Bimini

Bimini: Sun, Sand, and Sportfishing

The islands of the Bahamas stretch away into the Caribbean’s azure waters, a chain of white and green gems flashing in the sun. The westernmost islands are within an easy boat ride from Florida’s Atlantic coast and offer an incredible diversity of attractions, from sunbathing to sportfishing, making Bimini a prime destination. You’ll find it here whether you’re interested in a tropical vacation, an island getaway, or challenging deep-sea fishing.

Bimini Quick Facts
  • Bimini is an archipelago that forms the westernmost region of the Bahamas.
  • Bimini is made up of three islands – North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini, along with Cay Sal Bank.
  • South Bimini was thought to be the location of the Fountain of Youth, and there’s a small well on the island commemorating Ponce de Leon’s search for it.
  • Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini for three years (1935, 1936, and 1937) and enjoyed the abundant gamefish.
  • Dr. Samuel Gruber’s Shark Lab on South Bimini is a popular destination for those interested in shark and ocean conservation.
  • Bimini Road is a natural formation of limestone blocks thought by some to be an actual road and an artifact of Atlantis.

The History of Bimini

Human beings for thousands of years have inhabited the islands of Bimini. The original settlers were the Lucayans, and the name “Bimini” is a word from their language meaning “two islands,” although there are three that make up the region today.

The arrival of European explorers spelled an end for the Lucayans, with most being enslaved, murdered, or dying from new European diseases within 100 years of Columbus’s landing on the islands. Today, no Lucayans survive in the Bahamas.

Spanish explorers departed the area for Puerto Rico, and what would become the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas were left largely unoccupied for many years. During this period, Ponce de Leon arrived on his quest to discover the Fountain of Youth after losing his position in Europe to Columbus’s son, Diego.

Although de Leon was named Governor of Bimini then, he did not stay but went on to establish a colony on mainland Florida before dying of a wound received in battle with Native Americans.

The population of the Bahamas grew slowly during this period, spurred by settlement by the puritan Eleutheran Adventurers, who fled from Bermuda. Later, after the American War of Independence, the British government resettled almost 2,000 citizens to the islands who did not want to be part of the fledging United States. They brought with them thousands of African slaves and gave birth to the Plantation Period.

It took another century or two, but the population steadily grew. Slavery was eventually abolished, and with air travel’s birth, the Bahamas became a tourist destination. The first international airport was built just after World War II, and independence for the nation finally came in the 1970s.

Located just 50 miles from the United States, Bimini is the Gateway to the Bahamas. It’s easily reached by boat and offers rich rewards for any who venture there. It’s also known as the Big Game Fishing Capital of the World and offers incredible fishing and diving opportunities.

Attractions – Things to See and Do in Bimini

Bimini is a land of opportunities for adventure, learning, and enjoyment. From crystal-clear waters to the history of its people, there is a long list of things to explore and enjoy during your time here.

  • Bimini Road – A great choice for snorkeling, the Bimini Road is a long, straight section of limestone blocks with almost perfectly straight edges. It has long been rumored to be part of an ancient highway to the lost city of Atlantis, although scientists have explained the natural formation process behind it. Still, it makes for an incredible diving opportunity, and you don’t even need your scuba gear.
  • Beaches – Bimini is positively brimming over with incredible beaches. Of course, beachgoing is a very popular activity while visiting the islands, so you might want to head somewhere less populated. Radio Beach is the primary draw for tourists, so to avoid the crowds, head to the north half of the island and explore the many beaches along its western side. Blister Beach and Spook Hill Beach are also both worth your time. Alice Town Beach offers a nice stretch of sand within easy reach of a coral reef for some snorkeling fun, too.
  • Rainbow Reef – If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, make time to visit Rainbow Reef. With depths that range from 15 to 25 feet, there’s a lot on offer and a great place to interact with green sea turtles and other protected sea life.
  • Visit the Fountain of Youth – While you probably won’t achieve eternal youth, the Fountain of Youth is worth a visit and a quick drink. It’s also located within easy reach of the airport, making it a good addition when landing or just before departing.
  • Bimini Bull Run – Don’t confuse this with the event that takes place in Pamplona. The Bimini Bull Run gets you up close and personal with some of the island’s oldest residents – the sharks that populate its waters.
  • The SS Sapona – Resting in just 15 feet of water is the SS Sapona, a rusted hulk ripe for exploration. You can visit and snorkel around the partially submerged wreck, getting to know some of the island’s sea life in the process. Commissioned by President Woodrow Wilson, the Sapona is not made of steel. Instead, a shortage of metal meant the use of concrete. After the war, it was sold to Carl Fisher out of Miami, who turned it into a floating casino. It ran aground in 1926 during a hurricane and has become a very popular tourist attraction.

These are just a fraction of Bimini’s things to see and do. However, the main attraction here remains the incredible fishing. Below, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about fishing here.

Fishing: Your Guide to Fishing Bimini’s Waters

Bimini’s waters have offered up an incredible bounty for thousands of years. The Native American tribes knew those riches, and now you can, too. Of course, there are things that you should know.

When Is the Best Time to Fish in Bimini?

Bimini is great for fishing all year long. The diversity of fish species means that there’s always something biting, from wahoo during the winter to marlin during the summer. Simply put, there’s no off-season.

What Type of Fishing Is Best?

You’ll find that no matter your preferred gear, you can land fish with it in Bimini. From reef fishing to fly fishing, big game fishing, spearfishing, and everything in between. Not sure what type of fishing is for you? Don’t want to travel with your own gear? No problem. There are hundreds of charters, guides, and rental options here, so you’re covered no matter what you want to catch when you come to Bimini or how you prefer to set your line.

What Types of Fish Can I Catch in Bimini?

Bimini’s waters are among the richest in the world. Plus, you have a combination of shallow and deep-water species, so you can catch almost anything you want, depending on your preferences. Some of the species most frequently sought out include the following:

  • Bonefish
  • Permit
  • Sailfish
  • Marlin
  • Swordfish
  • Wahoo
  • Tune (Blackfin, Yellowfin, Bluefin)
  • Snapper (Mutton, Yellowtail, Mangrove, Cubera, and more)
  • Grouper (Black, Strawberry, Nassau, and more)
Where Should I Fish in Bimini?

If you’re new to fishing in Bimini, we recommend hiring an experienced guide or a charter captain to take you to the best fishing spots. If you’re intent on exploring them on your own, we’ve included a brief guide below.

  • Alice Town – One of just two “big” towns in Bimini, Alice Town is also a jumping-off point for some great fishing. If you’re interested in reef fishing, this is where you want to go, particularly for snapper and grouper.
  • The Cays – While Bimini is three main islands, it also includes a host of smaller cays and sandbars. You’ll want to know about Gun, Holm, Cat, and Ocean cays. You’ll find snapper, mackerel, wahoo, and more.
  • The Pocket – If you want to snag some big game fish, you’re going to need to get out in the open water. That’s easy to do from Bimini, and The Pocket is the prime destination. Here, you’ll find marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi in abundance.
  • Great Isaac Cay – This abandoned island boasts a working lighthouse, but that’s about it. Oh, and proximity to reefs teeming with amberjack, grouper, and other species. The reefs are treacherous, though, so navigate these waters with care.
  • Northern Sound – Interested in flats fishing? Bonefish/ghosts are plentiful in the Northern Sound, as are permit and other species. The water is crystal-clear here, so you can easily spot your prey.
Other Things to Know about Fishing in Bimini
  • If you’re solo fishing, you will need the appropriate license.
  • If you hire a guide/charter, the license is usually included in the rate.
  • Spearfishing is heavily regulated, so know the rules before you go.