sailboat in the bahamas

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.

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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Sailing in the Bahamas

The Bahamas offer a taste of the Caribbean within just 80 nautical miles of the USA. The islands here are most famous for the stunning white palm-tree-lined beaches, clear turquoise seas, and outstanding shallows for snorkelling in or observing the vast array of tropical sealife – including the famous swimming pigs! There’s beach bars, fantastic seafood cuisine, over 700 islands, and a history which includes Columbus (he landed in the Bahamas first) and pirates (Blackbeard himself roamed these parts)!

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Must See if you're Sailing in the Bahamas

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6-day Sailing Itinerary in the Bahamas

Our base in Marsh Harbour is wonderfully located for exploring the Abaco sea, the sheltered sea area that links Great Abaco Island with all the nearby super-idyllic Cays (islands). Our suggested itinerary covers pretty much the full extent of the Abaco sea, and taking in all the best bits from your own private boat.

The Abaco sea area isn’t massive, but this itinerary clocks up 91 nM, which means you can travel in style and at a very leisurely pace (normally we’d recommend 120 nM as a good ‘holiday’ pace). That works out as an average of 15 nM a day, which is 3-4 hours of sailing time, leaving lots of time for exploring your start or end points each day, for stopping for regular swim-breaks along the way, and generally feeling the Caribbean holiday vibe and taking things easy. (Incidentally, you’ll need special permission from the charter company to take the boat out of the Abaco sea area, so do let us know if this is your plan.)

Today is only a short hop to the ‘out islands’, which means you can take your time to get to grips with the boat and play with the ropes. Now would also be a good time to practice your Man Overboard procedures – but given the sea is 28 degrees, it won’t even be a hardship on whoever you decide to throw in to rescue.

Our first port of call is 'Tahiti beach’, on the south of Elbow Cay, which is one of the best beaches in the whole Abaco area and a fitting place as a first stop. Grab yourself a drink or a bite to eat from the floating Thirsty Cuda bar here.

You could easily spend the rest of the week here (or exploring Lubbers Quarters, the island opposite) and have an amazing time, but we’re sailing further south and spending the night in a sheltered lagoon on nearby Tilloo Cay, a largely uninhabited, tranquil and remote island which is now also a nature reserve and a great place to spot tropical wildlife above and below the waterline (look out for dolphins and sea turtles). The owners of the island were planning a mega-resort, but changed their minds after spotting a pair of courting birds here, and decided to turn it into a nature park instead.

Elbow Cay was where Hurricane Dorian first hit land in September 2019 – Dorian was one of the most powerful and devastating hurricanes since records began, and certainly the worst natural disaster to hit the Bahamas - it completely decimated around 90% the buildings in the Abaco area, and killed 245 people.

On the way north you’ll pass Man o’ War Cay which is a beautiful place to stop, with an interesting history – there was nothing here until members of the British army fled here in 1798 after losing the American Civil war. In 1820 a shipwrecked sailor called Benjamin Albury swam ashore and eventually married a local farm girl – 200 years on, approximately 75% of the islands population are descendants of this couple! With four churches, it’s a very religious place, and you also won’t find a drop of alcohol on sale on the whole island.

But we’re heading further north to Great Guana Cay, being careful to avoid the reef areas that surround the island and which make for some excellent snorkelling. We’d recommend mooring up in Orchid Bay or Fishers Bay and walking across the island to visit ‘Nippers’ the most famous bar in Abaco (and also the one with the most incredible views – Justin Bieber proposed here!) – but you can also go further north to the lavish (and controversial when it was built) Bakers Bay resort which has a marina.

Then back on board and we’re sailing northwards past Bakers Bay – this was once planned to be a Disneyland resort, but the water isn’t deep enough around here for them to get cruise ships to it (so they built a resort on Castaway Island, south of Great Abaco, instead) – so this is now a golf resort for high-rollers and celebrities who fancy a break from it all.

Sail past Whale Cay, and the next Cay is known as Noname Cay – another idyllic island that was previously uninhabited, but is in the process of being developed for tourists. You’ll probably spot a bit of a crowd near the beach who are all here to see the swimming pigs – similar to the more famous swimming pigs of Exumas elsewhere in the Bahamas. They’re not native to the island, so who knows how they got there?!

There’s plenty of places to moor up on Green Turtle Cay (or ‘GTC’ as it is also known), including near the small village of New Plymouth n the South. This is another settlement that dates back to defeated British soldiers fleeing after defeat in the American civil war – the soldiers here arrived from New England in the USA, so this is their second attempt at starting a new utopia. The tourist thing to do here is to head to the Blue Bee Bar for their Goombay Smash cocktail!

You can do as much (or as little) sailing as suits your needs (and turn around whenever you like), but we’re heading to the remote Ambergris Cay to find some peace and solitude and get back to nature for a couple of hours. Green Turtle Cay used to have an abundance of green turtles, but sadly you now have to travel further afield to find them. There’s no restaurants, bars or hotels there, but plenty of unspoilt land and you might find a couple of wild pineapples or coconuts.

So far on this trip we’ve sampled small anchorages, uninhabited islands, and small villages, so tonight is a look at the other side of the Bahamas – we’re sailing back South, reaching across the prevailing winds, to Treasure Cay on Great Abaco island, where you’ll find a resort comprising a grand beach hotel, golf course, yacht marina, luxury holiday apartments and a host of restaurants and bars all built up around a couple of outstanding Bahamian beaches.

Incidentally, if you wanted to develop an island for yourself, the uninhabited Powell Cay just north of here was on sale in 2020 for just $8m.

We’ll be sailing across the prevailing wind, so it’s possible to make this in one tack if you get your bearings right. There’s the remote Fish Cay islands to check out on your way through the Abaco Sea, and you’ll be guided into Hope Town by the famous lighthouse.

The people of Hope Town used to profit from rescuing ships wrecked on the nearby reef, so the installation of the lighthouse to keep boats safe was highly controversial when it was being built in 1860 – however, most of the 450 or so residents here are now very proud of it and are strongly against anyone fiddling with it: it is one of the few remaining lighthouses in the world that is still powered by kerosene (5 litres a night) and which requires a lighthouse keeper to be on duty overnight, turning a handle every few hours to keep things going.

If you haven’t yet tried out the local Bahamian cuisine, then now is the time – there’s lots of great local restaurants who will sort you out with conch fritters, grilled lobster, rice and peas, or deliciously fresh fish. Somewhat unbelievably, the TV show Scrubs recorded two episodes set (and filmed) in Hope Town, where you will be able to spot some local landmarks.

