Gary and I had the pleasure of welcoming the New Year in The Bimini Islands. In addition to seeing “old” friends, we met many new ones, and helped introduce several of our U.S. friends to this island in the Stream.
On island to broadcast our weekly talk radio show, Talkin’ Tourism, live from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina (catch the show on YouTube at http://youtu.be/O8inpfDb5QU), we witnessed hope and a reserved air of excitement for what 2012 may bring to The Bimini Islands. Rumors and anticipation of the arrival of the new fast ferry Balearia Bahamas Express led to discussions of proposed new business ventures to accommodate the forecasted influx of visitors to North and South Bimini.
While some we talked with expressed concern as to whether Bimini was ready for more visitors, the overwhelming consensus was one of hope and renewed optimism. Tropic Airway’s seaplane service brings back a feel of Bimini’s former Chalk’s International days. Mentions of Adam Clayton Powell continue, and the salty essence of Ernest Hemmingway isn’t hard to find, especially when the sport fishermen return to the docks with huge wahoo in tow and bar-talk of big blue’s, sailfish and the ones that got away. And while Bimini’s rum-running days may be over, for those visiting Bimini, the rum (and Kalik) still runs.
The reopening last year of the End of the World Sandbar, and newcomer KoKo Plums, positioned on the southern point of Bimini’s picturesque channel, are certain to appeal to visitors, new and old, discovering, or rediscovering, Bimini. The Bimini Big Game Club continues to attract avid inshore and offshore sportsmen, and Bimini Sands Resort & Marina offers a great venue for both anglers and families, where one can step off the boat and be just steps away from comfortably appointed accommodations, several bars, pools, restaurants, a ship’s store and more. While Bimini Bay Resort & Marina’s casino has not yet opened, Therapy Beach Club opened for New Year’s and promises to be a fun daytime or night time beachside venue.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention several favorites: Stuart’s Conch Shack (possibly the best conch salad in Bimini, but certainly the coldest Kalik’s on the island), Bonefish Ebbie’s Bonefish Lodge, or CJ’s Deli, which doctored up a can of black-eyed peas for a member of our party, whose family traditions include eating this Southern staple on New Year’s day to ensure good luck and health in the coming year.
For the New Year’s weekend, the island was busy and active. In addition to all the traditional fun, like Junkanoo rushes, Bimini Sand’s annual fireworks show, the Bimini United Burial Aid Society’s annual New Year’s procession down King’s Highway, the ongoing hot, hot, hot fishing action, rich bonefishing grounds, unbelievable diving, history, pristine beaches, and Bahamian vibe give visitors a huge experience.
If you haven’t visited Bimini in a while, besides enjoying the world-class fishing and diving, check out the call-out box for a few land-based venues and other adventures not to miss when you do return. For those who haven’t yet visited, what are you waiting for?
Many thanks to Frank Cooney Sr., Frank Cooney Jr., drivers of our “Magic Bus” and the entire Bimini Sands Resort & Marina team for the Bahamian hospitality delivered during our New Year’s broadcast. Special thanks to our radio show guests Antoinette Stuart from the Bimini Tourism Office, Geoffrey Hanan from Dolphin Explorations, Capt. Mike Benitez, and Shark Lab representative Steve Kesseler. Also, thanks to Mike Weber, general manager of the Bimini Big Game Club, for allowing us to kidnap his golf cart. And a special callout to Bimini airport ambassador Paul (BGM) Levarity and our Bimini distributor Shanny Newbold-Pinder for the fabulous Junkanoo hat, which I promise to wear proudly.
For more on Bimini, visit www.myoutislands.com, www.biminislands.com, www.biggameclubbimini.com, www.biminibayresort.com, or www.coastalanglermag.com/Bahamas. Additional information can also be viewed on your iPhone by downloading the Bahamas Bliss: Bimini iPhone application from the iTunes Store.
What not to miss:
• Sushi at Bimini Twist
• Bimini Shark Lab
• South Bimini Nature Trail
• Kayaking through Bimini’s miles of mangroves
• Ansil Saunder’s Boat House
• Conch salad at Stuart’s Conch Shack
• Wednesday night Karaoke at Mackey’s Sand Bar
• Eating a whole snapper sandwich at CJ’s Deli
• Ashley Saunder’s Dolphin House
• The Gallant Lady shipwreck on North Bimini
• Fountain of Youth and Healing Hole
• Catching a game at The End of the World Sandbar
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