Planning your next trip to Paradise? and feeling the open sea of the Caribbean calling your name?
Bahamas sailing may be the perfect break you need. Just 50 miles from Florida’s East Cost, sailing the Bahamas is a very reachable goal. You just need to know how.
Let us break it down for you!
When is the Best Time to go Sailing in the Bahamas?
Competing over the top place as the best sailing destination in the world and ranking at the top of locations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas spans over 700 coral islands, 30 of which are inhabited.
So there’s no shortage to explore and plenty of secret pockets of privacy across the sea.
You can sail the Bahamas all year, but to get the best experience possible, you’ll want to go between December and April. The climate during these months means the sea is calm, making your journey smooth.
Avoid sailing between June and November, as these are known as the hurricane months of the Bahamas, and nobody wants to get caught in a storm whilst on holiday!
How to Sail the Bahamas
We can’t teach you how to sail, but we can give you some vital information, tips, and tricks to help you sail across the Bahamas stress-free.
The most common point of entry to the Bahamas is the Lynden Pindling International Airport, located on New Providence Island near the capital Nassau. Here is most likely where you’ll start your journey, so it is a good idea to get familiar with it.
Failing to plan is planning to fail; here are a few essential things to take into consideration when chalking out how to sail in the Bahamas:
Your Route
Most routes to sail the Bahamas start their journey in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, sailing 50 miles to Bimini. From here, it is a popular choice to visit Chub Cay, another 80 miles south. The final stop is often the capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau.
Inaccessible Destinations
Lots of the Bahamas are off-limits to those without a hull, and it is advisable for someone without experience to hire a captained yacht or a bareboat to ensure you get the most out of your sailing! SamBoat and many other companies can provide these options.
Supplies List
Moor your boat at Nassue Yacht Haven and have vast access to all the markets across the marina; you’ll have no problem finding what you need here. Here’s a list of some of the supplies that we recommend:
- Water shoes
- Reef-safe sun protection
- Towels
- A travel backpack
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Waterproof phone case
- Sea sickness tablets (just in case!)
- Snorkelling equipment, fun floaties, maybe even a waterproof speaker, anything that will amplify your fun!
Top Two Islands of the Bahamas
We know it’s a big ask to pick from all the Bahamas offers, and we know it’s almost impossible to sail and discover them all, so we have dwindled it down to the top two islands to visit on your next trip.
Exuma
Known for its marine life, scuba diving and especially its once-in-a-lifetime experiences of swimming with the pigs on Pigs Beach, Exuma is definitely on our list of must-have stops whilst sailing the Bahamas.
Berth your boat, and book yourself in for a night of luxury at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort. Enjoy a world-class, fine dining experience at their seafood restaurant, Barefoot By The Sea and watch the sun set across the sea you have been exploring.
Nassau
Nassau nightlife is a necessary stop on your sailing trip if you enjoy a busy bar, an extensive (yet majorly rum-based) cocktail menu, and a lively music marina!
Stop by Reef Bar and get a classic island cocktail made fresh by their own mixologists. Just remember, no drinking and sailing!
Want a slice of high-class living? Visit the Sandals Royal Bahamian, the Bahamas leading all-inclusive resort winner, in 2020. Their ten world-class restaurants, eight bars, and Rolls-Royce private transfers for top-tier suites will quench your thirst to be treated like royalty.
Ditch the sea, and dip in one of Royal Bahamian’s seven luscious pools and six exciting whirlpools throughout the private offshore island. A water taxi will be waiting to ferry you across as you can’t moor your boat here.
Explore the all-new Coconut Grove, indulging in the delicacies provided by the two new and exclusive food trucks, and enjoy day and night entertainment and live shows whilst you stay.
Don’t get too comfy, though, you’ve got a boat to sail and a sea to explore!
Frequently asked questions
We understand that you have a lot of research and planning before feeling the sea breeze in your hair, so here are a few of the most commonly asked questions to help start your journey!
How Good are the Bahamas for Sailing?
The Bahamas is one of the best sailing locations in the world as it offers the ideal sailing climate and over 700 islands to explore, all spread out across a vast ocean often compared to the size of Florida!
When is the Best Time to Sail to the Bahamas?
The best time to sail to the Bahamas is between December and April. This is because the climate during these months is drier and cooler, making it more convenient to sail as it has less humidity than the rest of the year.
Is it Possible to Sail your Own Boat to the Bahamas?
Although it is possible to sail your boat to the Bahamas, you are required to provide specific documentation:
- Passport as proof of Citizenship.
- A Bahamas Immigration Card for everyone present.
- Bahamas Customs Clearance Form.
How long is the Journey Sailing to the Bahamas from Florida?
Sailing to the Bahamas from Florida takes an average of three to four hours and covers around 50 miles depending on your route.