It’s only a short hop back over to Marsh Harbour, so you can take your time and enjoy one last day of relaxing and indulging yourself in what you like best this week: explore the old town of Hope Town, visit one of the local outstanding beaches, there’s some fine places to snorkel on the Atlantic side of the Cay, you can eat real Bahamian food, or sit in a beach bar and take in the vibe, or sail somewhere remote and spot wildlife, or… whatever you fancy! Don’t forget to take a team photo whilst you are at it.

When you’re ready, we’re sailing West, over Point Set Rock, past Mermaid Reef (another great place to snorkel) and round into Marsh Harbour. Pull in at the fuel berth to refill the tanks before mooring the boat up one last time.

Hopefully you’ve had an exhilarating but relaxing week of sailing in the beautiful Bahamas, and you’re leaving here with many, many happy memories, and a better and closer friends than you arrived with. If sailing in the Bahamas isn’t enough to put a smile on your face, I don’t know what is!

And then it’s time to head back to real life – have a safe trip home, and come and visit us at PlainSailing.com when you are ready to start planning your next adventure (or your return to the Bahamas!)

Sailing Conditions

During the sailing season then you’ll find there’s a virtually guaranteed 10-15 knot wind, which usually arrives from the East or North-East, having travelled right across the Atlantic.

It’s the same winds that brought intrepid explorers, including Columbus himself, across from Europe to discover the New World.

Outside of the sailing season (October to June) the weather is a bit more unpredictable, and you’re more likely to come across rain (in the wet late-summer season) and hurricanes (in August and September), so do be sure to check the latest forecasts before setting sail or making your plans.

Marina Details - Conch Inn Marina, Bahamas

Conch Inn marina and hotel is a small, but well equipped marina based in Marsh Harbour. If you’re after somewhere to spend the night before or after your charter, you could do worse than stay at the on-site Conch Inn hotel.

Marsh Harbour is superbly located for exploring the cays, beaches, bays and caves of the Abaco sea.

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Sailing the Bahamas

By Jen Brett
Updated: May 16, 2018

Just an overnight sail away from busy South Florida lies some of the arguably best cruising to be found anywhere. Indeed I am certain that more than one sailing dream (I can’t be the only one) has been launched in response to the magazine photos of perfect white-sand beaches and idyllic anchorages.

If you’ve never cruised the Bahamas before, you may be wondering what the “best” islands are or what the sailing conditions might be like. To address these questions and more, I’ve put together this intro to cruising the Bahamas. (Of course, the Bahamas are such a huge area, and I can’t really cover everything here, so if you have a question, please feel free to email me and I will update this with a Q&A!)

While I’ve cruised the Bahamas in pretty much every season except for fall, winter is by far the most common time that people go. From the holidays through April, it’s not uncommon to share a popular anchorage with dozens (or in the case of George Town, hundreds) of other boats, while in the summer, you might have the place to yourself.

Getting There

If a winter in the Bahamas is in your plan — either as your ultimate destination, or as an island hop down the thorny path to the Caribbean — you’ll probably want to be crossing over from the East Coast sometime in November. While you can cross from pretty much anywhere south of say, Hatteras, my favorite jumping-off point is South Florida, and the more south you go, the easier your crossing will be. For example, if you want to check in at Bimini or Cat Cay, consider leaving from around Key Largo. If the Abacos are your initial destination, leaving from Miami or even Fort Lauderdale will allow you to ride the Gulf Stream for a bit. It is possible to go more or less straight across the Stream, but you should have plenty of fuel aboard. My husband and I have taken our ketch, Lyra , to the Bahamas, once from Fort Lauderdale, and once from Port Canaveral (heading south along the coast, inside the Stream, before turning towards the islands). Both times we went straight to Nassau to clear in, although when we left from Canaveral, stopping in West End or Freeport, would have been quicker (we were eager to make our way south, so chose to head to Nassau).

Although they aren’t terribly frequent in the fall, cold fronts can sweep down and bring northerly winds with them (and rain squalls)—you do NOT want to be caught in the Gulf Stream during a blow out of the north, so plan your crossing when you have a weather window with light breezes with nothing out of the north for several days prior to your journey to allow the Stream to “calm down.”

The journey to the islands is a magical one — since you want to arrive during daylight hours, most sailboats will need to leave sometime the previous evening/night. After leaving the crazy that is the So. Fla. coast, you have a hopefully uneventful time in the Stream — and plenty of time to practice tracking ships on the AIS — and come morning are approaching the Bahamas. The closest ports of entry are in the Bimini islands, or you can sail on to ports in the Abacos, the Berry Islands, or Nassau.

Islands in the Sun

The Bimini islands, including Cat and Gun cays, are a common first stop for cruisers. Cat Cay (all cays in the Bahamas are pronounced “key”) is an easy port of entry and neighboring Gun Cay is a nice place to relax for a few nights before heading across the Great Bahama Bank.

After crossing the banks, your possibilities are open: you can spend time in the lovely and very quiet Berry Islands, head over to the bustle of Nassau, make way for Eleuthera, turn north to Great Abaco, or south toward the Exumas and the far Out Islands beyond.

Andros: The largest islands in the Bahamas, Andros isn’t typically thought of as a hot spot among cruisers, but it makes an interesting stop. Fresh Creek, home to the US Navy’s Atlantic Underwater Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) base, and Morgan’s Bluff are the areas most frequented by cruisers. If you’re into scuba diving, Andros boasts a barrier reef that extends more than 140 miles along the island’s east coast and to a depth of 6,000 feet making up part of the western edge of the trench known as the Tongue of the Ocean.

Abacos: This northern Bahamas island group is very popular among both new and experienced cruisers (Check out CW contributor Wally Moran’s Adventures in Abaco ). Unless you’re in dire need of provisions, most sailors will choose to skip busy, cruise-ship oriented Freeport and head to the picturesque settlements of Marsh Harbour or Hope Town.

Berry Islands: These beautiful islands are the place to go if you’re looking for peace and quiet as most of the cays remain undeveloped and uninhabited. The only population centers, if you can call them that, are at Chub Cay, which is where you’ll find the new Chub Cay Resort and Marina (reopened in mid 2017 after being destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, and Great Harbour Cay on the northern end. If you stop in the Berrys, have a meal at Flo’s Conch Bar on Little Harbour Cay—it’s a real Bahamian experience.

