Brittany Chrusciel, ContributorWhile you might be familiar with Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, or Freeport, less travelers know about the hidden paradise of Bimini. If you see this island chain as a port of call on your next voyage itinerary, definitely pack a bathing suit and charge your camera.
Here is everything you might want to know about the best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas on a cruise.
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Our Picks for the Best Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas on a Cruise
Where is Bimini and which cruise lines call there?
Bimini is a chain of two islands — North Bimini and South Bimini — along with a string of cays that make up the westernmost district of the Bahamas. North Bimini is considered the main island, along with its primary hub of Alice Town.
Just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Bimini (often referred to as the Out Islands) is a close and idyllic port of call for cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, and more.
The cruise port is located in Bailey Town, North Bimini and is run by Resorts World Bimini. In 2021, docking facilities were extended to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, among the largest ships in the industry.
In addition to the cruise port in North Bimini, the island chain is also home to MSC’s private Bahamian island called MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. The artificial island, originally created through dredging in the 1960s, is located about 20 miles south of North Bimini and opened to MSC cruisers in 2019.
How big is Bimini, Bahamas?
The entire island chain extends about 40 miles north to south, though the main island of North Bimini is 7 miles long and just 700 feet wide. Other Bimini locations include Gun Cay and Cat Cay. The population for the entirety of Bimini is just over 2,000 residents.
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What is Bimini island famous for?
Bimini is known for its world-class sportfishing, courtesy of crystal-clear seas teeming with fish like blue marlin. This is perhaps what drew Ernest Hemingway here in the 1930s — or maybe it was the rumors that the fountain of youth is located there. Rife with dolphins and reefs, Bimini is a destination with pristine natural beauty and ideal. Thus, it’s ideal anyone who loves getting in the water.
In addition to its endemic marine life, including shark-diving opportunities, Bimini is home to the wreckage of the SS Sapona. This partially submerged concrete shipwreck lies a few miles off South Bimini and includes a storied history as a ship once intended for WWI troop transport. It became a casino and a floating speakeasy instead, before it ran aground in 1926.
Yet another stellar snorkeling or diving opportunity is the Bimini Wall. This underwater rock formation stretches like a cobbled road along the seafloor, leading to speculation that it was once the entrance to the mythological Atlantis.
What to do in Bimini for the day?
Anything involving the Bahamian sun, sand, and surf is recommended for a day in Bimini. This includes snorkeling or diving, kayak rentals, standup paddleboarding, swimming with stingrays, a dolphin-watching cruise, fishing, or simply lying on a beach.
A complimentary tram transports cruisers from the Resorts World terminal to any of its adjacent facilities. This includes the spa, casino, or beach club as well as the boutiques of Fisherman’s Village.
If you want to venture off on your own, you could rent a golf cart for the day. Or, these are just some of the popular cruise line shore excursions available:
- Reef Shark Snorkeling
- Sapona Shipwreck Snorkeling
- Reef Fishing
- Resorts World Pool and Beach Experience
- Swimming with Stingrays
- Kayaking
- Jet Skiing
- Open-Air Tram Cultural Tour
- Scuba Diving
- Conch Cruise
The Beach Club at Bimini
Virgin voyagers are in for a treat during their call in Bimini. Richard Branson has developed a private beach club in partnership with Resorts World Bimini for guests of the cruise line. The Beach Club at Bimini is free to all Virgin cruisers and its amenities include ample sun loungers and clamshells; cabanas for rental; a lagoon-style pool, complete with floaties; a bar; complimentary lunch at two Beach Eats pavilions; a sports court; hammocks; and a covered lounge area.
Passes to the beach club can be purchased by visitors on other cruise lines when Virgin is not in port.
Where to eat in Bimini, Bahamas?
Dining in Bimini can be separated between mom-and-pop venues and hotel restaurants. Seek out fresh seafood at Big John’s Conch Shell Bar & Grill. Or maybe opt for some local pies at Edith’s Pizza and Takeout, both in North Bimini.
The Hilton Hotel, at Resorts World Bimini, has no less than six bars and restaurants. From a sushi bar to a swim-up bar and an in-casino sports bar serving gourmet burgers and named after Hemingway, the Hilton is a convenient (but pricier) option for cruisers seeking a meal close to port.
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Comments
Which of these best things to do in Bimini Bahamas on a cruise have you done? What’s your favorite activity in this Bahamian cruise port? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences visiting Bimini.
