great place to swim, sunbathe, or relax in the shade of a palm tree.
The easiest way to get there is by golf cart or taxi. The beach is not usually crowded, the water is clear blue, and there are tons of shells and sea glass. Grab a bite to eat or grab a cold drink from a restaurant and enjoy the day.
Vacationing in North Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini is well known for its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. Bimini is also home to various marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Visitors to Bimini can enjoy plenty of sun and relaxation on the island’s beaches or explore its many reefs and shipwrecks. With its warm weather and beautiful scenery, Bimini is an excellent destination for a getaway.
This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex.
Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.