BIMITI - Abaco

Bimiti is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Abaco, a lovely shallow dive that’s perfect for a second tank or just a relaxed afternoon out. She was a motor vessel that went aground on East Brother Reef back in ’79, and time has done a beautiful job of integrating her into the reef. You’ll find her mostly broken up, spread across the sandy bottom at about 12 metres, but that’s part of the charm. Instead of one big intact structure, you get these fantastic sections of hull and machinery, each one a little coral-encrusted island. We love seeing the schools of grunt and snapper hanging out in the more sheltered nooks, and we’ve spotted plenty of inquisitive Caribbean reef sharks cruising by. Look closely at the metal plates; the hard corals have really taken hold, creating some surprisingly colourful patches. It’s a great spot for macro photography too, with nudibranchs and small crabs often tucked away. For a shallow wreck, it offers a lot to explore without feeling rushed, and it’s a brilliant dive for newer wreck divers or anyone who just appreciates a wreck that’s become a vibrant part of the ecosystem.

Location
Abaco, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
26.041666, -78.983330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Wreck History - BIMITI

Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The motor vessel Bimiti came to a dramatic end in February 1979 when it ran aground on East Brother Reef in the Abaco region of the Bahamas. The vessel ultimately sank on the very reef that sealed its fate, and today it offers a fantastic shallow wreck dive. Resting at just 12 meters, the Bimiti is bathed in sunlight, which has encouraged prolific coral and sponge growth across its structure. The wreck is broken up, creating countless nooks and crannies for marine life to hide. Divers can spend their time searching for moray eels, spiny lobsters, and colorful reef fish that have made the ship their home. Its shallow depth makes it a perfect dive for novices and a rewarding experience for photographers seeking vibrant colors and abundant sea life.

Best Time to Dive in Abaco

The warmest water temperatures in Abaco occur in August, averaging 29.8°C (up to 31.9°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.4°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • February: 24.0°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • March: 24.3°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • April: 25.0°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • May: 25.9°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • July: 29.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • August: 29.8°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 29.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • October: 28.4°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • November: 26.9°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • December: 25.4°C (air: 21.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Abaco

Nearest Dive Centres to BIMITI

Marine Life in Abaco

Home to 372 recorded species including 293 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 16 whales & dolphins, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sharks & rays, 5 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BIMITI

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, visibility 20 nmi, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories