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I’m planning a trip for March 2025 including 5/6 nights in Bimini, as OH has diving with hammerhead and tiger sharks on his wish list! There seem to be 3 routes – flight or ferry from Ft Lauderdale area, or flight on Western Air from NAS.
Reviews of Ft Lauderdale routes aren’t great, plus we don’t need to be in the US, so avoiding US immigration might be a bonus. Has anyone ever flown Western Air or know anything about them? I am slightly nervous as small planes in the region don’t have the best safety record.
Has anyone visited Bimini and got any tips about the island? I am planning to use HH points at the Hilton Resort World property – again reviews are mixed but it sounds fine for what we need.
Nothing to add directly – but I’ve seen loads posted in virgin voyages and msc cruise facebook groups, as that is the most common way of getting there. If you don’t get answers here, a cruise fb group may have them.
Thanks @TravelStrong – I assumed cruise stops would just be for one day, but will have a look.
Did a one day Cruise stop on Bimini, not impressed. Cannot advise on diving but given its location I can imagine its appeal. Main island seemed to be very much a corporate creation (Hilton) rather than a typical Caribbean island. Busy with party people coming and going from the ferry for the beach club, left with the impression that not much more than a weekend party destination and a cruise ship beach stop, no character. One day was enough for me. Perhaps if solely for diving on one of the outlying islands or South island a different experience.
Hi @Querty – it’s famous in the diving community for the shark experiences, that’s the only reason we’re going! I think it’s something to do with the location being where they congregate at certain times of year. The fact that we can use HH points is obviously a huge bonus with cash prices being quite high.
Western Air has ERJ-145 jet planes which are 2-2 seating, much better than 1-2 seating propellor aircraft.
Good to know!
Ive been, my only reason for going was also for hammerhead diving.
I flew with Tropic, they run seaplanes. At the time (beginning 2020), they flew from a private terminal in the Miami cruise dock area. But looks like it might only be at fort lauderdale now. But included enough luggage allowance for all dive equipment and dive camera equipment. They were great, i had a fun time. I was the only passenger on the way over!
I dived with Neal Watsons and would recommend [I’ve dived 2000+ times]. I stayed in an Airbnb right by the dive centre – which is in the South of the island and far away from day trippers. Laid back local Carribean vibes and deserted beaches. Nothing to do when not diving (wasn’t an issue for me, i was there to dive).
I did 2 days of hammerhead diving. Which was lucky – first day was a write off due to bad visibility. Second day was perfect conditions, allowing for a 2 hour dive (you just sit on the bottom at 10m). Lots of hammers, nurse sharks and bulls. Tigers aren’t that common in Bimini – and the staff actually chase them away, as the hammers leave if a tiger is around. There were no boats to tiger beach when i stayed in Bimini (you had to leave from Grand Bahama, or be on a liveaboard for that). But perhaps things have changed now and boats do run up there from Bimini?
I also did a snorkel trip, before flying back, to the stingray beach/wreck. Was good.
Brilliant, thanks @char123! I’ve got Neal Watsons on my list as there are good reviews. I am happy with a stack of books and some music, it sounds perfect!
I think OH would be more than happy with hammerheads and whatever else turns up.
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