Nassau: Considered by most cruisers to be a necessary evil, Nassau is the largest city in the Bahamas, and as such has attractions, groceries, marinas and marine services, and an international airport. If you just need to make a quick stop in the big city and don’t want to stay overnight, head over to Rose Island — lovely anchorages, decent snorkeling, and a good place to stage yourself for a run to the Exumas or Eleuthera.

Eleuthera: Eleuthera is a beautiful and somewhat out of the way place for cruisers. The island is nearly 100 miles long and just a 1/2-mile wide in most places. We spent time cruising Eleuthera for the first time last winter, and absolutely loved it. There is a great anchorage with nearly all-around protection at Hatchet Bay, a lovely settlement at Governor’s Harbour, and the convenience of Rock Sound is hard to beat (a good grocery store and even an airport with a dinghy dock). We rented a car at the airport and traveled the length of the island for a day .

Exumas: For many sailors, the Exuma islands are cruising paradise — they’re beautiful and interesting, and they offer great sailing, snorkeling, and fishing. There are a variety of anchorages to choose from all along the 130-mile chain that offer everything from solitude to a national park to a popular cruisers’ destination. The Exumas are easily my favorite region in the Bahamas—some not to miss stops are the iguanas at Allen’s Cay; the sunken plane at Norman’s Cay; Thunderball Grotto at Staniel Cay; mangrove creeks at Shroud Cay; and the moorings at Warderick Wells. And of course the convergence of cruising sailors in George Town. If you’re there in early March, check out the George Town Cruising Regatta .

The Far Out Islands: If you’re looking for some adventure and are a competent and self-sufficient cruiser, consider checking out some of the islands that are way off the beaten track. Some of these islands, such as Cat Island, Long Island, Conception Island (one of my favorite places!), and Rum Cay, are a pleasant day sail away, others such as Crooked and Acklins islands, Mayaguana, Great Inagua, and the Ragged Islands are much more remote.

Cruising Tips

From Brittany Meyers aboard Asante

Bahamas is ALL about the water, so make sure you have a few things on board to enjoy it: like snorkel gear, Hawaiian sling (if you are into spearing), and – if you have a room – an inflatable kayak or inflatable Paddle board (iSUP) can be a LOT of fun, especially in the more remote islands where the land offers little to explore.

Expectations are everything: If you are traveling to the Exumas, it’s good to prepare for sleepy, remote islands with very few “shore attractions.” We met people who went to the Exumas expecting the British Virgin Islands and they were very disappointed.

Invest in the “Explorer Charts” they are well worth it and exemplary. BUT, don’t forget that you CAN go off the beaten path every once and a while, and not all anchorages are marked with an anchor.

Provision well in the US, but don’t go crazy. Our first trip to the Bahamas we provisioned like we were going to the moon and it was totally unnecessary. There are plenty of islands that have decent grocery stores and while you might not eat your favorite food from home, you will NOT go hungry.

When anchoring, try not to simply follow the herd and leave a little room to the boats who were there first if it is possible. Nobody enjoys being anchored on top of and there are PLENTY of fantastic anchorages in the Bahamas.

One of the best features of the Bahamas are the locals – they are friendly, kind, welcoming and have not been embittered by mass tourism. Enjoy this camaraderie and, if your budget allows, support the local community by eating at their restaurants or purchasing their goods from time to time.

From longtime Bahamas cruiser, Pam Wall

Take plenty of outboard motor fuel

Get the biggest RIB you can fit aboard your boat comfortably, it will be your source of diving, exploring, eating out, and your car!

Have an easy way to get into your tender from the water. I go up the back of my RIB with my back against the pontoon and use the cavitation plate of the outboard as a convenient step up into my tender so easy so simple

Set up an easy way to collect rain water in your water deck fill. I use a tea towel wrapped around the deck fill facing forward for a dam for rain on foredeck going down the scuppers into the deck fill. Works like a charm

Take a “ look bucket ” for looking under water from your tender. Check your anchor from the tender from the look bucket

Take a hand meat grinder for delicious conch fritters

Take a tack hammer to open hole in conch to get the meat out

Take a COMFORTABLE Mask, snorkel, flippers as you will be using them all the time

Be sure you have screens, awnings, bimini top, sun shades for the aft end of your bimini top, etc

Take a lot of GOOD sun protection lotion, hat, polarized sunglasses (I take 3 pairs of inexpensive polarized sunglasses as I know I will probably loose them!), dive shirts with sun protection, aloe if you get burned

Coat your RIB with 303 Aerospace Protectant to protect it from UV deterioration

Don’t forget the Hawaiian Sling for fish and crayfish. No spear guns allowed

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A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

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 .

Boats moored at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

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.

looking out from a sandy beach with palm trees framing the view of several power and sailboats in the water

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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When and How to Sail to the Bahamas: A Guide for Beginners

Sailing to the Bahamas is a dream for many sailors. With crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and endless blue skies, it’s no wonder that thousands of people flock to these islands every year. However, sailing to the Bahamas can be daunting, especially for novice sailors. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about sailing to the Bahamas as a beginner, including why to sail there, pre-departure preparation, the best time to sail, planning your route, and sailing tips for beginners.

Quick Facts

Why sail to the bahamas, the allure of the bahamas.

For many people, the allure of the Bahamas lies in its natural beauty. With crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, stunning beaches, and endless blue skies, the Bahamas is a true paradise for nature lovers. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, each with its own unique charm and character. From the bustling capital of Nassau to the remote and secluded islands of the Exumas, there’s something for everyone in the Bahamas.

One of the most popular attractions in the Bahamas is the swimming pigs of Exuma. These friendly pigs live on a small island in the Exuma chain and are known for swimming out to greet passing boats. Visitors can feed and swim with the pigs, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

Another must-see attraction in the Bahamas is the Thunderball Grotto. This underwater cave system was made famous by the James Bond film “Thunderball” and is now a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The cave is filled with colorful fish and coral, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.

Ideal Destination for Beginner Sailors

The Bahamas is an ideal destination for novice sailors. The waters are generally calm and shallow, making them easy to navigate, and the islands are located relatively close to the United States. What’s more, the Bahamas has a well-established tourism industry, which means there are plenty of resources available to help you plan your trip and navigate the islands.

One of the best ways to explore the Bahamas is by sailboat . With its calm waters and steady trade winds, the Bahamas is a sailor’s paradise. Many charter companies offer sailboat rentals and can help you plan your itinerary, ensuring that you make the most of your time in the islands.

