Bahamas Sailing Areas
There are three (3) main cruising regions, each easily accessible by shallow draft vessels (less than 7ft draft is best). There are plenty of good anchorages and the extended chains of smaller islands would take months to fully explore. Landfalls, with small cozy settlements, incredible bird life and gin clear waters, are easily explored by dinghy.
Cruising Areas
1. The Abacos Islands – A Chain of Cays and Colorful Character
The central cruising area is comprised of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with a delightful string of sandy cays just to the east. Begin in the center at quaint Man-O-War Cay. The beach at Treasure Cay is one of National Geographic’s Top 10! Great snorkeling and a Marine Park are the attractions at Fowl Cay. Cultural appeal is the calling card of Green Turtle Cay with its museum, sculpture gardens, and fine dining at the Green Turtle Club. Visible for miles is the historic lighthouse of Hope Town, a candy-striped sentinel on the southeastern reef. South to Pelican Cays National Park you’ll be amazed by the vast collection of colorful coral and sea life. Giant starfish are scattered along the sandy bottom for miles. Sail The Abacos and you won’t believe your eyes!
Once the home of swash buckling privateers, one of the world’s great cruising areas is found in the clear, reef-protected waters of the spectacular Abacos. Easy air access from anywhere in North America makes this “the Caribbean that’s close to home.” And from all corners of the world visitors come to find warm sun, the most beautiful turquoise waters.
A Place, a Pace, and Plenty of Space
Originally settled by the Arawak people, these laid-back islands are known for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, astonishing beaches, picturesque settlements and, above all, hospitality and genuine friendliness. One of the world’s largest barrier reef systems surrounds these reef-and-cay sheltered waters, providing 100 miles of relaxed cruising in the relatively shallow safety of The Sea of Abaco and hundreds of secluded beaches of soft white sand.
2. The Exumas:
The Exuma islands are a string of islands and cays that form a pearl necklace of long forgotten hideaways, natural harbors and secluded beaches that span over a hundred miles of clear blue water–a new island for every day of the year. The Exuma chain comprises about 360 or more cays that stretch for about 130 miles beginning 30 miles southeast of New Providence ending in Georgetown, Great Exuma, where commercial flights are available.
Home to the Bahamas National Trust’s Exuma National Land and Sea Park–one of the largest underwater and land preserves, Exuma is a nature lover’s paradise kept in its original pristine setting.
The Park consists of underwater limestone and coral reefs, drop-offs, blue holes, caves and marine life, and is home to the Bahamian iguana, a giant lizard-like creature.
Some of the top snorkelling and diving sites including the famous Thunderball Cave on Staniel Cay (where James Bond movie “Thunderball” was filmed) and the Exuma Land and Sea Park in Warderick Wells, which encompasses one hundred and seventy six square miles and features numerous blue holes, caverns, caves as well as shallow sites rich in stag horn and elk horn corals.
3. The Berrys:
This 60 mile chain of islands lies midway between Grand Bahama Island and Nassau. Accessible only by boat or private plane, the Berrys offer total seclusion with pristine reefs, caverns, blue holes, and numerous anchorages. There are two main settlements: Great Harbour on the North, and Chub Cay on the south: each has private airstrips and marina facilities.
Most yachts chartering in the Bahamas board guests right in the Bahamas to avoid the uncomfortable crossing from Florida.