11 IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas (2023)

If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation, make sure that Bimini, Bahamas is on your cruise itinerary.

Bimini island was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and, according to some, a possible location of the lost city of Atlantis. Miles of white sand beaches and clear blue-green turquoise waters await you, along with endless opportunities for fishing, diving, and water sports.

In this post, we’ll reveal the best things to do in Bimini when your ship pulls into port. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Bimini!

In and Around Bimini, Bahamas

First of all, exactly where is Bimini?

Located only 53 miles east of Miami, Florida, the Bimini island archipelago is almost three times closer to Miami than Nassau. It holds a total population of about 2,000 people across three islands and more than a dozen cays.

North and South Bimini islands have the lion’s share of inhabitants since East Bimini is quite a bit smaller than its brethren. The areas of North and South Bimini are host to five major beaches and several resorts.

Bimini Airport sits on South Bimini, across from the Bimini Reef Club, and east of Nixon’s Harbour. West of that you have Bimini Sands Beach.

On North Bimini, all the way at the bottom, Alice Town and Radio Beach are major tourist destinations. 

1. The Fabled Fountain of Youth

Ponce de Leon may have searched throughout the Bahamas and even Florida, but never found the fountain of youth. Today, though, you can see a natural wellspring that the locals may have set Juan Ponce de Leon on his quest.

The limestone rock was carved over thousands of years as a natural filter. The locals claimed it was a magic spring that would bring youth and good health to those who drank from it.

Considering we know that some mineral waters are indeed a healthy tonic, they may not have been too far off track! Take a trip to this site, found not far from the airport, to see for yourself. 

2. Bimini Bull Run

On a list of things to do in Bimini, it isn’t complete without the Bimini Bull Run. Headquartered by the Bimini Big Game Club, the Bull Run is a safe shark diving activity for the ages.

This shark encounter educates and excites you as you get face to face with a variety of shark species, including Bull sharks. Don’t worry, a sturdy cage keeps you both protected!

Sharks around the world usually get a bad rep and are under threat of poaching and other ecological problems. Positive encounters with sharks help to change public perception and attitude.

The Bimini Bull Run is supported by the Shark-Free Marinas Initiative and also the Bahamas Film Commission. If you want to get to know more about sharks and how you can help to support their continued existence, check out the Bimini Bull Run!

3. Wreckage of the SS Sapona

One of the best things to do in Bimini is to go a little off-shore. Visiting the shipwreck of the SS Sapona is perfect, even if you can’t scuba dive. This partly submerged shipwreck rests in 15 feet of water, a short few miles from Bennetts Harbour, South Bimini.

Steel was in short supply when the SS Sapona was commissioned by President Woodrow Wilson as a troop transport. Because of the lack of steel, it was made of concrete instead.

It never saw war action, since it was finished only after WWI. Instead, it was sold to Carl Fisher, a Miami businessman, as scrap.

Fisher turned it into a casino, supply ship, and even to store alcohol during the prohibition era as a floating speakeasy. In 1926, during a hurricane, it ran aground near the Bahamas.

A snorkeler’s paradise, it’s full of “new” reef growth and tropic fish.

4. Rainbow Reef

Rainbow Reef is yet another of the world’s greatest dive spots. Once you’re below the water, you’re welcome to an array of colors in fish and reefs that are as uncountable as the stars.

This protected marine sanctuary has depths between 15 to 25 feet. It’s a rich environment perfect for even the most novice divers, young and old. A longtime favorite of underwater photographers, Rainbow Reef has a little of everything for any diver.

5. Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina

On the list of things to do in Bimini, the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina doesn’t disappoint. From the resort, the beach, the marina, or a chartered scuba dive, there’s something for everyone.

The casual waterfront dining experience at the Big Game Club tries to recreate the relaxed feeling of the town with guaranteed good food and good friends. Overlooking the marina, it also offers some of the best dining sights Bimini has to offer.

Said marina also offers scuba diving and fishing charters. This gives access to the best that Bimini and the surrounding waters have to offer for miles around. Bimini is one of the most popular spots for sport fishing in the world.

Whether relaxing, fishing, or diving, the resort can help you experience it to the full.

6. Tuna Alley

Scuba divers will appreciate Tuna Alley. The average depth is 49 feet with a maximum depth of 98 feet. The Tuna Alley is a reef system off North Cat Cay that’s easy to find and accessible by boat.

With good visibility and low current, you can enjoy a good quality dive site, taking great reef shots. Your biggest problem with Tuna Alley is that you eventually have to go home!

With reefs, tropical fish, a reef wall, and even sharks, you’re sure to have a great time. It’s hailed as one of the best dive sites in all of the Bahamas. Beyond that, it’s often rated as one of the best in all of the Caribbean.

