bahama 25 sailboat

Bahama 25 cape foulweather

The bahama 25 cape foulweather is a 25.08ft fractional sloop designed by joseph mcglasson and built in fiberglass since 1974..

The Bahama 25 cape foulweather is a moderate weight sailboat which is a good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

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When and How to Sail to the Bahamas

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

With the western islands of the Bahamas located 50 miles away from Florida's East Coast, sailing to the Bahamas is very possible even in a very modest sailboat. All you need to know is when and how to sail to the Bahamas.

With over 700 separate islands spread across an ocean area as big as Florida and arguably the most desired climate on the planet, it's easy to see why the Bahamas is a paradise and one of the top sailing destinations in the world. But as they always say, reaching paradise is never easy. It may be an overnight sail away from South Florida but deciding the best month to sail and how to sail to the Bahamas can be overwhelming to most sailors. Of course, there are several factors such as where you're sailing from, the weather conditions, and the hurricane season that may determine your Bahamas sailing experience.

So when is the best time to sail to the Bahamas? Even though you can sail to the Bahamas year-round, the best time to sail to the Bahamas is between December and April. The weather is warm, there are no hurricanes, and the waters are relatively calm to allow you to travel around 15 to 25 knots. Sailing to the Bahamas revolves around crossing the open Ocean and boating in the island's remote areas.

As such, it's of great importance that you plan well and have the right things to augment your Bahamas sailing adventure.

Table of contents

When to Sail to the Bahamas

One of the most important things to consider when planning sailing to the Bahamas is the weather conditions. You certainly do not want to be caught out by a deadly hurricane when sailing to the Bahamas. So you should avoid sailing during the hurricane months (June to November).

The Bahamas has experienced various hurricanes and there is much less protection and help in the Bahamas than you might find back at home. As such, it's advisable that you stay informed on daily tropical reports and get back to the United States as quickly as possible if there is any developing hurricane.

That being said, the best time to sail to the Bahamas is generally between December and April. The temperatures are slightly cooler, drier and the Bahamas is less humid. If anything, it's at the height of winter in the United States, so this can be a perfect opportunity to escape the biting winter, soak up some sun, and work on your tan.

It's also important that the most effective time to sail to the Bahamas may largely depend on your interests, schedules, and, of course, budget. You should, however, keep in mind that sailing is more pleasant when the average wind speeds are between 5 and 20 knots, which is the scenario throughout the year, except when there's a hurricane.

As far as hurricanes are concerned, they've hit the Bahamas in the past but they tend to head for the United States than the Bahamas, so there's no cause for worry. Statistically speaking, the chance of a hurricane hitting the Bahamas during the official hurricane season (June 1st and November 30th) is 1 in 5 chances.

But if you have to sail to the Bahamas during the hurricane season, it's highly advisable to take extra precautions. For example, you can factor in travel insurance both on you and your sailboat.

Having the Right Boat

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an ideal boat for sailing to the Bahamas.

Type of Boat - The type of boat that you use to sail to the Bahamas must be built well enough to handle the open ocean, especially when the weather conditions are adverse. It should be large and heavy enough to safely carry you and your crew, as well as all the equipment and supplies you might need for the trip. In terms of the size of the boat, it will generally depend on what's comfortable for you, how carefully and well you pick your sailing weather conditions, and your willingness to wait until when the weather conditions are favorable.

Cabin Accommodation - Generally, a boat that's built for offshore fishing can be ideal for sailing to the Bahamas. Many sailors prefer boats with cabin accommodations as they're normally ideal for your safety if you plan to stop at various marinas. Such boats are common in the Bahamas and are a great way to easily blend in with the crowd or other sailors at the marinas.

Speed of the Boat - Another important thing to consider when choosing an ideal boat for sailing to the Bahamas is speed. A boat that's able to notch up to 25 knots can take a couple of hours to sail from your departure point is South Florida to the western islands of the Bahamas. Such a boat can take just about a day to sail from Florida to Nassau or Marsh Harbor (the Boating Capital of The Bahamas).

On the contrary, a sailboat that can notch up to six knots may take most of the day to sail from your point of departure in South Florida to a safe harbor in one of the islands in the western Bahamas. In addition to the slow speed, the powerful northerly Gulf Stream currents can seriously affect a slow-speed displacement hull.

All in all, it's advisable that you consider using a faster boat as it can help you in maximizing shorter weather windows.

How to Sail to the Bahamas

Here's how to sail to the Bahamas from the United States. 

Starting Point

The best departure point from the mainland United States is generally Florida. You can start the voyage from typically anywhere in South Florida and crossing will be a lot easier if you go more into the south. That's why many sailors sailing to the Bahamas from the United States choose Miami as their favorite departure point.

If you're planning to check-in at the Cat Cay or Bimini in the Bahamas, you can consider moving further south and using Key Largo as your departure point. But if you want to check-in at Abacos, Fort Lauderdale or Miami will be your best departure point since they'll allow you to ride the Gulf Stream a bit.

While it's possible to sail straight across the Gulf Stream, many seasoned sailors would advise you to take this route. Instead, the best thing to do is to wait for a weather window when there are no northerly winds. In other words, it's best to cross when the wind is less than 10 knots from the east and less than 15 knots from the west.

The Best Routes

Here are a few tried-and-tested routes for sailing to the Bahamas from the United States. This should be based on a sailboat that can notch up between 15 and 25 knots in moderately calm waters.

A Short Sailing Trip to Bimini (50 nautical miles, one trip)

You will cover about 50 miles when sailing to Bimini, Lucaya, Cat Cay, or any other island in the western Bahamas. These destinations will give you a glimpse of what to expect deep into the Bahamas but will at least give you a taste of what it is like to cross the Gulf Stream. You can anchor your sailboat behind Gun Cay to the north of Cat Cay. 

Sailing to the Abacos (190 nautical miles, one trip)

Located next to the Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos is home to Hopetown, Marsh Harbor, and Man of War. This area is perhaps one of the best in the Bahamas as it offers numerous treats of civilization than most areas in the Bahamas including museums, shopping, and restaurants.

The best way to sail to the Abacos is to depart from Palm Beach and sail 60 miles across the Gulf Stream before stopping at the Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End. The next leg of your voyage should be 100 miles taking you to the Green Turtle Cay. You can then sail 20 miles to the epicenter of Abacos, which is home to Marsh Harbor, the Boating Capital of The Bahamas. You can sail 15 miles farther south to Little Harbor where you'll find numerous marinas and anchorages.

Northern Exumas (220 nautical miles, one trip)

This voyage will take you to one of the very gorgeous out-island destinations in the Bahamas. You can set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and sail 50 miles to your first stop in Bimini. You can then head to Chub Cay, which is 80 miles farther south. You can then sail to Nassau (the Capital City of the Bahamas), which is nearly 40 miles across the Tongue of the Ocean.

You can then head to the Northern Exumas but you'll have to sail cautiously as there are several reefs at the southern end of Nassau Harbor. Northern Exumas is home to several marinas including the Highbourne Cay Marina, Sea Park at Warderick Wells, and the Exumas Land.

So no matter which route you take when sailing to the Bahamas, the beauty of the Gulf Stream is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of this voyage. You may experience calm crossing but keep in mind that the area between Florida and Bimini or any other island in the western Bahamas can be very extreme, especially if the wind is blowing from the north. This is why you should be on top of the weather information before setting sail.

In addition to avoiding the hurricane, here are a few recommendations to make you voyage to the Bahamas much better.

• ‍ Have on board enough food and fresh drinking water to last you for a week even if you have plans to stop at the marinas.
• Bring a wetsuit.
• Your boat should have an outboard if you're planning to anchor out.
• Have good anchoring equipment.

All in all, have a good plan in place, have an ideal boat, choose the best time to sail , pick your most preferable route, and set sail to the Bahamas; it's one of the greatest experiences that any sailor can ever have.

Carry with you an appropriate snorkeling gear if you want to experience the coral reefs up close. While you can see them from a flybridge, the experience isn't the same as when snorkeling.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

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Reaching paradise never comes easy. This veteran of the Bahamas liveaboard life shows how it's done.

An aerial view of the Exumas. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

They say that no one knows the exact number of islands in the Bahamas. Some say that there are around 2,400 of them, scattered about a stunning 590-mile-long archipelago, with its closest area being, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Fewer than 50 of these islands have a village or town. Most are tiny islets with rocky shorelines and white beaches hinting of pink. Each is a gem of mangrove, casuarinas, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms hiding curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds. But it's the wonderland of the ocean that is the Bahamas' most spectacular feature, with its warm turquoise waters over much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

On a good day, cruising on the banks, you can look into those clear waters and see fish, sharks, and rays darting away from your hull's shadow as it sweeps across the bottom. Below you, grass and fan coral sway with the current. Brain coral hides exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel. Dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to sea — such as the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel — divide the banks, the changing water colors from light turquoise to deep blue leaving even seasoned world travelers in awe.

The islands of the Bahamas lie mostly along the edges of the banks. On some of the outer islands, mail and groceries arrive by boat, and telephone and electricity in homes are relatively recent developments. While some equate the Bahamas with the cities of Nassau or Freeport, the boater's dreams tend to be of islands a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Highborne Cay, Eleuthera, Royal Island, Green Turtle, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, and the Jumentos — or islands with no names at all, except as they're known to locals, such as Chicken Cay or "His and Hers."

Getting Around And About

The culture, dialect, and pace are distinctly Caribbean, yet the western waters of the Bahamas are only a little over 40 miles from Florida at the closest point. That 40-plus miles is composed of the mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and powerful river in the ocean with current rushing from south to north. Crossing it in the right conditions can be a beautiful trip. But crossing it in the wrong conditions, such as during strong northerly winds, can be dangerous and extremely uncomfortable. Pick your weather carefully, look for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and never go on the verge of a cold front or storm.

Snug all-weather anchorages are rare in the Bahamas, but when you find them, they offer camaraderie, supplies, and parties. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

When my family and I first started going to the Bahamas many years ago, we followed a compass course and adjusted our routes to currents, wind, and waves. When we reckoned enough time had passed to raise an island, we searched the horizon. If we saw an island, we had to figure out which it was using landmarks, like clumps of trees or hills or colored cliffs. As we sailed in from deep ocean water onto to the shallow Bahama Banks, it was always a stunning moment as the depth sounder went from off soundings to 15 feet! We relied on the art of reading the colors of the water and the vagaries of the tidal currents by watching fan coral and sea grasses swaying to the flow under our boat — a fun endeavor, unless the light was poor or in our eyes.

Today, it's easier with GPS chartplotters. But you get in trouble if you rely too heavily on electronics. Sand shoals shift from year to year, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS fix is only as good as the chart you're relying on, and strong currents in inlets can set you onto rocks even as you watch your icon on the screen. And if your GPS equipment or the system isn't functioning well, you can get into trouble. The popularity of "crowdsourcing" doesn't necessarily work well in these waters, either; you never know the experience level of "the crowd" or the accuracy of their observations. Being a little off can put you on a reef.

Reliable guidebooks and paper charts are essential for Bahamas cruising. Otherwise, GPS waypoints extrapolated from mixed data may not be right on the spot. "Right on the spot" is critical when you're navigating an inlet that's only a few hundred feet wide with rocks and reefs around it and swells rolling in. Remember, Bahamas aids to navigation are rare and often not maintained.

Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. There are some very good salvage firms, but the waters to which they must respond are vast. Lack of infrastructure means inconveniences and often long periods of time required for repairs. In many areas, there are few or no secure marinas or good anchorages available for storm protection. The Bahamas is mostly beautiful wilderness, so take care and navigate conservatively. To do so, you'll need the most reliable charts.

Sara and Monty Lewis began cruising the Bahamas more than 35 years ago. They produce and update The Explorer Chartbooks . Experienced cruisers swear by these Lewis charts. The waypoints provided are, they say, based on the Lewis team actually having gone to the rock, the deep part of the inlet, or the reef and recording the exact GPS reading while on site or verified with satellite photos or trusted advisers' data. Not only do they provide accurate full-color navigational charts, they also include cruising guide "need-to-know info" with informative articles and updated details on facilities and services throughout the Bahamas. (It's information from The Explorer Chartbooks that we heavily relied upon to bring you this article.)

Introducing The Bahamas By Region

Coming by boat , you'll probably get your first impression of the Bahamas from its western boundary. Here, the water and reefs are beautiful, and there are some anchorages for settled weather, as well as some marinas. Most of the small islands have rocky shores and lack good all-weather anchorages.

The Bimini Chain, a series of small cays (pronounced "keys") lies across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. North and South Bimini and Cat Cay are settled. The mysterious stone slabs of the Bimini Road lie under nearby waters, fueling stories of Atlantis. Popular with the sportfishing fleet, Bimini has a village, several marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel.

Whether you prefer fishing Bimini's flats or heading out into the deep for bigger game, charters abound. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

To accommodate those who want to experience the beauty, often the beauty is sacrificed. Bimini has suffered, in my view, as have many of the islands, from the negatives of tourism. In recent years, many of the mangroves on the northern end of Bimini have been replaced by resort development. On the west side, an ocean-docking facility for fast ferries from Miami was built from material dredged up from the ocean bottom. But the Biminis are still accommodating as far as clearing customs and stopping to rest in a marina before crossing the banks. With the tourism have come positives — better availability of parts and goods and better communications in Bimini and other settled areas.

To the north of the Bimini Chain, separated from it by the deep Northwest Providence Channel, is the large island of Grand Bahama , with resorts and marinas. At the far northwestern end of Grand Bahama, the critically located Old Bahama Bay Marina offers shelter for boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities.

Old Bahama Bay Marina at the northwestern end of Grand Bahama offers shelter to boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities for boaters. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Southeast of the Bimini Chain, across the Great Bahama Banks, lies the giant and mysterious island of Andros . Known as the bonefishing capital of The Bahamas, Andros's vast swamps, creeks, mangrove shallows, and miles of woods stretch more than 100 miles south to north, divided into three major sections of land connected by mangrove and tidal swamp. Scattered about are many of the famous "blue holes" of the Bahamas, some far inland from the shore, extending deep down, many connected with the ocean through a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Nearby, the recently discovered Andros Platform, a multitiered structure of huge, flat, squared blocks, remains silently under the waves, begging explanation.

With limited good anchorages, sparsely populated Andros hasn't experienced the large influx of cruising boats. The Great Bahama Banks blends with the shallows and swamp of its western shore, but its eastern shore faces the deep "Tongue of the Ocean" and has several towns with limited facilities, such as Morgan's Bluff, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. One of the longest barrier reefs in the world guards this shore, allowing limited access. Andros, like so many other islands, is yet to be awakened, and many would say that's good.

Spiny lobster season is August through March. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

The Abacos is a great place for Bahamas exploration. While it is often considered more civilized than other areas, it's been affected less from tourism. Marinas, protected anchorages with good holding, shopping, good drinking water, restaurants, and small hotels make the area especially inviting. Many cruisers gravitate to the "Hub of the Abacos" with the towns and harbors of Man O'War, Hope Town, and Marsh Harbour. You can take short hops to different towns or anchorages across the shallow Sea of Abaco without going outside the reefs into the ocean. To the northwest of the Hub, and through sometimes-dangerous Whale Cay Passage, lies Green Turtle Cay with its several protected basins, marinas, and the town of New Plymouth with its quaint pastel homes similar to those of Man O'War and Hope Town.

The Berry Islands, known as "Der Berrys" by many Bahamians, are another expanse of small islands surrounded by shallow banks that rise from deep ocean. To the south and west of the busier Abacos, they aren't as heavily cruised because of their shallows and rolly anchorages, but this isolation makes them very attractive to some. Islands such as Great Stirrup, Great Harbor, Whale Cay, and Chub Cay rim the banks. Dinghy passages snake among white shoals and low-tide sand islands. It's easy to get lost. Only three marinas make bases for exploration. Chub Cay Marina is completely protected within an enclosed basin, recently reopened after hurricane damage, though not in full operation as of the date of this writing. Great Harbour Cay Marina also offers excellent shelter and is affordable, with more slips available for transients. In addition, the popular Berry Islands Club is also reopening its restaurant, rebuilding its docks, and fortifying its moorings after a hiatus. Always check ahead for any marina, to be sure it's currently open.

Downtown Nassau is known for its colorful architecture. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Many tourists consider Nassau to be synonymous with the Bahamas. Not hardly. This is the capital of the Bahamas and more than half the Bahamian population lives on its island of New Providence . It has the good and bad traits of most cities, with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, though reports of violent crime are increasing. Police in white uniforms direct traffic. Horse-drawn carriages commingle with cars, jitneys, and scooters. Buildings and customs reminiscent of the British Colonial Empire blend with things modern, overlaid with a significant share of poverty.

Nassau Harbour separates the "mainland" from Paradise Island, which has luxury hotels and casinos. The northwestern entrance to the harbor is deep and jettied, with several buoys. Huge cruise liners enter, but the inlet can be dangerous in strong onshore winds.

Anchoring isn't recommended in much of the harbor because of poor holding, strong currents, fast boats, wakes, and crime issues. There are several marinas; if Nassau has to be on your cruising itinerary, many boaters select a marina on Paradise Island. The southeastern entrance channel is only around 8 feet deep in one spot where coral heads and rocky bars dictate precise navigation.

