The size of the ship has a critical role, and for this kind of trip, it is preferable to pick a reasonable large sailboat that way you will have enough places to carry all your needs and … It should be large and heavy enough to safely carry you and your crew, as well as all the equipment and supplies you might need for the trip. Wow, that picture! With 700 islands and thousands of cays to explore in The Bahamas, you’d be hard pressed to find a place closer to paradise on Earth. Sailing is pleasant with average wind speeds between 5 and 20 knots throughout the year except in a hurricane of course! So you should avoid sailing during the hurricane months (June to November). Have on board enough food and fresh drinking water to last you for a week even if you have plans to stop at the marinas. There is no finer journey than the one that leads you to paradise. Sea, sand, surf, and lots of sunshine will always be there no matter when you choose to visit. Sailing a boat from the United States to the exotic islands of the Bahamas is considered by sailors to be one of the “great adventures.” However, since I’ve sailed 40 years in Chesapeake Bay, to Maine from Annapolis, and by bareboat in Greece and the Caribbean, I was pretty cynical about what the Bahamas had to offer. I have always wanted to visit the Bahamas, but can never afford to. Sign up for Cruising Sea newsletter to receive every two weeks the latest post straight to your inbox! You can start the voyage from typically anywhere in South Florida and crossing will be a lot easier if you go more into the south. Get general tips on boating to The Bahamas, refueling, and dockage. It is approximately 30 hours sailing from Miami to Nassau for example. While it's possible to sail straight across the Gulf Stream, many seasoned sailors would advise you to take this route. The Bahamas tops the list of Things to Do in the Caribbean. If you are planning to bring your yacht across from the mainland a favorite departure point is Miami where many yachts wait for favorable conditions to venture across to the islands. Special Considerations for Sailing Trips to Bimini. Abaco Sailing is a participant in Veterans Sailing Education Program. I have looked at the Bahamas website, and it seems they are allowing in tourists Caribbean island-hopping by boat takes a bit of planning but is completely worthwhile. Only a short distance from Florida, a vacation or holiday in the Bahamas on a fully crewed sailing yacht or catamaran, power boat or motor yacht is the ultimate cruise vacation. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life. On average you can expect 300 sunshine days per year! As you enter the port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Though your eye sight seems to be super human, your navigational skills do not seem to be up to sailing the Bahamas. The Bahamas is made up of numerous islands, many with marinas. Yes, hurricanes have hit the Bahamas in the past but there is no cause for panic. If you are thinking of sailing here check out this page with tons of … When arriving in port, boaters should observe the following: visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. Once the winter crowds have left the Bahamas can take on a more relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere. This group provides a forum for boaters who sail in or plan to sail in the Bahamas. The sailing route from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) takes only 2 hours if you take the super fast direct ferry to Bimini. You can then head to Chub Cay, which is 80 miles farther south. The Exumas are an incredible chain of 365 cays (islands) stretching for 120 nautical miles! ASA Sailing Schools in Bahamas Click on the red cluster circles to zoom in, or on the individual pins for more information. The Bahamas Amazing waters dotted with hundreds of sandy islands, friendly people in small settlements, and some of the best cruising in the world! There are some factors you may wish to take into consideration when planning your sailing activities in the Bahamas though. Sailboat Liveaboard Essentials - What You Must Have, 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat >>, Can You Live On A Sailboat Year Round? Ferry to Bahamas: schedules and prices ¿How long is the ferry ride from Miami to the Bahamas? Both are great options. You may find it is cooler in the early mornings and again in the evenings, so you may find a light jacket or cover makes you more comfortable. One of many beachside caves in the Exumas. I am happy you found useful information in this article and hopefully will help you plan your trip in the Bahamas:). Cabin Accommodation - Generally, a boat that's built for offshore fishing can be ideal for sailing to the Bahamas. Miami – Port Royal 82,63 km (51,34 mi), Day 2. Discover The Bahamas. It is best not to cross when any northerly winds blow, or if the wind is more than 10 knots from the east or 15 knots from the west. Such boats are common in the Bahamas and are a great way to easily blend in with the crowd or other sailors at the marinas. Checkout our Bahamas