The ULTIMATE Guide to Scuba Diving in Bimini, Bahamas

Jan 20, 2026

The ULTIMATE Guide to Scuba Diving in Bimini, Bahamas
By Carmen C.

Top Spots for Scuba Diving in Bimini

Just 50 miles off Miami's coast, Bimini ranks among the world's premier scuba diving destinations. From diving with great hammerhead sharks to exploring historic shipwrecks and vibrant coral walls, this small island chain delivers unforgettable underwater adventures.

Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," Bimini's legendary Bimini fishing charters drew anglers like Ernest Hemingway. Beneath the surface lies equally spectacular diving. The warm Gulf Stream currents create crystal-clear visibility, thriving coral reefs, and abundant marine life rivaling anywhere in the Caribbean.

Whether you're seeking heart-pounding shark encounters or exploring shallow shipwrecks, Bimini offers diving experiences you can't find elsewhere—with most sites just minutes from the dock.

Why Bimini is a World-Class Spot for Scuba Diving

Bimini's position on the edge of the Great Bahama Bank, where it meets the Gulf Stream's deep waters, creates an underwater paradise. Nutrient-rich currents attract incredible marine diversity, from tiny reef fish to massive pelagic predators.

The gin-clear waters offer 80 to 100 feet of visibility year-round, and shallow reefs make Bimini accessible for all experience levels.

You'll find over 20 marked dive sites featuring colorful coral reefs, dramatic walls, shipwrecks, blue holes, and caverns. What truly distinguishes Bimini is its reputation as the shark diving capital of the Caribbean, with extensive mangrove nurseries and deep waters attracting magnificent predators.

The Best Places to Scuba Dive Around Bimini

The SS Sapona Wreck

Bimini's most iconic dive site, this concrete-hulled cargo ship built in 1911 sits in just 15-18 feet of water. Grounded in 1926, it served as a Prohibition-era rum smuggling base and later as military target practice.

The wreck is encrusted with marine life and home to schools of grunts, soldierfish, and resting nurse sharks underneath the stern. Perfect for snorkelers, beginners, and photographers.

Bimini Barge

This premier wreck dive sits upright in 80-100 feet near the Gulf Stream edge. Heavily covered with marine life and massive fish schools, it requires intermediate to advanced skills due to depth and potential currents.

Victory Reef and Tuna Alley

A seven-mile wall strip featuring sloping terrain from 50-120 feet with overhangs, caverns, and swim-throughs covered in lush coral and sponges. Watch the blue water for hammerheads, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and bluefin tuna, especially during March-May migration.

Rainbow Reef

Shallow ledges (25-35 feet) in a protected marine sanctuary with kaleidoscopic colors. Ideal for beginners, you'll see French grunts, Creole wrasse, nurse sharks, turtles, and countless tropicals.

Turtle Rocks

Three rock formations with diverse underwater landscapes from surface to 30-35 feet. These rocks attract spotted eagle rays, Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and abundant reef fish.

The Bimini Road (Atlantis Road)

A mysterious 1,500-foot formation of rectangular limestone blocks at 18 feet depth, discovered in 1968—the year psychic Edgar Cayce predicted Atlantis would be found off Bimini. Whether ancient ruins or natural geology, this shallow site fascinates all who visit.

Additional Notable Sites

Little Caverns features coral heads with tunnels and swim-throughs. The Strip is a 300-foot narrow reef (35-40 feet) concentrating abundant marine life including octopus, morays, lobster, and stingrays—excellent for day or night dives. Hawksbill Reef runs parallel to North Bimini's shore and is famous for hawksbill turtle encounters.

Signature Ocean Safaris: Swimming with Sharks and Dolphins

Great Hammerhead Shark Safari

Bimini's marquee experience! Each winter (November-April), great hammerheads gather in shallow waters for one of the planet's rarest shark encounters. Peak season runs January through March, with January and February offering the best chances of tiger shark sightings too.

Dives occur in approximately 20 feet of water, allowing extended bottom times of 1-2 hours on a single tank. Water temperatures average mid-to-low 70s°F during hammerhead season, so bring a full 5mm wetsuit with hood and gloves for comfort.

The safari continues until the crew runs out of bait, tanks, or sunlight—whichever comes first. All hammerhead safaris include a complimentary tour of the Bimini Biological Field Station (Shark Lab), and a portion of proceeds supports shark research and conservation.

Wild Dolphin Safari

Atlantic spotted dolphins actively seek human interaction year-round in Bimini's waters. These curious, playful mammals mirror your movements in an underwater dance that feels both magical and natural.

