15 Best Things To Do For First-Time Visitors In Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini may be small, but it’s packed with stories, legends, and some of the most photogenic coastlines in the Bahamas. Just a quick hop from Miami (seriously—less than an hour by boat or plane), these islands are known for their wild mix of history, myth, and laid-back beach charm.

From Hemingway’s old fishing haunts to mysterious underwater ruins and a museum made entirely of sea glass, here’s a roundup of the best things to do if you’re visiting Bimini for the first time—and want to see more than just your hotel pool.

1. Radio Beach

If you’re staying in Alice Town, this is probably the first beach you’ll stumble across, and it’s more than just a pretty stretch of sand. Radio Beach is named after an old tower that once helped ships and planes navigate these waters, back when Bimini was more frontier outpost than tourist escape.

It’s also got serious Hemingway vibes. He walked these shores in the 1930s, fishing by day and writing by night. These days, it’s a local hangout where you’ll find vendors selling spicy conch salad, grilled fish, and cold drinks. It’s not a polished resort beach—and that’s part of its charm.

Why go: It’s one of the most accessible beaches in Bimini—and one of the most meaningful.

Local tip: Go around sunset. The skies light up in fiery pinks and oranges, and you can usually snag a plate of fresh conch for under $10.

2. Dolphin House Museum

Imagine a house built entirely out of sea glass, shells, coral, and discarded tiles. Now imagine every inch of it tells a story. That’s the Dolphin House Museum, the lifelong project of Ashley Saunders—a local artist, poet, and historian who started building it in 1993 with his own two hands.

Yes, dolphins inspired the theme, but the real magic here is how Saunders weaves Bimini’s past—shipwrecks, island legends, family history—into every nook and cranny. He’ll often give the tour himself, and trust me, that alone is worth the stop.

Personal take: If you only have time for one cultural stop in Bimini, make it this one. It’s weird, wonderful, and straight from the heart.

3. Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

This isn’t just another marina—it’s the place that helped put Bimini on the map back in the 1930s. The Bimini Big Game Club has hosted celebrities, sportfishing legends, and a fair share of rum-soaked rivalry over the years.

Hemingway, of course, was a regular. But beyond the literary nostalgia, it’s a great spot to grab a drink, chat with locals or boaters, and feel that mix of grit and glam that Bimini pulls off so well. If you’re into fishing, even better—you’re standing in a spot that’s seen more world-record catches than most places on Earth.

Why go: It’s a slice of old-school glamour mixed with sportfishing lore.

Don’t miss: The on-site restaurant has decent seafood and a relaxed vibe. Great place to swap stories or just people-watch by the docks.

4. Bimini Road

Just off the coast of North Bimini lies one of the island’s most talked-about underwater attractions: Bimini Road. It's a strange, almost too-perfect alignment of large limestone blocks that some say could be part of the Lost City of Atlantis. Others argue it's just a natural formation. Either way, it’s a blast to explore if you’re into diving or snorkeling.

The water’s clear, the dive is relatively easy, and the setting feels straight out of a sci-fi documentary. You can book a dive tour through several local operators—and while no one can prove Atlantis was here, the mystery just adds to the experience.

Pro tip: Even if you’re a skeptic, the dive is gorgeous. Just go for the visuals and let your imagination run wild.

5. Resorts World Bimini

Let’s be real—Resorts World Bimini is a bit of a departure from the island’s roots. It’s got high-rise buildings, a casino, imported sand, and an unmistakably “Vegas-meets-Caribbean” feel. Some love it, some say it’s too much for such a tiny island.

But love it or not, it’s now part of Bimini’s story. If you’re looking for air-conditioned comfort, poolside cocktails, or an easy cruise-ship day trip, this is your spot. And it’s undeniably convenient for visitors who want amenities without going full off-the-grid.

Why go: It’s where Bimini’s past meets its flashy future.

Reality check: This isn’t where you’ll find local culture or quiet beaches. But if you want a mix of luxury and accessibility, it delivers.