Destination Guide for more information, and we’ll be delighted to clear up any remaining questions about the Miami to Bahamas charter experience, and are dedicated to making your sailing dream a reality. There are plenty of lovely out islands to discover amidst the turquoise waters, filled with pastel towns and soft sandy beaches. We offer 16 unique destinations filled with exciting experiences below and above water. Sailing the Caribbean for a year Adventure 3 min read In 2015, my husband and I purchased a sailboat in the Virgin Islands sight unseen, quit our jobs in San Francisco and spent a year sailing the Caribbean and Bahamas, spending … Sailing from Florida to the Bahamas mean that you have to cross the open ocean and sail in many areas made of coral reefs, so make sure to organize your trip well. The Bahamas Boating and Sailing Regulations. Top Day Trips From Florence – 10 Amazing Spots to Visit! 200 km of island paradise; Gentle winds and easy sailing conditions allow guests to enjoy some of the finest scuba-diving spots in the world, and navigation is very straight forward, mainly line of sight on a Bahamas sailing itinerary.. Sailing to the Bahamas revolves around crossing the open Ocean and boating in the island's remote areas. The Bahamas has already announced a ban on U.S. travelers to the country due to the growing infection rates across the U.S. towards the end of July 2020. The cooler period of the year when temperatures average 70-75F (21-24C) is from December through to February. Within many of its protected territories where fishing is prohibited, you’ll find the most enchanting diving and snorkeling. *Tours and activities are often discounted in the off-season. You can then sail to Nassau (the Capital City of the Bahamas), which is nearly 40 miles across the Tongue of the Ocean. The Bahamas tops the list of Things to Do in the Caribbean. Tag: sailing to the bahamas Sunday Sailing Song : Sailor Jane I haven’t had a Facebook since 2013, but for purposes like marketing this blog to a larger audience I thought I should get with the times. It’a almost time to Sail away from the Bahamas and off to Bermuda. The Bahamas has experienced various hurricanes and there is much less protection and help in the Bahamas than you might find back at home. The trade winds give the islands a warm and agreeable climate all-year-around. You can opt to avoid the highest temperatures and humidity and choose the cooler, wetter months for your visit, or you may prefer those higher air and sea temperatures. Instead, the best thing to do is to wait for a weather window when there are no northerly winds. (866) 342-SAIL, © 2021 Life of SailingEmail: contact@lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244Privacy Policy. Unless a post is related to the Bahamas it will be removed. There are many advantages to sailing the islands of the Bahamas in the off-season. Have you sailed to the Bahamas? The best time to sail in the Bahamas for many people is all-year-round! From charter planes to ferry services, we offer options for travelers wanting an authentic Bahamas island-hopping experience. Weather, hurricanes and seasons are all important aspects to consider for your comfort and enjoyment of a Bahamas sailing experience. The weather is warm, there are no hurricanes, and the waters are relatively calm to allow you to travel around 15 to 25 knots. It does rain on occasion and lower rainfall levels are generally experienced between November and April, with a greater chance of rain in the summer and fall. In other words, it's best to cross when the wind is less than 10 knots from the east and less than 15 knots from the west. Due to large number number of membership requests and the overload of spam we will not admit anyone to the group under the following conditions. All visitors must meet The Bahamas entry requirements. No matter what information you seek, from activities to do while on vacation, travel guides, gear reviews, or any other related topic, you are sure to find it on this website. Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. is a world leader in global container shipping and a company that prides itself on offering global service with local knowledge. We think the Bahamas is well worth a visit! Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. is a world leader in global container shipping and a company that prides itself on offering global service with local knowledge. Sailing to the Bahamas revolves around crossing the open Ocean and boating in the island's remote areas. We want to show you our daily lives living on our 37 foot boat in the Bahamas. This popular route would be the first leg of the Bahamas-Cuba Loop, which, for the sake of discussion, begins and ends in Miami. Bimini is indeed 49 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale. If you do plan a trip to the Bahamas during hurricane season then travel insurance becomes an essential cost to factor in. It's also important that the most effective time to sail to the Bahamas may largely depend on your interests, schedules, and, of course, budget. Sailing