Safaris typically run from early afternoon into early evening, with summer months offering the calmest water conditions for optimal encounters.

Reef Shark Safari and Bull Run Cage Dive

Encounter Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and bull sharks in their natural habitat. The Bull Run cage dive provides an unforgettable 20-minute up-close experience with bull sharks during feeding—available even for non-certified divers using surface-supplied hookah air.

Stingray Safari

Feed and interact with gentle southern stingrays in shallow water. This family-friendly experience is perfect for all ages and provides excellent photo opportunities with these graceful creatures.

All ocean safaris can be booked through Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center. Book in advance for hammerhead season (especially January-March) as these popular experiences fill up quickly. Same-day bookings may be available for other safaris depending on capacity.

Where to Get Scuba Diving Equipment, Rentals, and Boat Charters in Bimini

Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina won 2025 Readers Choice Awards for Quality of Dive Boats, Facilities, and Attention to Safety. They operate ten dive boats, including a 60-foot glass-bottom vessel with dive platforms, fresh water rinse tanks, restrooms, and full safety equipment.

Most dive sites are 5-15 minutes from the dock. Equipment rentals available: BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, computers, and cameras. Packages range from weekend trips to week-long vacations with accommodations.

WHERE: Bimini Big Game Club, Alice Town, Bahamas | WHO: +1 (242) 473-8816

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Tips for Seeing the Most Wildlife During Your Bimini Scuba Dive

  1. Time Your Visit: Great hammerheads (Nov-April, peak Jan-Mar), bull sharks (Dec-Mar), tuna/wahoo/mahi-mahi (Mar-May), dolphins (year-round, best in summer), sea turtles (year-round).

  2. Best Season: November-May offers optimal conditions—dry season, calm seas, and prime shark season. Water temps: 75°F winter, 88°F summer.

  3. Dive Skills Matter: Master buoyancy control and move slowly. Wildlife approaches calm, controlled divers. Hover motionless near structures and be patient.

  4. Watch the Blue Water: Don't just focus on reefs—pelagics like hammerheads, rays, and dolphins cruise open water. Scan regularly.

  5. Follow Your Guides: Local dive masters know where marine life concentrates and when species are most active. Their guidance dramatically increases encounter success.

  6. Bring Photo Equipment: Wide-angle for sharks/reefs/wrecks, macro for smaller creatures. GoPros work great for shark safaris. The center rents cameras.

  7. Respect Wildlife: Never chase, touch, or harass marine life. Maintain distance from large animals. You're visiting their home.

What You Should Know Before Scuba Diving in Bimini

  • Certification Required: Valid open water certification from PADI, NAUI, SSI, or SDI. Present your certification card before diving. Neal Watson's offers PADI courses from Discover Scuba through professional levels if you're not yet certified.

  • Experience Levels: Beginner sites (Sapona, Rainbow Reef, Little Caverns), Intermediate (Hawksbill Reef, moderate walls), Advanced (Bimini Barge, Victory Reef with currents). Gulf Stream can create strong currents at some sites.

  • Health Requirements: Complete a medical questionnaire. Physician clearance required for certain conditions. You must be comfortable in water and reasonably fit.

  • Essential Documents: Passport, certification card, dive logbook, dive insurance info, medical clearance if applicable.

  • Dive Insurance Highly Recommended: DAN Trip Cancellation Insurance covers weather/airline delays. DAN accident insurance covers hyperbaric treatment—essential coverage standard health insurance excludes.

  • Weather Considerations: Dry season (Nov-May) offers best conditions. Hurricane season Jun-Nov, peak Aug-Oct. Winter cold fronts can create rough seas temporarily.

  • Cost Breakdown: Two-tank dives: $149+VAT (includes tanks/weights). Equipment rentals, gratuities, food, insurance, and accommodation are additional.

  • Getting There: Balearia ferry from Ft. Lauderdale (~2 hours, ~$100 RT), flights from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale (20 min, $150-250 RT), or private boat (under 3 hours).

Pro Tips for Scuba Diving in Bimini

  1. Book Hammerhead Dives Early: January-February books months ahead. Schedule multiple dives for best conditions.

  2. Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect both your skin and Bimini's reefs with biodegradable, ocean-friendly sunscreen.

  3. Pack Snacks and Water: Food generally not provided. Bring energy bars, fruit, sandwiches, and water.

  4. Wetsuit Recommendations: Summer: 3mm shorty or dive skin. Winter: Full 5mm with hood and gloves, especially for hammerhead safaris.

