Venture 50 miles from Florida’s east coast, and the Bahamian treasure of Bimini appears - an idyllic tropical island whisked away in a world of its own. This pint-sized piece of paradise in the Bahamas may only be seven miles long, but what it lacks in size, it compensates for tenfold with its peaceful, undeveloped charm, stunning beaches, upscale resorts (and a few low-key samples, too), and adventures on the water ranging from relaxing to heart-thumping.

If anyone seeks a quiet island in the Bahamas away from the crowds with unique recreational offerings, Bimini is the dream place to be - but plenty of questions about this minuscule dot in the sea exist, many to which travelers consistently seek answers. With that in mind, the following Bimini travel guide addresses common queries about the island, from what attractions there are and passport requirements to how to get to this petite paradise in the Bahamas - and how to get around.

Where Is Bimini Bahamas?

Of course, this sublime island is just a short journey from Florida and is a popular Bahamas island hopping destination - but where is Bimini on the map? This pocket paradise is situated about 127 miles northwest of Nassau, 62 miles south of Grand Bahama, 77 miles from West Palm Beach, and 58 miles from Port Everglades. It's also located in the westernmost district of the Bahamas and about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Miami.

Given its proximity to Florida, Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to the United States mainland and is thus a popular vacation spot for residents of America. Additionally, the island's easy access from Florida has seen the Sunshine State become a gateway to Bimini for people all over the US.

What Is Bimini Known For?

Bimini is revered as a dreamy Bahamian island adorned by sublime soft sands and an azure blue sea. It's also known for its uncrowded beaches and vibrant nightlife; however, many islands in the Bahamas offer the same - so why is Bimini famous, exactly?

What makes Bimini unique from other islands in the Bahamas isn't just its off-the-beaten-path beaches and underdeveloped terrain where Bahamian charm seemingly remains unspoiled. The island is renowned for its impressive game fishing scene, where the waters teem with prized specimens such as blue marlin, tuna, and many more marine swimmers. Fishing fans from all over the globe descend on Bimini to experience the thrill of its game fish action; even people plush with cash arrive in super yachts from global destinations.

What's more, Bimini has earned significant fame as the hideaway where the Lost City of Atlantis lies, as well as a spot that enchanted literary icon Ernest Hemingway - who spent time on the island engaging in its favorite pastime: indeed, fishing. Famed as Hemingway's retreat, the author first visited Bimini in 1935 and engaged in sport fishing in Bimini for many years.

In fact, his two-year stint on the island inspired his Pulitzer prizewinning novel, The Old Man and The Sea. Bimini also inspired other legendary names to put pen to paper; Martin Luther King Jr. wrote parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on the island's sensational shores.

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Things To Do In Bimini

Bimini has acquired the status of 'the big-game fishing capital of the world, thanks to its prolific angling activity out on the water. For decades, game fishing in Bimini has attracted anglers in search of tuna, snapper, bonefish, wahoo, amberjack, and the esteemed blue marlin, with the island, even playing host to international fishing competitions.

Visit The Bimini Museum

Though fishing is big business in Bimini, the island is home to a wealth of other attractions ideal for tourists - that is, if fishers manage to tear themselves away from ear oneself away from their hook, line, and sinkers. For starters, there's the Bimini Museum, where visitors can learn about the iconic individuals who made the island their home throughout the years - Ernest Hemingway included. The museum is free of charge to enter, but donations are welcomed.

Visit The Bimini Dolphin House Museum

Also among the top attractions in Bimini is the Dolphin House Museum, which is located quite close to the island's pier. The establishment is a three-story building made from recycled materials, including many that were found washed up on Bimini's shores.

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Visit The Bimini Shark Lab

Additionally, the Bimini Biological Field Station beckons marine life enthusiasts with its fascinating Shark Lab. The place is a treasure trove of education, where guests can participate in tours of the station, take part in research, and even adopt a shark.

Go Scuba Diving In Bimini

Bimini also offers excitement below the ocean's surface in the form of scuba diving and snorkeling adventures. Comprising shipwrecks, reefs, and colorful tropical marine life, the two dozen dive sites in Bimini offer fantastic encounters with tropical marine life - both for divers and snorkelers.

Many of the best dive sites in Bimini are ideal for beginners, with the famous reefs is rainbow reef being among the island's most renowned. Other sites, like Victory Reef and the deep dives on the continental shelf, are better suited to divers with experience. Dolphin sightings aren't uncommon either, making reef exploration at the island's celebrated sub-sea sites even more exciting.

Although diving and snorkeling in Bimini are highly rated for underwater aficionados of all skill levels, thanks to its vibrant reefs and great water conditions, it's the shark action that really garners divers' attention. Shark diving in Bimini is world-class; its shark dive sites attract divers and snorkelers worldwide who come to encounter various reef sharks, as well as the island's legendary great hammerheads and bull sharks near the Gulf Stream, especially in the winter.

What Is The Currency In Bimini?

Officially, the local currency is the Bahamian dollar, but the US Dollar is also widely accepted and is traded evenly. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted but not reliably; only a few places take these payment methods.

Do I Need A Passport To Go To Bimini?

