A Prohibition-era haven for rum runners, a paradise for sports fishermen and a gambling destination just two hours from Miami, the islands of Bimini have long benefited from their proximity to mainland Florida. The adventures of writer Ernest Hemingway and other famed anglers sparked the transformation of the Bahamian outpost into a destination in the 1930s. Fishing remains a major draw, along with the hotels, casinos and nightlife that are concentrated along North Bimini’s beautiful beaches. Beyond the sands, snorkeling and diving at a nearby shipwreck and the mysterious underwater formation known as Bimini Road are popular activities. Bimini also offers access to unique experiences off the main islands, like hiking a deserted cay or swimming with wild dolphins. The turquoise waters around Bimini also support large populations of stingrays and sharks, the focus of research and conservation efforts at the Shark Lab on South Bimini.