To the southeast, the Exuma Cays curve in a northwest-southeast direction. The Exumas have only a few small all-weather marinas. Most anchorages are unprotected from westerlies, so they're only good for settled weather. The few that are sheltered from westerlies are between rocky islands and plagued by swift current and scoured bottom. The islands are generally rocky with low vegetation, sparse population, and a few villages. Nevertheless, each year more and more boats visit .

Cruisers lying to moorings in the beautiful and protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In many places, moorings are preferred or even required to avoid damage to the bottom and because of limited swinging room. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

They've become so popular that celebrities and other wealthy people have purchased entire islands or large portions of them. It's reported that the Exuma Land and Sea Park, once a stronghold of environmental protection, now features such private islands, and personal watercraft from mega yachts often roar up and down the pristine channels. Staged "paradise" picnics on the beaches, replete with instant tents, bars, and lounges, entertain charter parties with all their water toys. Anchorages once enjoyed by a few are now becoming more crowded.

Heading down the chain, cruisers like to stop and enjoy the out-island friendliness of the small villages of Staniel Cay, Black Point, and Little Farmer's Cay . Village restaurants sometimes announce special menus on the VHF. Small grocery stores have limited supplies, and Staniel Cay's Isles General Store has marine and general hardware as well as groceries. And the Blue Store and the Pink Store have also expanded their stock to accommodate the greater number of cruisers and vacationers.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers good meals, fuel, water purified by reverse osmosis, and a nice bar as well as cottage rentals. Indeed, the entire village is open to many home rentals. Fowl Cay Resort is one of several resort islands with rental houses and cottages, and it also has a restaurant available to the public by reservation. Snorkel into Thunderball Cave off Staniel and enjoy viewing thousands of protected fish. Part of the James Bond movie of that name was filmed here.

At the southern end of the Exumas, the "mainland" island of Great Exuma is a popular boating destination with a good but busy harbor. Its George Town boasts supplies and high island civilization. Exuma Market provides dinghy docking, town water, and other services while across Lake Victoria, the well-stocked Shop-Rite is another good choice for stocking. FedEx, UPS, boat supplies, and many other helpful goods and services are available. Almost 400 cruising boats are often in its Elizabeth Harbour for the annual spring Cruising Regatta, a weeklong festival run by the cruising community in conjunction with the Bahamian community.

Heading easterly from the Exumas you'll find more islands and variety. To the north, Eleuthera is known for its oranges and pineapples. Cruisers often visit the busy village of Spanish Wells with its fishing fleet, marinas, marine railways, and supplies. Harbour Island, guarded by the treacherous reef known as Devil's Backbone, is also popular for its pink sand beaches, quaint pastel-color buildings, the historic village of Dunmore Town, marinas, fishing, and relatively upscale living. Royal Island with its enclosed harbor broods with thick foliage and the silent ruins of a large estate. Years ago, wooden sailing ships of the British Navy sought shelter here; today cruisers wait for passage to the Abacos.

Cat Island, south of Eleuthera, stretches 48 miles, offering few anchorages but high hills, farms, villages, and miles of cliff and beach. To the south of Cat lies Long Island, with dangerous reefs extending more than 3 miles off Cape Santa Maria at its northern end. Never more than 4 miles wide, it's 75 miles long and features rolling hills and cliffs, fertile soil, and farming. A popular destination is Salt Pond and Thompson Bay on the west side, from where cruisers can tour the island by car and stock up at a modern grocery. Avoid anchorages exposed to weather and seas.

Far to the south and east, the "far out islands" rise from the deep ocean floor, beyond the banks. You'll find isolated jewels such as Rum Cay and Conception Island. Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay has been closed due to hurricane damage as of this writing. As you venture farther southeast, more spectacular little islands with limited protection beckon with even more remoteness. These include Samana Cay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored; Crooked Island; Acklins Island; Great Inagua with its famous flamingo population; and Mayaguana — all beautiful islands off the beaten track.

The Jumentos chain arches 90 miles around the southeast boundary of the Great Bahama Banks and has become more popular in recent years for experienced cruisers looking to find pristine islands as they once were. Many of these islands have little all-weather protection, tricky shallows, and few replenishing and stocking opportunities, but make up for it in sweet solitude

You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Bahamas, with their overwhelming beauty and thousands of square miles of ocean wilderness, offer a wonderful boating escape from the massive infrastructure and dense civilization of the States. But what makes them compelling also makes them challenging for unprepared boaters. Go soon if you can, take good care, and tread lightly.

Bahamas Fun Facts

• The Bahamas has the clearest water in the world. Visibility while diving is often more than 200 feet!
• Fewer than 50 of the islands have a village or town.
• The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef.
• Dean's Blue Hole, west of Clarence Town, Long Island, at 663 feet, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
• The first place Christopher Columbus landed when he came to the new world in 1492, he named San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The word "mainland" is used by those on small outlying islands (called the Out Islands) to describe the larger islands, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, and Great Exuma. The "Far-Out Islands" are those even farther away.
• The world's longest underwater cave system can be found in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island.
• Kalik (pronounced "click"), the beer of The Bahamas, is named after the kalikking sound of cowbells at Junkanoo, the island street parades held every December 26.
• There are only about 396,000 people in all the Bahamas, the majority on the island of New Providence where Nassau is located.
• The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing.
• Bahamas comes from the Spanish baja mar, which translates to "shallow sea."

Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Chartering & Fishing

Power, sail & crewed charters.

• The Moorings (Abacos)
• Navtours (Nassau, George Town, Staniel Cay)
• Sunsail (Abacos, Nassau)

Sportfishing

• Boaters arriving on their own boats congregate around the marinas in Bimini, Nassau, Chub Cay, Boat Harbor, Highbourne Cay, and others.
• Note that fishing here is split between distinctively different offshore fishing and flats fishing (for bonefish).
• To join a sportfishing charter, search the Internet for numerous listings.
• Consider checking out one of the many fishing tournaments, listed at Bahamas.com/fishing-tournaments-2017.

Photo: Mel Neale

Anchoring Notes

• Never anchor in reef or anywhere your anchor rode may get tangled in coral.
• Leave 360-degree swing room for other boats, the shore, and reefs. Boats swing differently depending on their windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and current.
• The best bottoms consist of deep, soft white sand. You'll see these from the bow of your boat. Don't be misled by bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• Anchoring in grass usually results in dragging when the wind increases and damaging fish habitat.
• Nylon line can be cut by small rocks or reef. Use as much chain as your boat can safely carry.
• Don't anchor on a lee shore (the shore toward which the wind is blowing). Learn and watch the weather; plan your anchorage for 24 hours. It's not unusual for Bahamian winds to shift over that time.
• What starts as a protected anchorage could become a risky lee shore.
• Study an accurate weather forecast every day, and plan overnight anchorages accordingly.

Weather Notes

• Obtain a detailed weather forecast every day. Heed it.
• Winter cold fronts are often preceded by strong southwesterly winds and come through as a strong, precipitous westerly, then nor'wester. Then winds often clock to a nor'easter and blow hard for days.
• "Squeeze plays" between large areas of high and large areas of low pressure may set up strong winds, usually from the east, for several days.
• The Bahamas offers little good protection in hurricanes and tropical lows. Even enclosed harbors are vulnerable with so little land to weaken the effects of wind and sea. Expect little help compared to U.S. waters.

Respect The 'Rage'

If there is a strong onshore swell, many cuts between islands and reefs become treacherous. The onshore swell may be caused by local onshore winds or from a far-off storm. At sea the swell may seem insignificant, but as it mounts up in the shallow waters near the cuts, it can become deadly. These swells can be far away when you leave the safety of your harbor in the morning but dangerously upon you when you want to enter the next inlet down-island. Watch the weather locally and far out. Ask ahead for current local conditions and knowledge. If any question exists about the safety of an inlet, don't risk it.

Search And Rescue

The Bahamas government has no search-and-rescue service equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) is a dedicated nonprofit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen and airmen in the Bahamas. It is funded by donations.

For boaters traveling off the beaten track, consider renting an EPIRB or PLB from the BoatUS Foundation before you go. Visit BoatUS.org for more information.

What Are Your Special Interests?

Looking to hang out with other cruisers? Consider the Hub of the Abacos. Several islands encircle the protected "Sea of Abaco" in which you can go from town to town in protected waters without going out through the reefs into the ocean. Towns include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Man O'War. A short hop in calm weather in the ocean fetches up Green Turtle Cay, and a trip south inside will bring you to Little Harbour, home of Pete's Pub and Foundry. There are more marinas in this area than in most other areas of the Bahamas.

Elizabeth Harbour lies near the southeastern end of the Exuma chain and has become a Mecca for cruisers with its relative protection (albeit with some open fetches) and good holding. Its bustling village of George Town is a vacation spot and an oasis of out island "high civilization," which hasn't lost its out-island charm. "In season," from December through March, there can be as many as 400 boats there, with all the potlucks and beach volleyball games you could want. The reefs guarding the entrances can be tricky; good weather and careful navigation are a must. Don't enter with a strong onshore wind or swell.

Looking for sport fishing? Alice Town on North Bimini offers several marinas, bars, restaurants, and good fishing offshore, with several tournaments throughout the year. Chub Cay, scheduled to be fully operational (after the ravages of Hurricane Mathew) has a marina in a completely enclosed harbor with restaurant, bars for bragging, and Customs. Fish offshore in the Tongue of the Ocean between the Berrys, New Providence, and the Great Bahama Banks.

Looking for remote experiences? What used to be remote may be more visited today, although features such as poor holding, little protection from wind and surge, and few provisioning opportunities still keeps the crowds away. You'll find unspoiled beauty and solitude in the Jumentos, Rum Cay (marina may not be rebuilt yet), the shallow banks of the Berrys (where people often explore by dinghy), and Conception Island. These areas have scarce protection, and require serious weather vigilance.

Looking for good diving and snorkeling? The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef. Five percent of the world's coral can be found there. Bring a light wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins for great snorkeling by dinghy throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a show? Held at the end of April every year, the Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour is huge. Bahamians come from all the islands to compete, usually in traditional Bahamian boats. Also, the New Year's Day Regatta at Staniel Cay in the Exumas is fun, informal, and rollicking.

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Everything fun you can do from your yacht

Never Sail the Bahamas Without This Guide

July 12, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 3 Comments

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through the same waters as 17th-century Buccaneers like Blackbeard and Calico Jack, look no further than the Atlantic’s largest archipelago nation – The Bahamas. Situated approximately 180 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, the Bahamas are made up of nearly 700 islands, most of which remain uninhabited. The Bahamas are home to stunning pink sand beaches, wildly diverse scuba diving opportunities, and the world-renowned swimming pigs of Exuma. Most notably, though, the Bahamas is a yachties paradise. In this guide, we cover everything from planning to cruising costs to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch. 

Table of Contents:

Sailing the bahamas after hurricane dorian.

• What are the Best Months for Sailing the Bahamas?

How Should I Plan and Prepare for Sailing the Bahamas?

• Sail to the Bahamas
• Bahamas Customs and Immigration
• Which Bahamian Islands Should I Visit?
• Fishing in the Bahamas
• Scuba Diving the Bahamas
• Golf in the Bahamas
• Bahamas Tours – Nassau
• National Parks of the Bahamas
• Festivals and Events of the Bahamas

Historical Sites and Cultural Landmarks of the Bahamas

• Is the Bahamas Safe?
• Costs and Budget for Sailing the Bahamas

On September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian – the strongest hurricane to ever hit the Bahamas – caused flooding, mass destruction and took the lives of at least 74 people, leaving more than 200 others missing and presumed dead. Grand Bahama and the Abacos Islands took the worst of the storm, with the destructive mass sitting over Grand Bahama for a shocking 48 hours before moving past the island. The hurricane caused over $3 billion in damages – approximately a quarter of the country’s entire GDP. 

With all of the destruction and misery of such a recent tragedy, what is it like sailing the Bahamas nearly two years later? 

With over 650 islands unaffected by Hurricane Dorian, a world-class destination awaits all of those who will be sailing the Bahamas. Airports, tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and more are open for business and eager to gather a few tourist dollars. In fact, many people depend on tourists to rebuild their livelihoods after the devastation. Tourism is the best way to support the Bahamian communities. Not just the big resorts, chain restaurants, and cruise ships, but the local individuals running and working in markets, mom-and-pop shops, and street food stalls. There has never been a better time for a holiday in the Bahamas.

What are the Best Months For Sailing the Bahamas?

Sailing in the Bahamas is possible year-round, with access to shelter and resources nearly everywhere in the country. Each season comes with its pros and cons, though, and many prefer certain months to others. While each season is defined by exact dates, there is little assurance that mother nature remains consistent year to year.

Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30)

While the term “hurricane season” seems daunting, you are by no means guaranteed to witness a boat-thrashing storm that crushes your cruising lifestyle for years to come. You are, however, advised to be mindful of a few things.

How Can I Stay Safe During Hurricane Season?

It’s essential to have a strategic plan in place when cruising the Bahamas during hurricane season. Part of your strategic plan should be to keep up with weather forecasts and have all of the proper equipment on board to alert you of incoming storms and harsh conditions. Luckily, the islands offer numerous “hurricane holes” – providing shelter and safety for those who need it. Plan your cruising routes so that you are always a short distance from one of these harbors, making for an easy escape to safety before the weather becomes a threat. Choose the harbors based on shelter, size, and the abundance of moorings in an anchorage. If you choose to weather the storm at anchor, your holding must be perfect for ensuring your safety.

Will my insurance cover me while sailing the Bahamas during hurricane season?

Every insurance plan is different from the next, and each will have a specific set of requirements to provide robust coverage for you and your vessel. Actually, many consider hurricane insurance to be a sham, insisting that boaters meet ridiculous stipulations to cover even a fraction of the damages. Some plans require you to pull your boat from the water entirely, while others opt-out of hull coverage without an additional plan to match. Your best bet is to plan your trip well in advance. Decide what you want to do and where you want to do it, and find an insurance plan that fits the bill.

Peak Season (December 1 – March 30)

Peak season in the Bahamas offers up some of the best weather you could ask for, and it makes for the perfect escape from some of the brutally cold destinations throughout North America. While peak season is often regarded as the “best” time for sailing the Bahamas, others may have a different opinion. Consider the following before planning your trip during the high season.

How are the Crowds During Peak Season?

The Bahamas are the perfect escape from the cold weather in the north, and it shows with the crowds and lack of moorings available at the popular cruising destinations. Crowds aren’t bad news for everyone, though – it just depends on the vibe you’re looking for. Junkanoo, for example, is an epic festival that draws a ton of people from all over the world. It’s a celebration of history, music, and cuisine that should not be missed if you’re in the area. 

Bahamas Peak Season Prices

As expected, prices tend to skyrocket with the peak season. There is a far higher demand for simple amenities, so make sure you know what to expect before arriving. If you aren’t entirely set on a budget vacation, the peak season can be a thrill that’s unrivaled for many. 

Shoulder Season (April 1 – May 31)

As with many destinations worldwide, shoulder season in the Bahamas offers an excellent balance between weather, costs, and crowds. Many consider April and May to be the best months to visit for the simple fact that crowds are thin, anchorages and moorings are abundant, and the activities and attractions remain unaffected. While there is no “wrong” time for sailing the Bahamas, we strongly suggest considering the shoulder season for your next holiday – especially for those looking for superb diving and fishing.

With so many people cruising the Bahamas every year, it seems like people make it happen with minimal effort. However, while you have the opportunity for a “paradise on earth” type of trip, you should approach it with the right amount of planning and preparation. Many people have shared their struggles and successes with sailing the Bahamas, so we put together a timeline to make sure you don’t miss a beat in preparing for crystal blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and powdered white-sand beaches. 

3 – 6 Months in Advance

• Apply for a cruising permit for sailing the Bahamas. You can do this online or upon arrival with immigration and customs at the port of entry. Online registration is the easiest way to apply and is strongly preferred by officials.
• Order a yellow quarantine boat flag and a Bahamas courtesy flag to be flown while in the country. You can order these in various dimensions, but most opt for the 12” x 18” size.
• Check your passport validity, and order a new passport if needed. 
• Join online resources such as Facebook groups and travel forums to stay up-to-date with everything related to cruising in the Bahamas. Updates on entry requirements, island closures, and nearly everything else will be discussed here by fellow yachties. 
• Arrange your bills to be paid automatically to avoid late fees, poor internet connection, and simple forgetfulness. Check for international fees when using your bank cards abroad. If your bank doesn’t offer attractive global usage, consider setting up a new bank account. Many banks don’t penalize their members for using their cards outside of the country. Radius Bank is one such online bank that reimburses users for foreign transactions and ATM fees. 
• Thoroughly read and understand your boat insurance, and consider switching plans if it makes sense. Many plans don’t cover boaters who visit the Caribbean during hurricane season, so ensure your insurance plan suits your needs. 

