Bimini boat charters: sportfishing, flats fishing and snorkel trips

Offshore sportfishing

Charter boats leave Alice Town and the marinas at the north end of the island for the deep water of the Gulf Stream, often within sight of the dock. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and mahi run seasonally; crews supply tackle and know the seasons. Half and full days are offered, and tournament weeks fill the marinas.

Flats and snorkel trips

On the banks east of the islands, bonefishing guides pole skiffs over the flats. Snorkel boats run short trips to the Bimini Road, the SS Sapona wreck and the sandbars, with dolphin spotting on the way, and dive operators add reef dives and, in winter, great hammerhead encounters.

Seasons

Fishing in Bimini follows the calendar. Wahoo peak in the cooler months from about November to March; blackfin and yellowfin tuna and mahi are strongest in spring and early summer; blue marlin are the summer target, with tournaments through the season. Bonefish are on the flats year round, best on the warming tides of spring and autumn. Hammerhead diving runs roughly December to March, and dolphin trips depend on calm water, which is most reliable in summer.

Charter boats hold the permits required for their guests. Private boaters crossing from Florida obtain a cruising permit and fishing permit when they clear in, and should check current rules on catch limits and protected species, which the Bahamian government updates from time to time.