Nassau's Crowd-Free, Affordable Alternative Is A Breathtaking Island Full Of Water Sports

With its breathtaking beaches and iconic resorts, such as Atlantis Paradise Islands Bahamas, Nassau offers visitors a dreamy island escape. However, the city is famously overcrowded, and as tourism in the Bahamas continues to explode, you might yearn for a less-frequented destination. If that's the case, look no further than Bimini. Also located in the Bahamas, these islands — which consist of North and South Bimini — are your typical Caribbean paradise. Literature lovers will also enjoy that legendary author Ernest Hemmingway spent time there.

The islands are only 50 miles from Florida, making it perfect for a quick, adventurous trip to the Bahamas. You'll find gorgeous beaches like Radio Beach, known for its turquoise waters. That said, Bimini is an ideal destination for those who love water sports. Visitors can take a guided jet ski, kayak, or snorkeling tour with Bimini Blue Adventures, all for under $300. In fact, Bimini is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Bahamas. History-loving snorkelers can even explore the shipwrecked S.S. Sapona, a World War 1-era vessel that met its demise in the 1920s.

To get to Bimini from the United States, departing from Fort Lauderdale is best, as flights from this Florida city to Bimini are only about 45 minutes long. However, you can also take a two-hour ferry with Balearia Caribbean. Depending on when you visit, round-trip flights and ferry rides are available for under $300. Then, upon arrival in Bimini, you'll discover an array of affordable activities.

If possible, spend three days or more in Bimini, as there's plenty to do. In Alice Town, North Bimini, there's the Dolphin House Museum. Artist and writer Ashley Saunders built this architectural masterpiece using eco-friendly and recycled matter. Thus, it can best be described as a work of art all its own. At the time of writing, the Dolphin House Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $10.

Looking for even more fun? Tourism company Go to Bimini offers various tours in and out of the water. You can swim with stingrays or dolphins for four hours for under $200, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You could also take a two-hour ride on a power boat for $79 or paddle board for an hour for $20. Do you prefer to stay dry? Opt to tour Bimini on a bike or a Segway for under $100.

Here's a fun fact to sink your teeth into: Bimini is known for the various species of sharks that live in its waters, including bull and hammerhead sharks. To that end, South Bimini is home to the Bimini Shark Lab, which aims to educate the public about these creatures. Visitors can tour the Bimini Shark Lab for a suggested donation of $10, and you can easily make a reservation online.

Accommodations in Bimini are relatively cost-efficient. For example, prices at the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini start at under $400 per night. Located on North Bimini, amenities include access to Bimini Beach, multiple pools, an array of eateries, and a casino. In other words, you'll never run out of things to do during your stay. You can make a reservation online. A more affordable option is the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, also in North Bimini. You can find rooms for under $300 a night.

Uniquely, the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has an onsite diving center where you can book a diving or snorkeling trip. It even offers hotel and diving packages. At the time of writing, they start at $657 for two nights and one dive. Other amenities include a spa, pool, and game room. Even better, Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is less than a 10-minute walk from Radio Beach.

Finally, several homes are available to rent on Bimini on Airbnb. One guest favorite is a one-bedroom condo near the beach in North Bimini. At the time of writing, prices start at $209 a night. So, with all this in mind, forget Nassau and head straight to Bimini next time you plan a trip to the Bahamas.