Consider your options for communication, both on land and at sea. There are several options for internet and phone service while sailing the Bahamas, including:

• Google-Fi is claimed by many to be the best cruising plan when visiting the Bahamas. There are three plans to choose from, with high-speed data starting at $10/GB.
• My Island Wifi is one of the newest options and is quickly becoming a favorite for those in the sailing community. Island Wifi is a mobile hotspot device that offers daily, weekly, and monthly plans, with unlimited 4G data for just $85 per month.
• Aliv is another new data service in the Bahamas that lets you buy a sim card and use your phone as a hotspot device. You can also buy a MiFi mobile router for data-only uses. For monthly unlimited 4G data, expect to pay around $140.
• T-Mobile has an international plan that offers unlimited 2G data in the Bahamas for $70 per month. T-Mobile’s plan can be an excellent low-hassle option for those who don’t need the fastest internet speeds. 
• Verizon offers an international travel pass with unlimited 4G data for $10 per day, which is quite expensive for extended trips. If you just need a few days of coverage, though, this can be a good option for current Verizon customers.
• BTC is a local Bahamas sim that can be used with any unlocked phone. While the internet speeds are not on par with some of the other options, it’s simple to set up and use – making it a reasonable consideration for some. Data plans vary, with one of the most popular plans offering 15GB of data for $35 per month.
• Research various Bahamian islands, routes, marinas, anchorages, and anything else that may be of interest during your trip. Make a rough outline of your itinerary, preferably on a map, and leave room for improvisation. Order guides, books, and any other resources that you may find helpful. 

Learn as much as you can about the weather in the Gulf Stream. How to plan, prepare, when to leave, and everything in between.

• Choose a jump-off point from the US, and arrange what you need to get there pre-departure.
• The most popular starting points are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, and West Palm Beach.Research anything and everything regarding fishing, diving, handguns, and other activities you plan to do.
• Be sure that you are up-to-date and understand the Bahamas’ fishing laws and regulations before fishing from your private vessel.
• Check and update your onboard safety equipment and first-aid kits. Ensure nothing is expired and that everything has been adequately inspected and tested.
• Ensure you have replacement and repair parts for any vital equipment – most things are far more expensive in the Bahamas, so it’s best to come prepared with anything you may need. 

* Always check for up-to-date customs and immigration requirements well before departure.

3 – 10 Days in Advance

• Take out a fair amount of cash from your bank. ATMs can be scarce, and when you do find one, you may be charged several transaction fees for using it. In addition, vendors often won’t have change for large bills. Be sure to stock up on $1’s and $5’s to avoid this problem. 
• Monitor the weather and watch for optimal windows to make the Gulf Stream passage safely. 
• Provision your boat: Canned foods, paper products, soft drinks, alcohol, personal items, and more will often be cheaper to buy pre-departure.

Sailing to the Bahamas

Regardless of your chosen port of entry, the Bahamas is just a quick overnight crossing from south Florida. If you’re running a speedboat, you may be able to make the trip in just a few hours. Either way, it’s essential to select an appropriate window of good weather for the crossing, and most sailors agree that the further south you start, the easier the passage will be. 

The Bahamas Ports of Entry

Below, we outline your options for ports of entry based on region. The list is subject to changes and updates, so be sure to check with the government’s website before sailing to the Bahamas. Remember, leisure crafts must clear customs and immigration and purchase a cruising permit before they are free to operate in the Bahamas. We’ve added an interactive map to help navigate your options for ports of entry when arriving in the Bahamas. Alternatively, see the screenshots below for a quick reference to each region.

• (+1) 242-699-4045
• [email protected]
• Airport – Sandy Point (By Request Only)
• Sandy Point Public Dock (By Request Only)
• (+1) 242-699-4060
• (+1) 242-365-0083
• Baker’s Bay Marina / Guana Cay (Private Members Only)
• (+1) 242-367-1900
• (+1) 242-367-4000
• Great Abaco Beach Resort Marina
• Jib Room Marina
• (+1) 242-367-4996
• (+1) 242-367-1903 or (+1) 242-699-4021
• Marsh Harbour Public Dock
• (+1) 242-699-4059
• [email protected]
• (+1) 242-365-8250
• Treasure Cay Public Dock

• (+1) 242-368-2030
• Fresh Creek Public Dock
• (+1) 242-329-2140
• San Andros Public Dock
• (+1) 242-369-2640

Bimini / Cat Cay

• (+1) 242-347-3391 (Landing Fee – $50)
• (+1) 242-347-3100 or (+1) 242-347-3102
• [email protected] or [email protected]
• (+1) 242-347-3500
• (+1) 242-347-3166
• (+1) 242-347-3116
• (+1) 242-347-6100, Ext: 1016
• (+1) 242-347-6100, Ext: 1035 / 1036 or (+1) 242-473-1727
• (+1) 242-347-3071 or (+1) 242-347-3477
• (+1) 242-347-3101
• (+1) 242-347-3028

The Berry Islands

• (+1) 242-359-9020 
• (+1) 242-325-1490
• Bullock’s Harbor Public Dock
• (+1) 242-367-8566
• (+1) 242-367-8005

• Arthur’s Town Public Dock (By Request Only)
• Bennet’s Harbour Public Dock (By Request Only, Landing Fee – $100)
• (+1) 242-342-2016
• (+1) 242-342-2149 or (+1) 242-342-2223

Eleuthera and Harbour Island

• (+1) 242-699-6122 or (+1) 242-699-6147
• (+1) 242-699-6122
• [email protected]
• (+1) 242-333-2325
• (+1) 242-333-2142 or 866-389-6864
• (+1) 242-333-4462
• (+1) 242-699-6128
• (+1) 242-333-4255
• (+1) 242-699-6121 or (+1) 242-699-6117
• (+1) 242-335-1650
• (+1) 242-332-3777 or (+1) 242-332-3778
• (+1) 242-332-2341
• (+1) 242-699-6104
• (+1) 242-334-8500
• (+1) 242-334-6303
• (+1) 242-334-2112 or (+1) 242-699-6126 / 6112

• Black Point (By Request Only)
• (+1) 242-345-0071
• [email protected]
• (+1) 242-336-2072
• (+1) 242-342-7050
• (+1) 242-336-2578
• Airport – Staniel Cay (By Request Only)
• Staniel Cay Marina(By Request Only)

Grand Bahama Island

• (+1) 242-602-9503 
• (+1) 242-602-9503
• (+1) 242-602-9491
• (+1) 242-602-9546 (+1) 242-602-9400
• (+1) 242-284-5193 or (+1) 242-373-7616
• Lucayan Marina Village
• Lucayan Yacht Club
• (+1) 242-352-6834
• Ocean Reef Marina (By Request Only)
• (+1) 242-373-9090
• Port Lucaya Marina Village
• Xanadu Marina (Older Docks – Not Advised)
• South Riding Point
• (+1) 242-349-4101 or (+1) 242-727-0514
• (+1) 242-602-9413 or (+1) 242-602-9481
• [email protected]

• (+1) 242-339-1254
• [email protected]

Long Island

• Clarence Town Public Dock (By Request Only – Contact Airport)
• Deadman’s Cay Airport (Domestic Only)
• (+1) 242-337-3430
• (+1) 242-338-8668
• Simms Public Dock (By Request Only)
• (+1) 242-338-2012
• (+1) 242-338-2050 / 2051 / 2052

New Providence

• (+1) 242-676-6020
• (+1) 242-604-3196 / 3184 / 3187 / 3174
• (+1) 242-393-8232
• (+1) 242-323-2172
• (+1) 242-676-7000
• Kelly’s Dock
• (+1) 242-604-3277 / 3256
• (+1) 242-362-4271
• (+1) 242-393-7873
• (+1) 242-393-0771
• (+1) 242-393-8173
• (+1) 242-676-8554
• (+1) 242-604-3341
• (+1) 242-394-1036
• Southwest Bay Dolphins
• (+1) 242-394-1605
• (+1) 242-363-6068

San Salvador

• (+1) 242-331-2631 or (+1) 242-477-0900 or (+1) 242-452-6129
• (+1) 242-331-2131
• [email protected]

Florida to the Bahamas – Which Routes are Best to Follow?

While there are pretty much endless routes you can follow to get to the Bahamas, there are some tried-and-true paths that sailors commonly take. Keep in mind that any of these routes can be adjusted or mix-and-matched to better fit your overall itinerary.

Miami to Grand Bahama

For one of the shortest possible routes from the southern US, consider sailing to the Bahamas from Miami. Depending on where you plan to explore throughout your trip, this is a great spot to base yourself – especially for first-time visitors to the Bahamas. 

Miami to The Exumas

Another option to sail to the Bahamas from Miami is to head straight for the Exumas. This route offers boaters a true taste of the Gulf Stream while also providing adequate shelter and calm seas at the ladder-half of the trip. If the weather gets bad, you also have several options for alternative stop-offs before reaching your initial destination. The Exuma Islands are made up of over 350 cays, so it’s a great location to begin a holiday for sailing the Bahamas.

West Palm Beach to The Abacos

If you don’t want to sail to the Bahamas from Miami, another popular jump-off location is West Palm Beach, Florida. Starting further north allows you to hit some of the northern Bahamian islands on your way out rather than your way back. It also provides a bit of a different vibe when making the passage across the Gulf Stream. The Abacos is another ideal starting point for a holiday around the Bahamas, as you can run the eastern edge of the archipelago all the way down to the Eleuthera and Harbour Islands if you so desire. 

How to Navigate the Gulf Stream

The Gulf Stream is a 60+ mile wide ocean current that runs from the Gulf of Mexico to Florida and up the Atlantic coast of the US. The water in this current flows north at a considerable rate, and the water temperature in the current is higher than the surrounding waters. Because of this, tropical storms are much more likely and can occur with little warning. Three primary considerations need to be made before making the passage from the southern US to the Bahamas. Weather, heading, and boat speed. 

Timing your passage across the Gulf Stream can be tricky, especially for those making the crossing for the first time. Throughout the winter months, patience is key to sailing across the Gulf Stream safely. To ensure ideal conditions for sailing to the Bahamas, you should wait until the winds do not exceed 15 knots, and you should generally avoid crossing in the presence of northerly winds. You can use numerous resources in preparation for the passage, and one of the most popular is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Heading and Course

When crossing the Gulf Stream, your heading and course will never be identical. The current flows north at such a high rate that you will always run a course that ends up north of your heading. As a result, the Gulf Stream is a great place for sailors to hone their navigation skills. If you rely entirely on automated navigational equipment and your gear malfunctions, you can easily miss your landing point. Plotting a course on a paper chart and traveling at right-angles is the go-to method for sailors using anything other than high-speed boats. 

Speaking of boat speed, it should come as no surprise that the slower your boat is, the more you will be affected by the high-speed currents of the stream. While speedboats can generally snake the passage in just a few hours, those sailing to the Bahamas generally need to plan for a 6-10 hour journey depending on the destination and conditions. During your course, it’s likely that you will cross paths with other boats at one point or another. Be extremely cautious when this happens, as boat speeds can be highly deceiving in the Gulf Stream.

Sailing the Bahamas – Customs and Immigration

After finally arriving at one of the many ports of entry in the Bahamas, you’ll need to legally enter the country and obtain a cruising permit for onward travel. The customs and immigration process is similar to entering through an airport, but there are some differences and special requirements, which we discuss below. 

What Documents Do I Need to Enter the Bahamas?

To enter the country on a private vessel, you will need the following documentation:

• Copy of a Completed Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
• Valid Passport as Proof of Citizenship
• Bahamas Immigration Card Per Person
• Proof of Ownership
• Any Other Supporting Documents
• A cruising permit can be obtained online before entering through customs and immigration or upon arrival by boat. It is far preferred by immigration officials that this is done online before arrival. 
• Copy of All Firearm Documents
• Pet permits are issued by the Department of Agriculture and are required for all pets older than three months. Annual or short-term licenses are available. 
• American Bully
• Presa Canario
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Savannah Cat
• For more information and resources regarding animal passports, please visit the Government of the Bahamas website.

Clearing In Process

When entering the country by private vessel, you must follow the standardized process to ensure smooth and uneventful entry. Dress nicely, be patient, and treat all officials with respect. The general process for clearing in is as follows:

• As you enter your chosen port of entry, hoist the yellow quarantine flag to notify a customs official of your arrival.
• Depending on the port, either a customs official will come to your boat, or the boat captain will need to go to shore to find them. Only the boat captain is permitted to leave the vessel before clearing in. 
• All passengers on board are required to show proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. 
• After receiving your cruising permit, take down your yellow quarantine flag and hoist the Bahamian courtesy flag – fly this flag for the remainder of your stay. 

* The crew on SV Tula recorded a video recording of their arrival process with a customs official entering Great Harbour Cay – it’s a great resource to visualize the process for those who have yet to visit.

Can I bring a firearm with me while sailing the Bahamas?

Visitors to the Bahamas are allowed to have firearms on board their private vessels, but they must be declared with immigration officials. Only handguns, rifles, and shotguns are permitted in the Bahamas. All documentation should be presented upon arrival, including the serial number and manufacturer of each weapon. In addition, a customs official will take a hard count of all ammunition when inspecting the vessel, and that count will be double-checked during departure procedures.

As of June 2021, the following remains true:

• There is a limit of three firearms per vessel, of which the caliber may not exceed .308.
• No more than 250 rounds of ammunition are allowed for each firearm.
• All automatic weapons are prohibited.
• No weapons are permitted for any center console vessels. If firearms are found on center console boats entering the country, they will be taken by police and returned upon departure.

All firearms must be kept under lock and key while in the country and may not be taken off the boat for any reason without obtaining a permit through Bahamian police first. The Bahamas recently increased the penalties and sentences for those who break local firearms laws, and those caught violating gun laws will be dealt with accordingly. It is not uncommon for visitors to the Bahamas to be arrested when found with guns onboard illegally. 

If for any reason, you must exit the country by air and leave your vessel for pickup at a later date, you must notify the police and customs of your departure. Police will escort you to your boat to retrieve your firearm(s) and store it for you until your return. 

What are the fees for sailing the Bahamas ?

Everyone entering the country by boat will need to pay an entry fee upon or before arrival. Fees are standardized by boat size as follows:

• 0-34’: $150 for up to 3 Months – OR – $300 Annually
• 34-100’: $300 for up to 3 Months – OR – $600 Annually
• 100-150’: $500 for up to 3 Months – OR – $1000 Annually
• 150-200’: $800 for up to 3 Months – OR – $1600 Annually
• 200’+: $1000 for up to 3 Months – OR – $2000 Annually

These fees cover a private vessel’s cruising permit, fishing permit, and departure tax for up to three people. For additional passengers, a departure fee of $20 will be added to the total. All fees are valid for a second re-entry within 90 days of departure.

Clearing Out Process

All vessels must clear out of the country and receive a certificate of clearance before departure. Both the cruising permit and immigration cards will be returned to customs officials. If there are firearms on board, they must be declared with all ammunition present. Weapons procedures are essential to reduce the availability of illegal weapons in the Bahamas. 

* No fees are required for clearing out

Sailing From the Bahamas Back to the United States

If you’re headed back to the U.S. after clearing out of the Bahamas, you’ll need to be familiar with the re-entry process and the documents required to clear back in. You are considered to have entered the US once you have anchored or tied up within US waters – Nobody can leave the vessel until cleared by customs officials. As of September 2018, the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) is no longer an option for returning boats, and float plans are no longer required or accepted. All operators of non-commercial boats MUST report to a CBP Port of Entry.

• Toll-Free: 1-800-432-1216
• CBP ROAM Mobile App
• www.cbp.com
• Once you have reported your arrival, you’ll be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to physically present all passengers and crew on board. 

Prepare the following documents for customs officials to review upon your arrival at the chosen Port of Entry:

• Vessel Name and Vessel Registration
• Vessel Owners Name and Passport
• Captains Name, DOB, and Passport
• Passenger Passports
• List of Foreign Ports Visited While Abroad
• Total Value of Purchases Made Abroad

Which islands should I visit while Sailing the Bahamas?

With over 700 islands throughout the archipelago, there’s something that fits the bill for nearly every type of sailor. So whether you’re on the hunt for blissful coral-lined shores or the community vibes of a busy anchorage, the Bahamas has a destination that delivers. While far from an exhaustive list, the islands listed below are some of the favorites of visitors to the country.

Abaco Islands

The Abaco Islands are genuinely some of the Bahamas’ best, hosting clear turquoise waters, coral-encrusted coasts, world-class golf courses, and colonial seaside towns. The island chain stretches over 120 miles in length and is surrounded by calm, shallow waters that are home to a vast abundance of marine life – making it the perfect destination for long days on and below the water. 

You could easily spend weeks at the various cays along the chain of islands exploring the reefs, enjoying the local cuisines, and visiting the swimming pigs of Abacos – not to be confused with the swimming pigs of Exuma. 

The beaches at Treasure Cay have been recognized by National Geographic as some of the best in the world, making this a no-brainer for your itinerary while sailing the Bahamas. 

Andros Island is considered the bonefishing capital of the Bahamas, lined with mangrove shallows and creeks – the perfect habitat for the various species found in the Caribbean. You can cast a line from the shore or drop an anchor and test your luck. Either way, you should have no problem landing a few meals around the island. 

If you’re looking to do some snorkeling or scuba diving, the Andros Barrier Reef is the third largest reef in the world, measuring over 190 miles in length. With over 160 species of fish and coral, Andros is one of the most popular diving locations in all of the Caribbean. The area is also home to various blue holes, both inshore and further out, that the Bahamas are known for. 

