Bimini is home to the only mangrove forest habitat on the western Great Bahama Bank. The nursery environment that the mangroves provide is critically important for everything from Lobster and Conch, to Snapper, Sharks, and even Billfish. Replenished daily by the warm and nutrient rich waters of the Gulfstream, Bimini's mangrove forest is teeming with life and a magnificent eco–system to explore. The two hour tour begins with your guide meeting you at the dive shop dock. You will be riding on a special "flats" boat, which generally fits up to 4 people. These boats are specially designed to ride in the shallow waters on the eastern side of the island. They offer little or no shade, so be sure to bring along sunscreen and a hat. The tides will be dictating which route the guide will be taking. Most of the tour will be in 6 feet of water, or less. Your guides have been fishing and exploring these areas since they were kids, and know it like the back of their hands. If you are unfamiliar with mangroves, and their importance to the environment, this will be a tour that is both educational, as well as exciting. Mangroves are trees that grow both above and below the waterline. Their roots, which grow underwater, support the tree limbs and branches above the water. They provide a network of spider web type structures that offers both protection and food sources for a variety of animals. Basically much of what you see while diving or snorkeling out on the reefs got its start in the mangroves. Each time a fish, or lobster, or conch, spawns their eggs or larva, if they're lucky, ends up in the mangroves. There the extensive root systems offer protection from any number of predators. Therefore more of the larvae survive. Anytime the bottom of the food chain is abundant, it affects the entire food web. The mangroves are a big reason why Bimini was known as having one of the most abundant fish populations of any island in this part of the world. Tiny barracuda or snappers, rays, starfish, turtles and, yes, even sharks. The North Bimini Mangrove area is famous for Lemon Shark nurseries. Every April/May sharks return to where they were pupped and have their own. As you are cruising thru don't be surprised to hear your guide point out a Shark or even a Spotted Eagle Ray. Even the occasional Turtle has been known to inhabit the protective mangroves. Each tour will differ slightly…where you go and what you see. It will give you a whole new appreciation for mangroves and an understanding of why they are so important to our island. For those with a real sense of adventure, both the Bimini Mangrove Adventure and the Healing Hole Excursion can also be done via Sea Kayak. If interested, please inquire about the Sea Kayaking option when making your reservation. FYI – The Bimini Mangrove Adventure can be combined with The Healing Hole Excursion for the complete Bimini Mangrove Experience. Ask about the combo tour at when making your reservations. For further details and pricing information for all Guided Tours and Activities, please contact Wild Dolphin Adventures / Bimini Undersea at 242–347–3089 or email tours@WildDolphins.com |
