Nixon's Harbour

Approach and Entry

Nixon's Harbour is accessed from the channel between North and South Bimini or from the open water to the south. The approach is straightforward in good visibility, with sandy bottom and moderate depths.

Pay attention to weather forecasts; the anchorage is affected by wind and current from multiple directions. Arrive in daylight with settled conditions and verify depths visually as you approach your chosen spot.

Holding and Protection

The bottom is primarily sand with good holding once the anchor is well set. Protection varies with wind direction. The cay provides shelter from northerly winds, but the anchorage can become uncomfortable in strong northwest winds when current and waves conflict.

In settled summer conditions, Nixon's Harbour is a pleasant stop. During frontal passages or unsettled weather, seek better protection in Bimini Harbour or the Seaplane Basin.

The SS Sapona and Ashore

The SS Sapona wreck lies in about 15 feet of water just offshore, its rusting concrete hull breaking the surface. Built during World War I when steel was scarce, the ship served as a Prohibition-era liquor warehouse before a 1926 hurricane put it permanently aground. It is now an artificial reef teeming with fish and a landmark visible for miles.

Snorkeling and diving the wreck is the main attraction. The shallow depth makes it accessible to snorkelers, and the structure hosts a colorful array of tropical fish. Ashore, South Bimini is quieter than the north, with Bimini Sands Resort offering marina facilities and a restaurant.

Getting there

Nixon's Harbour is reached by sailing south through the channel between North and South Bimini or approaching from offshore to the south. The anchorage lies near the southern tip of South Bimini. The SS Sapona wreck is visible breaking the surface approximately two miles offshore to the east.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SS Sapona?

The SS Sapona is a concrete-hulled cargo ship built during World War I that ran aground in a 1926 hurricane. It served as a Prohibition-era liquor warehouse and was later used for bombing practice in World War II. Today it is an artificial reef and popular snorkeling site.

Can you snorkel the Sapona wreck?

Yes. The wreck lies in about 15 feet of water, making it accessible to snorkelers. The structure hosts abundant tropical fish and offers a unique experience exploring a shipwreck from the surface.

Is Nixon's Harbour a good overnight anchorage?

In settled conditions with light winds it can be comfortable overnight. It is not recommended during frontal passages or strong northwest winds when conflicting current and waves create uncomfortable motion.