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, a popular cruise ship stop-off point that’s famous for its offshore coral reefs and pastel-painted buildings. Today, Nassau holds over 80% of the population of the Bahamas, although it has maintained the laid-back Caribbean vibes people come for. 

Using Nassau as a base location in the Bahamas is relatively common, as it sits nearly centered in the archipelago and offers easy access to almost all other Bahamian islands. With an international airport on the island, it’s also one of the most popular places to charter a boat from after flying into the country. 

The Exumas are among the most popular islands in all of the Bahamas, and make no mistake – they are incredible. Consisting of 365 cays, the majority of the islands are entirely uninhabited. They are host to a seemingly unreal abundance of wildlife, both above and below the water, so we suggest you come prepared with a mask and snorkel in hand. 

In Norman Cay, you can snorkel in calm, crystal-clear waters above Pablo Escobar’s sunken drug plane – making for a truly unique experience. 

A short boat ride from Norman Cay, Staniel Cay was the shooting location of two James Bond movies – stop off and have a Martini – just make sure it’s shaken, not stirred. The island is also home to a world-famous cave system called “Thunderball Grotto” –  a must-see for any qualified cave divers. 

Not too keen on snorkeling or diving? Spend your days marveling at the rare iguana species and marine birds, and swim with the world-famous pigs of Exuma on Pig Beach at Major Cay. You can even bring some fresh fruit to feed the pigs – it makes for some outstanding photos!

Berry Islands

If you’re heading to the Bahamas in search of tranquility, the Berry Islands offer up just that. These mostly undeveloped islands sit about halfway between Grand Bahama and Nassau, making it the perfect stop-off for the beginning of your trip. 

Devil’s Cay anchorage is a must-see destination in the Berry Islands, hosting the serene nature and wilderness you imagine when you think of the Bahamas. There are small, secluded stretches of sand nestled along the coastline that offer nearly everyone in the area the chance to lounge in their own personal paradise.

Bimini comprises three main islands – South Bimini, North Bimini, and East Bimini – and many small, uninhabited cays scattered around and between. Most of the residents stay on South and North Bimini, and the East island consists mostly of coastal mangroves. The Bimini Islands are the closest of the Bahamian Islands to the mainland US and hold over 2000 of the country’s residents. 

The Bahamas is one of the world’s greatest shark sanctuaries, and Bimini is host to nearly every shark found in the country. Visitors who participate in guided shark tours frequently see lemon sharks, tiger sharks, blacktips, nurse sharks, bull sharks, and even the occasional hammerhead when in season. Whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or just someone who wants a unique experience on your holiday, these marine-rich waters deliver on all fronts. 

If you’re like most – you may be a bit skittish getting in the water with sharks, but there are also shallow areas where juvenile lemons hang out that kids and non-swimmers can interact with. The Bimini Shark Lab offers tours where they teach visitors about their research – a wonderful experience not to be missed. 

Eleuthera is the Bahama’s fourth-largest island – a long and spindly stretch of land no more than a few km wide for most of its length. The inner island holds pineapple fields and flatlands, with a coastline shrouded in jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches. The shallow, crystal-blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the powdered sand is as ideal as it gets for a day of sunbathing. 

Just off the coast of Eleuthera sits Harbour Island – a location known for its stunning pink sand beaches. There are numerous anchorages just off the shore, and visitors shouldn’t run into any trouble finding a place to hold. There are even seven marinas for docking and coming to shore if you want to spend a night or two there. If you hope to dock at a marina slip, be sure to contact the marina well before your arrival to ensure your slip remains available. 

Be aware of the “Devil’s Backbone” when coming into Harbour Island – a treacherous, shallow reef that extends along the island’s north coast. Many first-time visitors have been unfortunate enough to find themselves coming in contact with the reef’s jagged edges, so be cautious upon your arrival to avoid similar pitfalls. 

Fishing While Sailing the Bahamas

Fishing in the Bahamas is on any ambitious angler’s bucket list, and it’s easy to see why. Just imagine – You cast a line, loosen your drag, and kick back in your lounge chair overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Suddenly, the sounds of the waves lapping against your boat are interrupted by the ZZzZZzzZZZ of your fishing line – you’re hooked! Anywhere else, you’d assume you’re in for a quick fight and expect to have dinner on the boat deck within minutes. Here, though, assumptions are better left at home. 

Fishing in the Bahamas offers you the chance to catch nearly every Caribbean species imaginable, along with the opportunity to land world record fish on a daily basis – the excitement is real. Few places hold a candle to the epic, big game battles that happen on these waters – and it all happens with dream-worthy Bahamian backdrops painted endlessly in a thousand shades of blue, white, and turquoise. 

Before you cast a line into these awe-inspiring waters, it’s essential that you know the fishing rules and restrictions of the Bahamas to avoid any problems. 

Don’t let a simple case of unawareness put a damper on your holiday. Here’s a quick overview of the basic fishing guidelines, but be sure to FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE for more in-depth information on fishing in the Bahamas and the rest of the Caribbean. 

• A fishing license is required in the Bahamas, although you should have been issued one along with your cruising permit. 
• Various fishing nets and traps are off limits, and so are certain mesh sizes (see link above).
• Various marine parks prohibit fishing within their boundaries (see link above).
• All coral species, sharks, billfish, turtles, and sea fans are illegal to target or take.
• Closed seasons and size limits exist for various species (see link above).
• Spearfishing is legal in the Bahamas, but spearguns are prohibited – only Hawaiian Slings are approved for use. Additionally, you may not spearfish within 200 meters of any coastline throughout the country.

Now that you’re up to date with the laws, regulations, size limits, and seasonal fishing restrictions in the Bahamas, it’s time to dig deep and make some tough choices. Of course, certain fishing locations throughout the country are better for specific species than others, but you won’t run into many troubles regardless of where you are. Here are just a few fishing destinations that are sure to leave you stunned with excitement, and hopefully, deliver some of the best fishing of your life while sailing the Bahamas. 

Abaco Islands Fishing

Situated in the northeast Bahamas, the Abaco Islands are known for their outstanding fishing – specifically, marlin fishing. During peak season – historically running from April to July – marlin can be found just about anywhere around the islands. However, locals have their favorite stomping grounds, and the secret is getting out. Right off the lighthouse of Elbow Cay, marlin fishing has proven to be consistently productive, and the action isn’t slowing. Your best bet is to drop your lines when the depth reaches about 500 feet. Another local tip is to troll the area when the tides are receding and when the water is abundant with plankton – generally changing the water’s color to milky green. 

If you’re interested in a fishing tournament, look no further than the Abaco Islands. Every year, between April and July, the islands host big game fishing tournaments, and the turnout is never disappointing. In 2011, one fishing team pulled out a nearly 120-pound Bluefin Tuna – setting a world record for the species and further signifying the epic possibilities in the area. 

Bimini Fishing

Bimini is only 50-some miles from Miami, Florida, and it’s comprised of three main islands that sit in the middle of the ocean. The islands are a fisherman’s playground, allowing the opportunity to catch nearly any species found throughout the Bahamas. In fact, there have been over 50 record-setting catches in Bimini alone – making it a highly coveted destination for sport fishermen.

The locals in Bimini spend a lot of time tuna fishing, as do the visitors to the area. As with most other destinations throughout the Bahamas, the once-coveted Bluefin Tuna has seen a massive decline in numbers over the years. Yellowfin Tuna are now found in higher numbers than ever before, so they have landed the spot for the top species in the area. Tuna fishing can be unpredictable, but the locals have found tried-and-true methods for locating their masses. Follow the birds! Seabirds target baitfish that swim near the surface, and so do the tuna. The birds are the first to spot the baitfish, so trolling the waters before the tuna gets you a headstart on the action. 

Exumas Fishing

Deep-sea fishing, reef fishing, shore fishing, spearfishing, bonefishing, lobstering – you name it, the Exumas delivers. The nice thing about the Exumas is the location. Whether you’re basing your trip entirely around big game-fish or want to spread the love and make the rounds between your fishing techniques, the Exumas offers easy access to nearly any location throughout the Bahamas. 

Big game can be caught year-round in the Exumas, but some months produce a better catch than others. In January, for example, Wahoo tends to run in masses. You can catch some of the heftiest fish you’ve ever laid your eyes on in the Exumas. On the other hand, April and May see mahi-mahi in unheard-of numbers. You have the chance to land a world record at any moment during these months. 

* Always be aware of catch restrictions. All billfish are catch and release only in the Bahamas.

While you can be successful reef fishing just about anywhere in the Bahamas, visitors swear by the Exumas time after time for species like snapper and grouper. The reef fishing is second to none in any month, so no need to plan your trip around the fish. Reef fishing is the best angling for a family, especially those with younger children just starting in the sport. While deep-sea fishing is great fun, it’s often a bit too much effort for those who aren’t overly excited in the first place. Just be sure to reel in your catch quickly. Sharks are commonly drawn in for an easy meal from your hook. Sandy Cay is a popular reef fishing spot, but you’ll have luck over just about any reef. 

Spiny lobster fishing is another favorite for those in the Exumas, but you’ll need to be aware of the season and the catch laws associated with it. Generally speaking, the spiny lobster season runs from April 1 to July 31. Always check for changes and updates with the local authorities. Once you’re clear, you may only use snorkel gear and a Hawaiian Sling. No scuba gear or spearguns are permitted to harvest lobster. Grab a local guide or ask around for tips on hot locations, and happy eating!

Fishing in Nassau

Nassau is the capital of this giant archipelago nation, so it’s only reasonable to mention it as one of our top fishing destinations. As with the rest of the Bahamas, Nassau hosts a massive spread of fishing opportunities, including bonefishing on the flats, reef fishing for snapper, and bluewater fishing for big game-fish. 

Tuna fishing is one of the most sought-after species in Nassau, and the actions happen during the summer months between May and August. Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna are the most common species, with Bluefin Tuna falling to the wayside – as they are far less common to land. The Yellowfins caught here often weigh anywhere from 20 to 400 pounds, with the Blackfins commonly taken between 25 and 55 pounds. The fish here are no joke, so prepare yourself for a real workout if you land one on your hook. “The Pocket” is one of Nassau’s most popular fishing locations for Tuna, so gear up and head out to the deep blue.

The bonefishing is best at the south of the island. The most popular fishing hole here is called “The Southern Flats.” During low tide, shallow waters expose giant sand patches where Barracuda, Permit, and Tarpon hang their hats. Get ready to see what all the fuss is about, but bring your A-game. These fish can escape your hook in a matter of seconds if you’re not careful.

Scuba Diving While Sailing the Bahamas

Sailing the Bahamas offers countless experiences that are as shocking as they are awe-inspiring, and scuba diving holds its place at the top of the list. Diving in the Bahamas is arguably unrivaled by most other destinations, with a vast and expansive list of unique dive sites suitable for any experience level. Adrenaline-packed drift dives, massive and dramatic wall dropoffs, eerily beautiful blue holes, color-bursting reefs, and heart-pounding shark dives – you can have it all. From ripping through washing-machine-like currents to blowing bubble rings above calm coral reefs, the following dives are certain to leave you smiling from ear to ear.

Tiger Beach – Grand Bahama

Located about an hour’s boat ride from the west end of Grand Bahama sits Tiger Beach – a small and shallow sand flat home to numerous shark species – most notably, tiger sharks. Few places offer shark diving like the Bahamas, so recreational divers, scientists, and underwater photographers come from all over the globe for the experience. 

The sharks at Tiger Beach are residents, and you can have face-to-face encounters year-round. With that said, October to January is breeding season for tiger sharks, so a visit during these months pretty much guarantees close encounters. Conditions are relatively consistent throughout the year, with calm currents, warm water, and lots of sunshine. The dives are shallow, and you don’t do much active swimming, so expect bottom times of 45-120 minutes.  

While tiger sharks undoubtedly take center stage at Tiger Beach, the dive site is also home to lemon sharks, reef sharks, nurse sharks, bull sharks, and great hammerheads. You’ll see numerous shark species on most dives, and it is not uncommon to see up to 20-30 sharks at a time. There’s no better place than Tiger Beach to hone your underwater photography skills , so come prepared to capture the photos of a lifetime. 

To dive at Tiger Beach, you’ll need to arrange a trip with a certified dive shop and an experienced dive guide. Diving in such an area without the proper briefing, knowledge, and experience can easily lead to disaster, so be sure to choose a reputable shop or guide. Day trips to Tiger Beach are possible from land but are more commonly made by liveaboard dive trips.

Current Cut – Eleuthera 

Few things are more exciting than tearing through high-speed, multi-directional currents – and Current Cut is a dive site that delivers pure adrenaline for those with an itch to scratch. The dive site is a 60-foot deep, 100-yard wide crevice off the island of Eleuthera that hosts a wildly strong current that makes for some of the best drift diving in the world. 

With current speeds that can reach up to 10 knots, this dive is one of the fastest drifts on the planet. In just 10 short minutes, you’ll cover nearly ⅔ of a mile – only experienced divers should consider this dive. Those that make the plunge tumble their way over magnificent coral reefs covered in hearty, soft coral and sea fans – just a few of the organisms that benefit from the high flow of nutrients carried by the current. It’s common to see mako and blacktip sharks, schools of stingrays, and massive big game-fish like tuna and wahoo. Don’t bother bringing your camera on this dive, though – there’s just no chance of consistently catching quality shots. 

Vulcan Bomber and Tears of Allah – James Bond Wrecks – Nassau

For those with a love of Sean Connery, cinema, secret spies, or a shaken martini, diving the James Bond wrecks in New Providence is hard to pass up. Appearing in “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again,” the Vulcan Bomber and Tears of Allah shipwrecks are two of the most famous in the Bahamas. Due to the nutrient-rich waters, you’ll find that these artificial reefs are teeming with life – unlike many shipwrecks around the world. Turtles, rays, and sharks are all area residents – it’s a dive you shouldn’t miss if you’re around New Providence. 

Both wrecks are shallow and calm, so the sites are accessible to all levels of divers. It’s easy to explore both in a single dive, as they lie just 30 feet or so from one another along the seafloor. If you want to capture a bit of Bond’s legacy during your dive, be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to fit the wrecks in the frame. 

The Crater Blue Hole – Andros

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, and it’s home to several natural “blue holes” – large marine caverns or sinkholes that develop along coral reefs and limestone. “The Crater” is the most famous of the Andros blue holes, with a thriving ecosystem that delivers on numerous fronts. Blue holes are commonly suitable for more experienced divers, but the blue hole in Andros is accessible to all skill levers – just be sure to hire a guide for your dives. 

Generally, first-time divers to The Crater will just explore the outer edges in shallow water. The outer edge resembles a canyon, and the dropoff to the deep blue is quite dramatic. Only highly experienced divers should descend into the hole, and they should not do so without a local dive guide. Blue holes are notoriously dangerous, as the lack of ambient light can lead to confusion and vertigo – killing many who have dived beyond their limits. The Crater is home to sea turtles, rays, eels, various reef fish – ideal marine life and an underwater landscape that make for an experience you won’t soon forget. 

Golfing While Sailing the Bahamas

“If God played golf, he would only play in the Bahamas.” It’s a common expression for golf enthusiasts who get the chance to swing their clubs on these heaven-like links. Whether you’ve played the sport for weeks or decades, the Bahamas is a golfer’s paradise for any skill level. Many of these world-famous courses display painted blue backdrops of the Atlantic, making it nearly impossible to forget your time spent on these fairways. Take a break from sailing the Bahamas and hit the links during your time around the islands.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay – Great Abaco

It’s no easy task to choose a “favorite” golf course in the Bahamas. Still, many who are experienced around these island courses choose the Abaco Club – hands down. These Scottish-style links are nestled right on the sea, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic that are arguably unrivaled by other courses in the Bahamas. Your driving game will need to be clean and polished to be successful on this hard, fast course, and you’ll need to keep your cool when staring down some of the most intimidating tee shots around. Bunkers, dunes, and sloping greens make this course both challenging and rewarding for those with the patience and skill, so bring your A-game and get ready for a truly unique experience. 

Ocean Club Golf Course – Paradise Island, Nassau

The Ocean Club Golf Course of Paradise Island is an 18-hole, par-72 course that spans over 7000 yards along the island’s peninsula. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this championship course is tough on even the most experienced golfers, making it a coveted experience for those up for the challenge. The course offers rentals, practice facilities, a pro shop, and golf lessons with certified PGA instructors for novice golfers or those who want to brush up on specific skills. You can book tee times up to two months in advance, so make sure to reserve your space as soon as your trip is certain.

Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar – Nassau

The Royal Blue Golf Club is an 18 hole, par-72 course designed by Jack Nicklaus – considered one of the greatest golfers in the sport’s history. The front nine and the back nine vary drastically, with the front nine displaying an Atlantic backdrop and a back nine of jungle and limestone. The elevation changes throughout the course make it challenging to stay on par, so it’s the perfect place to test your driving and short-game precision. Don’t want to haul your clubs to the course? No problem. The world-class rental program offered at Baha Mar lets you rent the latest and greatest in the game, with equipment from Callaway, PXG, TaylorMade, and Titleist, to name a few. 

