Bimini

Bimini is the closest part of the Bahamas to the United States mainland, the westernmost islands in the archipelago sit roughly 50 miles east of Miami, close enough that South Florida boaters cross on a weekend without much planning. That proximity defines everything about the island: the culture, the visitor mix, the pace of development, and the kind of experience on offer.

This is a small island. North Bimini, where nearly all the hotels, restaurants, and activity is concentrated, is about 7 miles long and barely half a mile wide at its widest point. South Bimini is quieter, more residential, and home to a small airstrip and a shark diving operation. Alice Town, on North Bimini, is the closest thing to a town center: a single road lined with a handful of restaurants, bars, dive shops, and marinas.

Bimini is not a destination for variety or for those who want a packed itinerary. It is a destination for people who want very good fishing, very good diving, genuinely clear water, and a pace that has not kept up with the rest of the Caribbean. The island has a cult following among Florida boaters that is entirely deserved. Located about 50 miles east of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Bimini is the closest Bahamas island to the United States, reachable by a breakfast departure from Florida and arrival before lunch.

The major development on the island is Resorts World Bimini, a large resort and casino complex that opened in phases from 2013. It introduced significant infrastructure, a proper marina, hotel rooms with consistent quality standards, a few restaurants, but also changed the island's character in ways that older visitors sometimes mourn. There are now two Biminis: the resort side and the original Alice Town strip. Both coexist without much friction.

Ernest Hemingway Connection

Hemingway spent considerable time in Bimini during the 1930s, fishing and writing. The Compleat Angler Hotel, where he stayed, was destroyed by fire in 2006. The connection is real, not manufactured. Bimini was a genuine part of his life during that period, and the fishing culture he participated in is still recognizable today. Alice Town preserves colorful buildings and fishing boats from Hemingway's era. A Hemingway Home and Museum is located on the island.

What Bimini Does Well

Sport fishing. Bimini sits on the edge of the Gulf Stream, which brings blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, and mahi‑mahi into range without a long run. It is among the best blue marlin destinations in the Atlantic. The shallow flats rank among the world's most respected bonefishing destinations, attracting fly fishermen internationally. Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, originally established in the 1930s as a legendary fishing lodge, remains central to the island's fishing identity.

Diving and snorkeling. The water clarity is exceptional. The Bimini Road, a formation of large rectangular limestone blocks on the sea floor sometimes called the "Road to Atlantis", is the signature dive, whatever you think of its origins. The shark dives run out of South Bimini are considered among the best in the Bahamas. The Sapona Wreck, a century‑old partially submerged shipwreck, is another notable dive site. Stingray encounters are available at Honeymoon Harbor and Gun Cay.

Simplicity. There is not much to do except fish, dive, eat conch, and sit at a bar. For the right traveler, this is not a limitation.

What to Know Before You Go

• North Bimini has no cars; golf carts are the standard transport. This is a feature, not a limitation.
• The island has limited supply of almost everything. Food, fuel, and accommodation costs reflect the logistics of getting goods across 50 miles of open water.
• The crossing from Florida by private boat traverses the Gulf Stream, which can produce rough conditions. Check the weather window carefully before crossing.
• Resorts World Bimini has a casino, the only one in the family of Bahamas islands outside Nassau. It operates as a resort amenity rather than a gambling destination.
• Bimini is genuinely small. Two nights is enough for most first‑time visitors; a week is for dedicated anglers and divers.
• American Airlines operates nonstop service from Miami to South Bimini, three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Flight time is under 20 minutes. Service launched February 14, 2026. Roundtrip fares around $343 as of early 2026, verify current pricing before booking.
• Tropic Ocean Airways offers same‑day seaplane trips from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini Seaplane Base, landing in 25 minutes. Bahamas In A Day trips depart Fort Lauderdale at 8:30 a.m., land at 9:00 a.m., and return to South Florida by 5:30 p.m., providing eight hours on the island. Promotional rate $550 per person as of early 2026 (standard $650), verify current pricing before booking.
• Balearia Caribbean operates a ferry from Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, to Port Alice on North Bimini. The ferry operates Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing Fort Lauderdale at 9:00 a.m. and arriving at 11:00 a.m., with return service departing Bimini at 6:00 p.m. and arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 8:00 p.m. Journey time is two hours each direction. The vessel is the Jaume II, a modern bi‑level design. Round‑trip fares start at $180 as of early 2026, verify current pricing before booking. Check‑in windows are 6:00 a.m. to 8:0 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale and one hour before departure in Bimini. Carry‑on allowance is one bag, maximum 22 × 18 × 10 inches and 26.5 pounds. Vehicles, bicycles, scooters, and pets are permitted aboard. Onboard amenities include a snack bar, outdoor terrace, Wi‑Fi, films, and duty‑free shopping. Valid passport required for U.S. citizens; Green Card plus passport for foreign residents.
• Westgate Bimini Bay, Westgate Resorts' first Caribbean property, opened October 1, 2026 on North Bimini. The resort features studio and two‑bedroom villas.
• South Bimini Airport is undergoing major redevelopment by Bimini Airport Development Partners, with a new terminal and departures lounge scheduled to open early 2026. The Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences is scheduled for a full opening in 2027 and will include overwater bungalows, a five‑star hotel, beach clubs, and spa facilities.
• Virgin Voyages includes The Beach Club at Bimini on all Caribbean voyages during the 2027‑2028 winter season, bringing thousands of cruise passengers to the island weekly.
• Silver Airways ceased operations in June 2025, significantly impacting air service to Bimini. The loss of this carrier removed a major connection to South Florida during a period when the airline was projected to deliver 80,000 passengers to the Bahamas. American Airlines' launch of nonstop Miami service in February 2026 restored direct air access to the island.