2024 Bahamas Boating Adventures
Since most cruisers begin and end their Bahamian adventure in Florida, nearly all journeys to The Bahamas start with a crossing of the Gulf Stream. The following itineraries are created with this in mind.
It bears pointing out that these are simply ideas to help you begin your planning. You could do these as written or in reverse. You could add your own "must-see" destinations and you could do them at any pace you like.
The only real limiting factor in exploring the islands of The Bahamas involves the Gulf Stream's strong northerly current and the weather. As a general rule of thumb, if you are planning to navigate a Bahamas Loop adventure during the winter months, you might want to do the southern destinations first to avoid the coldest weather and strongest cold fronts. It will still be lovely in the Abacos but it will stay warmer in George Town.
Time governs two factors–one that is under your control and the other that is not. The first is the passage speed and cruising range; the second is the weather. If you are unlucky, you might get holed up somewhere for a week or more. It can happen. The durations provided for these sample itineraries are rough guidelines for basic planning ideas.
You can, of course, spend as long as you want exploring a place or you can keep moving every day the weather allows. It's your adventure; you set the pace!
Out-and-Back: The Abaco Cays
(Duration: 1 to 4 weeks)
If you are limited on time, there are several places you can explore in an "out-and-back" fashion. The easiest route with the most to see is a trip to the Abaco Cays. It is a roughly 140 nm run from Lake Worth Inlet at Palm Beach to Green Turtle Cay. Slower vessels have a few anchoring options along the way. You can check in with Customs and Immigration at Green Turtle Cay and immediately begin exploring a beautiful Bahamian destination. Depending on how much time you have, you can then explore other destinations in the Sea of Abaco including Man-O-War Cay, Hope Town, and Treasure Cay.
Option: Northern Eleuthera
If you have a little extra time and the weather is in your favor, make the run from Little Harbour on the south end of the Sea of Abaco to Spanish Wells on Eleuthera.
Northern Circle Route
(Duration: 3 to 6 weeks)
An extension of the above route would be to continue on from Eleuthera and then head back west towards Florida. After leaving Eleuthera, head for the Berry Islands. Following the deep waters of the Northwest Providence Channel, your last island stop will be Port Lucaya and Freeport. Then cross the Gulf Stream on your way home.
Out-and-Back: Bimini
(Duration: 4 to 15 days)
Another popular route is to enter The Bahamas at Bimini. North Bimini hosts several resorts and resort marinas, as well as a large casino complex. South Bimini is quieter but both islands have pretty beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving.
Option: The Berry Islands
(Duration: 1 to 2 weeks)
If you have a little more time, extend your trip to explore the Berry Islands. Chub Cay Marina is one of the nicest in The Bahamas. The island stretch northeast with countless pristine beaches and quiet coves to tuck into. Check out Great Harbour Cay, a quiet Bahamian settlement that is home to one of the most stunning beaches in the islands.
The Bahamas Loop
(Duration: 2 to 6 months)
After visiting Bimini and the Berry Islands, set sail for Nassau. Here you can enjoy the nightlife of Nassau or anchor for a quiet night in West Bay on the west end of New Providence. Begin island-hopping down the Exuma chain and take your time exploring each harbor. Restock in George Town at the end of the island chain before crossing Exuma Sound to explore Long Island and Cat Island. Work your way north along the sound side of Eleuthera and from Spanish Wells hop up to the Abacos. Come in at Little Harbour to explore the charming ports of the Abacos as you continue working north. You can end your season by crossing from the Abacos back to Florida.
Other Destinations:
Depending on the weather, how much time you have, and how long you like to spend in each port, you can add as many other destinations to this itinerary as you like.
Long Island: You can spend several days (or weeks) exploring Long Island. The harbor at Salt Pond offers more protection than most of these bigger Out Islands do and you can rent a car to see things from land side.
Raggeds & Jumentos: This is a small and less explored chain of islands south of George Town. These islands are most easily explored from the Salt Pond area on Long Island.
Far Out Islands: The deepwater cut out of Exuma Sound and into the open Atlantic between Long and Cat Islands provides access to the "Far Out Islands." Your first stop is Conception Island. The entire island is a national park surrounding by pristine coral reefs. Continue to San Salvador, Rum, Crooked and Acklins, Myaguana and Great Inagua.
Sail into the Sunset
Of course, not all journeys through The Bahamas end with a return trip to Florida. If your goal is to "sail away into the sunset," The Bahamas are the first step to passages beyond. Bruce Van Sants' famous cruising guide, The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South: The Thornless Path to Windward, outlines the still popular route to get to the Eastern Caribbean by way of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
The route minimizes overnight sails and uses weather and frontal passages to make the trip to windward as painless as possible. His path goes from the Turks and Caicos to Luperon in the Dominican Republic, then along the north short of the Dominican Republic and across the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico. Once on the eastern side of Puerto Rico, day hops will get you to each of the islands.