Tours While Sailing the Bahamas – Nassau

One of the best ways to explore new destinations is by taking local tours, and there are some truly unique and memorable experiences to have while sailing the Bahamas. You can hire a private guide, join a group tour, or arrange your own itinerary. We always prefer hiring a local guide – the knowledge and experience of locals, regardless of the destination, always wins over a standardized tour. Whether you’re looking to explore the history, culture, or cuisine of the Bahamas, there’s a tour to satisfy.

Graycliff Cigar Rolling Demonstration and Rum Tasting Tour – Nassau

In the Bahamas, there is no pairing more iconic than cigars and rum. Of all the companies offering rum tasting and cigar rolling tours in the Bahamas, none are as well known as the Graycliff Cigar Company – an extension of the historical Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant in Nassau. Graycliff cigar production began in 1997 with a single cigar roller and has now grown to a globally recognized boutique cigar company that employs 16 master rollers – each having perfected the art of Bahamian cigars.

The Graycliff company offers a two-hour cigar rolling demonstration and rum tasting tour for those interested in seeing how the cigars are produced. The tour gives you first-hand insight into just how artistic Bahamian cigar rolling is and how a truly perfect pairing of tobacco and rum can take you to a place of bliss. For a full-bodied taste of traditional Bahamas, look no further than this tour. 

Straw Market Tour – Nassau

When traveling to a destination for the first time, the best way to get a feel for the people, culture, and cuisine is to visit a local market. This holds especially true with the Bahamas. For a truly authentic Bahamian experience, join a locally guided tour to the Straw Market in Nassau. The market hosts local vendors who sell handmade crafts and souvenirs – most of which are woven from straw. Bags, hats, mats, dolls, conch jewelry, wood carvings – the list is long, and it’s continuously evolving. The vendors accept both US and Bahamian dollars, and the market operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. 

Bahamian Food Tour – Nassau

To truly discover a country and its culture, you need to dive deeply into the local cuisine. The culinary world of the Bahamas is made up of a myriad of tastes, textures, and colors – and the fresh local ingredients deliver bursts of joy with every meal. Seafood, of course, is a staple throughout the country – with conch taking center stage as the national dish of the Bahamas. Conch is cooked in endless ways, each as mouth-watering as the last. Conch fritters, cracked conch, conch salad, conch chowder – be sure to try as many conch dishes as possible. Food Tours in the Bahamas are plentiful, and Nassau is arguably the best place to indulge. 

Visiting National Parks While Sailing the Bahamas

The Bahamas is home to 14 national parks, two land-and-sea parks, and two marine parks – making the prospect of exploring some of the 20,000+ square miles of protected land a genuine possibility. Protected and endangered wildlife inhabits much of the land, and natural wonders are abundant – with one of the largest marine cave systems and the third-largest coral reef in the world. 

Inagua National Park – Great Inagua

Inagua National Park is located on the southernmost island of the Bahamas, boasting over 280 square miles of pristine island beauty. Due to its location, visiting the park is usually an uncrowded and blissful experience. The park is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian Flamingos – the national bird of the Bahamas. With the number of flamingos in the park reaching over 70,000, a visit to the park delivers an unreal experience that can be had in few other places across the globe. The park does have an active warden but lacks infrastructure and trail systems to assist visitors in exploring the park. The park requires visitors to hire an approved guide for a visit, most of which run for about three hours and cost around $40 per person. Reduced rates are available for groups of five or more. 

Exuma Cays Land-and-Sea Park – Great Exuma

Known as “The Crown” of the Bahamas – the Exumas consist of 360+ islands, displaying some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Every island offers a unique experience, and the Exuma Cays Land-and-Sea Park on Great Exuma is no exception. The park was created in 1958, and today, the park is made up of over 175 square miles of land and water. It was the first “no-take” reserve in the Caribbean. Fishing or harvesting marine life is illegal, creating some of the most pristine underwater environments you could ask for.

The park is easy to explore for those with a boat due to the numerous moorings available for visitors.  They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and many can even hold larger yachts. From snorkeling with nurse sharks to exploring the various naturally occurring ecosystems on land or underwater, the Exuma Cays Land-and-Sea Park is sure to tick a few boxes for any type of visitor. 

Pelican Cays National Park – Cherokee Sound, Abaco

As the second land-and-sea park created in the Bahamas, Pelican Cays is a marine-life hotspot in the already abundant and thriving Bahamas. The park’s unique and extensive reef systems are enhanced by the laws and regulations in the area, boosting marine life biomass and increasing biodiversity. As a result, people worldwide flock to the park to enjoy the snorkeling and diving opportunities on offer. Apart from the marine life excitement, the park is home to powdered white sand beaches that are as pristine as any other throughout the Bahamas, making the prospect of lounging in paradise all too real. The park is located about 9 miles southeast of Marsh Harbour, and moorings are available for visitors who are sailing the Bahamas. 

Festivals and Events While Sailing the Bahamas

The Bahamas has a vibrant history that has developed and evolved over many generations. With its roots stemming from African culture, the island nation has developed a unique and colorful style of expression to include its American and European influences. From the world-famous Junkanoo Festival to the Regattas attended by yachties worldwide, there is always something to bring out the authenticity and taste of the Caribbean that the Bahamas is so well known for. 

Junkanoo – Nassau 

Junkanoo is by far the most well-known cultural festival in all of the Bahamas. It is said that the celebration originated in the West Indies by slaves who demanded the right to celebrate amongst themselves. Although it began as a spontaneous event, it has now become one of the Caribbean’s most significant festivals celebrating the people and culture of the Bahamas. The biggest days for Junkanoo celebrations are on Boxing Day and New Years Day, although there are smaller celebrations during the spring and summer months. Be sure to ask about the smaller festivals anytime you are sailing the Bahamas. The largest of the celebrations occur in Nassau. If you’re headed to the area strictly for the festival, Nassau is your best bet. 

Participants in the festival spend months preparing costumes, instruments, and dances for the spectacle. Many compare Junkanoo to New Orleans during Mardis Gras, a colorful and vibrant event fueled by dance, music, cuisine, and culture. On Boxing Day, the main event takes place from 2 AM to 10 AM, so you’ll need to have your party shoes on to stay lively through the night.

National Family Island Regatta – Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma

Every year, for a period of four days, the top sailors from all over the Bahamas come to Elizabeth Harbour on Exuma for the National Family Island Regatta. During the event, sailors race their locally built sloop rigs for “Best in the Bahamas.” While the sailing competition is the main draw for the event, visitors who don’t participate in the race can enjoy many things both on and offshore. Parties, weight-lifting competitions, sand volleyball, and much more give those without the racing itch yet another reason to visit the world-renowned Exuma Islands. The event generally occurs in the last week of April, but the dates are subject to change by the year. Be sure to check in with the official NFIR website for updates on the dates and the event itself. 

All Andros Crab Fest – Fresh Creek, Andros 

Andros Island, otherwise known as “the land of crabs,” hosts a festival every year in the second week of June called All Andros Crab Fest. The purpose of the festival is to amp up the local economy by bringing in both domestic and international tourists – teaching them the crab-catching ways of the Andros people. With thousands of visitors to the event every year, the culinary experience of the festival is truly unique, serving up local dishes such as crab rice, crab soup, crab and dough, and just about any other crab dish made famous in the Caribbean. A friendly note to attendees of the festival – all pets must stay on leashes at all times. Loud, unexpected noises can startle animals and make the event unenjoyable, so consider leaving them at home or on the boat for the event.

If you’re looking to add a bit of history and culture to your trip to the Bahamas, you should have no trouble satisfying the urge. The Bahamas is home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks. Places like Nassau have weeks worth of locations to keep you busy. From time-honored colonial buildings to various parks and historical museums, these islands will keep you wide-eyed and wondering for years to come after your visit. 

Fort Fincastle and The Queens Staircase – Nassau

This pairing is one of our favorites. The Queens Staircase is one of Nassau’s crown jewels when it comes to history, and it’s located inside the Fort Fincastle complex on top of Bennet’s Hill in Nassau. The fort was initially built in 1793 by a man named Lord Dunmore, and the staircase was created as an access point from the city. 600-some slaves constructed the hand-carved limestone staircase and, which took more than 16 years to complete. The staircase is named after Queen Victoria.

Fort Fincastle was also constructed with limestone, and its structure resembles a colonial riverboat. Sitting at the top of the hill, it overlooks Nassau and the rest of Paradise Island – the chosen location to guard Nassau and the harbor. The fort is relatively small, and you can stroll through the complex in under thirty minutes. The view from the top is quite spectacular, so come prepared with a camera in hand. 

Hamilton’s Cave – Long Island

Located on Long Island, Hamilton’s Cave is among the most extensive cave systems of the Bahamas. Not a fan of confined spaces? No worries! The passages in Hamilton’s Cave are at least 50 feet wide and 10 feet tall, making it a no-stress situation for even the most claustrophobic of us. Lucayan artifacts have been discovered since 1935, and you can still see the original hieroglyphics on the cave walls. The cave’s entrance is located just a few hundred feet off of Queen’s Highway. While the cave is relatively safe to explore, you may not explore the cave without a guide. The chances of getting lost are pretty high if you are unfamiliar with the cave system. Please be advised that while the passages are large, the area is unsuitable for those with physical disabilities or wheelchairs. 

* Support the local communities by hiring a guide for excursions while sailing the Bahamas.

Is Sailing the Bahamas Safe?

Generally speaking, sailing the Bahamas is as safe as any other destination. As with anywhere, though, it’s essential to exercise caution to prevent theft, robbery, and assault during your visit. If you ask around, the common response to crime inquiries will follow with something about Nassau. That being said, with the right state of mind and some common sense, you should be able to avoid any real problems. 

The following advice and travel warnings have been issued by the US Department of State – they are subject to change, so double-check for updates before you leave for sailing the Bahamas. 

• Visit the US Embassy’s website for up-to-date safety information before your arrival.
• Do not answer the door at your hotel/residence if you do not know who it is. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review the Bahamas crime and safety reports before your arrival.
• Review the US Travelers Checklist before your departure.

Outside of personal safety, you should be mindful of petty theft while sailing the Bahamas. Things like dinghy outboard motors, tools and personal belongings are all easy targets – as with anywhere in the world. Mainly, these thefts occur at night when the boat owners and crew are sleeping and can be avoided by simply not leaving things accessible to would-be thieves. 

If you can, remove your outboard from the dinghy and place it into storage while not in use. If you do encounter a theft in progress, don’t physically confront the burglars. Instead, turn on as many lights as possible, make loud noises, and immediately call for help from local law enforcement. 

When leaving your vessel for the day or going to town for an evening, be sure to lock all entry points to your boat. Don’t loudly speak of your plans in public areas, and if possible, stay in an anchorage or marina with other boats nearby. The sailing community is close-knit, and other boat owners are happy to keep an eye on your boat while you’re away.

Costs of Sailing the Bahamas

As with any destination, the costs of cruising the Bahamas will depend entirely on your cruising style and the experiences you aim to have. After considering all costs, from repairs and maintenance to excursions and eating out, the costs for cruising the Bahamas can vary wildly. The good news is, most sailors are in the same metaphorical boat – trying to stretch their finances as far as they can while still living out their dreams. 

How Much Will Sailing the Bahamas Cost?

We’ve broken down the expenses and estimated monthly costs for four different sailing categories below. Keep in mind that these are all estimates, and while many people have documented falling in these price ranges based on their cruising style, not everyone will be able to manage their expenses the same. The qualities listed can be mix and matched to suit your lifestyle, and you can trade certain luxuries and costs for others when it works for you. 

Shoestring Budget Sailing – The Bahamas ($700-$1000/Month)

While not many choose to live the extreme budget cruising lifestyle, it is still possible with the right amount of planning and preparation. The following is typical for shoestring budget sailing in the Bahamas:

• 25-35’ sailboat – it’s uncommon to see many cruisers on a boat under 30’.
• Able to successfully fish for a significant amount of meals.
• No marina stays – only anchorages and moorings.
• Basic meals will suffice – beans and rice will be a staple.
• No car rentals.
• No hotels on land.
• Self-entertained – little to no paid excursions.
• Slow travel – minimal fuel costs.
• Independent boat maintenance and repairs.

Budget Sailing – The Bahamas ($1000-$1500/Month)

Budget sailing is more common than shoestring sailing, and many people who are eager to jump into the cruising lifestyle start on a budget similar to this. The following is typical for budget sailing the Bahamas:

• 35-45’ sailboat – smaller boats are easier to maintain and require less fuel.
• Able to successfully fish for meals several times per week.
• Limited marina stays – sleeping at anchorages and moorings on most nights.
• Strike a balance between high-end and basic meals – primarily cooking on the boat.
• Limited car rentals – reserved for special occasions and emergencies only.
• Limited hotels and excursions – special occasions only.
• Semi-slow travel – conscious of fuel costs.
• Mostly independent maintenance and repairs.

Comfort Sailing – The Bahamas ($1500-$2500/Month)

While not everyone can afford this cruising lifestyle, it is possible to live this way – especially when comparing the costs of living at home or elsewhere abroad. The following is typical for comfort sailing in the Bahamas:

• 45-55’ sailboat – larger boats provide more functionality and more leisurely travel. 
• Able to successfully fish for meals on occasion – two to three times per week.
• More room for high-end dining – You should cook about 50% of your meals on the boat.
• Only staying at marinas when needed for electricity, repairs, and provisions.
• Occasional car rentals when necessary for travel or special occasions.
• Hotels and excursions when desired during travels or special occasions.
• Travel at a faster pace – still using the sails when possible.
• Some independent maintenance and repairs – outsourced when necessary.

Luxury Sailing – The Bahamas ($2500+)

Luxury sailing brings a new level of comfort and class to the cruising lifestyle. It is common for those living within this budget to be retired, earn passive income, or work from the boat. The following is typical for luxury sailing in the Bahamas:

• 55’+ sailboat – ranging all the way up to superyachts.
• Successfully fishing for meals serves more as a hobby or sport rather than a requirement. 
• Catered, high-end meals on the boat or on land are an option. 
• Paid long-term marina slips are an option – prices vary drastically.
• Explore and travel by car as you wish. 
• Stay at hotels or homestays as you wish. 
• Speed of travel is not of concern.
• Able to outsource nearly all maintenance and repairs.

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Reader Interactions

July 22, 2021 at 5:42 am

This blog is very informative specially for those sailors who are cruising for the first time to Bahamas. Like you have mentioned that you have to be careful when you are crossing the Gulf Stream, are any other dangerous spots which sailors have to watch out while cruising Bahama islands.

July 22, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hello Vivek. Thanks for reading our page! We hope that this guide can serve as an all-in-one resource for anyone planning to sail the Bahamas. We value our readers’ needs, and we will be sure to update our content as information changes and new details emerge.

To answer your question, there are no particular areas in the Bahamas that pose much of a threat outside of the Gulf Stream. However, we advise anyone sailing in the area to study up on their chosen destinations to ensure there are no unexpected obstacles. We also advise our readers to be mindful of ocean and weather conditions. The best way to do this is by keeping your weather alert systems up-to-date and in working order, and proactively checking the conditions.

One of the best ways to navigate unknown territories is with the use of nautical charts. These charts graph the ocean and its adjacent coastal regions, making it easier to judge natural features and tides.

We hope this helps!

Cheers from all of us here at #BoatLife

December 12, 2021 at 5:45 am

Travis, This is one of the most helpful articles I’ve read about sailing in The Bahamas. It’s expansive – from departure to clearing in, with a great balance of breadth and depth on preparation, routes and destinations. I’m planning to get underway along the east coast in June 2022 with destination of The Bahams in December. Your advice and information has been very insightful and helpful to me for planning. Thanks a lot! Kieran

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What Is The Best Boat For Cruising To The Bahamas?

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Jun 06, 2023

There is nothing quite like crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida and catching the first glimpse of that striking iridescent turquoise water of the Bahamas. With the Resorts World in Bimini so popular and Walker's Cay Marina re-opened, heading to the islands by boat is not the worst idea in the world. In fact, the Bahamian government recently reported that tourists arriving in 2022 were up by 233% over the same period in 2021! There's no question that social media has played a big role in educating the world in the beauty of places like Rose Island that can only be reached by boat.

Whether you cruise south in the fall to spend the winter in the Bahamas or you're heading over from South Florida, selecting the right yacht for sale can make a world of difference. Opinions differ, but generally a boat for the Bahamas will perform the best if it draws 5-feet of water or less, which can limit some larger yachts and sailboats. If you're trying to determine what boat to buy for the islands, it's best to look at what actual boats are for sale on the market.

So what is the best boat for cruising the Bahamas? According to the type of boats listed for sale in the Bahamas, 43% are either catamarans or center-console boats. Each of these different types offer a shallow draft for safe navigation between islands and are easy to maneuver, making them the best boats for Bahamas cruising. With an average price of $535,382 there are plenty of options at both ends of the market depending on your budget. Not far behind, luxury yachts are the next most popular boat, but have an average asking price of over $7 million.

(Below: Youtube Channel 'Life By The Bow' offers tips on crossing from Florida to the Bahamas.)