  5. Camera Gear: Bring extra batteries and large memory cards. You'll shoot more than expected.

  6. Consider Nitrox Certification: Allows longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals on multi-dive days.

  7. Build Buffer Days: Weather occasionally cancels dives. Extra days prevent missing key objectives.

  8. Stay at Bimini Big Game Club: On-site convenience—steps from the dock, easy gear access, no transportation worries.

  9. Network with Divers: Share stories, tips, and sightings during surface intervals and at the resort.

  10. Respect Marine Protected Areas: Never touch, collect, or harass marine life. Careful buoyancy protects fragile coral.

The Dos and Don'ts of Scuba Diving in Bimini

DO:

  • Check equipment thoroughly before each dive with your buddy

  • Maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect reefs

  • Ascend slowly (30 ft/min maximum) with 3-5 minute safety stops at 15 feet

  • Dive within your certification limits—never exceed training level

  • Stay with your dive buddy throughout every dive

  • Follow your dive guide's instructions for safety and wildlife encounters

  • Practice environmentally conscious diving—secure equipment, avoid reef contact

  • Hydrate properly before and after dives; limit alcohol

  • Plan your dive and dive your plan with your buddy

  • Respect great hammerheads and all wildlife—observe from appropriate distance

DON'T:

  • Touch, chase, or harass marine life including corals and fish

  • Dive if sick, exhausted, or hungover

  • Fly within 18-24 hours after diving (decompression sickness risk)

  • Make rapid ascents or hold your breath while ascending

  • Dive beyond your air supply—surface with 500+ PSI minimum

  • Feed fish except on designated feeding dives with professionals

  • Collect souvenirs from reefs—illegal in marine protected areas

  • Dive alone—always use the buddy system

  • Ignore warning signs or equipment problems—surface safely if concerned

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving in Bimini, Bahamas

You can dive Bimini year-round, but November through May offers the best overall conditions. This dry season brings calmer seas, consistent weather, and water temperatures from 75-82°F. Most importantly, this period coincides with Great Hammerhead shark season (November-April), making it the premier time for shark diving. Summer months (June-September) feature warmer water temperatures up to 88°F and are excellent for wild dolphin encounters in calm conditions, but also overlap with hurricane season.

No. Bimini offers excellent diving for all certification levels. Many sites, including the SS Sapona wreck, Rainbow Reef, Little Caverns, and sections of Turtle Rocks, are perfect for open water divers and even beginners doing introductory dives. However, some sites like the Bimini Barge and certain wall dives require advanced certification due to depth (100+ feet) or strong currents from the Gulf Stream. Even the famous great hammerhead shark dives take place in shallow water (20 feet) suitable for all certification levels.

Standard two-tank dive trips cost $149 plus 10% VAT (approximately $164 total), which includes tanks and weights. Equipment rental is additional. The Great Hammerhead Safari costs $349 plus 10% VAT (approximately $384 total). Wild Dolphin Safaris cost $149 for adults and $109 for children, plus VAT. Multi-day dive packages that include accommodations at the Bimini Big Game Club offer better value for extended stays. For example, a 4-night dive package with hotel and daily two-tank dives typically ranges from $800-$1,200 per person depending on room type and season.

Bimini's marine life diversity is exceptional. You'll regularly encounter Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, bull sharks, southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles (hawksbill, loggerhead, and green), and Atlantic spotted dolphins. During winter months (November-April), great hammerhead sharks congregate in impressive numbers. The reefs teem with tropical fish including French grunts, Creole wrasse, angelfish, parrotfish, snappers, barracuda, and countless smaller species. Larger pelagics like wahoo, mahi-mahi, and bluefin tuna pass through during spring migration (March-May). Moray eels, octopuses, spiny lobsters, and reef crabs hide in crevices, while invertebrates cover the wrecks and reef structures.

Yes, diving with great hammerhead sharks in Bimini is safe when conducted properly with experienced operators like Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center. Great hammerheads are generally not aggressive toward humans, and there are no recorded fatalities from great hammerhead attacks on divers. The sharks are primarily interested in the fish being used to attract them, not in divers. However, these are large, powerful predators deserving of respect. Safety protocols include remaining on your knees on the bottom, following dive guide instructions precisely, and maintaining appropriate distance from the sharks. The dive operation has years of experience conducting these encounters safely, and incidents are extremely rare when protocols are followed.