One popular sailing route in the Bahamas is the Abacos. This chain of islands and cays is located in the northern part of the Bahamas and is known for its calm waters, picturesque harbors, and charming seaside towns. The Abacos are a popular destination for sailors and offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and exploring.

Preparing for Your Sailing Adventure

Are you ready to set sail on an adventure to the Bahamas? Before you embark on your journey, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip.

Choosing the Right Boat

Choosing the right boat is crucial for a successful sailing trip to the Bahamas. You’ll want a vessel that is seaworthy, safe, and comfortable. Smaller boats such as catamarans or dinghies can be ideal for beginners, as they are easier to handle and navigate. However, if you plan to sail with a group of friends or family, a larger vessel may be necessary. Consider renting a boat from a reputable charter company that has experience with sailing to the Bahamas.

When choosing a boat, it’s important to consider the number of people on board, the length of your trip, and the type of sailing conditions you’ll encounter. The Bahamas are known for their calm waters, but it’s still important to have a boat that can handle any unexpected weather conditions.

Essential Sailing Gear and Equipment

Before setting sail, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary gear and equipment for your trip. This includes, but is not limited to, life jackets , navigational tools, communication devices, medical kits , and flares. Additionally, consider packing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

It’s also important to have a well-stocked galley with plenty of food and water for your trip. You may also want to bring along some fishing gear if you plan to catch your own dinner.

Acquiring Necessary Permits and Documentation

In order to sail to the Bahamas, you’ll need to acquire the necessary permits and documentation. This includes a cruising permit, which allows you to sail within the Bahamas, and a fishing permit, if you plan to fish while on your trip. Additionally, you’ll need to have a valid passport and proof of citizenship, as well as any necessary visas.

It’s important to do your research and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork before setting sail. Failure to do so could result in delays or even prevent you from entering the country.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable sailing trip to the Bahamas. So hoist the sails, catch the wind, and enjoy the beauty of the open sea!

Best Time to Sail to the Bahamas

Weather and climate considerations.

The Bahamas is a beautiful destination for sailing enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. However, when planning your sailing trip to the Bahamas, it’s important to consider the weather and climate conditions. The best time to sail to the Bahamas is during the fall or winter months, between November and April, when the weather is mild and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect weather for sailing.

It’s advisable to avoid sailing to the Bahamas during the hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. During this time, the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is high, and it’s best to stay clear of the area. However, if you do need to sail during this time, make sure to keep an eye on the weather reports and have a solid plan in place in case of an emergency.

Another factor to consider when sailing to the Bahamas is the wind and currents. The Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current that flows along the east coast of the United States, can affect sailing conditions in the Bahamas. It’s important to be aware of the direction and strength of the wind and currents, as they can impact your sailing experience.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

The Bahamas is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant culture and festivals. Timing your sailing trip to coincide with one of these events can add an extra element of fun and excitement to your adventure. The most popular festival in the Bahamas is Junkanoo, which is held around Christmas and New Year’s. This colorful and energetic festival features parades, music, and dancing, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Bahamas.

Another popular event is the Bahamas International Music Festival, which is held in May and features local and international musicians performing a variety of genres, including jazz, reggae, and R&B. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Bahamas and enjoy some fantastic music.

Other festivals and events in the Bahamas include the Andros Crab Fest, the Long Island Regatta, and the Eleuthera Pineapple Festival. Each of these events offers a unique experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Sailing to the Bahamas is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan your trip carefully. Consider the weather and climate conditions, as well as the seasonal events and festivals, to make the most of your sailing adventure in the Bahamas.

Planning Your Route

Planning a sailing trip to the Bahamas can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and a laid-back island lifestyle, the Bahamas is a popular destination for sailors from around the world. However, before setting sail, it’s important to plan your route carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Popular Starting Points

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your trip is where to start your journey. There are several popular starting points for sailing to the Bahamas, each with its own advantages and challenges.

Florida is a common starting point for sailors, as it offers easy access to the Bahamas from the east coast of the United States. From Florida, you can sail across the Gulf Stream to reach the Bahamas in just a few days.

The Abaco Islands, located in the northern Bahamas, are another popular starting point. The Abacos offer a convenient entry point to the Bahamas, as well as plenty of opportunities for island hopping and exploring.

If you’re looking for a more urban experience, Nassau is a bustling city that serves as the capital of the Bahamas. From Nassau, you can explore the nearby islands or venture further afield to more remote destinations.

Navigating the Gulf Stream

One of the most important factors to consider when planning your route is the Gulf Stream. This powerful ocean current can have a significant impact on your journey, so it’s important to take it into account when planning your route.

The Gulf Stream runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, and can be a challenging area to navigate. The current can reach speeds of up to five knots, making it difficult to sail directly across. Instead, many sailors choose to sail at an angle to the current, which can help to reduce the impact of the current on their journey.

In addition to the current, it’s also important to consider the weather conditions when navigating the Gulf Stream. The area is known for its strong winds and rough seas, so it’s important to plan your journey carefully to avoid any dangerous conditions.

Must-Visit Islands and Anchorages

Once you’ve made it to the Bahamas, there are plenty of islands and anchorages to explore. With over 700 islands and cays, there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from.

The Exumas are a popular destination for sailors, thanks to their stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. The area is also home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected area that offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Andros is another must-visit island, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and abundant marine life. The island is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.

Eleuthera is a long, narrow island that offers plenty of opportunities for exploring. The island is home to several charming towns and villages, as well as some of the Bahamas’ most beautiful beaches.

When it comes to anchorages, there are plenty of options to choose from. Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands is a popular anchorage, thanks to its sheltered harbor and charming village. Warderick Wells in the Exumas is another popular anchorage, known for its stunning natural beauty and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the Bahamas offers something for everyone. With careful planning and preparation, your sailing trip to the Bahamas is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Sailing Tips for Beginners

Mastering basic sailing skills.

For beginners, sailing may seem daunting at first. However, with practice and patience, you’ll soon become comfortable and confident on the water. Start by learning the basic skills, such as how to raise and lower the sails, how to steer the boat, and how to perform basic maneuvers. Take advantage of any sailing courses or lessons that are available to you.

Safety Measures and Precautions

When sailing to the Bahamas, safety should always be your top priority. Make sure to familiarize yourself with safety procedures, including how to respond to emergencies, and have a plan in place in case of an unforeseen event. Additionally, always wear a life jacket when on the water, and never sail alone.