While purchasing a boat in the Bahamas and taking possession of it there is an option, finding the right yacht for sale in Florida may make more sense. You can have it surveyed much more easily, complete any repairs with a certified technician, and the closing process will be smoother. That being said, the United Yacht Sales team has experts on staff to assist you every step of the way from the beginning of your search, to closing and taking delivery of your boat. If buying a boat and setting sail to the islands is part of your dream, let us help. Call our main office today at 1-772-463-3131 and we'll connect you with a professional, experienced yacht broker that knows the ins and outs of cruising the Bahamas.

Below are several options, in order by length, of boats we recommend for taking to the Bahamas to cruise, fish, snorkel, and explore the many uninhabited islands.

"PLOTO" - 1999 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 56 SAILING CATAMARAN

With a draft of 4' 5", this Fountaine Pajot 56 is quite capable of cruising the Bahamas and will offer exceptional fuel efficiency. Accommodating up to 6 guests in 3 cabins, along with a beam over 26-feet, PLOTO has the space on board for multi-night vacations. This particular sailing catamaran is configured for single-handed sailing thanks to a self-furling main and self-tracking jib. PLOTO also has all of the comforts many cruisers desire including air-conditioning, water-maker, ice machine, sound system, and more.

Asking Price: $499,000

Location: Key West, Florida

Search More: Fountain Pajot Boats

"BLESSED" - 2021 AQUILA 54 POWER CATAMARAN

If you enjoy the advantages of cruising on a catamaran, but prefer your power source to be from diesel and not wind, look no further than a power catamaran . " BLESSED " is a 2021 Aquila 54 that is equipped for private ownership, but could easily be placed into a successful yacht charter program. This boat was the winner of the Multi-Hull Of The Year award in 2022 and has an island-friendly draft of 4' 6". You can cruise comfortably at 18-20 knots or put it in fuel-efficient mode which gives you a 957 nautical mile range at 7.8 knots.

Asking Price: $2,650,000

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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"JERSEY LILY" - 2013 BENETEAU 52 SWIFT TRAWLER

For those of you who desire a long-distance cruising boat that can be your home on the water for weeks at a time, this Beneteau 52 Swift Trawler checks a lot of important boxes. The draft on the Swift Trawler is less than 4 feet and the twin Volvo D9 575HP engines offer quiet, efficient performance. Even better, JERSEY LILY was re-fit in 2019 with updated upholstery, refrigeration, head systems, freshwater systems, and new electronics. 

Asking Price: $895,000

Location: Stuart, Florida

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"HOT MIX" - 2012 CABO 44 HTX

If you're coming to the Bahamas to fish, which many of the visitors do, it's hard to beat the versatility of the Cabo 44 HTX. With a draft of 3' 7" and loaded with fishing features galore, HOT MIX is the sportfish you need to see. Notable features on this Cabo include Raymarine electronics, Triple Stidd helm seats, Zipwake Trim Tab Control, built-in livewell, and much more. The popular 2-cabin layout means you can bring your closest friends along for the ride.

Asking Price: $899,000

Location: Key Largo, Florida

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"REELIN N DEALIN" - 2021 HCB 42 LUJO

If you've ever been to Bimini on the weekend and strolled down to the marina, there's a good chance you'll see a handful of HCB Yachts tied up. REELIN N DEALIN is an excellent example of a 42 LUJO powered with triple Yamaha 425 XTO's and has a draft less than 3 feet. Capable of easily handing the normal 2-3 foot swells you encounter when crossing over, this is a great Bahamas boat to island hop and hunt big game.

Asking Price: $784,900

Location: Miami, Florida

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"KNOT APPROPRIATE" - 2017 LEOPARD 40

With as popular as catamarans are in the islands, it made sense to include KNOT APPROPRIATE in our list of best boats for the Bahamas. A feature of the boat new to the catamaran industry is the doorway from the main salon to the foredeck. This allowed you to go from the stern to the foredeck without having to go around the sides of the boat. At first other manufacturers said it was a mistake but now every manufacturer is doing it. So put Roberson and Caine down for innovation and design along with sailing performance. 

Asking Price: $435,000

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

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"DIRTY NEST" - 2012 CONTENDER 39 ST

It's hard to beat a Contender center-console cruising in the Bahamas. DIRTY NEST is a newly listed 2012 Contender 39ST with brand new Mercury 400's. If you don't want it to take forever to sail your cat to the Exumas, a fast center-console might be right up your alley. Imagine cruising into the uninhabited islands from the vantage point of the Gap Tower, seeing the shadows of Tarpon cruising the flats. This boat has 4 live wells and new Garmin electronics for the serious anglers that want to fish the Bahamas.

Asking Price: $410,000

Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Search More: Contender Boats

All of the featured boats above can be easily delivered to you on the east coast of Florida where you can provision, fuel, and set sail for your Bahamas adventure. Remember, the key things you need in the perfect Bahamas boat are a shallow draft, good visibility, good storage, and air-conditioning certainly helps. But whether you choose power or sail, fast or fuel efficient, cruising-oriented or hardcore fishing, it's entirely up to your boating plans. The United Yacht Sales team is here to assist you in your search for the perfect boat to go to the Bahamas. If you already own a boat and want to see what it's worth in today's market, please use our What's My Boat Worth form and our team will get back to you with a market evaluation.

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A Guide to Sailing in the Bahamas

And the best beaches in the world award goes to… If there’s one reason folks flock to the Bahamas it might just be that. Particularly as only 30 of its 700 islands are inhabited. Indeed, you won’t struggle to find a paradise anchorage with no one else in view. The tricky bit is knowing where to sail next. Turtle-loving divers might ask their charter captains where the vast protected marine parks are. Socialites, meanwhile, will thirst for the nightlife of bohemian resort towns like Alice Town on North Bimini. Something for everyone? Well, there’s no skiing…

“Planning a trip to the Bahamas? Join us on a sailing adventure in the Bahamas .”

What to see and do

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is one of those places only sailors ever experience. Protected since 1958, it spans 112,640 acres (45,584ha) of land and sea, with seven safe and secluded mooring areas. From there, explore sugary beaches and healthy coral teeming with green turtles rays and reef fish. Or perhaps head onto Stroud or Halls Pond Cay. Here, you’ll spot royal terns, green herons, white-tail tropicbirds and other rare and beautiful birds.

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Get to Harbour Island, aka Briland, for its charismatic collage of pink-sand beaches, inviting pastel cottages and fun beach bars.

Best mooring locations

Nassau Yacht Haven Marina is in the centre of the historic Bahamian capital. Berthing 135 boats up to 60m long and drawing over 5m (16ft), it meets the needs of two-man catamarans and superyachts alike. Monitoring VHF channel 16, it offers shops and services from a chandlery to boat refurbishment, groceries, electronics, bars and restaurants.

You’ll find tranquility in Mangrove Cay on Andros – a calm anchorage leading to a Caribbean pine forest, blue holes’(mesmeric underwater caverns), mangroves and miles of pure, pink sand.

The blissful anchorage at New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay in The Abacos lets you find the perfect place to swim with these charismatic shellbacks.

Where to eat and drink

Lobster, grouper and tuna. They’re always fresh, usually grilled and served with green salad plus rice and peas. You’ll find souse just about everywhere – a soupy stew of chicken, sheep’s head or other meats. Conch is king: these giant sea snails are best chopped into a salad with habanero chillies, lime, onion and other fresh ingredients.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to eat and party with the locals at Nassau’s Fish Fry, a row of bars and restaurants serving rum punch and conch salad Friday to Saturday nights.

Best charter options

With the best of the Bahamas largely inaccessible to those without their own hull, you’ll get so much more from a bareboat or captained yacht. Create your own itinerary and plunge into extra activities such as kayaking, diving and fishing. Alternatively, book a skippered or fully crewed boat to explore the Exumas and Abaco in style, a great option for novices.

Where to get groceries

Your mooring at Nassau Yacht Haven is so central that stocking up couldn’t be simpler. Step off the marina itself to nab yourself a better deal on essentials. Solomon’s Fresh Market and Super Value Food Store are just two of several seven-day supermarkets within 10 minutes’ walk.

Key annual sailing events

The National Family Island Regatta has been a Bahamian sailing fixture since 1954. Conceived to keep native boat-building and sailing traditions alive, it’s now a lively annual festival. Held in Elizabeth Harbour off Great Exuma in the last week of April, it attracts hundreds of locally made boats.

Climate and weather

The trade winds blow over the Bahamas throughout the year, filling sails and cooling brows. From December to February, you’ll find daily averages at their lowest, between 21C and 24C, while 27C to 29C is common in the months between March and November. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, though most storms running up the North Atlantic’s Hurricane Alley miss the islands.

How to get there

Lynden Pindling International Airport near the capital Nassau (on New Providence Island) is the natural entry point to the Bahamas. Or you may want to fly domestically to your chosen port with Sky Bahamas or Bahama Go.

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See & Do

Which islands should i visit while sailing around the exumas.

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Food & Drink

Bahamas rum cake and other must-try snacks.

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The best oceanside bars in the exumas.

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Resolving Common Steering Problems

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

In Search of the Snag-free Clew

The Cruising Sailor’s Argument for High-tech Fibers

Breaking Point: What Can Go Wrong With Your Yanmar?

Rudder Mods for Low-speed Docking

Using Heat to Bend PVC Pipe

Mildew-resistant Caulks for Boats

Can We Trust Plastic Boat Parts?

Repairing Molded Plastics

Mailport: Marine plywood, fuel additives, through bolt options, winch handle holders

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Rhumb Lines: Livin’ the Wharf Rat Life

Resurrecting Slippery Boat Shoes

Shoe Goo’s Gift to Sailors

PS Advisor: Tank Monitor and Camera Mount Hacks

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Clear Plastic

Preventing Mildew in Marine Fabrics

• Sailboat Reviews

A trailerable pocket cruiser introduced in 1984 by Hake Yachts, this pricy plumb-bowed sloop is made for exploring the shallows. It's laid out for a cruising couple or young family.

Nick Hake graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1974, then pulled up stakes and left the cold Great Lakes winters for sunny Miami, where he became head chef at Horatio’s restaurant in the tower of the Coconut Grove Hotel. While working nights in that occupation, he began building boats for profit, starting with molds and dinghies. Of those times, he says “It’s what I wanted to do. I love boats and always wanted to be self-employed.”

Within the year, he was ready to take the plunge into full-time boatbuilding, so he hung out his shingle and set up shop. In the ensuing eight years he built 2,000 dinghies before introducing a 17-foot sloop he called the Slipper. Eventually stretched to 18 feet, the boat was renamed The Fox, to distinguish it from a competitor’s daysailer called The Hen.

Five years later Hake introduced a 22-footer, and named his company Seaward. He eventually stretched the 22 into a 23, which he still builds; then, exhibiting a case of one-foot-itis, made a 24-footer. That one he stretched to 25 feet—and that boat is the subject of our story. It’s built in the Stuart, Florida warehouse that Hake established in 1984. along with its 18, 23-, and 32-foot siblings.

All of Hake’s boats are shallow-draft designs for trailer sailors. He’s in the process of building tooling for the prototype of a 45-footer for his personal use that will be put into production after testing in the Caribbean. It, too, is designed with a shallow draft for gunkholers.

Since its formation, the company has produced 2,000 dinghies, 1,000 Foxes, 300 23-footers, 591 25-footers, and 41 of its relatively new 32- footer.

In 1993 Hake was approached by a group of Philadelphia lawyers who owned a conglomeration of other businesses, and he sold them the company. However, after two years, the economics of the boatbuilding business wore thin with the investors. When they offered to sell the company back to Hake for pennies on the dollar, he again assumed ownership. “I learned how much I missed the business,” he says. “Now I have the luxury of managing it as a non-starver, compared to some other builders.”

Design Of his designs Hake says, “I have no interest in racing, but I do want to go fast. I want to design and build boats that will go as fast as possible, within the context of boats that are gunkholers.”

He categorizes the Seaward 25 as a “pocket cruiser for adult audiences. I designed a boat that is the target boat I would build for myself for cruising in Florida’s waters and in the open sea down to the islands. I built it for the stuff I do.”

The hull is designed with a nearly plumb bow and stern to maximize waterline, and performance. The company’s brochures are misleading here: The LWL is published as 23′, but is 23’8″; the LOA is 26’9″. However, the length on deck at the headstay is nearly identical to the LWL, the difference accounted for by the anchor platform.

Hake describes the hull shape as having a “spherical tumblehome,” with soft chines and bilges, as compared to flatter sections on other boats. Considering her displacement of 3,600 pounds, of which 1,200 pounds is ballast, and 280 square feet of sail, the design produces a tender performer.

He says she performs best when heeled 10 degrees, and that sail should be shortened when the wind pipes up to 15-17 knots. Sailing a test boat in 8 knots of breeze with a full main and 135% genoa, we were within Hake’s recommended heel angle and the helm was balanced.

Of the relatively high topsides and bow, he says “they’re designed that way because I don’t want water coming over the bow. I don’t like to be wet.”

Underwater appendages are a shallow, 2′ 1″ deep, 8-foot long fixed keel, and a fairly small, low-aspect transom-hung rudder. In a modification from early models, Hake added a 26″ wing to the aft part of the keel in 1989. The wing helps increase the keel’s profile when heeled, and, according to Hake, improves upwind perfomance.

The Seaward 25 has been on the market since 1984 in various models, and is continually evaluated with an eye to improving performance or livability. It was last redesigned in 1995.

Appearance Curbside, this boat’s appearance and hints of her personality seem to change with one’s point of view. Viewed from the forward quarter, her most striking characteristics are a plumb bow, a high, sloping sheer line, and beam carried well aft, with a bit of tumblehome near the cockpit.

In profile, she looks workmanlike. A moderate sailplan on a single- spreader 7/8 rig balances a cabintop extending far enough forward of the mast to carry headroom into the forward cabin without appearing top-heavy.

Her profile is accented by the anchor platform, four shiny stainless steel ports, and bow and stern pulpits. Call her gracefully workmanlike, or purposefully fair, depending on your point of view.

Deck Layout Since she was conceived by Hake as a “sailboat for mature audiences,” the rig, layout of deck gear, and cockpit size are straightforward and uncomplicated. Though wheel steering is an option, and space is available for installation of cockpit speakers, she’s a far cry from a dockside entertainment center. The wheel diameter is 24″, which allows easy movement for helmsman and access to the stern gate. However, after our test sail we concluded that we’d prefer steering with either a tiller or a larger wheel, so steering from the rail doesn’t wear out the triceps.

With 46″ of clearance between the wheel pedestal and companionway, and 25″ wide cockpit sole, she’ll seat four on seats and two in aft corners. Seats are 15″ wide and backrests 11″ high, adequate for most adults. Moving around in the cockpit while underway will be a greater challenge if she’s equipped with a tiller.

With the mainsheet located mid-boom, the trimmer operates at the companionway. Primary winches are close at hand, so the helmsman can steer without interfering with crew; conversely, the controls are close enough to allow relatively easy singlehanded sailing.

Halyards are led aft through stainless turning blocks to Ronstan rope clutches and an Anderson #10 winch. Replacement of primary winches with Anderson #16 self-tailers is a $650 option.

The starboard lazarette is 28″ deep, 34″ inches wide, and more than 6 feet long—adequate for storage of an inflatable dinghy or spare sails. Space for a 6-gallon fuel tank is located under the aft starboard seat. Whether equipped with a one-lung diesel or outboard, this is a good idea that other builders of boats this size would do well to emulate. The tank is easily accessible, portable, saves space belowdecks, and reduces production costs.

There’s no locker to port since the space below is occupied by a quarterberth. The seat lid raises to provide access or ventiliation to the berth.

A recent change from wood to Delrin runners for companionway hatchboards means the hatch has decreased friction, maintenance needs, and cost, and greater weather resistance.

The deck is surrounded by 22″ pulpits and a 20″ tall lifeline. Movement underway was unimpeded, except by a dodger that narrowed the space between the cockpit and toerail. Shrouds dead-ended at the top of the cabintop and stainless steel handrails on the cabintop all provide excellent handholds. The nonskid has a very aggressive pattern that provides grip on a wet deck and adds to her appearance.

At the bow, a stainless steel strike rail forward of the hawsepipe protects the deck from being damaged by ground tackle. The anchor well, a compartment isolated from the forward cabin, holds 20-30 feet of chain and 150 feet of line. It drains overboard. A single 10″ stainless cleat, larger than those found on most similar-sized boats, is on the foredeck. A Bowmar bow hatch is 17″ square.

As on many boats with deck-stepped masts, electrical connections may create problems. The wiring connections at the butt of the mast can be damaged or kicked loose, but maybe that goes with the territory.

The backstay is attached to the stern pulpit, and this concerned us: It was hard to see how to get good headstay tension, and with mid-boom sheeting we thought there might even be mast stability worries. Hake says the mast is so stiff that bending it is not worth trying. As for strength, he provided photos of a boat suspended from a crane with lines attached to bow and stern pulpits.

Belowdecks Hake espouses two principles that affect his approach to designing spaces belowdecks. The first places function ahead of form: “We use every inch of space we can, and design so everything can be removed and the interior hosed out for cleaning.” That’s a worthy objective, certainly more easily accomplished on a 25-footer than a larger cruiser. Solid doors, however, are installed for privacy in the forward stateroom and head.

Second: “We use no carpeting, cloth, or Formica, because they tend to absorb moisture and odors, peel, chip and tear, and are hard to clean.” The company will, however, install wood battens on the hull in the cabin for owners wishing for a warmer feel.

