Bimini, Bahamas

Expeditions:Bimini, Bahamas

Known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape,
the islands of Bimini boast miles of pristine beaches
and its waters home to colorful tropical species,
some found no where else in the world

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Nestled 50 miles off Florida’s coast in the turquoise hued waters of the Caribbean Sea, Bimini is the closest Bahamian Island to the United States. Composed of three islands, the waters around Bimini are considered some of the world’s best big-game fishing regions due to its vibrant marine ecosystem. Tuna, grouper, snapper, lemon sharks and even the magnificent great hammerhead are some of the many species that thrive in Bimini’s rich waters.

Visitors from around the world enjoy Bimini’s historical complexity and renowned past, including Bimini Road, which some believe is a remnant of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis. The popularity of Bimini as a tourist destination, however, does draw concerns regarding how sustainable the impact of so many visitors can be on such a small, delicate, and rich environmental and cultural landscape.

One of our premier locations for filming Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean 3D, Bimini is a visitors paradise and diver’s dream. However, unsustainable tourism threatens the precious coral reef habitats surrounding the island. The solution to this problem is through educating the public about the need to protect pristine habitats like those in Bimini and for consumers to make educated decisions about where they choose to spend their money. Choosing a destination and tourism company that values environmentally conscious and sustainable practices is how each and every one of us can contribute to making ecotourism successful, benefiting businesses, native cultures, and environmental resources.

State of Bimini

  • Unsustainable resort developments threaten marine ecosystems
  • A highly controversial ferry terminal pier was recently constructed on North Bimini Island in order to support the Bimini SuperFast Ferry, operated by Resorts World Bimini
  • In 2000, the Government of the Bahamas proposed a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard 20% of the nation’s marine environment by 2020 – however with no signs, buoys, or enforcement, the effectiveness of the MPA remains a top concern
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The Bimini Expedition Team

Learn more about our work in Bimini

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© Dr. Richard Murphy, Ph.D, Ocean Futures Society

Quick Facts

  • Bimini is known as the fishing capitol of the Bahamas
  • Juan Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth referenced the islands of Bimini
  • The critically endangered smalltooth sawfish, one of the rarest fishes in the world, can be found in the rich waters of Bimini

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