Bimini Resort World

[Rich Keller]

Has anyone gone to Resorts World on Bimini? World's First Cruise Destination Resort - Resorts World Bimini I am looking for a place where there are things to do for the rest of my group, all non divers, while I am diving. Their web site has both shipboard and land accommodations but I do not see that there is a package that will get you there by their ferry and you can stay on land. I am not locked into Resort World either but that is the only one I can find that will get you there easily traveling out of Miami. If there are better ways to go and other places to stay I would like to hear about them too. Also what is there to do in the towns there? Would it be better to stay in a place in Alice or Bailey Towns for example or would the out of town accommodations be better?

 

[HalcyonDaze]

Personally, I'd stay somewhere else on principle. Resorts World FUBAR'd the island and the whole project was a case study in how a big-money developer can buy their way out of or just ignore environmental regulations.

 

[Rich Keller]

I am not committed to that place. Where would you recommend and how is the best way to get there?

 

[Wookie]

I love the Bimini Big Game Club. Bimini isn't known for having a tremendous amount to do while you dive. For that, you go to Nassau, Freeport, or Marsh Harbor. Bimini is where you dive and fish.

But, if RWI has their way (and they do), you'll be able to golf in Bimini next year. See, they will be pulling out the mangroves on the North End of the island and filling it with sand and building a golf course. Right in one of the most productive fisheries in the Caribbean. Without a permit. Not that they had a permit to build that big-ass ferry dock or dredge the ferry slip.....

 

[HalcyonDaze]

I love the Bimini Big Game Club. Bimini isn't known for having a tremendous amount to do while you dive. For that, you go to Nassau, Freeport, or Marsh Harbor. Bimini is where you dive and fish.

But, if RWI has their way (and they do), you'll be able to golf in Bimini next year. See, they will be pulling out the mangroves on the North End of the island and filling it with sand and building a golf course. Right in one of the most productive fisheries in the Caribbean. Without a permit. Not that they had a permit to build that big-ass ferry dock or dredge the ferry slip.....

I haven't been there in a little over 10 years, and I don't think I would like seeing what's happened since. I was staying at Sonny Gruber's lab on South Bimini for a field course and we only spent one night out in Alice Town. Can't say I know about alternate transportation and lodging options.

 

[Rich Keller]

One of the places I was looking at was right in town, the name escapes me at the moment, but is that a good thing? Would being in town be better for the rest of the people in my group? All of them are non divers.

 

[ppatin]

Personally, I'd stay somewhere else on principle. Resorts World FUBAR'd the island and the whole project was a case study in how a big-money developer can buy their way out of or just ignore environmental regulations.

Ugh, yes, several off the reefs off of North Bimini have been devastated by that project. One of the last dives I did on my most recent Bimini trip (I think it was Hawksbill Reef) looked like someone had dropped a bomb on it.

 

[Chas87]

Just returned from 2 wks bareboat sailing diving in Bimini. Stayed at Resort World pier side 5 nights. It was great for us but we stayed on the boat so I can't comment on the accommodations at either the condos or the brand new Hilton. There is a nice but small casino, several restaurants and great beaches. They are also offering more in terms of non dive activities. Check out their website. There are a number of ways to get there including the superfast ferry.
We dove 12 dives at 10 different sites and all were good and some were fantastic. Tuna Alley is the best.
Regarding the Eco impact of the dredging. There is no question the coral near N Bimini has been affected. The low growing corals have been silted over. However, we noticed some new growth emerging and there was no absence of coral eaters around. In fact, the number of fish in almost all sites was astounding compared to the last time we were there 2 years ago.
it also looks like the dive operations at both Big Game and Resorts World are making significant improvements compared to several years ago. I would recommend both.
In general, an easy trip with good diving and the locals couldn't be nicer.
I'll be glad to offer specifics off line. If you're interested send me a note.