Arrangement of spaces belowdecks is straightforward. The galley runs fore and aft to port, opposite the head; a short settee to port sits opposite a 6- footer to starboard that converts to a berth. Other sleeping accommodations are in the bow and a quarterberth in the port quarter.

The dining table is mounted on the bulkhead and secured with an eye and hook, but has no legs. It is deployed by being unlatched to a horizontal position and moved horizontally on a stainless steel bar until situated amidships. At that point, two adults on both sides of the table can dine. It’s a good arrangement, except that when not in use, the wire securing the table to the bulkhead forms a loop that could catch an unsuspecting passenger. Add Velcro and the problem is solved.

Headroom in the cabin is 5′ 6″, but slightly higher in the galley when the hatch is open.

Operating space on the galley counter is 19″ x 15″ inches, and the space in which the stove is mounted 25″ x 42″—adequate for the preparation of typical sailing meals. The galley may be equipped with a one- or two-burner Origo alcohol stove. The ice box is big enough to hold two large ice blocks.

While there are bunks for four, real privacy will be hard to find, as on any boat this size. It’s best for a couple, or a couple with one or two small fry.

The forward cabin has a 7′ V-berth that is 57″ wide at the head. Clearance between the top of the cushion and the deck is 39″, so there’s room to dress while seated on the cushion without banging the deck. A vanity to starboard is 30″ x 16″; storage is in a hanging locker to port and shelves lining the hull. Fresh air comes from three vents.

Like most quarterberths, this one is designed to double as a storage area. The berth is 80″ long and 32″ wide, outfitted with a thin pad. When not in use, the pad can be rolled up and stored in straps attached to the hull. However, a crewmember intending to sleep frequently in the space will benefit from a thicker pad.

Interestingly, the designer’s intent is for two crew to sleep athwartships when the port and starboard settees are united across the center of the saloon to create a double berth.

The head is a small, enclosed space with a sit-down shower, Jabsco toilet, and one opening port. There’s no sink, and pressurized hot water is an option.

If installed, a diesel is located below the companionway steps, with 270-degree accessibility from the cabin. Access aft is from the starboard cockpit cocker, or by removing a panel in the quarterberth.

Common complaints about the boat are the lack of engine and ice box insulation.

“Those are legitimate,” Hake says. “We had to sacrifice somewhere, so the thickness of insulation in the ice box is between 1-3/4″ and 2-1/2″. But it’s been improved in the last year. We can always add insulation to the engine box, but that adds a lot of weight.”

Construction Hake estimates that 500 man-hours are spent in the construction of each Seaward 25. Based on our inspection of four boats, three used, it appears that his crew is doing good work.

The lamination schedule for all Seaward models is substantially the same: following the application of a gelcoat, vinylester resins are employed in the skin coat. The next step is the layup of 1.5-ounce chop-strand mat applied with a chopper gun. “I know some people don’t like that,” says Hake, “but it’s an effective way of assuring that there’s resin on both sides of the strands.”

The balance of the layup includes a layer of 2 mm Coremat, which helps prevent print-through from the main laminate, followed by 1.5-oz.mat, 34-oz. triaxial cloth to add density and strength, and 1708 biaxial or 34-oz. triaxial mat. There’s no wood or structural coring in the layup of a hull.

In the deck, PVC foam and Coremat are provide structure and sound deadening, and the headliner is a solid fiberglass structural member vacuum-bonded to the deck.

Deck hardware is tapped into 1/8″ aluminum plates bedded in the fiberglass lamination, which has been tested to 14,000 psi, Hake says. “The aluminum has been tested to withstand 20,000 psi.”

The hull-deck joint is bonded with a slurry of polyester putty impregnated with talc and fibers, and fastened with stainless steel bolts on 6″ centers. The keel is constructed of a hollow fiberglass structural mold into which a slurry of resin and lead are added. It is attached to the hull with 5/8″ threaded rods embedded into the ballast and bolted, glued, and glassed to the hull.

The company fabricates most of its stainless steel parts, including shiny, precisely fabricated stainless steel ports, and four-bolt cleats.

With such a long production run, there are some differences in construction details and quality between model years. Prospective buyers should consult online discussion groups for specifics, for example the Seaward Yachts Forum linked through www.trailersailor.com .

Performance With assistance from Karen Trusty of The Sailing Life in Portland, Oregon, we sailed a two-year-old Seaward 25 on the Columbia River. At 6′ tall and weighing 165 pounds, the owner of the boat claims that he can rig and launch the boat by himself in only 1-1/2 hours.

Once underway we learned that she turns in a boatlength, despite the length of her keel, and backs in a straight line once the helmsman compensates for prop walk.

We sailed in 8-10 knots of wind, flying a 135-percent genoa, the maximum recommended by the designer, and full mainsail. The helm was responsive, and the boat quickly accelerated with the occasional puff of breeze.

In a steady breeze we sailed at 4-5 knots on a reach. Hardening up and pushing to within 45 degrees of the wind, speed dropped by about a knot. We couldn’t record precise speeds because of a dirty speedo impeller. In fact, it was hard to get an accurate feel for her performance altogether, because the river current flows into the prevailing winds. However, sailing cross-current on a beam reach, she showed good speed, helm balance, and tracking. We’d like to take a longer sail to weather in open water.

She did provide a comfortable ride, especially when compared to water- ballasted trailerables, and was easy to sail with little muscular effort.

Power Optional powerplants are an outboard or 9- or 20-horsepower Yanmar diesels. Most boats are equipped with the1GM10, but owners in areas with stronger current and bigger seas voice the opinion that the larger engine is a better choice.

Price Characterized by Hake as a “Volvo,” there’s no arguing that the boat is priced in the upper stratosphere, compared to similar-sized trailerables.

Base price for the Seaward 25 is $34,000, FOB the factory. Add a wheel ($1,900), mast crutch ($210), 25 gallon portable head ($375), one-burner Origo stove ($250), Yanmar 1GM10 ($7,100), galvanized double-axle trailer ($3,600), instruments, and other accessories, and the price escalates by 25-40 percent.

Of the price, Hake says, “First, stand back and look at the boat. It’s very nice to have people stop you wherever you go and say ‘nice-looking boat.’ We pay more for one of our ports than the production builders pay for all of theirs, and ours are worth it.  Same for our 4-bolt  cleats, stanchion bases, winches, blocks. Our glasswork is several steps better. We recently made our trailer people use 2″ bearings, 6-ply steel-belted tires, and the best brakes you can put on a trailer.”

Conclusion We examined four of the boats, one new and three used. We found the workmanship to be consistent. Gelcoat surfaces were smooth and free of printthrough. We saw no evidence of crazing. Except for normal wear and tear, a well-maintained boat appears to stand up well to normal use. Construction is certainly solid, and the hardware first-rate. We still aren’t sure about the backstay connection, but do acknowledge the picture of the boat being suspended by the pulpits.

The basic hull design and rig are well-suitedfor coastal sailing, real gunkholing, and fairly easy trailering. The cockpit, deck, and running rigging layouts are simple and workable for a singlehander. The layout belowdecks shows a sensible mix and weighting of elements—an enclosed toilet and a workable galley in a boat this size are pretty fair accomplishments. The “camper” elements—portable fuel tank provision, ability to access the quarterberth from the cockpit, large ice-box space with the sacrifice of insulation—seem to us wise choices, considering how the boat will likely be used.

For most potential buyers, her greatest drawback will be price. Water-ballasted, trailerable 25-footers (her competition) sell for significantly less, assuming the use of outboard power. They aren’t built as robustly, and will depreciate faster and farther, but they get the basic job done. The extra $300-400 per foot that Hake charges for the Seaward 25 might, for the devoted cruising couple in Florida, the Bahamas, or anywhere there’s shallow water to be explored, be worth the difference in the long run.

In the used-boat market, the resale value of a five-year-old Seaward 25 is typically between 85 and 90 percent of its original price. At press time, there are 12 used Seaward 25s advertised for sale on the Internet. Asking prices range from $13,500 to $53,900, with the average around $42,000.

Hake Yachts, Inc. 772/287-3200 www.seawardyachts.com

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Hello owner of 1995 seaward 25 26,9 with 9 hp can I install a 3 cyl fresh water Yanmar with out much difficulty

also added 2 in forward and 2 in depth on rudder, was thinking of adding 4 in to the wing keel Thank You

I have a 25′ from 1990, Great boat ! considering replacing the rigging soon. Does anyone know if the end fittings on mast are Seaward/Hake specific?!

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Better Sailing

Sailing Guide For the Bahamas: What You Need to Know

The Bahamas are located 50 miles away from Florida’s East Coast, and very close to other major areas of the US. So, sailing to the Bahamas is possible even with a small sailboat. So, what you need to be aware of is when and how to sail to the Bahamas. In this region, there are usually gentle trade winds of around 15 knots. In other words, the Bahamas are an easy sailing destination, and thus ideal for beginner sailors and families. But, of course, it’s an appropriate sailing destination for anyone that eagers to discover this natural gem. Keep in mind that the high season, and also the best time to visit the Bahamas, is from September to May, with temperatures averaging 21-24°C. So, let’s see some more details about the Bahamas below; both for beginners and experienced sailors. Keep reading!

Gems in the Lucayan Archipelago – the Bahamas

We’re not still quite aware of how many islands and islets form the Lucayan Archipelago. According to some estimates, there are about 2,400 of them spread across a breathtaking 590-mile-long archipelago , with the nearest location being only one day’s sail from Florida for several vessels. Keep in mind that there are only about 50 villages or towns on these islands. The majority are small islets with rocky shorelines and pink-tinged white beaches. Each hides curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds among the mangrove, casuarina, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms. The Bahamas’ most stunning feature, however, is the ocean’s wonderland , with its warm turquoise waters that cover much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

Despite the fact that the Bahamas’ western waters are just a little over 40 miles from Florida at their closest point, the culture, dialect, and speed are all very Caribbean . The mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and strong river in the ocean with a current flowing from south to north, makes up the 40-plus mile. It can be an amazing voyage if you cross it in the right conditions. However, crossing it in inclement weather, such as heavy northerly winds, can be risky and inconvenient. Choose your weather carefully; aim for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and avoid going when a cold front or storm is approaching.

On a clear day, you can see fish, sharks, and rays moving swiftly away from your hull’s shadow when cruising along the Bahama banks. Another stunning image; grass and fan corals move along with the current below you. Moreover, you’ll see plenty of exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel hiding among the brain coral. The banks are divided by dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to the oceans. A live example is the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel, whose shifting watercolors from light turquoise to deep blue leave even the most experienced travelers speechless.

The islands of the Bahamas are situated mostly along the edges of the banks. Bear in mind that on some of the outer islands, food and mail arrive by boat. Also, telephone and electricity in homes are recent developments. The Bahamas are mostly known for the cities of Nassau or Freeport. However, most sailors want to visit islands that are located a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Royal Island, Crooked Island, Highborne Cay, Green Turtle, Eleuthera, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, and the Jumentos. Or, anchor and explore islands and islets that have no names at all, except names that locals have given to them.

Climate and Winds in the Bahamas

The climate in the Bahamas is mild all year-round and is an important feature of the area. The average temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius in the winter to a low of 27 degrees Celsius in the summer. It rarely drops below 16 degrees Celsius or rises above 32 degrees Celsius. The average annual rainfall is 44 inches, with the majority of it falling during the summer months. A humid atmosphere is created by the prevailing winds, which come from the northeast in the winter and the southeast in the summer. Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes, are common from June to November and have the potential to cause significant damage.

The subtropical monsoon climate of the Bahamas maintains a pleasant temperature throughout the year. The highest temperatures are usually seen in the early mornings and late afternoons when the sun is less strong. From December to February, the average temperature is between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the year is colder, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the best weather for sailing is with winds between 5 and 20 knots, except during the hurricane season. 

The Bahamas, on the other hand, are unlikely to be struck by a hurricane. This is due to the fact that they mostly head to the United States’ mainland. If you’re sailing to the Bahamas during hurricane season, make sure you take every precaution you can. You should always keep an eye on the weather, navigate correctly, and have a seaworthy vessel. And, finally, let’s note that the peak season is from April to December. Therefore, this makes the Bahamas beaches, areas, and ports more crowded.

What About Your Boat?

The type and size of your boat play a crucial role in any sailing voyage you’re planning. A seaworthy vessel that can withstand rough weather conditions is always recommended for long passages. So, it’s important to pick the correct weather for you to navigate as well as organize carefully your voyage beforehand. And, also your ability to moor or anchor when the weather isn’t good or is expected to change for the worse. The boat, on the other hand, must be big enough and well-built to navigate the open ocean when the wind and sea get worse. Your boat must also be big and heavy enough to safely transport the equipment and supplies you’ll need for your voyage.

Boats designed for offshore fishing trips can be great for sailing in the Bahamas. And, if you plan to layover at resort marinas, center consoles designed for blue-water fishing are common in the Bahamas. However, most people prefer cabin accommodations that allow them to anchor out when they want. This can be a highlight of every Bahamas cruise in a well-protected harbor.

Speed is also an important factor for your voyage. To get from a good east Florida departure point to a safe harbor in the western Bahamas, a boat sailing at six knots is going to need half of the day cruising. This is due to the influence of the strong northerly Gulf Stream current on a slow-speed displacement hull, not just because of the speed. This boat may need several days of good weather to reach the Abacos, and even longer to reach the northern Exumas.

However, a boat traveling on plane at around 25 knots is able to get to the western islands of the Bahamas in a couple of hours and perhaps Marsh Harbor or Nassau within a day. While a faster boat helps you to take advantage of shorter weather windows, be sure to leave enough time. If you need a weather window for more than a few days, it’s likely to disappoint you near the end.

Anchoring & Safety in the Bahamas

Even if you don’t want to anchor overnight, good anchoring equipment is important. If you break down, you will be forced to anchor for several hours while you try to repair the problem or wait for assistance. The bottom will most likely be sand, either hard or soft. And, keep in mind that there are also a lot of places with a lot of thick grass and a hard rock or coral bottom that don’t hold up well. As you already know, there’s no anchor that will work well in all types of bottoms. So, it’s advisable to be equipped with two anchors so as to have a better chance of holding depending on the bottom.

Many sailors recommend carrying CQR and Fortress anchors. If weight is a concern, the Fortress has incredible holding power and can be used for a variety of bottoms. It’s also lightweight and can be easily disassembled for storage and reassembled for usage. Furthermore, an all-chain rode is advantageous because the chain will not be cut by rocks or other debris on the bottom, and its weight will aid anchor holding. However, this chain is too heavy for some small sailboats.

A good option would be a combination of chain and nylon rode. The more chain between the anchor and the nylon, the better, as long as it isn’t too heavy. Also, a windlass can be very useful depending on the size and windage of your boat, as well as your physical fitness. Note that corals are never a good place to anchor. Moreover, allow space for other vessels, for the shore, and reefs to swing around in a 360-degree circle. Windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and currents all affect how a boat swings.

Nowadays, navigation is easier with GPS chart plotters . But, never rely entirely on technology as it’s more than likely that it will let you down. This is because sand shoals change annually, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS is as good as the chart you’re relying on. Meaning that strong currents in inlets can unexpectedly take you onto rocks even as you watch the icon on the screen. You can even get into trouble if your GPS equipment or device isn’t working properly. The term “crowdsourcing” doesn’t always work in these situations; you never know how experienced “the crowd” is or how accurate their conclusions are. You might even end up on a reef if you’re a little off…

So, it’s advisable to carry some guidebooks and paper charts when you go sailing in the Bahamas. Otherwise, extrapolated GPS waypoints from mixed data may not be that accurate. When you’re navigating an inlet that’s just a few hundred feet deep, with swells, rocks, and reefs all around you, being accurate is a must. And, also, remember that navigational aids in the Bahamas are uncommon and often neglected.

The Bahamas, unlike the more forgiving waters of the Chesapeake Bay, are fraught with rocks, reefs, and brown bars that can easily sink a boat, and there is no daily presence of the US Coast Guard. Even though there are some excellent salvage aids, but the seas they must navigate are enormous. Inconveniences and, in some cases, lengthy repair times are the result of a lack of infrastructure. Keep in mind that there are few to no safe marinas or decent anchorages for storm protection. So, take care and navigate cautiously in the Bahamas, the place of stunning wilderness. Reliable charts will help you to do so!

Some of the Best Routes in the Bahamas

The most common and best routes from the United States to the Bahamas include Bimini, the Abacos, and the northern Exumas. Across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale is the Bimini Chain there’s a collection of small cays (pronounced “keys”). The islands of North and South Bimini, as well as Cat Cay, are settled there. The Bimini Road’s mysterious stone slabs lie underneath nearby waters; a mysterious legend of Atlantis. Bimini has a village, many marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel, which is popular with the sportfishing fleet.

The Bimini islands, including Cat and Gun cays, are one of the most common layovers for sailors. Cat Cay is an easy port of entry and Gun Cay is a beautiful place to explore for a few nights before heading across the Great Bahama Bank. And, after you cross the banks, you have numerous choices to continue your voyage. For instance, you can anchor and explore the Berry Islands, stay in Nassau and do some shopping in this crowded area, continue to the magnificent Eleuthera, head south for the Exumas and the far Out Islands beyond, among others. Keep in mind that this voyage is based on a sailboat that can travel between 15 and 25 knots in moderately calm waters.

