Locally owned Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has announced plans to officially move its scuba diving operation from South Bimini to Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina on North Bimini. Both companies expect this partnership to improve the complete guest experience and widen its customer base. In addition to Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s reputable Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris and scuba-diving Packages, the dive shop will now also offer a variety of watersports and excursions for non-divers including kayak tours, stand-up paddleboard tours and sunset cruises. Plans to open a Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center retail space in the near future have also been discussed. With Bimini Big Game Club’s support, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center also looks forward to implementing several green, or rather “blue,” business practices to reduce the operation’s local environmental footprint. Plans to implement a paperless check-in process and the use of reusable, 100-percent recycled water bottles on-board the dive boat are in motion. “Who could have dreamed that when I started the first dive operation in Bimini in 1975 that it would come full circle and my son, Neal Watson II, would be running the family business over 40 years later. What makes it even more exciting is being part of the newly remodeled Bimini Big Game Club!” says Neal Watson, Sr.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center (then doing business as Neal Watson’s Undersea Adventures) opened its first scuba diving operation in Bimini in 1975 at the Bimini Yacht Club on South Bimini. For over 40 years, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has had a presence in Bimini and as such, has played an essential role in building the reputation of Bimini and the Bahamas as a top dive destination. More recently, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has become well known for its Great Hammerhead Shark Safari. As the first scuba-diving operation to offer this safari, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center has set the bar when it comes to safety standards for both divers and sharks alike. Not only has the Shark Safari been good for local tourism, but it has also contributed to a profound amount of awareness regarding the protection of these magnificent and endangered creatures.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center operates a 60-foot glass-bottom dive boat, well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center will continue to offer great hammerhead shark, wild dolphin, reef shark and stingray safaris. PADI certifications and courses will also be available.
For more information regarding all of Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s offerings, please visit biminiscubacenter.com. Located 50 miles east of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale coastline, The Bimini Big Game features 51 modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites located in a central building facing the sea, plus six cottages. The property also features a 75-slip marina with Bahamian customs and immigration clearance built to accommodate vessels up to 140-feet long. Resort guest amenities include a freshwater swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and three on-property dining experiences. Air service to Bimini is available from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Nassau (NAS). For more information regarding Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, please visit biggameclubbimini.com.
