If you’ve booked a Caribbean cruise with Virgin Voyages, then you could be in for a unique and spectacular treat – a stop-off at the Beach Club at Bimini. Bimini is a cluster of three islands located on the western part of the Bahamian Islands, secluded, exclusive and idyllic. Below we share what you can enjoy there when visiting.
Paradisal islands
Bimini is not for the masses; the islands are quiet and intimate, where cruise guests come to relax, explore and discover the wonderful biodiversity. Like many locations in the region, you’ll likely be enticed by the clear, turquoise waters and powder white sands. And many choose to simply sit back and enjoy this stunning serenity with a cocktail in hand. However, for the more adventurous, there’s culture to uncover and nature to greet.
The Beach Club at Bimini
For those that love sun-soaked days, Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini has everything you will need for the perfect experience. At this private, resort-like retreat, there are two large lagoon-style pools, hammock groves and beach loungers, servers to take your cocktail and drink orders and a DJ booth creating the vibe.
Early risers can enjoy zen-like mornings, immersing themselves in a yoga flow or wandering the shores of the seemingly untouched beach. The relaxed mode can then continue, lounging by the pool with chill-out tunes and refreshing drinks during the day. However, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, there are beach sports, such as volleyball, and kayaks for rent.
Food is all-inclusive and local dishes are on offer throughout the day, from lunchtime salads and leaf-wrapped queen snapper to Caribbean curry, Bahamian rum cake and evening barbeques.
For an extra-special experience, you can opt for a private beachside cabana that comes with comfy day beds, drink coolers, dedicated services and other added luxuries. Cruise guests staying in the upgraded RockStar Quarters can enjoy the VIP treatment, with an outdoor terrace lounge, sun loungers and beach cabanas, and a dedicated food and bar service.
As the day merges into night, beachside bonfires encased in decorative large metal fire orbs are lit, creating orange hues that mirror the sky’s dramatic sunset. Then, on selected cruises, Virgin Voyages offers special DJ events and pool parties to bring the day to a fabulous crescendo.
Cultural heritage tour
If you’re seeking to learn more about the islands and their culture, Virgin Voyages offers a tour via open-air tram carts. Travelling through North Bimini, your tour guide will take you through the islands’ history, telling stories of their heritage while visiting its rural Bahamian settlements. Key locations along the way include the shipwrecked freighter, Gallant Lady, famous conch stands and the Straw Market, where you can pick up some native souvenirs.
Underwater tours of nature
The waters around Bimini are immaculate and make for spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling tours. Virgin Voyages offers a guided two-tank scuba dive for certified divers to explore the reefs and one of the most diverse aquatic locations in the region. Meanwhile, the Sapona Shipwreck & Shark Snorkelling excursion provides the opportunity to dive with nurse and reef sharks in a controlled environment and discover The Wreck of Sapona, the most famous dive site on the island.