You’ll have a great time diving any time of year. December through March will give you the best views and visibility, though.

7. Explore the Bimini Wall

An underwater rock formation, Bimini Wall is near North Bimini. Bimini wall stretches more than half a mile. It runs northeast down to the southwest for the entire length.

This site is also known as the Bimini Road, Atlantis Road, or Road to Atlantis. No one really is sure about what the Bimini wall is, even after its discovery over 50 years ago.

Many claims have come about that it’s a manmade structure that was later submerged. If that’s the case, no one knows whether it would be a road, wall, or pier. Whatever the case, it’s a sight you’ll be sure to remember forever.

8. Victory Reef

Victory Reef is part of the same system of dive sites as Tuna Alley and the Nodules. The cays that these dive sites are part of are generally called the Bimini Cays.

At Victory Reef, you’ll see a variety of underwater terrain and marine life. Starting with a gently sloping wall, you can go as deep as 120 feet before rising back up to near 70 ft depth.

From there, you can see a series of reefs before seeing the seafloor drop into the Straits of Florida. As you dive in and through the reef lines, you’re diving through eons of graduated ancient shorelines.

9. Radio Beach

Radio Beach is a staple of most Bimini excursion-goers. The flat beach is picturesque and relaxing. Lounge chairs, restaurants, bars, and clubs are at hand along the beach, ready for your use.

Enjoy CJ’s Deli for some of the best Conch Fritters and Fried Lobsters you’ll find anywhere. Don’t forget to order a Rum Runner to complete your afternoon, melting into your lounge chair. Even vegetarians aren’t left out with veggie burgers and more on offer.

The only thing you’ll need to remember is copious amounts of sunscreen — just in case you lose yourself in the sounds of waves and doze off in your blissful surroundings.

10. Dolphin House Museum

Head to Alice Town in North Bimini to visit the Dolphin House Museum.

This artistic building is the doing of Ashley Saunders. Saunders convinced his fellow Bahamians to donate and collect different materials from the island. The materials were assembled as the Dolphin House Museum — a gallery of the actual island, so to speak.

Saunders himself is a retired school teacher and writer. Using his own resources to create the museum, he opened it to visitors from 1993 onward. The site is covered in a mosaic of shells, glass, coins, and other items found on the island.

11. Bimini Brown Charters

For more than 30 years, Bimini Brown Charters has served the island and its guests. They offer private charters and decades of experience with sportfishing, snorkeling excursions, and more.

There’s not a cove or hidden spot that Bimini Brown Charters isn’t an expert about. If you want to really get to know the island, there’s no question that getting help from a local expert is the way to go about doing it.

No matter what Brown has in store for you that day it’s going to be a treat.

Bimini Travel Tips

After looking through such a great list of things to do in Bimini, Bahamas you’re probably chomping at the bit to pick your shore excursions. Before making final arrangements, we’ll answer some FAQs about Bimini travel.

How Close Is the Cruise Port to Bimini?

Until 2014, a cruise ship wasn’t actually able to make it into the shallow waters of Bimini, despite the popularity of the destination. Before that point, local boats would meet the cruise ship to ferry passengers onto the islands.

Since that time, Resorts World Bimini opened their dock for use. The ribbon-cutting was done by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas Perry Christie. Accompanying the Prime Minister was Genting Group Chairman KT Lim.

The pier includes a built-in customs and immigration service to make your arrival quick and easy.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bimini?

The best time to visit the Bahamas sometimes depends on what activities you are likely to engage in. The time for the most pleasant temperatures with limited rainfall lies between late November and early February.

Diving is best in most spots between December and late March. To catch the best of the world above and below the waterline, December and January are peak times to go. Although, that means that most others will be there at the same time.

The truth is that while it’s a few degrees warmer in summer and the area does have a hurricane risk, there’s no bad time to visit Bimini.

What’s the Weather Like in Bimini?

Speaking of weather, the temperatures range from an average of 73°F (23°C) at its lowest in January to its hottest in August at 88°F (31°C).

It has a tropical savanna climate and only gets an average of nearly 2 inches (47mm) of rain at its peak. The average rainfall for the whole year is about 21.5 inches (551mm).

The drier months have between seven to ten days of rain per month, with July through September boasting 20 days of precipitation or more on average. Make sure to include an umbrella on your cruise packing list if you’re traveling during the summer months.

Also Read: Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas While On a Cruise

The Best Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas: Now You Know

From exploring the seas to lounging on sandy beaches, you won’t run out of amazing things to do in Bimini.

Reel in a marlin, go scuba diving with sharks, or snorkel above the famed Bimini Road. When you’re finished playing in the water for the day, relax at a luxury resort with a cold drink in your hand. 

Are you ready to experience all that Bimini and other exciting destinations have to offer? Book a cruise through us and get ready to set sail!