6. Bimini Island Tours

One of the smartest things you can do early in your trip? Book a Bimini Island Tour with a local guide. These aren’t just sightseeing drives—they’re deep dives into Bimini’s history, from shipwrecks and shark research to churches and conch fisheries.

Many guides have family stories tied to the places they show you. You’ll hear about Prohibition-era rumrunners, resistance fighters, and the changing tides of island life, all while visiting spots like the Sapona wreck and the Dolphin House. It’s storytelling at its finest, and a reminder that Bimini is more than just pretty beaches.

Why go: Because the best way to understand Bimini is through its people.

Emily's advice: Do this early in your trip—it adds context to everything else you’ll see. Plus, you’ll know which hidden gems are worth circling back to.

7. Bimini Biological Field Station

Founded in 1990 by Dr. Samuel Gruber, the Bimini Biological Field Station, often called the Shark Lab, has become one of the most influential marine research centers in the Caribbean. Before its establishment, sharks around Bimini were mostly seen as threats or trophies. The station transformed that perception by studying the island’s rich shark populations—especially lemon sharks, which use the surrounding mangroves as nurseries.

The lab’s story is as much about community as science. Generations of young researchers, students, and volunteers from around the world have lived and worked in modest quarters here, collecting data that reshaped global understanding of shark behavior. Their studies revealed how Bimini’s unique ecosystems sustain sharks and how protecting these waters ensures the survival of species threatened elsewhere.

Over three decades, the Shark Lab has left its mark not only in academic journals but also in local culture. Islanders grew to see sharks not just as predators but as part of Bimini’s natural heritage and economic future through eco-tourism.

8. Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve

Once an industrial sand-mining site, Ocean Cay has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in Bahamian history. Acquired and restored by MSC Cruises in the late 2010s, the island was stripped of its machinery, replanted with thousands of native trees, and reborn as the MSC Marine Reserve. Its story reflects the shift from the exploitation of natural resources to a modern model of preservation and sustainable tourism.

But Ocean Cay’s significance runs deeper than its recent makeover. For decades, it was a scar in the seascape, a reminder of how industrial demands reshaped the Bahamas in the 20th century. Its restoration has given the area new meaning—returning coral habitats, creating sanctuaries for marine life, and providing jobs for locals. Cruise passengers who now lounge on its beaches or snorkel its waters are, knowingly or not, part of a larger story of renewal.

9. South Bimini

While North Bimini often takes the spotlight, South Bimini holds its own deep significance in the island’s story. This quieter half of the island chain has long been tied to agriculture and everyday life rather than tourism. In the early 20th century, settlers grew fruits and vegetables here to supply Alice Town and nearby communities, and its airstrip later became the key entry point for visitors crossing the Gulf Stream.

South Bimini is also linked to conservation history. The island’s mangroves and shallow waters serve as vital nurseries for lemon sharks, a fact that inspired the establishment of the Bimini Biological Field Station in 1990. Long before scientific research took root, however, locals understood these ecosystems intuitively—relying on them for fishing grounds and natural protection from storms.

10. Honeymoon Harbour

On the northern tip of Gun Cay, just south of Bimini, lies Honeymoon Harbour, a stretch of sand whose name hints at the countless couples and travelers who have found solitude there. For centuries, this sheltered bay served as a stopping point for sailors navigating the narrow channels. Its calm waters, ringed by reefs, offered protection from storms and an anchorage for small boats traveling between islands.

Local stories recall families visiting Honeymoon Harbour for picnics and fishing trips long before it became a tourist stop. In more recent decades, it became famous for the stingrays that glide through its shallows, a natural spectacle that reflects the bay’s healthy ecosystems. Visitors wading into the water often find themselves surrounded by these graceful creatures, continuing a long tradition of human and marine life sharing the same space.

Though small in size, Honeymoon Harbour carries the layered history of Bimini itself: a place of rest, community, and natural wonder. Its sands connect the practical needs of past sailors with the simple joys of modern travelers, making it one of the island’s most memorable stops.

