Bimini, Bahamas

[maggs_the]

I am trying to plan a scuba vacation for 2008 (oh trust me, i KNOW that's a long way away but $$$ wont let me go right now!!) and i recently was shown a video from a liveaboard in Bimini.... so, now that's where i wanna go.

i've been to the dive bahamas site and will be recieving all kinds of info but if anybody has a personal experience they wanna share (good or bad), i would appreciate it.

we dont wanna be smack in the middle of tourists but might have to be because the liveaboards and outer island resorts are a little more pricey than i had hoped for... at least, from what i've found so far.

and how the heck do ya get to Bimini? slow boat from Ft Lauderdale?

[Capt Hook]

You fly from Ft Lauderdale.

[diversteve]

You fly from Ft Lauderdale.

via Continental Connection or Lynx Air. Airport code BIM

edit: forgot about Chalks...

[dockdivers@yahoo.com]

Check out the Blackbeards dive charters for the ultimate dive on a budget, I worked their and you get the most dive for your bucks.. As for the flight check out chocks airway out of FT lauterdale. blackbeards.com ? i tink

[Chad]

If you are interested in liveaboards Blackbeard's is awesome. I went in September and had a great time. For the money you can't beat it. I think some people got 19 dives that week. It is not luxury but the food is great and so are the crews. Pretty much just eat sleep and dive. We dove some sites in the Freeport Grand Bahama area and a lot in the Bimini area with one shore night in Bimini.
Bahamas scuba diving liveaboard Blackbeard's Cruises

[namabiru]

Yeah, BB's is good times. I went in September too, on the SB trip. Nice break just before starting my job. And I saw an ad in the Sport Diver (or was it Scuba?) that BB's is offering $100 off the last two cruise weeks in January. But still for $899 you are getting pretty good value. If you're fussy about where you sleep or require extensive pampering then BB's isn't for you.

[maggs_the]

awesome, thanks for the feedback!

Blackbeard's is definately on the list .. and we did a 3-day liveaboard on the MV Fling in the Texas Flower Gardens where we had one of the double bunks in a cabin that held 12 bunks!! i reckon i can work with Blackbeard's sleeping arrangements

[Don Wray]

Northwest also flies into Freeport, which is where Blackbeard's is moored. BB is a great trip and lots of dives. Little crowded at times but after day one, there's no strangers on the boat anymore. Just new dive pals. I would not personally want to stay for any length of time on Bimini. If you go on BB, they will probably dock there on Tuesday of your trip and one day of Alicetown is plenty for me.

[maggs_the]

Originally Posted by Don Wray

Northwest also flies into Freeport, which is where Blackbeard's is moored. BB is a great trip and lots of dives. Little crowded at times but after day one, there's no strangers on the boat anymore. Just new dive pals. I would not personally want to stay for any length of time on Bimini. If you go on BB, they will probably dock there on Tuesday of your trip and one day of Alicetown is plenty for me.

care to elaborate?? I've never been to any part of the Bahamas... have only seen a few videos which i know only show the BEST of any place. all i have to go on is what the Bahama Diving Association, and you, tell me

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by maggs_the

I am trying to plan a scuba vacation for 2008 (oh trust me, i KNOW that's a long way away but $$$ wont let me go right now!!) and i recently was shown a video from a liveaboard in Bimini.... so, now that's where i wanna go.

i've been to the dive bahamas site and will be recieving all kinds of info but if anybody has a personal experience they wanna share (good or bad), i would appreciate it.

we dont wanna be smack in the middle of tourists but might have to be because the liveaboards and outer island resorts are a little more pricey than i had hoped for... at least, from what i've found so far.

and how the heck do ya get to Bimini? slow boat from Ft Lauderdale?

Bimini is such a great set of islands.

THe only problem is that the only dive shop on North Bimini is run by an rude idiot.

I think there is a dive shop now on South Bimini now though... I think it's Scuba Bimini. I'd give that a choice based on my experience with the other shop.

THere is a new resort being build on the north part of north bimini with a new marina. It might have a new dive shop (hopefully). It's called Bimini Bay I think.

The airport is on south Bimini, unless Chaulks still flies in and they land on the water and taxi up the ramp to customs on North BImini.

Unfortunately one of the greatest bars ever, the Complete Angler, where Hemingway used to hang out and drink, burned a couple years ago.


I still think the best way to stay on Bimini is in a boat. Just so much to do there on the water and all the small cays around it.