You need a valid open water diving certification from a recognized agency such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, or SDI. This entry-level certification allows you to dive most of Bimini's sites. Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent expands your options to include deeper dives (to 100 feet) and makes you more comfortable in the currents that can occur at some sites. If you're not yet certified, Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center offers the full range of PADI courses, from Discover Scuba Diving introductory experiences through professional-level Divemaster certification. You can even complete your open water classroom and pool work at home and finish your open water dives in Bimini's beautiful waters through PADI's referral program.

Bimini is just 50 miles from Miami, making it one of the most accessible Bahamas destinations. You have three main options: The Balearia ferry runs regularly from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (approximately 2 hours each way, round-trip tickets around $100). Tropic Ocean Airways and Silver Airways offer seaplane and small aircraft flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami (approximately 20 minutes flying time, round-trip fares $150-$250). You can also reach Bimini by private boat in under three hours from Miami, which is popular with experienced boaters.

Pack your diving certification card and logbook (essential), reef-safe sunscreen, swim suits and sun-protective clothing, personal dive equipment if you have it (mask, computer, wetsuit), underwater camera with extra batteries and memory cards, snacks and reusable water bottles for dive boats, seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness, and a light rain jacket for boat rides. In winter months (November-April), bring or rent a full 5mm wetsuit with hood and gloves for comfortable hammerhead diving. Don't forget your passport, as the Bahamas requires it for entry.

Absolutely. The Bimini Big Game Club Resort offers plenty of activities for non-divers, and many dive boats accommodate snorkelers alongside divers. Non-diving family members can enjoy the resort's pool, beach access (3-minute walk), fishing charters, kayaking, exploring the local culture and Hemingway history in Alice Town, visiting the Dolphin House Museum, or simply relaxing with a rum punch. Several shallow sites like the SS Sapona are equally enjoyable for snorkelers. Non-divers can even participate in the Bull Run shark cage experience using hookah (surface-supplied air) without dive certification.

Water temperature varies seasonally. Summer months (June-September) are warmest at 85-88°F (29-31°C), and you'll be comfortable in a 3mm shorty wetsuit or even just a dive skin. Winter months (December-March) are coolest at 75-77°F (24-25°C), and you'll want a full 5mm wetsuit, especially for extended shallow dives like the hammerhead safaris where you'll spend 1-2 hours in the water. Spring and fall offer comfortable mid-range temperatures around 78-82°F (26-28°C).

Children aged 10 and older can obtain a PADI Junior Scuba Diver certification, and children aged 12 and older can get a Junior Open Water certification. Junior certifications have depth restrictions (40 feet maximum for most junior certifications) and require supervision by a certified parent, instructor, or other certified adult. Children as young as 8 can participate in PADI's pool-only Bubblemaker program to experience scuba breathing in a controlled environment. For the Wild Dolphin Safari, children's pricing ($109 plus VAT) applies to younger participants. The great hammerhead shark dives require full open water certification and may have minimum age requirements—check with the dive center.

While not legally required, dive insurance is highly recommended and considered essential by experienced divers. DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance provides crucial coverage for diving accidents, including hyperbaric chamber treatment, medical evacuation, and trip interruption—coverage that standard health insurance policies typically exclude. Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber can cost $5,000-$10,000 per day, making insurance invaluable. DAN trip cancellation insurance is also strongly recommended to protect your investment if weather, airline issues, or personal emergencies force cancellation. Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center recommends DAN insurance for all divers.

Weather occasionally forces dive cancellations, particularly during winter cold fronts or summer tropical weather. Safety always comes first, and the dive center closely monitors conditions. If your scheduled dive is canceled due to weather, you'll receive a one-year credit for the value of the trip that can be used toward future diving with Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center. This is another reason trip cancellation insurance is valuable—it can reimburse you if weather prevents diving and you can't return to use your credit. Build buffer days into your trip when possible, especially if traveling specifically for hammerhead diving.

Make Your Bimini Scuba Diving Dreams a Reality

Bimini offers a rare combination of world-class diving, incredible marine life encounters, easy accessibility from the U.S., and the authentic charm of a small island community.

From the moment you slip beneath the surface and come face-to-face with a great hammerhead shark gliding through crystal-clear water to exploring the historic SS Sapona wreck encrusted with colorful marine life, every dive in Bimini creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping shark encounters, peaceful coral garden explorations, fascinating wreck dives, or magical interactions with wild dolphins, Bimini delivers underwater adventures that exceed expectations.

The combination of professional dive operations, pristine reefs, abundant wildlife, and gin-clear visibility makes this small island chain a must-visit destination for any serious diver.

For more guides to exploring Bimini, visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.


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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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