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Bimini

Bimini
Third-Scheduled District
Coat of arms of Bimini
Coat of arms
Nickname(s): Fishing Capital of the Bahamas
The Bahamas with Bimini highlighted on the west side
The Bahamas with Bimini highlighted on the west side
Coordinates: 25°44′N 79°15′W / 25.733°N 79.250°W / 25.733; -79.250Coordinates: 25°44′N 79°15′W / 25.733°N 79.250°W / 25.733; -79.250
Country Bahamas
Capital Alice Town
Area
 • Total 23 km2 (9 sq mi)
Population (2010)
 • Total 1,988
 • Density 86/km2 (220/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Biminite
Parliamentary representation 1 House seat, shared with West End as a single parliamentary constituency
Local government 1 council; 0 townships

Bimini /ˈbɪmn/ is the westernmost district of the Bahamas and comprises a chain of islands located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) due east of Miami. Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to the mainland United States and approximately 210 km (130 mi) west-northwest of Nassau. The population is 1,988 as of the 2010 census.

Bimini has three islands, North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini. The largest islands are North Bimini and South Bimini. The District of Bimini also includes Cay Sal Bank, more than 100 km (60 mi) further south, which is geographically not a part of the Bimini Islands but a separate unit. North Bimini is about 11 km (7 mi) long and 200 m (700 ft) wide. Its main settlement is Alice Town, a collection of shops, restaurants, and bars on a road known as "The King's Highway". The second major road is called Queens Highway and runs almost the length of the island parallel to Kings Highway.

South Bimini (pop. 182) houses an airstrip, South Bimini Airport, and offers a quiet alternative to the slow bustle of North Bimini. There is a small community of homes on South Bimini known as Port Royale. For many years, South Bimini tourists were limited to boaters because there were few accommodations other than private homes.

The ocean surrounding the islands is considered to be one of the world's top big-game fishing spots. Because Bimini is close to Miami, Florida, many American anglers go to the islands by boat to fish or to enjoy the local nightlife. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities, as there are many shipwrecks in the area, such as the wreck of the SS Sapona, which ran aground in 1926 during a hurricane. The top of the ship is exposed to the air while the bottom half is submerged. Parts of the wreck were stripped over the years and some of the wood was used in the construction of the Compleat Angler Hotel and bar on North Bimini.


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