Communication and Navigation Tools

Communication and navigation tools are essential when sailing to the Bahamas. Make sure to have a reliable VHF radio, as well as a GPS and a compass. Additionally, consider bringing a chart or map of the area, as well as a guidebook or sailing manual to help you navigate the islands.

Sailing to the Bahamas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is accessible to sailors of all levels, including beginners. With a little planning and preparation, you can experience the natural beauty, culture, and history of these islands, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Follow these tips and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing trip to the Bahamas.

Sailing To The Bahamas FAQS

When should i sail to the bahamas.

The best time to sail to the Bahamas is during the fall and winter months, between November and April. During this time, the weather is mild and dry, making it perfect for sailing.

What month is best to sail to Bahamas?

While you can sail to the Bahamas at any time during the period between November and April, many find the early spring months of March and April particularly pleasant due to their moderate temperatures and low rainfall.

What is the best route to sail to the Bahamas?

The best route depends on your starting point and the specific islands you want to visit in the Bahamas. If you’re starting from Florida, you can sail directly across the Gulf Stream to reach the Bahamas. The Abaco Islands are a popular destination and offer a convenient entry point to the Bahamas. However, if you’re looking for more urban experience, you can sail to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.

Can you sail from US to Bahamas?

Yes, you can sail from the United States to the Bahamas. Florida is a common starting point due to its proximity to the Bahamas. You can sail across the Gulf Stream from Florida and reach the Bahamas in just a few days.

How safe is it to sail the Bahamas?

Sailing in the Bahamas is generally considered safe, particularly if you take necessary precautions. The waters are generally calm and shallow, making them easy to navigate for novice sailors. However, safety should always be a top priority. Make sure to familiarize yourself with safety procedures, have a plan in case of emergencies, always wear a life jacket on the water, and never sail alone.

How big of a boat do I need to go to the Bahamas?

The size of the boat needed depends on a few factors including the number of people on board, the length of your trip, and the type of sailing conditions you’ll encounter. Smaller boats such as catamarans or dinghies can be ideal for beginners, as they are easier to handle and navigate. However, if you plan to sail with a group of friends or family, a larger vessel may be necessary. It’s important to choose a seaworthy, safe, and comfortable vessel for your journey.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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15 days sailing itinerary in the Bahamas

by Kanika from SamBoat | Feb 23, 2022

Do you need some sun, coconut trees, turquoise lagoons and a place to clear your mind? Head out on a 15-day sailing itinerary in the Bahamas Islands to feel cut off from the world.

⛵The Bahamas is an extraordinary sailing destination

Just mentioning the name of the Bahamas is enough to make anyone dream. The country consists of hundreds of islands and thousands of beaches that await you there. With your sailboat, you will be able to admire the vibrant, warm colors of the ocean : from emerald green to turquoise blue. Renting a sailboat in the Bahamas is the ideal solution to discover the beauty of the ocean. Moreover, there will be no shortage of activities on your boat: snorkeling, scuba diving, relaxing and anchoring on dreamy islands.

⚓ What you need to know about sailing in the Bahamas

This sailing itinerary in the Bahamas is relatively easy thanks to the mild weather and constant winds. The difficulty lies in anticipating the ocean floors, with sometimes only 1m of depth. The sandy or rocky bottom is clear and you will see the differences between sand and the darker areas where you will most likely find coral. Observing the color of the water is therefore a good reference for navigation. In addition to that, we recommend that you use marine charts. You will find few tidal phenomenons in the Bahamas, as the tide coefficients are very low, on the other hand you can reach 6 knots of current in some places.

☀️ When should I go sailing in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is a perfect tropical destination all year round. Regardless of the time of year, the Bahamas offers perfect sailing conditions.

15-day sailing itinerary in the Bahamas

For your next vacation on a sailboat or catamaran, consider sailing for several weeks in the Caribbean. This 15 day itinerary will leave you astonished by the amazing scenery and will bless you with a lot of sunshine throughout your journey.

Departure: Great Guana Cay

This is the ideal starting point for a boating excursion in the Bahamas, as you will be immersed in the local culture right away. You will also be able to taste many Bahamian specialties in the small, picturesque village that sits on the island.

Stopover 1: Green Turtle Cay

20 nautical miles, 4 hours of sailing

On this part of the island, you will find large stretches of sand and deserted beaches. If you love animals, head to No Name Cay, a small islet where you will see many families of pigs that love to go on the beaches and rub shoulders with tourists.

Stopover 2: Great Turtle Cay → Bullock Harbor

30 nautical miles, 6 hours of sailing

Bullock Harbor is also called “The Village” as this is where the majority of the locals live. You will find the main administrative offices there too. It is the ideal stopover to discover the local town and taste the culinary specialties of the Bahamas.

Before heading to Elcuthera, we recommend a stopover in Nassau. This island is a good place for refueling your boat and getting your strength back before sailing to Eleuthera, where you should expect 40 miles or about 6 hours of navigation.

Stopover 3: Bullock Harbor → Eleuthera

40 nautical miles, 8 hours of sailing

Eleuthera is a narrow and long island, which is particularly famous for its pink sandy beaches. You will even find a natural swimming pool called Ocean Hole populated by turtles and tropical fish. For surfing enthusiasts, you can go to Surfer’s Beach, where waves regularly come to delight adrenaline seekers.

Stopover 4: Eleuthera → Highborne Cay

25 miles, 5 hours of sailing

There is no lack of activities on this islet since it is in front of the deserted beach of Horseshoe Bay. You can discover the beautiful reef called “Octopus Garden ”. On the beach you will surely meet the harmless Iguanas that live here.

Stopover 5: Highborne Cay → Norman Cay

3 nautical miles, 45 minutes of sailing

Norman Cay and its reef is a must-see for any itinerary in the Bahamas. You will be able to admire a plane wreck at a depth of only 3 meters. This natural environment is a perfect habitat for hundreds of colorful fish species.

Stopover 6: Norman Cay → Warderick Wells Cay

15 nautical miles – 3 hours of sailing

Warderick Wells Cay is home to the largest marine park in the Caribbean. The Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park covers 456 km2. You will see many amazing creatures and protected species as the anchorage is very regulated in this area.

Stopover 7: Wells Cay → Cat Island

50 nautical miles, 8 hours of sailing

On this island you will find the highest peak of the Bahamas. Mount Alvernia is only 63 meters high. By stopping over on Cat Island, you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs by going on short hikes. You can also enjoy the beautiful local beaches:

Little San Salvador
Pigeon Cay Beach
Half Moon Beach

When you have finished visiting all these beaches, you can slowly sail north to Spanish Wells.