Do you need a passport to go to Bimini? Absolutely; all travelers entering Bimini and the rest of the Bahamas need to show their passports for verification. Bimini-bound jet-setters must also fill out an immigration card.

Related: Do You Need A Passport For The Bahamas? It Depends On How You Get There

Does Bimini Have An Airport?

Bimini has one main airport: South Bimini Airport. It's located in South Bimini and is the island's major airport, where Bimini flights arrive.

Which Airlines Fly To Bimini?

Flights from the US to Bimini are frequently run by Silver Airways, United Airlines, and JetBlue. From major airports in Europe and the UK, British Airways, as well as the aforementioned others, fly into Bimini.

How To Get To Bimini Island?

What many international travelers don't realize is that Bimini is actually comprised of two islands: North Bimini and South Bimini. Commercial and charter flights fly to South Bimini, and anyone heading onto North Bimini upon arrival takes the ferry.

Whichever Bimini island tourists intend to visit, getting to this beautiful Bahamian oasis is incredibly easy. Travelers can fly direct to Bimini from numerous airports in South Florida and New York, or alternatively, a connecting flight with United Airlines or Jet Blue from either location is a viable option. Ferries to Bimini are also a popular choice; travelers can board a ferry from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to Bimini.

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How Do You Get To Bimini From The US?

Getting to Bimini by air or sea are common options. Currently, only one ferry route runs between the United States and the Bimini Islands. The trip is operated by one ferry company at the moment - Balearia Caribbean - which charges around $198 for a one-way ticket.

Handily, the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ferry crossing operates on a weekly scheduled basis; with up to three crossing each week, traveling by ferry grants plenty of flexibility for travelers opting to arrive by sea.

As mentioned, flying to Bimini from the US is possible; a convenient option is to fly directly to South Bimini from Fort Lauderdale via Silver Airways. As of recent, one-way flights are scheduled twice to three times weekly, with prices ranging from $68 at the lower end to $220 on the higher side.

Related: 10 Unusual But Exciting Things To Do In The Bahamas

How Long Is The Flight From Fort Lauderdale To Bimini?

The flight time from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini takes between 30 and 45 minutes - so just enough time for a quick snooze or to read a few book chapters before arrival.

How Long Does It Take To Get To Bimini From Fort Lauderdale By Boat?

The sailing time from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini ranges from two to three hours, depending on sea conditions. The Fort Lauderdale Bimini ferry route crosses the Gulf Stream, showcasing an uninterrupted horizon and breathtaking views, with the glistening turquoise ocean perfecting the picture.

How Do You Get Around In Bimini?

Since there's hardly any traffic in Bimini because cars are so limited, getting around is a breeze; however, travelers won't find a car rental. Instead, visitors can get around via the following ways:

• Taxi: Taxis in Bimini aren't super abundant, but they are in operation. Prices vary, depending on where travelers wish to go - but the fare is relatively low cost, with travelers reporting averages of around $5 to most locations on the island.
• Bicycle: Biking around Bimini is one of the best ways to get around, given the island is so small. Bicycle rental in Bimini is also widely available.
• Boat: A daily ferry sails between North and South Bimini. The South Bimini to North Bimini ferry price is just a few dollars each way.
• Golf Cart: Golf cart rental is one of the most popular options in Bimini for getting around. Golf caddies are commonplace, with rental prices starting from $60 a day.

Can You Walk Around Bimini?

North and South Bimini are incredibly small, so travelers can walk around each island in a few hours, depending on how fit they are.

How to Get From South Bimini To North Bimini?

A daily ferry runs from South Bimini to North Bimini and vice versa and costs just a few dollars each way.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Bimini Island?

• Peak tourist season: November to May
• Dry season: November to May
• Best weather: April
• Spring break crowds: March and April
• Low tourist season: Mid-April to mid-December
• Rainy season: June to October
• Hottest month: August
• Coldest month: January

There's no bad time to visit Bimini because it's a year-round vacation destination, with its welcoming tropical climate that remains warm and sunny each month. However, there are discernible seasons, with some being more favorable than others, tourism-wise. While Bimini's hot tropical climate remains throughout the year, the warm, dry season occurs from November to May. Outside of this time, from June to October, the hot, rainy season occurs; however, any rainfall during this time tends to be short and periodic.

The hottest and wettest month in Bimini, with the warmest sea, is usually August, with an average high of 31 °C (87 °F). On the other hand, the coldest month is January, with an average high temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) and average lows of 19 °C (66 °F), which is still warm and comfortable for vacationers.

For the best weather, travelers should visit Bimini in April or else any time from November to May. Temperatures average a comfortable 25 °C (77 °F) during this time, with reliable easterly trade winds that help to keep islanders cool. However, this period also coincides with peak tourist season, when hotel prices shoot up. Additionally, March and April are when US college students descend to Bimini and many parts of the Bahamas for spring break, so anybody wishing to avoid crowds and a louder atmosphere might prefer to visit Bimini outside these months.

Lastly, mid-April to mid-December is the low season in Bimini, when hotels and many activities are discounted, and the island sees fewer crowds; however, as mentioned, this time is also the wet season, so showers are more likely to occur.