11. Wesley Methodist Church

Founded in the 19th century, Wesley Methodist Church is one of the oldest standing institutions on Bimini, reflecting the spread of Christianity through the Bahamas during the colonial era. Built by hand with modest materials, the church quickly became more than a house of worship—it was also a school, meeting hall, and anchor for community life on the island.

Generations of Biminites were baptized, married, and remembered within its walls. Its simple design speaks to the resilience of a people who built enduring traditions with limited resources, while its hymns and sermons echoed across Alice Town for more than a century. The church played an important role in shaping social life, offering structure, education, and faith to a small but tightly knit community.

12. Sapona (Shipwreck)

Resting in shallow waters off South Bimini, the Sapona is one of the island’s most remarkable shipwrecks, a relic of both war and prohibition. Built in 1911 from reinforced concrete—a material briefly experimented with during World War I—the Sapona was originally intended as a cargo vessel for the U.S. military. By the 1920s, however, it had found a new life off the Bahamas as a storage ship for rumrunners during America’s Prohibition era.

In 1926, a powerful hurricane drove the Sapona aground, where it has remained ever since. Over the decades, its rusting hull became a part of Bimini’s seascape, used during World War II as a bombing target by U.S. fighter planes and later as a playground for divers and snorkelers. Its silhouette, half-submerged and skeletal against the turquoise sea, tells a story that spans industrial ambition, storm destruction, and wartime history.

13. Stones of Atlantis

Just offshore from North Bimini lies the enigmatic formation known as the Stones of Atlantis. Often associated with the nearby Bimini Road, this site deepens the mystery that has surrounded the island since the mid-20th century. Large limestone blocks rest in patterns that appear almost deliberate, fueling speculation that they are remnants of the lost city of Atlantis, long rumored to be hidden beneath Bahamian waters.

The legend gained momentum in the 1960s and 70s, when explorers, psychics, and writers connected Bimini with ancient prophecies. Edgar Cayce, the American mystic, famously predicted that evidence of Atlantis would rise in this area, and the discovery of the stones only added to the myth. Scientists, however, argue the formations are the product of natural erosion and fracture—yet even they acknowledge the uncanny order in which the rocks lie.

14. Beetle Beach Bar, Bimini Bahamas

On the sands of Bimini, the Beetle Beach Bar captures a more recent but no less important chapter of island life: the culture of gathering at the shoreline. Beach bars have long been woven into Bahamian history, evolving from small shacks where fishermen served conch and cold drinks to today’s colorful establishments that mix music, food, and community. The Beetle carries forward that tradition, reflecting the island’s laid-back rhythm while offering travelers a taste of local hospitality.

Though newer than Bimini’s historic churches or shipwrecks, places like Beetle Beach Bar play a role in sustaining the island’s heritage. They echo the convivial atmosphere of older social spaces, where music and storytelling brought people together. At Beetle, modern visitors sip rum cocktails while the waves roll in, yet the essence is the same: it is a place where land, sea, and culture meet in an easy harmony. In its music-filled evenings and sandy footprints, the bar keeps alive the timeless spirit of island gathering.

15. Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center

Founded in the 1970s, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has been instrumental in placing Bimini on the world diving map. At a time when recreational scuba diving was still in its infancy, Neal Watson pioneered techniques and promoted the island’s underwater wonders to a global audience. The center became known for bold expeditions, from shark dives to explorations of the Sapona wreck and the reefs surrounding North and South Bimini.

The dive shop’s history intertwines with Bimini’s own transformation. What was once a fishing community gradually became a diving destination, as researchers, photographers, and thrill-seekers arrived to experience the clarity of its waters. The Scuba Center played host to countless documentaries and marine studies, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a hub for both adventure and science.

Decades later, it remains a cornerstone of Bimini’s marine culture. Neal Watson’s legacy endures not only in the dives themselves but in the way the center connected local knowledge with international exploration.

Interactive Map Of The Best Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas

Places to eat in Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini vs Neighboring Cities

How Many Days to Visit Bimini, Bahamas

Tips:

• Getting there: 25-minute flight from Miami or ferry from Fort Lauderdale.
• Getting around: Rent a golf cart — the island is only 7 miles long.
• Best time to visit: December–April for dry weather and calm seas.
• Perfect for: Beach lovers, snorkelers, couples, and weekend travelers.

