There are as many words for the blue of Bimini’s waters as there are species that reside within them. And the best way to experience both is to jump right in. Sure, the beaches are pristine and the siren song of a freshly made conch salad or a cold Kalik beer beckons from shore. But Bimini offers an array of activities from easy to expert, which is why there’s no excuse to stay dry for long.
At just 50 miles off Florida’s coast, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite Bahamian island is also the closest to the U.S., and nonstop flights from Newark on Elite Airways make for an easy getaway. If you’ve already flown south you can start your island adventure with a short seaplane ride from Miami directly to the marina at Resorts World Bimini, a 750-acre luxury beachfront resort complete with a spa, casino and in-room dining. Come on in, the water’s fine.
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Dip a Toe In You’re on vacation, it’s OK to start slow. Book one of the resort’s poolside suites to step directly into the river pool with its swim-up bar. Head to the roof for even grander views from the infinity pool and plot your next adventure.
Skim the Surface Anyone can snorkel, and Bimini Undersea offers daily excursions that offer insight into why the Travel Channel chose Bimini as one of the top 10 snorkel destinations in the Caribbean. Float inside the wreckage of the Sapona, a concrete ship used for bombing practice during WWII; glide above a coral reef and gaze (safely) at the sharks below; or swim with wild bottlenose and spotted dolphins in their natural habitat.
Make Friends Honeymoon Harbor is not only an idyllic key perfect for pictures and picnics, it’s home to the most loyal friends you’ll ever meet: stingrays. Cup your hand around a chunk of squid, dip your hand in the hip-deep water and say hello as dozens of your new besties swim up to curry favor.
Dive In Certified scuba divers can enjoy the most up-close views of the reefs, canyons and sea life in Bimini’s waters, but even beginners can breathe easy at depths of up to 20 feet using snuba gear (snorkel + scuba = snuba), which features a floating air supply and a hose attached to a user-friendly regulator.
Go Fish It wasn’t just the rum that kept Hemingway coming back to Bimini. The island offers world-class fishing year round, from bonefishing in the flats to offshore trolling for deep sea species such as marlin, swordfish and tuna. Winter is prime time for wahoo, a tasty torpedo-shaped fish that can swim up to 60 miles per hour. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, toast yourself with a rum drink or three.