Dive Site: Bull Run

About Bull Run

Bull Run is a premier drift dive in Bimini, renowned for its strong currents and abundant marine life. Located at the edge of the Great Bahama Bank where it meets the fast-moving Gulf Stream, this site acts as a "liquid highway," attracting a diverse array of pelagic species. The dive unfolds along a sloping wall, providing an exhilarating ride for experienced divers. The topography features a sloping wall descending from approximately 12 to 24 meters, where the current intensifies. This nutrient-rich environment supports a thriving ecosystem, making it a hotspot for larger marine animals. While primarily a drift dive, the site also offers coral formations and potential interaction with various reef inhabitants. Divers frequently encounter large groupers, jacks, and barracuda patrolling the wall. Seasonal sightings of eagle rays and reef sharks add to the excitement. For those seeking even more adrenaline, Bull Run is also known as a site for baited shark dives, where Caribbean reef sharks and seasonally, bull sharks, can be observed. The dynamic conditions and the presence of powerful currents make Bull Run best suited for intermediate to advanced divers who are comfortable with drift diving. The exceptional visibility, often stretching beyond 24 meters, enhances the experience of witnessing this vibrant underwater spectacle.

Dive site facts: Bull Run

Depth

12–24 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

24–30 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

Intermediate to advanced

Dive type

Drift, pelagic, shark

Region / port

Bimini, Bahamas

Coordinates

26.6742, -79.0167

Conditions & Currents

Bull Run is characterized by its significant currents, which are a direct result of its location along the edge of the Gulf Stream. This site is specifically a drift dive, meaning divers are carried along by the strong flow. Currents typically pick up speed along the sloping wall, requiring divers to be comfortable with active movement and maintaining good buoyancy control in dynamic conditions. While not explicitly stated, strong currents imply that slack tide periods would offer a different, perhaps less exhilarating, experience if one desired. Entry and exit strategies for drift dives usually involve a live boat pick-up, where the dive boat follows the divers. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 24 meters, but can be influenced by weather. Thermoclines are generally not a noticeable feature in the Bahamas, although slight temperature variations at depth might occur. Due

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Jack

common

Barracuda

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Caribbean Reef Shark

occasional

Bull Shark

Seasonal · occasional

Nurse Shark

occasional

Wahoo

March-May · rare

Mahi-mahi

March-May · rare

Tuna

March-May · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Bull Run typically begins with a negative entry from the boat, dropping quickly to the top of the sloping wall at around 12 meters. The strong current will immediately carry you along, so maintaining situational awareness and buoyancy is crucial. You'll drift parallel to the wall, observing large groupers, jacks, and barracuda. The depth gradually increases as you move, reaching approximately 24 meters at its deepest point. Keep an eye out into the blue for potential sightings of eagle rays or reef sharks. For baited dives, divers often position themselves in a designated area to observe sharks. The dive concludes with a safety stop in the blue, followed by a live boat pick-up as you ascend, with the boat tracking your drift. The entire profile is a continuous, high-energy drift.

Underwater photography

Bull Run's clear water and pelagic action make it suitable for wide-angle photography. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the wall and the large schools of fish or sharks. Given the strong currents, maintaining stable buoyancy is paramount for sharp images. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the occasional coral formations and marine life, especially in deeper sections. For shark encounters, be ready to shoot quickly as subjects can move past rapidly. Practice your drift diving skills before bringing expensive gear, ensuring you can manage both your equipment and the current.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Victory Reef

  A sloping wall with potential for pelagic action.

• Tuna Alley

  A reef slope also influenced by the Gulf Stream, attracting diverse marine life.

• SS Sapona Wreck

  A shallow, iconic concrete wreck teeming with marine life, suitable for all levels.

• Bimini Barge

  A deeper wreck for advanced divers with abundant marine life.

• Rainbow Reef

  A shallow, colorful reef system ideal for beginners.

Getting there & logistics

Diving in Bimini typically involves flying into South Bimini Airport (BIM) or arriving via ferry from Florida. Most dive operations are based in North Bimini, a short shuttle and ferry ride away. Trips often range from day excursions to multi-day resort stays or liveaboard itineraries focused on Bimini. Many dive sites, including Bull Run, are just minutes from the dock. No specific permits are mentioned for Bull Run itself, but shark diving excursions may incur additional costs or require specialized briefings. Bimini is a compact destination, making it easy to access various dive sites and combine different dive experiences, from shallow reefs to deeper pelagic encounters.

Safety & environment

Diving Bull Run requires an intermediate to advanced certification and experience with strong currents due to its drift dive nature. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control and be prepared for a live boat pick-up. Always dive with a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a dive computer. Emergency procedures should be discussed during the dive briefing, including how to signal the boat and react to strong currents. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in South Florida, emphasizing the importance of adequate dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Listen carefully to your dive guide, as their local knowledge is invaluable for safely navigating this dynamic site.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bull Run FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bull Run

These liveaboards may visit Bull Run on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

All Star Blackbeards Morning Star

Bahamas

24 guests19.81 m

$156/day

Bahamas Aggressor II

Bahamas

20 guests33.5 m

$328/day

Blue Marlin

Bahamas

26 guests42 m

$318/day

All Star Aqua Cat

Bahamas

30 guests31.09 m

$312/day

All Star Cat Ppalu

Bahamas

12 guests20 m

$237/day