Bimini Travel Guide: Things to Do, See & Explore in the Bahamas’ Hidden Gem

Welcome to Bimini—a tiny island chain with a big personality. Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, Bimini is often dubbed the “Gateway to the Bahamas.” With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, intriguing legends, and vibrant marine life, this small archipelago offers an unforgettable Caribbean escape with a unique mix of relaxation and adventure.
 

Whether you’re chasing Hemingway’s footsteps, diving into shipwrecks, or sipping cocktails under swaying palms, Bimini is paradise made easy—accessible, authentic, and full of character.

📍 Where Is Bimini?

Location: Northwestern Bahamas, just 50 miles east of Miami, Florida

Consists of: North Bimini, South Bimini, and several smaller cays

Major towns: Alice Town (North Bimini), Bailey Town, and Porgy Bay

Access: Flights and ferries from Fort Lauderdale and Miami

🌟 Top Things to Do in Bimini

1. 🏝️ Relax on Bimini’s Beaches

Bimini is known for powder-soft sands and calm, turquoise waters—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the sun.

Radio Beach – A beautiful, centrally located beach near Alice Town

Blister Beach – Quiet and scenic, great for sunset views

Spook Hill Beach – Lesser-known, perfect for peaceful strolls

Resort World Bimini Beach – Exclusive, stylish beach club vibes with music and cocktails

2. 🐬 Swim with Dolphins and Stingrays

One of Bimini’s biggest draws is its connection to marine wildlife.

Take a boat tour to swim with Atlantic spotted dolphins in the wild.

Visit Stingray Hole, where gentle rays glide around you.

Responsible tour operators ensure safety and environmental respect.

3. 🤿 Dive into History: Shipwrecks & Reefs

The waters surrounding Bimini are a diver’s paradise with an exciting mix of natural and manmade wonders.

SS Sapona Wreck – A concrete supply ship from World War I, now a haunting and beautiful snorkel/dive site.

Victory Reef – A coral haven teeming with marine life.

Bimini Road – An underwater rock formation that some believe is a remnant of the lost city of Atlantis.

4. 🎣 Go Deep Sea Fishing

Famous for big game fishing, Bimini has long been a hotspot for anglers.

Species include tuna, marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.

Hemingway himself fished here regularly, even writing about his adventures.

Join a guided charter or fish from the pier—options abound.

5. 🐢 Snorkel the Bimini Road (Atlantis Stones)

This mysterious site features submerged, rectangular limestone blocks.

Many speculate they’re remnants of Atlantis, adding to Bimini’s mystique.

Great for beginner snorkelers and families due to shallow waters and easy access.

📚 Bimini's Fascinating History & Culture

Ernest Hemingway’s Bimini

The legendary American author Ernest Hemingway spent several years in Bimini during the 1930s.

He stayed at the now-closed Compleat Angler Hotel and was inspired by the island’s spirit.

The Big Game Club, still operating, was once a Hemingway favorite.

The Fountain of Youth

Local legend claims Ponce de León searched for the Fountain of Youth in Bimini.

Healing Hole, a freshwater spring hidden in the mangroves, is rumored to be it.

Take a kayak or paddleboard tour to experience this mysterious, mineral-rich water.

The Lost City of Atlantis?

The Bimini Road fuels speculation that the lost city of Atlantis lies nearby.
Whether myth or mystery, the island’s connection to this ancient legend makes for captivating stories and photos.

🦜 Nature & Eco-Tourism in Bimini

The Bimini Nature Trail

Located in South Bimini, this trail offers a guided walk through Bahamas’ native flora and fauna.

Spot iguanas, hummingbirds, and medicinal plants used in local bush medicine.

Learn about the island’s ecology and its importance to Bahamian heritage.

Shark Lab Tours

The Bimini Biological Field Station (Shark Lab) is a world-renowned shark research facility.

Join educational tours to learn about lemon sharks, hammerheads, and their ecosystem.

Ideal for families and marine life enthusiasts.

🍴 What to Eat in Bimini

Bimini’s food is a delightful mix of Bahamian home-style cooking and fresh seafood.

Must-Try Dishes:

Conch salad – Freshly diced conch, onions, peppers, and citrus

Fried snapper or grouper – Served with peas & rice

Cracked conch – Battered and deep-fried

Guava Duff – A beloved Bahamian dessert

Recommended Restaurants:

Big John’s Bar & Grill – Beachfront dining and drinks

A Taste of Heaven Bakery – Fresh pastries, local cakes, and breakfast treats

Edith’s Pizza – Famous for seafood pizza and local flair

Joe’s Conch Shack – For the freshest conch salad in Bimini

🛬 How to Get to Bimini

By Air:

South Bimini Airport (BIM) is served by Silver Airways, Tropic Ocean Airways, and charter flights from:

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Miami (MIA)

Nassau

By Sea:

Baleria Caribbean Ferry from Fort Lauderdale

Private boat/yacht entry through Alice Town marina or Resort World Bimini

🏨 Where to Stay in Bimini

From upscale resorts to family-run guesthouses, Bimini offers a range of accommodations.

Top Choices:

Resorts World Bimini – Modern luxury, infinity pools, marina, beach club

Bimini Big Game Club – A legendary hotel for divers and anglers

Bimini Sands Resort – Great for families or long stays on South Bimini

Smaller guesthouses and Airbnb options for budget-conscious travelers

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Bimini

High Season: December to April – Sunny skies, dry weather, and cooler temps

Shoulder Season: May to June – Warmer weather, fewer crowds

Hurricane Season: July to November – Travel with flexibility and insurance

🧳 Travel Tips for Bimini

Bring cash: Many places are cash-only or charge extra for cards

Travel light: Casual, beach-friendly attire is the norm

Water shoes & snorkeling gear are handy for rocky spots

Passport required even though it’s close to the U.S.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Is Bimini Best For?

Weekend warriors from Florida

Scuba divers and snorkelers

Anglers chasing big game fish

History lovers intrigued by Hemingway and Atlantis

Couples seeking a romantic escape

Eco-tourists and marine biology enthusiasts

🔚 Final Thoughts from Your Guide

Though small in size, Bimini offers a rich and diverse experience—from thrilling underwater adventures to laid-back beach days and captivating legends. It's the closest Caribbean escape to the U.S., yet it feels like a world apart.

If you’re craving sun-soaked shores, clear blue waters, and a touch of Bahamian soul, Bimini might just be your perfect island getaway.

Let your curiosity lead the way—Bimini is waiting.