Honeymoon Harbour
Wade with wild stingrays in crystal shallows — Bimini's most family-friendly underwater encounter.
Honeymoon Harbour is a small protected cove on the north end of Gun Cay, a short boat ride south of South Bimini. Here, in water barely three feet deep over a pristine sandy bottom, wild southern stingrays have become accustomed to human visitors and glide in gracefully for encounters unlike anything on a typical reef dive.
The site has become one of Bimini's most beloved attractions precisely because it requires no diving certification, no special skills, and no particular courage — just a willingness to stand in warm, crystal-clear water while gentle rays circle your legs and brush past for a closer look.
The Stingray Experience
Southern stingrays are the stars of Honeymoon Harbour, though you may also encounter Atlantic stingrays and occasional nurse sharks. The rays have learned to associate boats with food, and they often appear within minutes of anchor drop.
Visitors wade or float in the shallows while the rays glide past, their wing-like pectoral fins rippling gracefully. Touching is possible — the rays are remarkably tolerant — though experienced guides teach proper technique to avoid startling them. The shallow depth means children and non-swimmers can participate safely.
The Setting and Getting There
Gun Cay lies just south of the main Bimini islands, about 20 minutes by boat from the Resorts World Bimini dock. Honeymoon Harbour is a natural indentation on the cay's north shore, protected from prevailing winds and offering calm conditions most days.
The harbour is also a popular anchorage for private yachts cruising the Bimini chain. The combination of stingray encounters, pristine snorkeling, and a picturesque sandy cay makes it an ideal half-day destination for sailing charters.
What to Expect
Tour operators typically provide 30 to 45 minutes with the rays, along with snorkeling time on nearby reef patches. The water temperature is warm year-round, and the sandy bottom makes visibility excellent even when rays kick up the substrate.
Photography is rewarding — the shallow water provides perfect lighting, and the rays' curious behavior leads to intimate close-ups. Underwater cameras and GoPros capture encounters that look far more exotic than a waist-deep wade might suggest.
Getting there
Honeymoon Harbour is accessed by boat from Bimini, typically a 20-minute ride from the Resorts World Bimini dock or other marinas. Multiple operators including Bimini Undersea and Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center offer daily excursions. The site is also a popular stop for private yachts and sailing charters.
Frequently asked questions
- Are the stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour dangerous?
- Southern stingrays are gentle animals that have become accustomed to human presence. They do have barbed tails capable of stinging if stepped on or threatened, but incidents are extremely rare when visitors follow guide instructions and move calmly.
- Can non-swimmers visit Honeymoon Harbour?
- Yes. The water is only about 3 feet deep with a flat sandy bottom, allowing visitors to stand comfortably throughout the encounter. Life jackets are available for those who prefer extra flotation while floating with the rays.
- What is the best time to visit Honeymoon Harbour?
- The stingrays are present year-round, though calmer weather in spring and summer offers the best conditions. Morning trips typically find flatter water before afternoon winds develop. The rays appear reliably regardless of season.
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