{"id":1917,"date":"2013-09-30T12:17:24","date_gmt":"2013-09-30T16:17:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~travelwriting\/?page_id=1917"},"modified":"2013-09-30T12:18:24","modified_gmt":"2013-09-30T16:18:24","slug":"nearby-bimini-islands-are-hidden-treasures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=1917","title":{"rendered":"Bimini Islands are hidden treasures, offering fishing, snorkeling, diving"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted September 30, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By STEPHANIE PARRA<\/p>\n

ALICE TOWN, Bimini, Bahamas \u2013 Cyan-blue waters, smooth sands and sunny days can all characterize the Bimini Islands of the Bahamas.<\/p>\n

Located approximately 53 miles east of Miami, Fla., the chain of islands provides fishing, snorkeling and diving aficionados a special taste of the Caribbean environment.<\/p>\n

\"Bimini<\/a>

Bimini offers several pristine-watered beaches for tourists and residents alike (Photo by Stephanie Parra).<\/p><\/div>\n

The islands, which are located in the westernmost district of the Bahamas, have an approximate area of about 8.88 square miles. But don\u2019t let the small size of these Caribbean jewels fool you.<\/p>\n

With such great vacation spots so close to home, it\u2019s almost impossible to not find a way to get away to these tiny isles for at least a day.<\/p>\n

Transportation to the tiny islands<\/strong><\/p>\n

About six years ago, Bimini used to be a rich man\u2019s paradise. Unless you were a local, Bimini was reserved exclusively for those who could afford yachts or luxurious methods of transportation to the main island.<\/p>\n

Even though the main island has a total population of approximately 1,600 people and boasts a rich history of legendary figures visiting and vacationing in the area, its popularity as a vacation spot for Miamians didn\u2019t really grow until the opening of Resorts World Bimini. The resort, which is located near the heart of the island\u2019s major town area, Alice Town, boasts a spa area, shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, the resort is home to an iconic infinity pool that seems to extend to the end of the sky-blue, crystal clear waters.<\/p>\n

\"Cruises<\/a>

Cruises to Bimini depart as early as 9 a.m. daily (Photo by Stephanie Parra).<\/p><\/div>\n

Though other resorts existed before Resorts World Bimini, including Guy Harvey\u2019s Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, they seemed less trendy and ritzy when compared to the grand Resorts World Bimini.<\/p>\n

With the popularity of the island on the rise, the owners of Resorts World Bimini decided to expand its horizons with the addition of a casino and a two cruise options.<\/p>\n

Resorts World Bimini\u2019s SuperFast Cruise Ship offers top-of-the-line quality vacation opportunities for those with a relatively low budget. The ship, which departs twice a day from the Port of Miami, was built in Germany. The ship cruises at speeds of about 30 knots, making it one of the quickest cruises in America.<\/p>\n

The ship is also equipped with a casino \u2013 which serves as an extension from the version found in Bimini. Titled the Miami Casino, this on-board experience opens about 90 minutes after the ship has sailed. And, at that time, the ship is in international waters, so anyone over the age of 18 can gamble.<\/p>\n

In addition to the speedy three-hour transport to the islands, the ship boasts other forms of entertainment and activities, including dancing and karaoke, as well as an assortment of restaurants and bars.<\/p>\n

Better yet, select meals, including breakfast and lunch, are included in the price tag for the trip. Trip pricing ranges from $69 to $99, depending on the rate at the time of reservation. While the meals are certainly not worthy of a Zagat rating, they are pretty good for the price of a day trip to a different country.<\/p>\n

While cabin reservations are not included in the price tag, they are available for about $40 each if booked prior to the sail date.<\/p>\n

What to do in Bimini<\/strong><\/p>\n

While Bimini offers a variety of activities for people of all ages, including gambling, drinking, snorkeling, fishing and diving, one of the typical ways to spend the day in Bimini includes swimming and sunbathing on the smooth sands.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Bimini Museum was founded in 1995, but did not open until 2000. It offers highlights from Bimini’s history (Photo by Stephanie Parra).<\/p><\/div>\n

If you take the cruise to the islands, you arrive at North Bimini. You can then take a golf cart to the heart of the island, Alice Town, where you will find a nearby beach, shops and a rustic conch salad shack. The golf cart rides are free, and depart as often as five to six time daily from select drop off points.<\/p>\n

Arrive at Alice Town and find a local museum, named Bimini Museum. The museum features some of the island\u2019s history and highlights some of its most important points from the years its been inhabited. Many people enjoy the museum, and believe it stores some of the island\u2019s best-kept tales.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the museum at Alice Town,\u201d said Carlos Rodriguez, 28. \u201cI definitely visit it every time I come to the island.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rodriguez, a Miami native, has visited Bimini eight times in the past two years. Since the cruise began sailing in June, he has taken the trip twice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cruise is phenomenal and, once you arrive to shore, the short trip becomes even better because of the different activities that you can participate in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

While some visit museums, others enjoy spending time grabbing a bowl of conch salad.<\/p>\n

\"Alice<\/a>

Alice Town is the town located at the hear of the main island in Bimini. The town has nearby beaches, shops and rustic conch salad shacks (Photo by Stephanie Parra).<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe conch salad is amazing,\u201d said Sebastian Ortegon, 23. \u201cFor anyone who likes sushi or ceviche they would definitely want it. And for anyone who doesn’t like seafood they won’t even realize what they\u2019re eating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ortegon, who visited Bimini for the first time in late August and is originally from Coral Springs, Fla., was impressed by the travel\u2019s costs and options.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt Bimini was one of the best trips I’ve taken since it was extremely cheap,\u201d he said. “I literally only paid $20 to eat and drink in another country. Best one-day get away you can do, since it gives you the impression that you’ve been on vacation for a lot longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similarly, Adrianne de Silva, 20, thought the trip was worth the money and time spent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe trip was well worth the travel down to Miami,\u201d said de Silva, who commuted from Parkland, Fla., to take the early morning cruise to Bimini.<\/p>\n

Whether you enjoy a meal from a local eatery, or prefer to grab a Kalik (the Bahamian beer) and sunbathe the day away, this trip is certainly satisfying for any adventurous spirit.<\/p>\n

The islands are not only extremely photogenic, but they are also home to some of the area\u2019s most historically famous grounds.<\/p>\n

Considered a \u201chaven\u201d during the Prohibition era in the United States, the area served as a supply point for rum running at the time. And, according to legend, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, while searching for the famed Fountain of Youth, made references to Bimini. The Arawak and Taino population spoke of a land called \u201cBeimini\u201d where such a fountain was located.<\/p>\n

\"Bimini<\/a>

Bimini offers many pristine-watered beaches for tourists and residents alike (Photo by Stephanie Parra).<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s so interesting how such small pieces of land could be home to so much history,\u201d said Elsa Rodriguez, 21. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely one of my favorite vacation spots.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rodriguez recently traveled with de Silva and Ortegon to explore the lands.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my fifth time in the area, and I really enjoy each visit,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The area, along with its natural beauty and environmental landmarks, has also housed people like Jimmy Buffett and Ernest Hemingway.<\/p>\n

\u201cBimini is definitely a place I try to take all my friends to,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cI may not be Hemingway, but I definitely attract everyone I know to these islands.\u201d<\/p>\n

If You Go<\/strong><\/p>\n