Stopover 8: Cat Island → Spanish Wells

25 miles – 5 hours of sailing.

Going north, you can stop at the small islands of Saint George’s Cay and Charles Island. Spanish Wells is only 2 miles long and 800 meters wide. You will find a charming little pontoon to dock, and you can start a small tour of the island by foot.

Stopover 9: Spanish Wells → Elbow Cay

50 nautical miles – 10 hours of sailing

If you stop over on the island of Elbow Cay, we recommend that you stop at Tahiti Beach. You can drop anchor and practice snorkelling; the beach is home to beautiful coral reefs.

It’s time for your last night in the Caribbean, so enjoy your last Bahamian sunset.

Return: Elbow Cay → Great Guana Cay

It is time to head back to your point of departure in order to return your boat and proceed with some administrative duties. There you have it, now you can return to the mainland with many amazing memories!

If you liked this itinerary in the Caribbean, you might also like our itinerary for a 7 day adventure on the British Virgin Islands .

🍃 By doing this sailing itinerary in the Bahamas entirely on a sailboat you will travel 415 km and save 36 liters of fuel.

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A Guide to Sailing in the Bahamas

Exuma Island is part of the Cays Land and Sea Park

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.

A view of New Plymouth harbour on Green Turtle Cay

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.

Da fish fry, one of Nassau’s most famous seafood restaurants and bars

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.

Competitors in the 53rd Family Island Regatta Sailing Competition

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.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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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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Charter a sailboat in Bahamas with or without a skipper

Chartering a sailboat in the Bahamas is a dream for many sailing enthusiasts, and with Samboat, that dream becomes a reality. Whether you prefer the thrill of navigating the waters on your own or the comfort of having a skipper at the helm, Samboat offers a diverse selection of sailboats, motorboats, RIBs, yachts, and canal boats. The extensive range of choices ensures that you can find the perfect vessel to suit your preferences and requirements.

Samboat stands out as a leading provider in the world of boat rentals, offering an impressive array of options for sailing in the Bahamas. From sleek sailboats to powerful motorboats and luxurious yachts, Samboat caters to all tastes and preferences. The pricing is competitive, starting from just 50€ per day for sailboat rentals, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets.

Rent a sailboat in Bahamas

The Bahamas has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after sailing destinations globally, attracting international visitors eager to explore its natural treasures. From the enchanting Harbour Island to the pristine Pink Sands Beach, sailing around the Bahamas offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The country, situated in the Caribbean Sea adjacent to Havana in Cuba , boasts a captivating landscape that can be best experienced from the deck of a sailboat.

The proximity of the Bahamas to other islands in the Caribbean Sea makes it an ideal starting point for sailing adventures. With Samboat, you can seamlessly plan your sailing holiday, creating unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Renting a sailboat in the Bahamas opens up a world of possibilities for exploration. Samboat's extensive network of sailboat rentals ensures that you can find the perfect vessel for your journey. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to experience the thrill of the open sea, the Bahamas offers diverse sailing opportunities.

Nassau , the capital of the Bahamas, serves as a convenient hub for renting a sailboat. Samboat's presence in the area ensures that you can easily access a wide range of sailboats, each equipped with the necessary amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Pricing and Information for renting a sailboat in Bahamas

Sailing in the Bahamas is an experience worth cherishing, and Samboat strives to make it accessible to all. The pricing for sailboat rentals varies depending on the season, with peak season typically spanning from mid-December to mid-April. During this period, the demand for sailboats is higher, and rental costs average around 450 euros per day.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the low season from June to November presents an opportunity to explore the Bahamas at a reduced cost. However, it's important to note that this period coincides with the hurricane season, requiring careful consideration and planning.

When is the best time to sail in Bahamas?

Determining the best time to sail in the Bahamas is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. The peak tourist season, free from hurricanes, occurs from mid-December to mid-April. During this time, the weather is favorable, and the seas are calm, providing an ideal setting for sailing in the Caribbean Sea.

Conversely, the off-season from June to November is characterized by the possibility of hurricanes. This period is not recommended for inexperienced sailors or those seeking a more relaxed sailing experience. The shoulder season from May to July offers comfortable weather conditions, striking a balance between favorable weather and reduced crowds.

Do you need a license to rent a sailboat in Bahamas?

To charter a sailboat in the Bahamas, a valid license and a nautical CV are required. The nautical CV serves as a testament to your sailing experience, detailing your proficiency in navigating different waters and captaining various types of boats. Presenting a comprehensive nautical CV is essential for securing a sailboat rental.

For individuals without a valid license or sufficient experience, Samboat provides the option to charter a boat with a skipper. This not only ensures a safe and enjoyable journey but also offers the advantage of having a local skipper with in-depth knowledge of the area. Local skippers can provide valuable insights into the best sailing routes, hidden gems, and cultural highlights, enhancing the overall experience of exploring the Bahamas.

Samboat: Your Ultimate Sailboat Rental Partner

Samboat takes pride in offering the best sailboat rental services in the Bahamas. The platform's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the comprehensive range of options available, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're interested in a classic sailboat, a luxurious yacht, or a spacious catamaran, Samboat has all your sailing needs covered.

If you're planning to charter a boat in the Bahamas, Samboat provides a seamless and enjoyable experience. The platform's user-friendly website allows you to explore various options, compare prices, and make informed decisions based on your preferences. The dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist, ensuring that your sailing adventure in the Bahamas is nothing short of extraordinary.

In conclusion, chartering a sailboat in the Bahamas with or without a skipper opens the door to a world of adventure and discovery. Samboat's extensive selection, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction make it the go-to platform for those seeking an unforgettable sailing experience in this Caribbean paradise. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time explorer, the Bahamas beckons with its azure waters, stunning landscapes, and the promise of an idyllic sailing holiday.

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Enjoy a Snorkeling Sail on this Beautiful Morgan

In addition to the best offers we have for boat and yacht charters in The Bahamas, see also options available for rent in these nearby locations:

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Rent a Sailboat Charter in the Bahamas with Sailo!

Looking for a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? Enjoy a one-of-a kind experience on the water with your own private Bahamas sailboat charter. Whatever your sailing style; from experienced skipper, fishing fanatic or thrill seeker, to those who just want to relax on deck with your family or friends, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Rent a sailboat in The Bahamas with Sailo for a memorable day trip or a sailing vacation to remember.

