Within 50 miles of Florida’s coastline, The Bahamas covers 5,382 square miles (13,878 square kilometers), plus has more than 2,000 islands and cays. Whether you’ve come in search of paradise or to get closer to nature and the exotic wildlife, The Bahamas offers a unique experience to every visitor. Joei Aranha, owner of local superyacht agency Island Purveyors, spoke to our editorial partner Yachting Pages about planning a cruise, particularly among some of the more unexplored islands.
Regulations, Requirements & Sailing Conditions
The government of The Bahamas requires that all foreign charters obtain a license to sail in Bahamian waters. A foreign charter license can be processed in just one week and costs $3,750 for yachts more than 151 feet (46 meters). You can find more information on the government website.
All yachts arriving in The Bahamas also must immediately clear with customs and immigrations officials at the nearest port of entry:
- Abaco: Marsh Harbour, Sandy Point, Walkers Cay, Spanish Cay, Treasure Cay Marina
- Andros: Fresh Creek, Mangrove Cay, Morgan’s Bluff, San Andros
- Berry Islands: Great Harbour Cay Marina, Chub Cay Club Marina
- Bimini: Alice Town, Bimini, Cat Cay Club Marina
- Cat Island: Bennett’s Harbour, Smith’s Bay
- Eleuthera: North Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Rock Sound, Spanish Wells, Powell Pointe at Cape Eleuthera
- Exuma: Black Point, Staniel Cay
- Grand Bahamas: Freeport Bell Channel marina, Port Lucaya Marina Village, Freeport Harbour, Sunrise Resort & Marina, Xanadu Marina, Ginn Sur Mer at Old Bahama Bay
- Inagua: Government Docks at Matthew Town
- Long Island: Stella Maris Marina
- New Providence: Atlantis Resort and Marina, Bayshore Marina, Brown’s Boat Basin, Clifton Pier, Coral harbor Marina, East Bay Yacht Basin, Hurricane Hole Marina, John Alfred Dock, Kelly’s Dock, Lyford Cay Marina, Nassau Harbour Dock West, Union Dock
- San Salvador: Cockburn Town
- Mayaguana: Government Docks at Matthew Town
“Bahamas” is derived from the Spanish baja mar, meaning “shallow water” or “low tide.” The waters of The Bahamas can be shallow, especially within the lagoons and bays. In fact, the water may be only about three to six feet (1 to 2 meters) deep in some of these areas.
The Bahamas is world-renowned for its crystal-clear water, which ranges from a deep midnight blue to bright bottle green. It’s also famous for its dazzling white and pink coral beaches. Littered with coconut palms, the islands epitomize paradise.
With six full-service marinas including Highbourne Cay and Emerald Bay, the Exumas are popular with many megayachts. You can go swimming with wild pigs in Fowl Bay (pictured above), or explore the famous lagoons of Shroud Cay. However, The Bahamas has many more hidden highlights to enjoy.
Inagua
Inagua is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos, more than 60,000 of them. This makes the island a birdwatcher’s paradise. Inagua’s national park takes up almost half the island. In addition to seeing various species of exotic birds, you can see wild donkeys and endangered freshwater turtles (below). If eco-tourism is your thing, Inagaua is your dream destination. There are no natural harbors on Inagua. However, there’s a pleasant anchorage one mile to the north of the Matthew Town airstrip.
Acklins and Crooked Island
Acklins and Crooked Island is one of the least-known and most-preserved islands of The Bahamas. There are no marinas or official megayacht docking facilities here. But, yachts can enjoy exploring the many attractions that are only accessible by boat. Cruise past miles of untouched white sand beaches, dive in the crystal-clear waters, and try your hand at traditional bone fishing and deep-sea fishing, before returning onboard for your chef to cook your catch.
San Salvador & Rum Cay
On the eastern edge of The Bahamas lies San Salvador and Rum Cay. Surrounded by protective reefs, the islands are the ultimate destination for divers and fishermen alike. With a local population of just 1,000, they offer secluded beaches, hidden harbors, and a plethora of marine life. There are also plenty of opportunities to drop anchor and enjoy a glass of Dom Perignon while the sun drops beneath the horizon. The lone marina of Summer Point in the southeast corner of Rum Cay offers a variety of facilities, including cottage-style accommodations overlooking picturesque St George’s Bay.
Cat Island
With deserted beaches and 50 miles of rolling hills, Cat Island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas. Home to the world-famous, eight-mile Pink Sand Beach, the untouched landscape is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina lies to the southwest and offers all the amenities and services visiting yachts require.
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Sandwiched between the deep-blue Atlantic and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Eleuthera is The Bahamas’ home for watersports. The Devil’s Backbone is a popular spot just north of Spanish Wells. A long stretch of fringed reef, this vast playground for fish is a fantastic wreck dive spot. The island is also home to a number of superb restaurants and boutique hotels.
Berry Islands
Despite the natural deep-water passage that leads to the Berry Islands, few megayachts visit the Berry Islands. This cluster of tropical islands is not to be missed. For divers, two must-visit places are Mamma Rhoda Rock, a shallow coral reef only 16 feet deep, and Hoffman Cay, a 600-foot-wide blue hole. Reportedly, oysters are the only inhabitants of Hoffman Cay.
The luxury marina Chub Cay lies at the south end of the island. It’s home to a private airstrip and infinity pool, all overlooking the deep-sea trench Tongue of the Ocean, regarded as the billfish capital of The Bahamas.
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