BiminiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Lucayan Shores to Pirate Havens

Bimini, meaning "two islands" or "the twins" in the Lucayan language, was inhabited by the Lucayan people. Their presence ended after 1492 when the Spanish arrived and enslaved them, forcing them to work in the mines of Hispaniola. This led to the extermination of the indigenous population.

While Christopher Columbus's 1492 route passed northwest of Bimini, Juan Ponce de León may have visited the islands during his 1513 expedition to Florida. Historical records do not support the claim that he searched for the Fountain of Youth in Bimini.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Bimini became a strategic outpost. The shallow waters and reefs made it a location for pirates like Blackbeard and Francis Drake to wait for passing ships. Following the decline of piracy, the island's economy changed. In 1834, coinciding with the British emancipation of slaves in the Bahamas, the five founding families of Bimini were licensed as wreckers. They salvaged cargo from ships that ran aground on the surrounding reefs. Their descendants form most of Bimini's current population.

The Roaring Twenties and Literary Legends

The early 20th century brought a new era to Bimini with American Prohibition (1920–1933). As the closest foreign port to the United States, Bimini became a hub for rum-runners, serving as a link in the Atlantic smuggling trade. Schooners with liquor anchored in Bimini's waters, acting as open warehouses for American bootleggers. This period ended with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, causing a downturn in Bimini's economy.

Bimini's appeal persisted due to its reputation as a fishing destination. Ernest Hemingway, drawn by tales of fishing in the Gulf Stream, lived on Bimini from 1935 to 1937. He stayed at the Compleat Angler Hotel. He worked on his novel To Have and Have Not and found inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream while fishing aboard his boat, Pilar.

• —Dolphin House Museum — This three-story house in Alice Town, North Bimini, was started in 1993 by local author and historian Ashley Saunders. It is built from coral rock, concrete, and a mosaic of recycled materials like sea glass, shells, and old coins, with maritime-themed patterns.
• —Bimini Museum — In Alice Town, this small museum offers information on the island's history, from its early inhabitants to its role in the Prohibition era. It displays old photographs and details local events.
• —Bimini Craft Centre & Straw Market — On King's Highway near the Government Public Dock in Alice Town, this market has 17 stalls where local vendors sell Bahamian handicrafts. You will find handwoven straw hats, beach bags, wood carvings, handmade jewelry, and local snacks.
• —Site of the former Compleat Angler Hotel — The original wooden hotel, built in 1935, was destroyed by fire in 2006. A plaque marks the spot where Ernest Hemingway stayed between 1935 and 1937. The hotel was known for its bar adorned with Hemingway memorabilia, which was lost in the fire.
• —SS Sapona Shipwreck — South of Bimini, the concrete hull of the SS Sapona, a World War I cargo ship, ran aground in a 1926 hurricane. It was used to store liquor during Prohibition. The upper half is visible above the waterline, making it a spot for snorkeling and diving.
• —Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina — Founded in the 1930s as a dinner club and expanded in 1947, this resort in Alice Town has hosted fishermen. It organizes fishing tournaments and has a 75-slip marina.

Bimini has a tropical climate. The peak season runs from December to April, with warm weather, minimal rainfall, and a lively atmosphere, suitable for beach activities. Summer, from June to September, brings warm temperatures and long, sunny days, suitable for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing. This period also has calm seas.

The rainy season typically occurs from May to October, with October and June being the wettest months. Hurricane season can bring some rainfall, but showers are usually short-lived. For fewer crowds and lower prices, the fall months (September to November) are an option, with water temperatures remaining warm.

Bimini is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Miami, Florida. You can reach the island by a short flight into South Bimini Airport (BIM) or via the Balearia Caribbean fast ferry from Port Everglades, which takes about two hours. On the islands, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation for North Bimini; reserve one in advance during peak times. Driving is on the left side of the road. Water taxis connect North and South Bimini.

For shopping, Alice Town on North Bimini is the main area, with small boutiques, craft markets, and local grocery stores. The Bimini Craft Centre & Straw Market near the Government Dock is a spot for Bahamian products. The mail boat arrives on Thursdays, so for fresh produce, shop Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio, and U.S. dollars are accepted. Carry small U.S. bills for local vendors and water taxis.