Ready to see your options for the Bahamas sailing vacation?

Sailboat rentals: the Bahamas sailing vacation is the perfect destination to explore from Sailo and spend your time on a style! Following a thorough vetting process, we offer a total of 95 charters in this location, available with or without captain. Take your family or friends on an amazing sailing trip in The Bahamas to enjoy the coastal landscape or watch a sunset, practice watersports, go fishing or simply relax and make the best of your staying outdoors.

How to find the ideal Bahamas sailing charter?

Sailo offers beautiful sailing charter: Bahamas sailboat rentals at various price points. Use our advanced filters to narrow your search by date, group size, and trip duration: 2 hrs, 4 hrs or full day charters. You can also choose the type of boat (sailboat, motorboat, catamaran) you want and go even further and look for a particular length, manufacturer and model. The price filter will help you see the available boats within your budget and the crew option is useful when you want to see boats with a skipper/captain included or only bareboats. Do you see a Bahamas sailboat charter that you would like to rent? Click on it to go to the next page to read more about it, see more photos, send a direct message to the owner to ask more questions or start creating your booking request right away!

How much is it to rent a sailboat in The Bahamas?

You can rent a Bahamas sailing charter for a day for an average of $1100 per day. The average price for a weekly Bahamas sailboat rental is $5457. Your total budget for a boating trip in The Bahamas depends on many factors such as: trip duration, if captain and crew are included in the price or their cost have to be paid separately, fuel cost (which could be significantly higher on a motorboat compared to a sailboat) and other extras you choose to customize your experience on the sailboat rental in the Bahamas.

What is Sailo’s cancellation policy?

As long as the booking request hasn't been accepted by the boat owner, the renter can cancel the request without any charge. If the renter cancels after the booking request has been accepted, the booking will be subject to the terms of the cancellation policy in place for each sailboat. The renter should check the cancellation policy with the boat owner, as some of the professional operators have specific cancellation policies which supersede that of Sailo. Whenever a boat owner doesn't have a specific cancellation policy, Sailo's Standard Cancellation policy will apply.

Guidelines to responsible yachting

If you’re looking to explore our beautiful planet, a Bahamas sailboat charter is a great place to start. Explore coral reefs with your snorkel, discover hidden bays and islands and generally enjoy the view of nature. Remember, that sailing motto: 'Take only photos, leave only wake' (OK, so we paraphrased). To be a responsible sailor, remember:

Don’t disturb coral or sealife
Take your trash home (and don’t throw anything in the sea)
Respect the locals and their customs wherever you go

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The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cru ises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport .

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean ‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay . Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

When Royal Caribbean’ s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go? Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go ? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice C lass ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go ? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
15 ways cruisers waste money
15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

2 crew members die on Holland America ship; fire breaks out on Carnival cruise

MIAMI — Two crew members died on board a Holland America cruise ship, and a fire broke out on a Carnival ship while both of the ships were in the Bahamas this weekend, officials said.

The two crew on the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam died Friday during an "accidental steam release" while it was calling at the private resort island Half Moon Cay, Holland America said in a statement on Sunday.

"There was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members," the cruise line said.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board were investigating the exact cause of the release, Holland America said.

A representative of the Bahama’s Coroner’s Court did not immediately respond to a request for information, such as the crew members’ identities and the cause and manner of death.

The cruise line said the conclusions of any investigation would be taken seriously. "Safety is always our top priority, and we are working to understand what, if anything, can be learned from this tragic accident," it said.

Passenger Laine Doss said she was on board when the captain announced the deaths on the vessel's P.A. system.

"We were celebrating the last day of the cruise," she said, when the mood changed "to something extremely somber."

The captain's voice broke, she said.

"He broke down crying," Doss said. "There was a moment of silence that the captain requested. And that entire scenario did affect the entire cruise. Things were canceled, joyous events were canceled, and we really just thought about mortality — the people who perished on the ship."

Crew members were being offered counseling, Holland America said.

Dutch government inspectors determined the vessel to be "fully operable," and this was "confirmed" by the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise line said.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said she was looking into the statement and was unable to immediately confirm it.

The Nieuw Amsterdam returned Saturday to its home port of Fort Lauderdale, guests disembarked, and the vessel has embarked on a cruise with a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Monday, Holland America said.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event," the cruise line said. "We’ve been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time."

The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

Fire on the port-side exhaust funnel of another Florida-based cruise ship in the Bahamas, the Carnival Freedom, rocked some passengers Saturday and took the ship out of commission for repairs, the cruise line said.

No injuries were reported.

In a statement Sunday, Carnival Cruises acknowledged witness reports of a lightning strike or the sound of thunder before the fire erupted.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was on a detoured path, destined for an unscheduled stop in Freeport, as a result of stormy weather and high winds when fire started.

"I was shocked," he said. "I mean, I looked out there and you're not supposed to see black smoke and fire shooting out of the tail end of the cruise."

The blaze was preceded by "the loudest thunder-lightning clap that I've ever heard in my life," Barnes said.

Ship personnel extinguished the fire, Carnival Cruises said.

The cruise line said a technical team determined the ship sustained enough damage that it will need repairs before it can be returned to scheduled cruises. The funnel was stabilized, passengers were expected to be returned to Port Canaveral, and the ship will set off to Freeport for repairs, it said.

"The damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," Carnival Cruises said.

Passengers scheduled for those late-March cruises are being offered full refunds and credit that can be used for a future cruise, it said.

It was the second funnel fire on the Carnival Freedom since 2022.

Marissa Parra is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Taylor Swift Rocks Red Lipstick with Short-Shorts and Slides for Boat Date with Travis Kelce

The singer's chic vacation look included tropical slides which are now on sale for $127!

No matter where Taylor Swift is in the world, you better believe she's wearing a red lip.

Last week, the Grammy winner, 34, and her boyfriend Travis Kelce vacationed in the Bahamas, with a source telling PEOPLE at the time that the trip was a “ much-needed break for the both of them.”

While on the island, the couple were photographed on a dock , and once we were past Swift and Kelce’s sweet hand holding, we couldn’t stop talking about the “Karma” singer’s on-trend, day date look. Let’s break it down.

Swift decided to keep it cool and casual in a beige Polo baseball cap over her braided ponytail, a pink floral-print baby tank top and white boxer-like, short-shorts, which are having a moment in fashion as a cute and breezy alternative to the classic short.

