10 Best Things To Do In Bimini, Bahamas
Nestled just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, but its allure feels worlds away. Known for its pristine beaches, mysterious underwater sites, and rich historical ties, Bimini offers travelers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to unwind on white-sand beaches, explore legendary shipwrecks, or dive into the stories of literary giants like Ernest Hemingway, Bimini is a paradise waiting to be discovered. With a small-town charm and big experiences to offer, the island promises unforgettable memories for every type of traveler.
This guide will take you through the best things to do in Bimini, offering everything from snorkeling at mystical sites like the Bimini Road to swimming with stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour. So, pack your bags, put on some sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Bimini!
1. Relax on Radio Beach: Bimini’s Most Popular Shoreline
Radio Beach is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Bimini. Located in Alice Town, it’s the most accessible and popular beach on the island, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This public beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the laid-back island atmosphere that Bimini is known for.
One of the reasons Radio Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors is the calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families and novice swimmers. You can also find food vendors nearby selling Bahamian delicacies like conch salad, a must-try during your visit.
The beach is easily accessible, making it a great stop for anyone staying at vacation rentals or hotels in Alice Town or nearby. This is one of those Bimini beaches that captures the essence of the island—laid-back, beautiful, and welcoming.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Radio Beach gets its name from the large radio mast located nearby? This mast was a crucial communication point for the Bahamas in the early 20th century.
2. The Dolphin House Museum: A Unique Artistic Landmark
The Dolphin House Museum in Bimini is one of the island’s hidden gems, a must-see for those interested in local culture and art. Built by local historian and artist Ashley Saunders, this colorful and quirky structure has been evolving for decades. Constructed using salvaged materials like sea glass, conch shells, and tiles, it’s a tribute to the island’s natural beauty and its close connection to dolphins.
Located in Alice Town, the Dolphin House offers a guided tour led by Saunders himself. Visitors are taken through a journey of creativity, learning about the inspiration behind the building and its intricate design. The museum’s mosaic walls, floors, and rooftop terrace offer a unique perspective of Bimini’s artistic soul.
What makes the Dolphin House Museum stand out is not just its artistic allure but also its symbolic meaning. Saunders built the house as a tribute to the dolphins that frequent the waters around Bimini, creatures that are often seen as spiritual guides in Bahamian culture.
Fun Fact: Saunders started building the Dolphin House in 1993 and has been expanding it ever since, with plans to continue adding to it for as long as he can!
3. Snorkeling at Bimini Road: The Lost City of Atlantis?
If you’re visiting Bimini, one of the most intriguing activities is snorkeling at Bimini Road, an underwater formation that many believe could be part of the lost city of Atlantis. This site, located just off the coast of North Bimini, has fascinated explorers and divers for decades due to its mysterious alignment of massive stone blocks that resemble a man-made road.
The shallow, clear waters around the site make it accessible to both novice and experienced snorkelers. As you glide above the formation, you’ll encounter vibrant marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two.
For those more adventurous, diving deeper into the waters around Bimini Road offers even more spectacular views of the ancient-looking stone blocks. Many visitors leave the site feeling enchanted, as if they’ve experienced something otherworldly.
Fun Fact: While some believe Bimini Road is part of Atlantis, geologists have theorized that it’s likely a natural limestone formation. Regardless, the mystery adds an extra thrill to your snorkeling adventure!
4. The Bimini Shark Lab: A Marine Conservation Hub
One of the most unique activities in Bimini is visiting the Bimini Biological Field Station, commonly known as the Shark Lab. Located on South Bimini, this world-renowned research facility is dedicated to studying and conserving shark species. If you’ve ever wanted to get up close with sharks in a controlled, educational environment, the Shark Lab is the place to go.
Founded in 1990 by Dr. Samuel Gruber, the Bimini Shark Lab focuses on the behavior, habitat, and conservation of various shark species, including the lemon shark, which Bimini is famous for. The lab offers educational tours where you can learn about the research being conducted and even witness live shark tagging demonstrations. It’s a must-visit for anyone with an interest in marine biology or conservation.
The Shark Lab has played a crucial role in changing public perceptions about sharks. Through their research and outreach, they aim to dispel the myths about sharks being solely dangerous predators. Instead, visitors learn how essential sharks are to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
Fun Fact: Bimini's waters are one of the few places in the world where juvenile lemon sharks can be easily studied, making it a hotspot for marine research.
