The 6 Best Bimini Excursions for the Entire Family

Sep 11, 2026

The 6 Best Bimini Excursions for the Entire Family
By Aubrey Coats
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Best Bimini Excursions the Whole Family Will LOVE

Discover the best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas, just 50 miles off the Florida coast. From snorkeling the famous S.S. Sapona shipwreck and reeling in record catches off the deep-sea fishing capital to feeding wild stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour, touring the famous Shark Lab, and exploring native nature trails, this comprehensive travel guide covers top family-friendly excursions, outdoor adventures, practical travel tips, and essential island FAQs for every traveler.

ExcursionTarget AudienceKey HighlightsDuration
1. S.S. Sapona Wreck SnorkelAges 6+ • Swimmers • Photo LoversSunken WWI concrete ship, vibrant artificial reef, colorful parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, and sunbeams streaming through hull portals2.5–3 Hours
2. Deep-Sea Fishing CharterAges 8+ • Teens • AnglersDeep Gulf Stream waters, screaming reels, hooking colorful Mahi-Mahi, fast Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, and prize Blue MarlinHalf-Day / Full-Day
3. Honeymoon Harbour StingraysAll Ages • Toddlers • Non-SwimmersKneeling in crystal-clear, knee-deep lagoon waters while hand-feeding velvety southern stingrays on powdery white sand3–4 Hours
4. Bimini Biological Field StationAges 5+ • Science Fans • TeensBehind-the-scenes research lab tour, shark tagging gear demos, and observing baby lemon sharks in mangrove nurseries1.5–2 Hours
5. Bull Shark Cage DivingAges 8+ • Thrill-Seekers • TeensSurface cage diving at Big Game Club Marina, getting eye-to-eye with massive, sleek bull sharks in deep ocean waters2–3 Hours
6. South Bimini Nature TrailAll Ages • Nature Lovers • History BuffsShaded canopy walks through indigenous hardwood hammocks, spotting endemic Bimini boas, wild orchids, and visiting the historic Fountain of Youth1.5–2.5 Hours

White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and nothing but (island) time on your hands, where better to escape?

Just 50 miles off the coast of South Florida, the beautiful island of Bimini in The Bahamas is the perfect tropical getaway for families. Whether you’re planning the ultimate Bimini day trip or an extended stay, navigating this slice of Bahamian paradise with your crew is surprisingly easy.

From scuba diving Bimini waters and exploring mysterious underwater road formations to feeding stingrays and touring colorful, handcrafted island landmarks, there’s something for travelers of every age.

If you are mapping out your tropical itinerary, here are the best excursions for the entire family, as well as some helpful insider tips, like what to pack, the best Bimini hotels, and everything you need to make the most of your island getaway.

So, pack your passport and some reef-safe sunscreen, and let’s dive in!

1 | Snorkel the SS Sapona | Built during World War I, the concrete cargo ship ran aground during a 1926 hurricane and went on to become a floating rum warehouse during Prohibition.

Today, its exposed framework serves as an artificial reef teeming with tropical fish, stingrays, and coral. Hop on a local tour to snorkel this sunken piece of history.

  • Best For: Families with kids ages 6 and up, beginner-to-intermediate swimmers, and underwater photography lovers.

Where: MP24+6MR, Port Royal, Bahamas | Who: N/A

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2 | Go Deep-Sea Fishing | The Bahamas have become known as the "Deep-Sea Fishing Capital of the World."

There is no shortage of Bimini fishing charters with expert guides who know the local waters and can help you catch your target prize species like Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and Blue Marlin.

  • Pro Tip: If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, pack non-drowsy seasickness medication or wristbands. The Gulf Stream offers world-class fishing, but open-ocean swells can be rolling!

Where: North Bimini, Alice Town, Bahamas | Who: (242) 347-3391

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3 | Feed Stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour | Head to Gun Cay's Honeymoon Harbour for an up-close encounter with local wildlife.

Guided by expert captains, you’ll step into the shallow, sparkling turquoise water to hand-feed gentle southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

  • Best For: Families with young children, non-swimmers, toddlers, and animal lovers.

Where: HMQW+397, Gun Cay, Bahamas | Who: N/A

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4 | Tour the Bimini Biological Field Station | Also known as the Shark Lab, this internationally acclaimed research center opens its doors to the public for immersive educational tours.

You'll hear directly from researchers studying shark behavior and observe baby lemon sharks swimming in their coastal enclosures.

  • Pro Tip: Tours must be booked in advance by appointment. Space is limited because research activities take priority, so email or message the lab ahead of your trip to reserve your family’s slot.

Where: 15 Elizabeth Drive, Bahamas | Who: (242) 347-4538

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5 | Bull Shark Cage Diving | For an unforgettable adrenaline rush, head over to the Bimini Big Game Club Marina.

Their custom cage-diving setup gives both non-divers and certified scuba divers a safe, front-row seat to watch massive bull sharks glide past right off the dock.

  • Best For: Teens (minimum age requirements usually apply, typically 8 or older for cage entry), adults, and serious thrill-seekers.

Where: North Bimini, Alice Town, Bahamas | Who: (242) 347-3391

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6 | South Bimini Nature Trail | Spend a little time exploring native island flora and fauna on the South Bimini Nature Trail.

Keep an eye out for the Bimini Boa, endemic lizards, wild orchids, and native land crabs along the shaded path.

  • Pro Tip: Apply eco-friendly bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen before heading out, and bring refillable water bottles to stay cool in the tropical heat.

Where: PP42+5R2, South, Port Royal, Bahamas | Who: N/A

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Essential Travel Tips for Your Bimini Family Vacation

  • Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protecting Bimini’s fragile coral reefs and marine life is vital. Always use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) before diving into the water.

  • Bring Cash (USD or BSD): U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere in Bimini at an equal 1:1 ratio with Bahamian Dollars. While larger resorts and dive operators accept credit cards, local golf cart vendors, water taxis, and roadside conch shacks operate primarily on cash.

  • Rent a Golf Cart on Land: There are plenty of golf cart rental options, and is easily the best way to get around Alice Town!

  • Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: The Bahamian sun is intense year-round. Equip kids with rash guards or UV swim shirts, wide-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and plenty of water.

  • Book Charters Early: Local tour boats keep guest numbers small to deliver personalized, high-quality experiences. Booking your wreck snorkel, deep-sea fishing charter, or shark dive in advance ensures your family gets their preferred dates.

  • Accommodations: Where you stay is key to a successful visit! Centrally located, Westgate Bimini Bay is just moments away from everything the island has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bimini Excursions

Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States mainland (just 50 miles off the coast of South Florida). Families can easily reach Bimini via a quick two-hour passenger ferry ride departing out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) or via 25-minute flights departing from South Florida airports.

Yes! Bimini is a laid-back, welcoming island community with a relaxed pace of life. The shallow, clear waters around the main beaches are calm and gentle, making them very safe for young swimmers and toddlers under supervision.

Yes, because Bimini is part of the independent nation of The Bahamas, all international visitors (including children and infants) must present a valid passport upon arrival.

Bimini enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. However, the prime season from late November through May offers low humidity, comfortable ocean breezes, and crystal-clear water conditions ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and shark encounters.

Absolutely! Excursions like Honeymoon Harbour feature shallow, knee-deep water where non-swimmers can stand on soft sand while feeding stingrays. Topside observer passes are also available for shark cage dives, allowing family members to view wildlife safely from the boat deck.

A small, convenient water taxi ferry operates continuously throughout the day between North and South Bimini. The ride takes only about five minutes and costs roughly $3 to $5 per person each way.

Major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, resorts, and established dive shops. However, small local vendors, water taxis, street food stands, and small souvenir shops strictly require cash (either USD or BSD).

Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, swim rash guards, water shoes, towels, dry bags for cell phones, a GoPro or waterproof camera, and small cash bills for crew gratuities.

Bahama Mamas, Papas & the Whole Family

From world-class snorkeling over sunken historical wrecks to thrill-packed fishing trips and tranquil nature hikes, this Bimini, Bahamas, travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable tropical escape for everyday travelers and their families.

Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? For more expert travel guides, destination itineraries, and vacation inspiration, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog today!


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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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