The Salty Suitcase
Often overlooked, the Bimini Islands are only 50 miles from Miami, making them the closet Bahamian islands to the US. Bimini consists of 3 islands, North Bimini, South Bimini and East Bimini, but is only made up of 9 square miles. Although the islands themselves are tiny, the water surrounding the islands is the real reason to make the trip to the Bimini Islands.
Things To Know: Bimini Islands
- Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar or USD (1:1)
- Credit Cards & ATMS: I’d definitely take cash with you! Most places are cash only.
- Helpful tip: Hilton at Resorts World Bimini takes credit cards and has an ATM!
- When to go: The Bahamas are located in the Hurricane Belt so if you’re planning on visiting during the summer months (June-October) be prepared for high temperatures (80-90 F), humidity and rain. The water temperature is usually around 85 F during the summer. The winter months (December-March) are cooler temperatures (65- 75 F), clear skies and a little less humidity. You can expect cooler water temperatures, around 75 F.
- Driving: Drive on the left!!
How to Get There: Bimini Islands
You can get to Bimini by plane or boat.
Plane: There are direct flights with Silver Airways that only take 45 min from FLL to South Bimini. If you’re coming from Nassau:
You can also take a seaplane with Tropic Ocean Airways for more of an unforgettable experience! This option will drop you off in North Bimini.
Boat: If you’re diving and cannot fly, you can take the Balearia ferry that will get you to North Bimini in 2 hours. Some days you can even make it a day trip with the ferry leaving in the am and returning in the pm- just make sure you check the ferry schedule for your desired dates!
For a real adventure: Some people even get together and take their personal boats/ jet skis over on calm days and get there in a couple of hours!
How To Get Around: Bimini Islands
Transportation is limited on these tiny islands. Most people rent a golf cart or boat, walk or have their accommodation call for a local taxi.
Helpful tip: Pre-book taxis and expect for them to be on “Island Time”
There’s a local 10 minute ferry between North and South Bimini Islands daily. The rough schedule is from 7a.m. – 11p.m.
Helpful tip: Give yourself extra time! The ferry often runs on demand, with no exact set schedule.
Where To Stay: Bimini Islands
North Bimini: is where Alice town, and most of the shopping, restaurants and nightlife is located.
- Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
- Resorts World has a hotel, marina and casino.
- If you’re going to Bimini, Resorts World will pop up when you search where to stay. The property covers 750 acres, casino, 7 restaurants, 2 pools, a spa & fitness center! It basically has it all!
- Big Game Club Resort & Marina
- Big Game Club has a hotel and marina. Founded in the 1930s, it’s a lot more of a laid- back diving and fishing vibe. However, like all of the accommodation on Bimini, it isn’t cheap! The property has a pool, bar & grill, dive shop, game area & outfitting shop (liquor store!). They also have free bikes to rent to get around with!
- Helpful Tip: DO NOT swim in the marina. There has been a migration of bull sharks that hang out in the marina at night when all of the fisherman come back with their daily catch!
South Bimini: is more quiet, with more Airbnbs and vacation rental options.
Things To Do: Bimini Islands
Go diving! -I’d recommend: Neal Watson’s Dive Center – located in the Big Game Club.
Dive/ Snorkel:
SS Sapona Shipwreck: Owned by “Bimini’s Rum King,” during the Prohibition era as a warehouse to store and distribute liquor, until it ran aground during a hurricane in 1926. Visible from the surface, the wreck sits on 15 feet of water, just a short 15 miles boat ride south of South Bimini. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even climb to the top and make the 40 ft jump off!
Shark Dive: There’s always an abundant amount of Whitetips and Reef Sharks to dive with no matter what time of year you go. Also, Nov-Apr you can experience the ultimate shark dive: Hammerhead season!
Go for a Sail:
- There’s so many ways to get out on the water and I’d highly suggest going out on a day or sunset cruise!
Relax on the beach:
- Bimini Beach Club (World Resort): You can go here for free if you’re staying at the hotel or you can buy a day pass to join in on the fun! There’s 2 pools, restaurants and a bar. Be sure to check the calendar because it’s closed for private events sometimes, mainly for concerts or the cruise ships.
- Radio Beach: Beautiful crystal clear water and a few beach shack bars and restaurants and chair rentals. This is where most of the South Floridians come by boat for the day and it becomes a fun party!
I hope this Bimini Islands Travel Guide answers some of your initial questions about traveling to Bimini. Check out some of the other blog posts for more information!