For shoes, Swift slipped on a pair of Cedar & Hyde Mercantile’s checkered Marea Cruzado Wave Sole Sandals with an emerald green center. Similar styles are available on the brand’s website, including a black-and-white option , as well as all-black and all-green colorways, which are all currently on sale for $127.

Swift covered up with a pair of sunglasses, but her signature (and famously smudge-proof ) red lipstick could not be missed.

Kelce, 34, who is a known style hypebeast, wore black sunglasses, a boxy white T-shirt and blue tie-dye trunks, but dressed up his look with a pair of dark brown loafers.

The insider also tells PEOPLE that the pop star and Kansas City Chiefs tight end “very much enjoyed” their getaway, which lasted several days, and are “so happy together.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Swift, who just wrapped up the Asia leg of her Eras Tour, and Kelce, who celebrated his third Super Bowl win with the Chiefs on February 11 in Las Vegas, were most recently at Nobu in Malibu. They appeared in happy spirits as they were spotted on a lunch date over the weekend.

For the occasion, Swift wore a preppy look featuring a $675 beige pleated mini skort by Sandy Liang and a $1,100 light blue Khaite cashmere sweater , according to @taylorswiftstyled on Instagram. She accessorized with a $6,100 Joseph Duclos tan leather messenger bag .

She surprisingly ditched her red lip for a more subdued nude pink shade reminiscent of the one she was spotted wearing during an outing in Sydney with friend Sabrina Carpenter.

Meanwhile, Kelce decided to wear a laid-back light gray crewneck with black joggers and sneakers. The day before his Malibu date with Swift, he was spotted visiting his hometown of Cleveland .

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Romance Is Heating Up With a Vacation in the Bahamas

Taylor swift and travis kelce shared some sweet pda in the sun during a romantic trip to the bahamas..

Taylor Swift is in the heat of Travis Kelce 's electric touch.

After all, the "Karma" singer and Kansas City Chiefs player were seen enjoying a PDA-packed day at the beach during their recent vacation in the Bahamas.

In the pics from their outing, posted by the Daily Mail , Taylor, donning a yellow pinstriped bikini from Montce and a pair of shades, was soaking in the sun alongside Travis, who wore a pair of blue and white swim trunks.

During the outing, the couple, who were photographed tanning on the beach and lounging in the water, couldn't help but share some sweet kisses in the waves and on the sand. Afterward, the Grammy winner and tight-end boarded a boat to enjoy the tropical views.

But the sunny dates didn't end when they returned stateside as days after their romantic getaway, Taylor and Travis, both 34, had enjoyed the rays during a lunch at Nobu in Malibu, Calif., March 24.

Their sweet outings come as Taylor enjoys a break from her Eras Tour and Travis basks in the NFL off-season. In fact, the tight end traveled to Singapore to see the "Bejeweled" singer enchant the crowd while wrapping up the Asia-Pacific leg of her concert series. And a few weeks prior, Travis flew to Australia to enjoy her Sydney show—and a trip to the zoo .

But it's no surprise that Taylor and Travis are in their lavender haze, as they now have some free time since the Eras Tour will resume in May, and the NFL training camps begin in July.

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2 Holland America crew members die after 'incident' on cruise ship in the Bahamas

Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an "incident" in the engineering space.
In a statement, the cruise line said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority is investigating the deaths.

Two crew members aboard a Holland America cruise ship died during an 'incident' in the ship's engineering space.

In a statement released by Holland America, the cruise line said the unnamed crew members had died Friday whilst the Nieuw Amsterdam liner was at the small island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members' families at this difficult time," the statement said.

"The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company's absolute priority."

Authorities were notified and the cause of the deaths is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members are also being offered counseling.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

Main content

Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. cruises scheduled to depart from port canaveral on march 25th and march 29th have been canceled..

Heath Barnes was a passenger on the Carnival Freedom ship when the boat's exhaust funnel caught fire during a thunderstorm. The ship is back at Port Canaveral for repairs.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Carnival Freedom ship caught fire Saturday near the Bahamas after passengers reported a lightning strike on the boat during a thunderstorm .

Carnival Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions.

"Our onboard team acted quickly to contain and put out the fire," Carnival Cruise Line said. "While we continue to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike, our technical team completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport on Sunday."

LIGHTNING FATALITIES WERE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD IN 2023, SAFETY COUNCIL SAYS

Around the time of the fire, radar showed a storm cell over the area and a lot of lightning activity.

Radar at 3:15 p.m. on March 23 when a Carnival Cruise ship was possibly hit by lightning.

(FOX Weather)

Multiple passenger videos show flames and dark smoke billowing from the exhaust funnel as rain continues to pour onto the deck.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was supposed to dock at Princess Cay on Saturday about 9 a.m., but passengers were told that the boat would continue to Freeport due to strong winds .

During the afternoon, the rain returned, and passengers reported hearing loud thunder and then seeing the smoke. Soon after, guests were told to remain in their cabins.

Smoke and flames coming from the exhaust tunnel of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Smoke and flames coming from the exhaust funnel of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

(@breezebreeze_ via Storyful)

"Why is our tail on fire?" someone can be heard saying in the video recorded by Barnes. "That's not good, y'all."

On Monday, Carnival Freedom returned to Port Canaveral , where guests disembarked.

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. Cruises scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on March 25th and March 29th have been canceled. All guests on the canceled trips will receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

FOX Business reported that the same cruise ship caught on fire in 2022 after being struck by lightning.

Carnival Freedom cruise ship on fire

Video shows smoke and flames coming from the Carnival Freedom exhaust funnel on Saturday after a possible lightning strike. (video credit: Credit: @breezebreeze_ via Storyful)

Another video recorded on Saturday by X user @breezebreeze showed the fire on the ship.

"Carnival Freedom on fire AGAIN!!" they wrote on X.

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Taylor Swift Rocks Red Lipstick with Short-Shorts and Slides for Boat
Taylor Swift enjoyed a boat date in the Bahamas with Travis Kelce and wore her signature red lip and on-trend boxer shorts while the Kansas City Chiefs tight end wore trunks and loafers. See their ...
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Romance Is Heating Up in the Bahamas
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce shared some sweet PDA in the sun during a romantic trip to the Bahamas. ... Afterward, the Grammy winner and tight-end boarded a boat to enjoy the tropical views.
Holland America: 2 Crew Deaths After 'Incident' on Bahamas Cruise Ship
Holland America later added that the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship, which can carry over 2,000 people, set sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 16 March ...
Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike
Carnival Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions.