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

Lying just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, Bimini has long held an outsized place in Caribbean history and imagination. Known as the “Gateway to the Bahamas,” these small islands have been a crossroads for centuries—visited by Lucayan peoples, traversed by Spanish explorers, and later frequented by wreckers, rumrunners, and sport fishermen. Its waters are rich with both legend and fact: shipwrecks like the Sapona tell of hurricanes and Prohibition, while submerged rock formations such as Bimini Road and the Stones of Atlantis fuel stories of the lost city.

In the 20th century, Bimini became a retreat for writers and adventurers—most famously Ernest Hemingway, who fished these waters and immortalized them in his stories. Resorts, marinas, and dive shops soon followed, transforming the islands into a hub for big-game fishing, shark research, and scuba exploration. Yet alongside this modern growth, the island’s older layers remain visible: historic churches, war memorials, and community markets that speak to the resilience of its people.

This guide explores 16 must-see places in Bimini, from beaches and reefs to cultural landmarks and local gathering spots. Each site tells a chapter of the island’s story, where myth and history, nature and community, come together in one of the Bahamas’ most storied destinations.

1. Radio Beach

Radio Beach is more than a stretch of sand; it’s part of the living history of Bimini. Located near Alice Town, the beach earned its name from the old radio tower that once guided ships and planes along the Bahamian channel. Long before the modern resorts arrived, this was the shoreline where locals fished, families gathered, and travelers first set foot after crossing the Gulf Stream.

The beach became especially important in the mid-20th century, when Bimini was known as a frontier for fishermen, writers, and adventurers. Ernest Hemingway, who spent much of the 1930s here, would have known this coastline well. Generations of islanders and visitors walked its sands, drawn by turquoise waters and fiery sunsets. Today, vendors set up small stalls selling conch salad and fried fish, keeping alive a tradition that blends food, sea, and community.

To spend time at Radio Beach is to stand at a crossroads of past and present. The Atlantic still laps at the same shore that welcomed settlers, traders, and dreamers, making it not just a beach but a piece of Bimini’s enduring identity.

2. Dolphin House Museum

Rising from the narrow streets of Alice Town, the Dolphin House Museum is one of Bimini’s most unique landmarks. Built entirely by hand by local historian and artist Ashley Saunders beginning in 1993, the house is a living mosaic made from shells, sea glass, and salvaged materials collected from the island and its shores. Every wall, floor, and doorway carries pieces of Bimini’s past—tiles from old ships, coral fragments, and artifacts reshaped into art.

The museum is not only about dolphins, though they are its central motif; it is a celebration of Bimini’s heritage and its relationship with the sea. Saunders, whose family has deep Bahamian roots, designed the house as a tribute to both marine life and island history. Over the years, it has become a cultural icon, visited by scholars, artists, and curious travelers drawn to its story.

Walking through the Dolphin House feels like stepping into Bimini’s collective memory. Each room tells a tale—not through dusty exhibits but through the very walls themselves, which preserve fragments of everyday life on the island. It stands as proof of how history can be preserved not only in books but also in the creativity and resilience of a community.

3. Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

Since its founding in 1936, the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has been at the center of the island’s international reputation as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Wealthy anglers, adventurers, and celebrities flocked here in the mid-20th century, drawn by tales of record-breaking marlin and tuna just offshore. Ernest Hemingway himself spent seasons in Bimini during the 1930s, writing in the mornings and fishing from these very waters by afternoon.

The resort became a gathering point for fishing legends, where world records were set and rivalries fueled. Its marina, tucked against the shoreline of Alice Town, was lined with sleek yachts that carried sportsmen across the Gulf Stream. Even during leaner years, the club’s barrooms and docks buzzed with stories of epic catches and near misses, weaving a mythology that gave Bimini global fame.

Though it has grown to include modern amenities, the Big Game Club remains steeped in its heritage. Walking its grounds is to step into a timeline of sport fishing history, where the sea’s bounty defined both the economy and the character of the island.

4. Bimini Road

Beneath the turquoise waters just off North Bimini lies Bimini Road, a submerged alignment of massive limestone blocks that has stirred debate and fascination since its discovery in the 1960s. Stretching roughly a half-mile, the formation resembles an ancient road or seawall, leading some to believe it could be linked to the lost city of Atlantis. While geologists point to natural processes of erosion and fracture, the legend of Bimini Road has become inseparable from the island’s identity.

The allure of the site is not only its mystery but its deep cultural resonance. The myth of Atlantis has hovered around Bimini for centuries, fueled by Edgar Cayce’s prophecies that ruins of the fabled city would one day be found near the island. Divers who descend to explore the stones often speak of the uncanny order in their placement, whether shaped by nature or by ancient hands.

For Bimini, the road represents the blending of science, myth, and tourism. It attracts archaeologists, adventurers, and spiritual seekers alike, each hoping to find their own truth in the waters. Whether natural wonder or remnant of a lost civilization, Bimini Road remains one of the island’s most enduring mysteries.

5. Resorts World Bimini

The arrival of Resorts World Bimini in the early 2010s marked a new chapter in the island’s story, signaling its shift from a legendary fishing outpost into a modern tourist hub. Built with international investment, the resort brought high-rise hotels, casinos, and luxury amenities to a place once known for wooden docks and small guesthouses. Its opening was both celebrated and debated, as locals weighed the economic promise of large-scale tourism against the risk of losing Bimini’s quiet charm.

Yet Resorts World is firmly part of the island’s timeline. It reflects a broader trend across the Bahamas, where traditional industries like fishing gave way to global tourism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Cruise ships now dock at its pier, carrying thousands of visitors who step ashore to experience the beaches, reefs, and markets that have defined Bimini for generations.

For travelers, the resort offers comfort and access; for historians, it illustrates the ongoing transformation of island economies. Resorts World Bimini is a reminder that Bimini’s story is still being written, balancing its heritage with the demands of a modern tourist landscape.

6. Bimini Island Tours

Guided tours have always been a window into Bimini’s layered past, but Bimini Island Tours formalized that tradition, turning local storytelling into a living archive. Led by residents with deep roots in the community, these tours carry visitors beyond beaches and bars into the history of shipwrecks, conch fisheries, and cultural landmarks. Stops often include the Sapona wreck, the Dolphin House, and churches that date back to the 19th century, each woven into narratives that reveal how the island grew from a small settlement into a place of global renown.

For generations, knowledge of Bimini’s reefs, mangroves, and streets was passed down orally, shared in conversations at docks or family gatherings. The creation of organized tours preserved that tradition while opening it to travelers eager to understand the island’s soul. They highlight not just what to see, but why it matters—linking tales of rumrunners, revolutionary figures, and mythical Atlantis to the very landscape itself.

Bimini Island Tours embody the idea that history lives in the voices of those who call the island home. Each journey across its narrow roads or turquoise waters is less about sightseeing than about walking through stories still alive in the community

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. Today, the station stands as a symbol of how science and tradition can converge, turning the island into a hub of marine conservation with global influence.

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 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.

Ocean Cay is more than a private island attraction. It is a case study in environmental restoration, showing how damaged landscapes can be reclaimed. In its sands and reefs, history is preserved not by what was taken, but by what has been given back to the sea.

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.

Today, South Bimini remains quieter than its northern neighbor, but its role as the island’s “working side” is unmistakable. Its landscapes tell of resilience, practicality, and stewardship, offering a glimpse into the foundations that allowed Bimini’s culture and economy to thrive.

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.

Though modern resorts and casinos dominate the headlines, Wesley Methodist Church reminds visitors that Bimini’s foundation rests on institutions like this—quiet, steadfast, and deeply rooted in the island’s history.

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.

Today, the Sapona is one of the most visited dive sites in the Bahamas. For locals, it stands as a reminder of resilience and reinvention, a ship that once carried goods and secrets now serving as a living reef and monument to the island’s layered past.

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.

For Bimini, the Stones of Atlantis are more than geology. They are part of the island’s identity as a place where history and legend intertwine. Divers who explore the site are not only swimming through clear waters—they are stepping into a centuries-old debate about human origins, mythology, and the secrets that the ocean still keeps.

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. To dive here is to take part in a story that spans pioneering tourism, marine conservation, and the timeless lure of the Bahamian sea.

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 16 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. Here, the past is never far away, and every dive, stroll, or conversation becomes part of the island’s living chronicle.

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

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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.

Where to Stay in Bimini, Bahamas

1. Alice Town (North Bimini)

Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife, and local culture
Alice Town is the heart of Bimini life. It’s home to boutique hotels, beach bars, seafood shacks, and the famous Bimini Craft Market. You can stroll along King’s Highway to find local eateries and marinas. It’s lively but not crowded, ideal for travelers who want to mingle with locals while staying close to beaches and boat tours. Expect vibrant sunsets, casual charm, and easy access to diving excursions and fishing charters.

2. Resorts World Bimini (North Bimini)

Best for: Luxury, comfort, and families
Resorts World Bimini is the island’s modern centerpiece — a luxury resort complex offering everything from ocean-view suites to overwater villas. Guests enjoy multiple pools, private beaches, a casino, and restaurants serving both Bahamian and international cuisine. It’s perfect for families or couples seeking a resort-style vacation with every amenity in one place. Water taxis and golf carts make it easy to explore the rest of North Bimini.

3. Bailey Town (North Bimini)

Best for: Peaceful local atmosphere
Bailey Town is quieter than Alice Town but still central enough to access restaurants and beaches. It’s great for travelers looking for an authentic experience with fewer crowds. Here, you’ll find guesthouses, vacation rentals, and small inns with friendly hosts. The area is close to the Dolphin House Museum and offers easy access to snorkeling and paddleboarding spots.

4. South Bimini

Best for: Seclusion, nature, and eco-travelers
South Bimini is the serene counterpart to its northern neighbor. Known for its tranquility, it’s ideal for travelers who want to unplug and enjoy unspoiled beaches. The island also houses the Bimini Biological Field Station (“Shark Lab”), which offers eco-tours and educational programs. Lodging options include cozy villas and boutique resorts with oceanfront views. South Bimini Airport connects directly to Miami and Nassau, making it convenient yet calm.

5. Radio Beach & Paradise Point (North Bimini)

Best for: Beach lovers and photographers
Radio Beach is one of Bimini’s most beautiful stretches of sand — soft, white, and edged with turquoise water. The nearby Paradise Point is a must-visit for panoramic views and cocktails at the end of the day. A few boutique lodges and beach houses line this area, giving direct access to the sea and close proximity to Alice Town’s main strip. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants to wake up with ocean views.

Tips for Choosing Where to Stay

• North vs South Bimini: North Bimini is livelier and more developed, while South Bimini is quieter and more natural.
• Getting Around: Golf carts are the main mode of transport. Most accommodations offer rentals or free shuttles.
• Budget Range: Resorts World Bimini is the most upscale option; Alice Town and Bailey Town have midrange and budget-friendly guesthouses.
• Activities Nearby: Snorkeling at Sapona Shipwreck, diving at Rainbow Reef, dolphin tours, and fishing excursions are all easy to book locally.

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 available at ferry and seaplane terminals.

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.