Bimini Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, the best time to visit, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and much more in this comprehensive Bimini travel guide.


Introduction to Bimini

Bimini is a beautiful island in the Bahamas located in the Caribbean and part of North America. It is a hidden gem, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking coral reefs. Bimini is a popular destination for travelers looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.

List of Places to Visit in Bimini

Bimini is a small island, but there are plenty of things to do and see. Here’s a list of places to visit in Bimini:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bimini Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Bimini and features exhibits on local art, artifacts, and relics.

  • Compleat Angler Hotel: This hotel used to be a favorite spot of author Ernest Hemingway and is now home to a museum featuring his memorabilia.

  • Ansil Saunders Memorial Park: This park is dedicated to one of Bimini’s most famous musicians and features a bronze bust of Saunders, a playground, and a small beach.

Natural Attractions of Bimini: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bimini Nature Trail: This trail is perfect for hiking and offers stunning views of the island’s mangrove swamps.

  • Bimini Bay Beach: This long, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

  • Sapona Wreck: This shipwreck is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bimini

Bimini is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Bimini:

  • Alice Town/ North Bimini Nature Trail: This trail offers a scenic view of Bimini’s flora, fauna, and mangrove swamps.

  • Sands Beach/Lighthouse Point Trail: This trail offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

  • Radio Beach to Bailey Town: This trail offers a view of the island’s history, a beautiful beach, and a refreshing mangrove forest.

Best Things to Do in Bimini: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Bimini offers many other exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Bimini:

  • Swim with Sharks: You can swim with sharks on the island, such as Hammerheads, Caribbean Reef, and Nurse Sharks.

  • Fishing: Bimini is perfect for deep-sea fishing for its abundance of fish like Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, and Mahi-mahi.

  • Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Explore the coral reefs and sea life without getting wet with this unique tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bimini

A week is the perfect amount of time to explore everything Bimini has to offer. Here’s a sample itinerary for a week in Bimini:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Bimini and relax on the beach.

  • Day 2: Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour around the island.

  • Day 3: Visit the Bimini Museum and Compleat Angler Hotel Museum in Alice Town.

  • Day 4: Go fishing in the morning and relax in the afternoon.

  • Day 5: Hike the Bimini Nature Trail and visit the Sapona Wreck.

  • Day 6: Swim with sharks and explore the island’s beaches.

  • Day 7: Spend the day exploring Bailey Town and finish your trip with a beautiful sunset from Lighthouse Point Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Bimini

Bimini has a diverse food and drink scene with a blend of Bahamian, Caribbean, and American cuisines.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Conch Fritters: These are deep-fried dough balls filled with diced conch meat and a blend of herbs and spices.

  • Cracked Conch: Cracked conch is prepared similarly to fried shrimp, but with a conch meat base.

  • Pigeon Peas and Rice: This dish features a blend of rice, pigeon peas, onion, and thyme.

Local Beverages

  • Kalik Beer: This Bahamian beer is the most popular on the island.

  • Goombay Smash: This cocktail is made with coconut rum and pineapple juice, among other ingredients.

  • Bahama Mama: A fruity cocktail with a mix of several rums along with pineapple and orange juices and grenadine.

Where to Stay in Bimini: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bimini has several accommodation options suitable for every budget. Here are some options for you to consider:

  • Hilton at Resorts World Bimini: A luxury resort on the island.

  • Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina: A mid-range hotel with a great view of the sea.

  • The Luna Beach Guest House: A budget-friendly option, located in Bailey Town, Bimini

What to Buy in Bimini: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bimini has plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home; here are some of the best:

  • Bimini Handicrafts: Handcrafted items like baskets, hats, and sculptures make perfect souvenirs.

  • Jewelry: Head to the island’s jewelry stores to find unique and authentic jewelry.

  • Straw Hats: Whether you intend to keep it or gift it back home, you can’t leave Bimini without getting a Bimini-made straw hat.

Local Culture and Customs of Bimini

Bimini has a rich and diverse culture. The locals speak English and are open, warm, and welcoming. It’s advised to dress conservatively when visiting the island’s local historic sites and religious areas.

Best Time to Visit Bimini

The best time to visit Bimini is from December to April, as it is the driest and least humid time of the year. The hurricane season is from June to November, so it’s best to avoid that time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bimini

Do:

  • Wear sunscreen to avoid being sunburned.

  • Wear hats and other protective gear when hiking and exploring the island.

  • Be courteous and respectful to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beaches and pollute the sea.

  • Mess around with sharks without professional guidance.

  • Swim under the influence of alcohol.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bimini

Bimini enjoys a low crime rate, and the island is generally safe to visit. However, when travelling at night, it’s recommended to stay in well-lit areas and avoid unpopulated places.

Health in Bimini

Bimini has a clinic staffed with reliable medical professionals. However, they only offer basic medical services. Suppose you have any medical conditions that require specialized care. In that case, it’s best to ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to the island.

Getting to Bimini: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bimini

  • South Bimini Airport

  • North Bimini Airport

  • Miami International Airport (for connecting flights to Bimini)

Bus Stations Near Bimini

  • There are no bus stations in Bimini.

Other Options

  • You can get to Bimini from Florida by taking a ferry from Miami.

  • You can also fly to Nassau, which has an international airport and take a small commercial plane to Bimini.

How to Get Around in Bimini

Bimini is a small island, and you can easily get around on foot or rent a golf cart or bike from the accommodation to explore the island.

Where to Go Next from Bimini: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Nassau: Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and offers plenty of attractions, including Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort.

  • Andros Island: Known for its stunning blue holes, Andros Island is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Eleuthera Island: Eleuthera Island is famous for its untouched beaches and pristine waters, and it’s a great destination for those looking for a more secluded experience.

Conclusion

Bimini is a paradise for those looking to escape the stress of city life and immerse themselves in nature. With plenty of activities, outdoor adventures, and scenic views, Bimini is both a romantic and family-friendly destination. Come and explore the hidden treasures of this Bahamian island!

Satellite photo of Bimini, taken in 1998 Satellite photo of Bimini, taken in 1998 The remains of the shipwrecked SS Sapona The remains of the shipwrecked SS Sapona Waterfront in Alice Town, North Bimini Waterfront in Alice Town, North Bimini