Bimini 50NM: Sailing to Bimini, Lucaya, Cat Cay, or any other island in the western Bahamas will take you about 50 miles. These destinations will give you a taste of what to expect deep into the Bahamas, but they will also give you a feel for crossing the Gulf Stream. To the north of Cat Cay, you may anchor your sailboat behind Gun Cay.

The Abacos 190NM: The Abacos, which are located next to Grand Bahama Island, are home to Hopetown, Marsh Harbor, and Man of War. This place considered one of the most crowded ones in the Bahamas because it provides more civilization than most other regions, such as museums, shopping, and restaurants.

A great route to sail to the Abacos is from Palm Beach. You will sail 60 miles across the Gulf Stream before a layover at the Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End. The next 100 miles of your voyage should take you to Green Turtle Cay. After that, you can sail 20 miles to the Abacos’ center, Marsh Harbor, the Bahamas’ Boating Capital. Sailing 15 miles south will take you to Little Harbor, where you’ll find a variety of marinas and anchorages.

Northern Exumas 220NM: This cruise will take you to one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful out-island destinations. You can set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and sail 50 miles to Bimini, where you can make your first stop. After that, you can travel 80 miles south to Chub Cay. Then, continue to Nassau (the Bahamas’ capital), which is nearly 40 miles across the Tongue of the Ocean. You can then sail to the Northern Exumas, but be careful because there are many reefs at Nassau Harbor’s southern end. The Highbourne Cay Marina, Sea Park at Warderick Wells, and the Exumas Land Marina are all located in Northern Exumas.

Islands that Shouldn’t be Missed

Berry Islands: These stunning islands are for those that look for tranquility and exploration of nature. There, most of the cays are undeveloped and uninhabited. The only centers are located at Chub Cay, which is where the new Chub Cay Resort and Marina are situated.

Eleuthera: Eleuthera is a lovely and somewhat off-the-beaten-path destination for cruisers. In most areas, the island is less than a half-mile wide and almost 100 miles long. Hatchet Bay has a fantastic anchorage with virtually all-around security, Governor’s Harbour is a lovely village, and Rock Sound is a place where all amenities can be found.

Andros: Andros is an archipelago in the Bahamas and the largest of all. It isn’t a common layover for sailors and that’s why it still is a natural paradise. Fresh Creek, as well as Morgan’s Bluff, are the most frequented areas by sailors. If you’re keen on scuba diving, Andros has a barrier reef that extends more than 140 miles along the island’s east coast. The reef has a depth of 6,000 ft and forms part of the western edge of the trench; the Tongue of the Ocean.

Useful Tips for all Sailors Sailing to the Bahamas

• Never anchor in a reef or anywhere where your anchor rode might get tangled in the coral.
• The best bottoms have deep and soft white sand. You can clearly see them from the bow of your boat. But, keep in mind to differentiate them from bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• In addition, when you anchor in the grass and the wind increases, this will result in dragging and therefore damage the marine habitat.
• “Squeeze plays” between large areas of high and low pressure will result in strong winds blowing for several days, mostly from the east.
• Strong southwesterly winds also precede winter cold fronts, which arrive as a strong, precipitous westerly, then north-westerly. Then the winds shift to a nor’easter and continue to blow for days.
• In hurricanes and tropical lows, the Bahamas have little protection. With so little land to buffer the impact of wind and sea, even enclosed harbors can be vulnerable. Also, in comparison to US waters, expect no assistance.
• Bear in mind that in many areas like the Exumas, potable water is scarce. Also, its cost is at 50 cents per gallon or more at the dock. Consider finding marinas with reverse-osmosis facilities. But, in other areas, water is more plentiful, for example in the Hub of The Abacos.
• There are marinas that are temporarily closed or have limited access because of the weak economy. Search beforehand for these details before setting sail.
• Fueling in the Bahamas can be tricky and it’s possible to run out of gas at any moment. So, maintaining a strong reserve in your tanks is important. Ensure that your boat is equipped with a high-quality particle/water fuel filter, such as those manufactured by Racor. You can use a Racor RFF15 C (15-gpm funnel) to pre-filter diesel, which separates water and particulate.
• Even though a popular destination, most of the Bahamas are still natural and secluded areas. Many places lack navigational aids or if they have some they might not be working at all. So, it’s crucial to learn how to read the water. Keep an eye on the guidebooks and stay alert. From your boat, you can see the bottom, which is often more than 25 feet deep.
• Note that in case something breaks, it might be difficult to repair or replace it, especially in remote areas. So, always carry spares for essential components and systems. For instance, a water pump for your fresh-water system, a starter and alternator, spare engine oil, belts, gasket material, and temporary repair items like Rescue Tape are some of the things might need.
• The Bahamas charge an entrance fee of $150 for vessels under 35 feet and $300 for vessels over 35 feet. The fee includes a fishing license and departure tax for four individuals. You’ll be asked to declare your purchases as well as your overall itinerary. It’s possible that your boat will be boarded and examined. Lastly, note that laws and policies can change from time to time.

Bahamas Sailing Guide – The Bottom Line

The Bahamas form an archipelago of 30, 000sq.km of turquoise clear blue waters. The islands are undoubtedly among the most preferred sailing destinations in the world. However, there are still many secluded corners and the overall image is a natural wilderness. Bear in mind that you can sail to the Bahamas year-round, but the best time to sail is between December and April. Some sailors say that the best season is from late March to early June. This is because the northerlies have passed and the hurricane season hasn’t begun. Don’t forget to always plan ahead, carry charts, and a GPS navigation system that will aid your course. Check the weather and the bottoms as well. Lastly, as facilities are limited to some islands, consider carrying spare parts, water, and maps. Wish you all a pleasant voyage to the Bahamas!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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hunter 25 to the bahamas

• Thread starter wb
• Start date Jan 21, 2001
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Smaller Boats

I recently purchased a 25' and am interested in going to the bahamas.i plan on sailing down the east coast to palm beach then cut across to grand bahama.i also am using a 9.9 outboard and figure that if i need to i can use it to get me across the gulf stream.any info other than getting a bigger boat would be appreciated.  

Daniel H. Pitman

How experienced a sailor are you? Before I would consider taking on such a voyage in my H25 I would have to ask myself a few questions. What overall shape is the boat in? H25's are older boats, it might pay to have a surveyor go over the boat for you as part of planning your trip. They are also small, by that I mean your crew size is limited to two or three people if you want to be comfortable. The next thing you need to be aware of is the design of the boat. It is a fin keel boat with an independent rudder. This design is great for speed and quick turns. However when the weather gets heavy the boat must keep moving to maintain stability. In other words, you can't ride out storms you must out sail them. The other draw back to this design is the rudder needs constant tending, this might be a problem if you are sailing alone or using a cheap autopilot. There are many other things to consider but I have listed the major things I would look at before taking on such a long voyage. If you are an experienced sailor nothing I have written here should have shocked you. If I have shocked you...you might want to rethink your trip. Good Luck,Dans/v Essayons  

concerns, too Other considerations: As the former owner of a 23 (now own a 26) I know the freeboard is pretty low, making the chance of waves breaking across the cockpit in rough weather a real possibility. Unless you have an open transom (which I don't think is the case) it wouldn't take too long to swamp the cockpit with seawater. Given the small size of the drain plug, you could find yourself in trouble in very little time. If you know all this ... then disregard.  

Cockpit drains. I wrote some weeks ago addressing the size of the cockpit drains on the older H-25 and how they could be improved. One must lay up fixed tubes of fibreglass connecting cockpit pan to hull, seamlessly, adequately reinforcing on both ends. Make the tubes about 2 inches in diameter. A caveat- attempting to glass in PVC pipe will fail miserably– they are not chemically compatible and all fibreglass depends on chemical bonds. Using exhaust hose between pladtic or bronze fittings is tantamount to sinking your boat.Robin Lee Graham fibreglassed a piece of plywood over the whole cockpit well of his 1960 Islander 24 in about 1968 as he was coming home from a circumnavigation. Whilst most people will think this is overkill, it is true that the only way to really keep water out of the cockpit is to permanently cover it up!But this is not a major cruise being considered. A hop across the 'Stream in good weather need only take half day from West Palm to Bimini. From there is is essentially island-hopping. There are many boats even being chartered in the Caribbean that are not what you'd call open-sea-compatible. Prudent avoidance of risks and sensible maintenance can make any decent boat reasonably safe and comfortable for such a cruise. The readiness of the crew is another matter, something only the one in question can determine.I wish our friend luck in any case and hope to hear how this adventure turns out!JC  

Motor and Rudder Don't count on outboard motor in heavy seas. The prop will be out of 5the water much of the time. Also, as part of overall condition survey, take a very close look at condition of the rudder and rudder post. Rudders tend to fall off these boats. Take a look at archives if you don't believe me. If got a 25 and like it, but I wouldn't try the Bahamas with it.  

hows this idea 4 a cockpit drain thanks for all your feed back.as for the cockpit drain i was thinking about installing a 2 inch piece of fiberglass pipe used in petroleum stations and go from the side of the cockpit to the port or starboard side but dont know about structural strenth or how it will affect my boat...any comments?  

Now I am Curious I have sailed from Honolulu to Lahaina on boats as small as 22'. It is about the same distance as Palm Beach to the Bahamas, except that you sail by Molokai after about 30 miles. I have never been in the Gulf Stream but everyone I know has gotten sick at least once in the Molokai Channel, it can be nasty. In fact at times it seemed as if the 22' boat had a better ride because of the wave period. We always went with at least two and preferably three boats. Though we wear young and we thought immortal at that time we did everything we could think of to make the journey a safe one, and in fact they all were the only catastrophe was when half of the gang ended up in jail but I am sworn to secrecy on that one. OK, all that for this one question. Were we freaking nuts or is 30 miles not too far and the Gulf Stream way nastier than The Molokai channel? Second I have been trying to get my wife to agree to drag our 23.5 to Key West and sail to the Dry Tortugas I think it is like sixty miles but that is a guess. Is this a crazy idea in this boat? I really do not want to give in and go to someplace stupid like Disney and blow enough money to buy most all of the things I want for the boat. Help me out here guys.  

the keys are great hey rick the keys are great and so are the dry tortugas.i lived there back in 87.worked on several boats around the 115'foot range.lots of small sailboats down there.if it were me id go in a minute.im hoping to eventually move there with my company but thats at least a year or two away.but anyway,check with other people because i think the state turned the dry tortugas into protected land or something.oh and one other thing dont forget your treasure hunting tools.remember mel fisher found over 400 million dollars in diamonds and gold off of the dry tortugas.good luck and keep in touch maybe we can hook up and cross the gulf stream together. w.b. s/v slowride  

Harvey Small

Go for the Keys! Go to the Keys! We've trailered three boats spread out over about 10 years on a sequential cruise from Miami to the Dry Tortugas. The most recent piece was from Key Largo to Key West by the Hawk Channel. Took us three days of sailing, then four days to eat our way across Key West. We marina hopped, anchored off, and finally tied up at the Galleon Marina and fell asleep to the sounds of the reggae band across the harbor. Key West is crude, raucous, literate, historical, multicultural and has a substantial gay presence. If that offends you, please stay in squeaky clean Disneyworld. 'Nuff said -- next winter's cruise we're going for the Dry Tortugas. Hey, that means we can trailer down to Key West and finish the cruise there, too!Harveys/v Waiting for the Sun  

Jon Bastien

Tortugas in a 23.5 ...Shouldn't be a problem, with the right weather and sea state. It's about 75 miles from Key West; a good place to spend the first night is in the Marquesas Keys. There are no facilities out there (not even water) once you leave Key West, so plan and provision accordingly. If it's rough out, or the seas are kicked up by the northerlies, then it can be a bit hairy. Also, it gets rough in the Rebecca Shoals area, so extra time and caution is needed to transit this area.--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'  

mike kinney

Hunter 25 should be fine Pick a good weather window and the Hunter 25 should do fine. I have friends who trailer to Florida from Texas and sail over. The last boat they took was a Dovekie--spent a month in the Bahamas on it. I think the largest boat they've taken was 24 feet. In any case they are very competent sailors and that's the important element of their success.  

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Police suspect U.S. couple are dead after their boat was hijacked in the Caribbean

The Associated Press

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday. Kenton X. Chance/AP hide caption

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were presumed dead and likely had been thrown into the ocean, police said Monday.

The accounts by police in Grenada and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were alive.

Don McKenzie, commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran Simplicity on the following day and then headed to St. Vincent, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie said.

McKenzie said he had no conclusive proof that the couple was dead but cited a "low probability" they were alive.

Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings

Hours later, the main spokesman for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force posted a video saying that while no bodies have been found, the couple is presumed dead based on the investigation so far.

Police report signs of violence aboard the abandoned boat

The suspects were being investigated for several criminal acts, including "bodily harm to the couple," spokesman Junior Simmons said in the brief recorded statement. There were signs of violence on the couple's boat found abandoned in St. Vincent, he said.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembles blood was seen on board," he said.

The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association has said that Hendry and Brandel were "veteran cruisers" and longtime members of the association, calling them "warm-hearted and capable."

It said the couple had sailed the yacht in last year's Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

A son of Hendry and a son of Brandel did not immediately return messages for comment.

A GoFundMe page created to raise money for the couple's family noted that Brandel had recently become a first-time grandmother, and that the sailing community was "shattered" by what happened.

"Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters," the page stated.

A massive search for 3 missing American sailors off Mexico coast has been called off

McKenzie, Grenada's police commissioner, said a five-person team was sent to St. Vincent to help with the investigation.

After his brief announcement on Monday, McKenzie and other police officials took questions from local media, including one reporter who asked, "Who is really to be blamed for this massive failure to keep these prisoners under the control of the (Royal Grenada Police Force) which has now resulted in this tragedy?"

The prisoners' escape is being investigated

McKenzie said police have launched an investigation into the escape and are looking into whether it was "a system failure" or a case of a "slip up."

"All aspects of that investigation are on the table," he said, adding that the police holding station where the three men were being held has "sufficient safety to prevent an incident like that (from) occurring."

When the reporter asked why the three men who were arrested remained in a holding cell instead of prison, Vannie Curwen, assistant police commissioner, said the men first had to see a magistrate who would decide whether to grant bail or order them remanded.

The escaped prisoners, Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor; were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

Simmons said the three men appeared in court in St. Vincent on Monday and pleaded guilty to four counts each of immigration-related charges, including entering the island as a "prohibited immigrant" with no passport. They are scheduled to be sentenced on those charges in March.

Watch CBS News

Virginia couple missing in Grenada and feared killed after yacht allegedly stolen by escaped criminals

By Nikki Battiste, Tucker Reals

Updated on: February 27, 2024 / 4:48 PM EST / CBS News

Two Americans who planned to spend the winter on a yacht in the Caribbean were officially missing Monday, but feared to have been killed  after their boat was stolen by prison escapees in Grenada. Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry were last seen a week ago near a beach in the small island nation. Police found their sailboat, and captured three escaped criminals whom they believe stole it.

The couple was likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday. "Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, (the suspects) disposed of the occupants," Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference .

Grenadan police were still searching for the couple, who are from Northern Virginia, and they told CBS News' Washington, D.C., affiliate WUSA that no bodies had been found.

Family and friends have described the couple as seasoned sailors who just last year sailed their yacht, named Simplicity, from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua. They confirmed that the pair had been vacationing in Grenada, where their boat was docked.

In a statement Tuesday, the couple's family said that Hendry and Brandel sailed the eastern coast of the U.S., living on their yacht, "making friends with everyone they encountered, singing, dancing and laughing with friends and family."

"It's just really sad," said longtime friend K.C. McAlpin, who added that Brandel and Hendry had planned to make this their "last grand trip" on Simplicity.

Instead, things may have taken a very tragic turn. The couple went missing on Feb. 19, one day after police in Grenada say three convicted criminals escaped from custody. 

The three men — identified as Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25 — were arrested in December over an alleged violent robbery. Mitchell also faced one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

All three were recaptured Wednesday, Feb. 21. The yacht was also found that same day, Brandel's 71st birthday, abandoned on a beach on the nearby island of St. Vincent.    

The police believe the men hijacked the couple's yacht in Grenada and then traveled to St. Vincent.

Police said they found evidence suggesting the pair were killed, but the Americans' deaths have not been confirmed and the investigation was still in its early stages, they stressed.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembled blood was seen on board," said police spokesman Junior Simmons 

Over the weekend, family members released a statement thanking officials and those who had helped gather information, saying it "means so much to us that so many people care for Ralph and Kathy."

"We live in world that at times can be cruel, but it's also a world of profound beauty, wonder, adventure, love, compassion, caring, and faith," the family said on Tuesday. "Our parents encompassed all those values and so much more. If we have learned anything from this tragic event, it's that we know they left this world in a better place than it was before they were born."

McAlpin said the couple always made friends easily and he hoped they would be remembered for their big hearts.

"They were just a delightful couple and a real blessing in my life, and the lives of so many other people," he said.

• Missing Persons

Nikki Battiste is a CBS News correspondent based in New York.

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