Hit the seas and go sailing in the breathtaking Bahamas

Gin-clear, turquoise waters bathed in bright sunlight, tropical islands fringed with white, sandy beaches and swaying coconut-laden palm trees, laid-back beach bars with shaggy thatch roofs serving colourful rum cocktails… the Bahamas are nothing less than idyllic and there is no better way to experience them than on a languid sailing vacation. 

Scattered across 500 miles of some of the most spectacular waters on earth like dabs of paint on an artists’ palette, the islands of the Bahamas form an archipelago that lies just north of Cuba and east of Florida.

Made up of 700 islands and countless coves, cays, and secluded bays, the Bahamas are not only home to a quarter of the earth’s coral that teems with spectacular tropical fish and myriad marine life, but picturesque villages that ooze traditional West Indies charm and friendly, welcoming locals — quite simply — paradise found.

Islands in the Sun

A quick and hopefully uneventful overnight sail from South Florida will have you approaching the Bahamas by morning where your closest ports of entry are in the Bimini islands, or further east in the Abacos, the Berry Islands, or Nassau.

The Bimini islands, including Cat and Gun cays, are an ideal place to stop first and relax before heading across the Great Bahama Bank. Once you are across the banks, the Bahamas are your oyster — soak up the tranquillity of the Berry Islands before heading to Nassau to party in style.

Explore the pink sand beaches of Eleuthera and stock up on provisions in the picturesque villages of Marsh Harbour or Hope Town on Abacos Island before heading to the oceanic paradise of the Exuma islands to spend long, lazy sun-soaked days fishing, snorkelling, and swimming.

If you are a competent and self-sufficient cruiser looking for some adventure, head to the Far Out Islands, which are way off the beaten track, so promise pristine beaches, fewer crowds, and crystalline waters.

Some expert tips from regular Bahamian cruisers

The 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 Paddleboard (iSUP) can be a lot of fun, especially in the more remote islands where the land offers little to explore. (Brittany Meyers, Asante)

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 entirely unnecessary. There are plenty of islands that have decent grocery stores and while you might not eat your favourite food from home, you will not go hungry. (Brittany Meyers, Asante)

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

One of the best features of the Bahamas is 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. (Brittany Meyers, Asante)

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