Top 9 Things to Do During Your Trip To Bimini

With countless watersports activities such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, and snorkeling, there is so much to do in Bimini to the point where this list doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Whether you’re coming for a week-long vacation from work or taking a day cruise from Miami to Bimini, there is always something to do and explore here, especially since Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States. Bimini is actually a chain of small islands, some of the most beautiful if you ask us. It’s no wonder that Ernest Hemingway considered Bimini to be one of his favorite islands. The water is so blue that your eyes will think it’s seeing through an Instagram filter.

We mainly visited North Bimini, but we said, “oh well.” We enjoyed our stay so much that we had to compile this list of things you must do to get the full experience of Bimini. Regardless of what part of Bimini you’re in, you’re bound to have a unique Bahamas experience!

Dolphin House

Ok, so the Dolphin House isn’t a house full of dolphins. When we saw this as a tourist destination, we were intrigued and didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be one of the most impactful visits we have had on vacation to date.

It is however made from different materials from the island, such as shells, glass, and coins. We can’t deny this place is an actual work of art. The Dolphin House Museum not only is an artistic structure but also serves as Mr. Saunders’ home. He has been building it by hand since 1993- all from recycled materials from the island. Located in Alicetown (North Bimini), we met Ashley Saunders, an artist, historian, and retired teacher who claims to be the descendent of pirates. He and his family have been on the island forever and knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, his brother escorted Dr. King around Bimini just 4 days before he was killed in Memphis. Saunders also has connections with the Hemingway Family since Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini to find inspiration for this work.

As a former teacher, author, and poet, it is evident in his writing how important it is to him to educate others on the beauty of Bimini, but also the beauty of life and all it has to offer. After meeting Mr. Saunders, it’s as if you suddenly see Bimini through his eyes, just from listening to him talk about it. We were so inspired by Mr. Saunders that after meeting him, we immediately recorded our Earth Day podcast episode. We think there isn’t anyone who is a better ambassador for the Earth (and Bimini) than Mr. Ashley Saunders.

The Fountain of Youth

In the 1500s, explorer Juan Ponce de León learned about The Fountain of Youth from the Arawak Indians. The legend states that if you were to drink or bathe in the water from the fountain, it would restore your youth. This leads me to wonder, why take a shot of Botox when you can drink water straight from Bimini? Technically The Fountain of Youth is a well, and unfortunately, Juan Ponce de León never found it. This raises the question. Does this mystical fountain really bring enteral youth, or is it just a myth? Truth be told, we don’t know, but we have to admit, it makes an intriguing mystery.

Joe’s Conch Shack

We had to stop by Joe’s Conch Shack while in Bimini. This is where we actually saw them pull the conch from the shell – yikes. I (Shannon) didn’t get the chance to taste it, but Gerry did, and he loved it! The conch he ate was cooked, and he quickly got over the fact that we just saw the guy pulling it out of its shell minutes earlier. Apparently, on Bimini, they use all of the pieces of the conch for various things, which we can appreciate. Conch is Bimini’s claim to fame for tourists! The guy we met told us some people think the conch parts help for medicinal purposes, such as backaches and even an aphrodisiac. Note, if you happen to visit Joe’s Conch Shack, and we do recommend it, head to the back where you will find a majestic dune of the most gorgeous conch shells.

Nate’s Bimini Bread

Nate’s Bimini Bread was the best bread we have ever eaten in our lives and had me screaming like Oprah, “I LOVE BREAD!” on the whole island. Everything smells incredible here, and better yet – it’s all made from scratch. They have all types of bread, from coconut, rum cakes, cinnamon raisin bread, and much more. This is definitely a comeback spot for us the next time we’re in Bimini. If we could have purchased this in gross and brought it back with us, we would have.

Radio Beach

Located in Alicetown, Radio Beach has the bluest water we’ve ever seen…ever. Much like most of Bimini, the water is crystal clear and makes you want to spend hours in it. Radio Beach is probably the biggest hub for tourism, as many restaurants sit near it. This is also the perfect place to find tons of sea glasses and shells laid out in the sand to take home as a little souvenir.

Sapona Shipwreck

Are you looking for more adventure? Check this out. Travelers seeking thrill are eager to jump from 30 feet into the sea to explore how the Sapona (Sometimes referred to as the “ghost ship”) wrecked. The Sapona lies 15 – 20 feet underwater with a fascinating story. President Woodrow Wilson commissioned this cargo ship to serve as transportation in World War 1. 100 years ago, in the late 1920s, the boat sank under the sea in Bimini. Now years later, this is the perfect spot for those who love to snorkel and explore underwater mysteries. Just be cautious of weather conditions. When the clouds get dark and the rain starts to pour, it can make you feel like you’re back in time during the shipwreck. 

The Straw Market

A place to get homemade straw baskets, mats, hats, souvenirs, clothes, and so much more, Nassau is a popular straw market in the Bahamas and one of the largest in the world. Due to the fire that destroyed the market in 2001, the market found its new home in a large tent. Nonetheless, the straw market is an excellent place for vendors in town who have some of their handmade items for sale. The quality of the products varies, but we love visiting street markets because of how easy it is to connect with the locals. I purchased a gorgeous beach floppy hat for just $20 and I adore it! We usually don’t purchase souvenirs, but I actually needed a hat, so purchasing something that is handmade from a local in Bimini, functional, creating a long-lasting memory? LOVE!

Honeymoon Harbour

Ok, so this isn’t a harbor at all. Instead, it’s a beach. And this might not be the beach you’d go to after you say “I do” for a blissful weekend. Only accessible by boat, many people arrive at Honeymoon Harbour for one on one contact with stingrays. Yes, stingrays, you read that right. Turns out these sea creatures love it when people come out to feed and show them some love. Don’t worry, stay calm. As long as you’re kind and gentle, the stingrays are safe.

Resort World Bimini

All I can say is that the blue turquoise waters and white sandy beaches highlight the overall beauty of Resort World Bimini. Think of it as a tropical island gateway for a day trip with friends, an anniversary trip with your spouse, or even a vacation for the entire family. Although we highly recommend staying in Hilton at Resort World Bimini to get the full perks of all amenities from the casinos, hotels, and more, there are many options to get the whole Caribbean experience no matter where you rest.

If you saw our Instagram highlights while we were in Bimini, then this will be no surprise to you. Bimini is going to be our retirement destination. This island is gorgeous! We decided after seeing these absolute crystal blue waters and meeting the most hospitable Biminites, that we wanted to be one of them. If you have the opportunity to visit Bimini, we encourage you to explore the island, get to know the people, eat the food, and take in the culture. You won’t regret it!