A place where legendary writer Ernest Hemingway’s favourite coastal retreat meets the Lost City of Atlantis, and pristine beaches lead to waters teeming with blue marlin. Located 50 miles off the east coast of Florida, Bimini is one of 16 island destinations in The Bahamas. It is a picturesque, vibrant and authentic gem that, with its beauty and legends combined with a mix of adventure, captivates tourists on their first visit.
Legend has it that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed on Bimini in search of the Fountain of Youth, but during the American Prohibition era, the island was actually a large alcohol mine. As a result, the destination prospered as it was used as a base of operations for rum smugglers. Bimini
has also served as a refuge for renowned historical figures. From the aforementioned Hemingway, whose time in the destination inspired the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Old Man and the Sea, to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who wrote parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on the island's shores.
A little-known fact is that Bimini actually consists of two islands: North Bimini and South Bimini. So we have an incredible 2-in-1 destination to explore on your next vacation, whether with family, as a couple, with friends, or even on a solo trip. There's plenty to see, do, and feel.
Incidentally, it's in South Bimini that the local airport is located, and next to it is one of the destination's attractions, the famous Fountain of Youth, the naturally carved limestone well. Again, legend has it that it can reverse the aging process and cure diseases. Along the same lines, the freshwater lake The Healing Hole, in East Bimini, owes its name to its supposed healing powers and is a real gem.
Diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and hiking the Bimini Nature Trail are just a few of the activities available in Bimini year-round. And for fishing enthusiasts, the island is known as the “Deep Sea Fishing Capital of the World.” To complete the destination’s enchanting, immersive setting, just steps from the Bahamas’ signature turquoise sea, visitors will find modern comfort and island charm in oceanfront accommodations ranging from sophisticated resorts to boutique hotels and marinas.
A destination to experience
Off the north coast lies the mysterious Bimini Road, a curious underwater rock formation of gigantic, evenly arranged rocks. Some say that the rocks were once part of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis. By the way, the Bimini Road leads to an unmissable snorkelling spot, one of the island's most popular tourist attractions.
And for those who don't just want to enjoy the abundance of fresh water and are keen divers or adrenaline seekers, one of the many activities is swimming with sharks. Of the nearly two dozen diving sites around Bimini, the island is most famous for this possibility. In the winter months, large hammerhead and bull sharks swim in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream. The more experienced can drift dive along Victoria Reef or go for deep dives on the Continental Shelf. Do you lack the courage to face the sharks? Then join a swim with wild dolphins on a unique dive. Bimini can also offer such an experience.
After running aground in 1926, the World War I ship SS Sapona served for a time as a secret rum storehouse during Prohibition. Since then, a kaleidoscope of fish has turned the site into a playground, making it a favorite for snorkeling and diving.
Poetry in stone is how you can define Dolphin House, carved brick by brick and shell by shell. Handcrafted by poet Ashley Saunders, born and raised on the island, it is his colorful homage to Bimini. We recommend that you take in all the outdoor beauty of this tourist spot while savoring the popular "Bimini Bread," a local delicacy worth trying.
And, since we're talking about the Caribbean, it's inevitable to think of "beach" days. North Bimini is a stretch of white sand with three continuous beaches, including Radio Beach, just off the Queen's Highway in Alice Town, this oasis being the most popular beach in the destination. Want to spot rays, starfish and snails? Honeymoon Beach is the place to be. However, if you want to relax in more privacy, take a boat to a nearby islet.
If you're on vacation in Florida and want to explore the beauties of The Bahamas, Bimini is an exceptional choice. Located just 50 miles off the coast of this US region, the destination is accessible and quick for those already close by. From Ft. Lauderdale, you can board a comfortable Balearia Caribbean ferry, which completes the journey in just 2 hours, or opt for several airlines that depart from Miami.