City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Bimini, Bahamas
Incredibly popular with the big game fishing crowd (it’s said to have been a favorite of Ernest Hemingway), Bimini makes the perfect tropical destination for boaters, snorkelers, divers and water-lovers of all sorts. The small island, made up of North and South Bimini, is in the westernmost part of the Bahamas island chain. It’s the closest Bahamian island to the East Coast of Florida, making it convenient to get to from Fort Lauderdale via a ferry service like the Balearia Caribbean or even a boat traveling from a private boat dock rental.
Photo: Sandy Allen
The island hosts the Bimini Bread & Seafood Festival, the Bimini Junkanoo Festival and the Bimini Big Game Club's Wahoo Smackdown fishing tournament. Enjoy unique food items like conch salad, fried fish and conch fritters. Speaking of food, don’t miss the pizza (made with Bimini bread) at Edith’s Pizza in Bailey Town.
Photo: Sandy Allen
Dolphin House Museum
Photo: Sandy Allen
Art and conservation come together at the Dolphin House Museum. Created by Bahamian author, artist, historian and teacher Ashley Saunders, the ocean and dolphin-inspired structure is decorated with found, donated and reclaimed items like seashells, mosaic tiles and more. Mr. Saunders himself conducts walking tours.
Snorkeling and Diving
Photo: Sandy Allen
Bimini is known for its incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. The waters around the island are home to a wide array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and reef sharks. There are numerous dive sites around the island, including the SS Sapona shipwreck and the famous Bimini Road, a mysterious underwater formation that some believe to be the remains of an ancient civilization. Check out Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center for snorkeling, scuba and sightseeing excursions.
Fountain of Youth
According to legend, the Fountain of Youth can be found on the island of Bimini. The fountain is said to have magical properties that can restore youth and vitality to those who drink from it. While the actual fountain has never been found, there is a spring on the island that is believed to be the location of the mythical fountain. It’s worth checking out from a private boat slip rental. Just in case.
Photo: Wiktionary
Bimini Museum
Photo: Explore the Bahamas (Facebook)
The Bimini Museum showcases the island's history and culture. The building was originally built in 1921 and was home to the commissioner's office and jail. Today, it’s home to historical artifacts like cannon balls, photographs of Ernest Hemingway, antique boats and other vintage items. We just think it's a fun spot to visit from a private boat dock for rent.
Healing Hole
Surrounded by mangrove swamps, the Healing Hole is a natural pool on the island that's believed to have healing properties. The water in the pool is said to contain high levels of minerals that can help cure a variety of ailments. While the scientific validity of these claims is questionable, the pool is still a popular destination for tourists.
Photo: Sandy Allen
Whether you’re headed to Bimini for a weekend, taking an extended vacation or traveling from Florida to the Bahamas from a private boat lift rental, you’ll find plenty of fun activities. Of course, relaxing in the soft sand works just as well.