5. Honeymoon Harbour: Swim with Stingrays at Gun Cay
A trip to Honeymoon Harbour on Gun Cay is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Bimini. A short boat ride from North Bimini, Honeymoon Harbour is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and an abundance of friendly stingrays. Swimming with stingrays in their natural habitat is a rare opportunity, and Honeymoon Harbour offers this magical experience in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
The water at Honeymoon Harbour is incredibly shallow, making it perfect for wading, swimming, and interacting with stingrays. These gentle creatures often swim right up to visitors, gliding gracefully through the water. You can feed them small fish (provided by local guides), which only enhances the close interaction. For those looking to add a bit of adventure to their beach day, snorkeling around the harbor is also popular, with vibrant marine life and coral formations.
Visiting Honeymoon Harbour is a fantastic way to combine relaxation with wildlife encounters. The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for a serene swim, while the close interaction with stingrays makes for a truly unique experience. Be sure to bring your camera, as these moments are ones you’ll want to remember forever.
Fun Fact: The stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour are so used to human interaction that they’ll often follow boats into the shallow waters, eager to greet visitors!
6. Explore the SS Sapona Shipwreck
One of the most adventurous activities in Bimini is exploring the SS Sapona shipwreck, a partially submerged relic just off the coast. This concrete-hulled ship was originally built during World War I and has since become one of Bimini’s most famous dive sites. The wreck sits in shallow waters, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers.
The Sapona ran aground during a hurricane in 1926, and today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful monument rising out of the sea. Covered in coral and teeming with marine life, the wreck has transformed into an underwater playground for those interested in history and marine biology. Snorkelers can swim around the exposed portions of the ship, while experienced divers can explore its submerged compartments.
Exploring the SS Sapona is more than just a dive—it’s a journey into history. The ship has a colorful past, once used by rum runners during Prohibition and later as target practice for the U.S. military during World War II.
Fun Fact: During Prohibition, the SS Sapona was a key player in rum smuggling operations between the Bahamas and the United States!
7. Indulge in Bahamian Cuisine
No trip to Bimini would be complete without sampling the delicious Bahamian cuisine. The island is famous for its fresh seafood, and the local dishes are infused with vibrant flavors and Caribbean influences. One of the top things to do in Bimini is indulging in a hearty meal of cracked conch, conch fritters, or a refreshing bowl of conch salad. These dishes can be found at nearly every restaurant on the island, but if you want an authentic experience, head to Stuart's Conch Stand, a local favorite.
For a casual beachside meal, visit Big John’s Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy Bahamian classics like grilled lobster and grouper, all while taking in the stunning ocean views. Be sure to wash down your meal with a local Kalik beer or a Goombay Smash, a sweet Bahamian cocktail made with rum and tropical fruit juices.
Dining in Bimini offers more than just food—it’s an experience. Most restaurants have a relaxed, island vibe, and many are open-air, allowing you to feel the warm Bahamian breeze as you savor each bite. Eating fresh seafood with your toes in the sand? That’s the true Bimini way of life.
Fun Fact: Conch is not only a staple in Bahamian cuisine but is also considered a symbol of the islands. The shell is often used for crafts and even as a makeshift horn!
8. Discover Ernest Hemingway’s Legacy in Bimini
Bimini may be a small island, but it has played host to some big names, none more notable than famed author Ernest Hemingway. During the 1930s, Hemingway was a frequent visitor to Bimini, drawn by its pristine waters, abundance of fish, and the solitude it provided. Today, you can follow in his footsteps and explore the island that inspired many of his works, including Islands in the Stream.
One of the top activities in Bimini is visiting the places Hemingway frequented during his time here. Start your journey at the Hemingway Rum Bar & Social Club, a lively spot where you can enjoy a drink and reflect on the author’s love for the island. Next, head to the Bimini Museum, where you’ll find exhibits dedicated to Hemingway’s life and time spent on the island, as well as other important historical figures from Bimini’s past.
Hemingway’s love for Bimini was largely driven by his passion for big-game fishing. If you’re a fan of fishing, consider booking a charter in his honor. The waters around Bimini are still teeming with marlin, tuna, and sailfish—species Hemingway himself likely wrestled with during his fishing expeditions.
Fun Fact: Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, was often anchored off the coast of Bimini, where he would spend hours writing and fishing. Some believe Bimini’s tranquil atmosphere helped shape his literary masterpieces.
9. Go Big-Game Fishing: Reel in a Record Catch
One of the most famous activities in Bimini is big-game fishing, which has drawn anglers from around the world for decades. Dubbed the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Bimini’s deep waters are home to a wide variety of fish species, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo. For those who dream of reeling in a monster catch, there’s no better place than Bimini to make that dream a reality.