How to Get to Bimini

By Air

• South Bimini Airport (BIM) – The main airport serving Bimini, located on South Bimini Island. Most visitors land here, then take a short ferry (5–10 minutes) across to North Bimini.
• Flights from the U.S.:
  • From Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Regular flights via Silver Airways and Elite Airways, about 30–40 minutes.
  • From Miami (MIA) – Charter flights and private services (e.g., Tropic Ocean Airways) take around 25 minutes.
• Flights from Nassau (NAS) – Daily domestic connections via Western Air (~35 minutes).

By Ferry

• Balearia Caribbean Fast Ferry runs between Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) and North Bimini.
  • Travel time: 2 hours one way.
  • Frequency: usually 3–4 times a week.
  • Approximate cost: $130–$170 USD round trip.
  • Passport required; check-in is at least 2 hours before departure.

By Private Boat or Yacht

• Many visitors arrive by private vessel from South Florida.
  • Distance: 50 miles east of Miami (about 2–3 hours by speedboat, weather permitting).
  • Entry is through Alice Town or Resorts World Bimini Marina, where customs and immigration offices are located.
  • U.S. boaters must clear Bahamian customs upon arrival.

By Seaplane

• Tropic Ocean Airways and Bimini Undersea offer seaplane service from Miami or Fort Lauderdale directly to Resorts World Bimini’s dock.
  • Duration: ~30 minutes.
  • This is the fastest and most scenic route.

By Land (to departure ports)

• Travelers from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach can drive to the ferry terminal (Port Everglades) or private charter bases.
  • Miami → Fort Lauderdale: ~35 minutes via I-95 North.
  • Free or paid parking options are available at ferry and seaplane terminals.

Conclusion

The story of Bimini is carried in its sands, reefs, and streets. From the mysteries of Bimini Road and the haunting silhouette of the Sapona shipwreck to the quiet dignity of the War Memorial and the enduring faith of Wesley Methodist Church, every landmark reflects how this small island has been shaped by both legend and lived experience. It has welcomed explorers, rumrunners, scientists, and writers, each leaving their mark while the sea continues its timeless rhythm.

What makes Bimini unique is the balance between myth and memory. The Stones of Atlantis invite speculation as old as the Cayce prophecies, while the Shark Lab at the Biological Field Station anchors the island firmly in the realm of science. Beach bars, reefs, and resorts add modern layers, yet they stand alongside traditions of fishing, storytelling, and gathering that stretch back generations.

To visit these places is to experience more than a checklist of attractions. It is to trace the arc of Bimini’s history—resilient, storied, and endlessly compelling.

FAQ

1. Where is Bimini located?

Bimini is the westernmost district of the Bahamas, located just 50 miles east of Miami, Florida. It’s made up of two main islands — North Bimini and South Bimini — and several smaller cays surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

2. How do you get to Bimini from the U.S.?

You can reach Bimini by ferry or plane. The Balearia Caribbean ferry runs from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini in about two hours, while flights from Miami or Fort Lauderdale take only 25–30 minutes. Private boats and seaplanes are also popular options.

3. What is Bimini known for?

Bimini is known for its stunning turquoise waters, big-game fishing, and diving spots like the Bimini Road (rumored to be part of Atlantis). It’s also where author Ernest Hemingway lived and fished in the 1930s, adding literary charm to its legend.

4. When is the best time to visit Bimini?

The best time to visit is December through April, during the dry season when temperatures average 75–82°F and the sea is calm. Summer months (June–October) are warmer but can bring humidity and occasional tropical storms.

5. Do you need a passport to visit Bimini?

Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas, and those arriving by private boat or plane must also complete immigration forms. If you’re visiting by cruise or ferry, always carry your passport and return ticket.

6. Is Bimini safe for tourists?

Bimini is generally very safe for visitors. Locals are friendly and crime rates are low. Just exercise standard precautions — avoid isolated beaches at night, keep valuables secure, and respect local customs.