Local captains know the waters well and can take you to the best spots where the big fish are biting. Fishing trips typically last half a day or a full day, and many charters provide all the necessary equipment, including rods, reels, and bait.
The peak fishing season in Bimini runs from May through September, when large schools of tuna and marlin migrate through the region. But fishing is good year-round, with different species being more prevalent at various times of the year. If you’re hoping to catch a record-breaking fish, this is the place to do it.
Fun Fact: Legendary angler Michael Lerner established the International Game Fish Association in Bimini in 1939, solidifying the island’s reputation as one of the world’s top fishing destinations.
10. Take a Kayaking Adventure Through Bimini’s Mangroves
For a more tranquil adventure, explore Bimini’s lush mangrove forests by kayak. The island’s mangroves are an essential part of its ecosystem, providing a safe haven for many species of birds, fish, and even juvenile sharks. Paddling through these serene waters offers visitors a peaceful, up-close encounter with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches.
Mangrove kayaking tours are available through several operators on the island, offering guided experiences that take you through the heart of Bimini’s ecological treasures. As you glide through the calm, shallow waters, keep an eye out for wildlife such as rays, crabs, herons, and small sharks. These kayaking tours are perfect for nature lovers and those looking to explore a different side of Bimini beyond the beaches and open ocean.
The Bonefish Creek, in particular, is a popular route for kayaking. Its narrow waterways allow you to travel deep into the mangrove forest, where you’ll experience the incredible biodiversity of Bimini’s natural environment. Many of these tours also offer opportunities for birdwatching, as Bimini’s mangroves are home to a variety of migratory and native bird species.
Fun Fact: Mangroves are often referred to as the “nurseries of the sea” because they provide critical shelter for young marine life, including the famous lemon sharks that frequent Bimini’s waters.
Conclusion
Bimini, though small in size, is big on adventure and natural beauty. From its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life to its rich history and laid-back island culture, Bimini offers an unforgettable tropical escape.
Whether you're diving into underwater wonders like the SS Sapona shipwreck, enjoying a sunset on Radio Beach, or exploring the island’s fascinating historical sites, there's no shortage of incredible things to do. Each visit reveals something new, whether it's a fresh appreciation for the island’s pristine beauty or a new favorite spot to relax.
So pack your snorkel, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the best of the Bahamas’ Bimini islands!
Planning to visit? Karta has some amazing deals on Bimini vacation rentals for you.
FAQs
1. How do you get to Bimini from Miami?
Bimini is one of the easiest Bahamian islands to reach from the U.S. You can travel to Bimini from Miami by ferry, which takes about 2 hours, or by seaplane, which takes around 30 minutes. Private boats are also a popular option, with the journey taking a few hours depending on weather and conditions.
2. What is Bimini known for?
Bimini is known for its clear turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and rich marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling, diving, and big-game fishing. The island is also famous for its connection to author Ernest Hemingway and the mysterious Bimini Road, which some believe could be part of the lost city of Atlantis.
3. Is Bimini worth visiting?
Absolutely! Bimini offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. With its stunning beaches, historic landmarks like the SS Sapona shipwreck, and exciting marine activities such as swimming with stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour, there’s something for everyone on this charming Bahamian island.
4. What’s the best time of year to visit Bimini?
The best time to visit Bimini is during the winter and spring months, from December to April. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant, and there’s less chance of rain. For fishing enthusiasts, the summer months (May to September) are ideal, as this is when the waters are teeming with marlin, tuna, and wahoo.
5. Can you swim with sharks in Bimini?
Yes, Bimini is famous for its shark research and conservation efforts at the Bimini Biological Field Station (Shark Lab). You can take guided tours to learn about these fascinating creatures, and experienced divers can even book excursions to swim with sharks in their natural habitat, particularly lemon and nurse sharks.
6. How far is Bimini from Nassau?
Bimini is located approximately 130 miles west of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. To travel between Bimini and Nassau, you can take a domestic flight, which lasts around 45 minutes, or travel by boat, although this journey can take longer and is less common.
7. What should I pack for a trip to Bimini?
When visiting Bimini, be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the Bahamian sun. If you plan on snorkeling or diving, bring water-friendly shoes and your own gear if preferred. Don’t forget your camera to capture the island’s stunning natural beauty!
8. Are there any historical landmarks in Bimini?
Yes, Bimini has a rich history that includes landmarks like the SS Sapona shipwreck, a World War I-era vessel now popular for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, you can visit the Dolphin House Museum, built from local materials by artist Ashley Saunders, and learn about the island's connection to Ernest Hemingway at the Bimini Museum.