from Florida to the Bahamas mean that you have to cross the open ocean and sail in many areas made of coral reefs, so make sure to organize your trip well. If we want to make our goal of sailing the … Sailing from Florida to the Bahamas: 7 days Bimini catamaran tour. ASA certified sailing courses in the Exumas, Bahamas on beautiful catamarans. The best way to sail to the Abacos is to depart from Palm Beach and sail 60 miles across the Gulf Stream before stopping at the Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End. You have entered an incorrect email address! Such a boat can take just about a day to sail from Florida to Nassau or Marsh Harbor (the Boating Capital of The Bahamas). On the contrary, a sailboat that can notch up to six knots may take most of the day to sail from your point of departure in South Florida to a safe harbor in one of the islands in the western Bahamas. The next leg of your voyage should be 100 miles taking you to the Green Turtle Cay. If you’re sailing, cross the Gulf Stream on a day that has good weather and a fairly steady breeze so you can get to the islands in good time and on schedule. The islands here are most famous for the stunning white palm-tree-lined beaches, clear turquoise seas, and outstanding shallows for snorkelling in or observing the vast array of tropical sealife – including the famous swimming pigs! Lynx Our Virtual Yacht Club 21 04-28-2008 07:34 PM Sailing To Bahamas First Time karenmmc Regional Discussions 3 08-07-2007 10:10 AM Leaving the US - to Bahamas johnhoedemakers 12 06-09 There are many sheltered bays to explore with numerous opportunities for snorkeling and fishing, should you choose to venture away from the marinas. You will cover about 50 miles when sailing to Bimini, Lucaya, Cat Cay, or any other island in the western Bahamas. Sailing is the ultimate social distancing, and I am hoping to spend my winter snorkeling in the Berry Islands and laying on the beach in the Exumas. Carry with you an appropriate snorkeling gear if you want to experience the coral reefs up close. All trips between Miami and the Bimini islands of the Bahamas are dependent on the weather. There are appropriate conditions all year around. Answer 1 of 2: I am interested in sailing to Bimini from Ft Lauderdale in the near future. Snorkeling with Family & Friends. Bahamas Cruising and Sailing has 12,961 members. I'm sure there are plenty of flotillas that make the run from Florida to the Bahamas, but I doubt that they are "regular," given how weather-dependent the crossing from Florida to the Bahamas can be. All in all, have a good plan in place, have an ideal boat, choose the best time to sail, pick your most preferable route, and set sail to the Bahamas; it's one of the greatest experiences that any sailor can ever have. This is why you should be on top of the weather information before setting sail. However, sailing on the bank side can also be tricky, as some stretches are too shallow for deep-keel boats. I don’t really worry too much about hurricanes because I live in Florida and we get hurricanes here too. *In some instances, services may be reduced also, such as fewer immigration officials on some of the less populated islands. The National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov is a good source of up to date information on weather advice for the Bahamas or you can check out the Weather Channel at www.weather.com for an online 10-day weather forecast. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages but there are some: *Resorts and marinas are more likely to carry out maintenance and repairs during off-peak times. *Services such as banks, post offices, government offices, some restaurants, and stores observe public holidays and close. Dec 7, 2020 - Sailing to Bahamas: tips, provisioning, destinations, safety, crossing the Gulfstream, islands... See more ideas about bahamas, sailing, exuma. The Exumas: Yachties head to these beautiful sailing waters to see some of the country's most dramatic coastal scenery.The Family Island Regatta, the most popular boating spectacle in The Bahamas, is held here every spring. If anything, it's at the height of winter in the United States, so this can be a perfect opportunity to escape the biting winter, soak up some sun, and work on your tan. Directory of American Sailing Association sailing schools located in the Bahamas where you can take beginning to advanced sailing lessons. The best time to sail in the Bahamas for many people is all-year-round! bahamas, costs of cruising, costs of living on a sailboat, costs of sailing, cruising lifestyle, expenses, how much does it cost to live on a boat, how much does it cost to sail around the world, how much does it cost to sail the bahamas, leopard catamaran, living on a sailing catamaran, sailing around the world, sailing … The Bahamas offer a perfect scenario to have a romantic encounter, being the opportunity to sail. 200 km of island paradise; Gentle winds and easy sailing conditions allow guests to enjoy some of the finest scuba-diving spots in the world, and navigation is very straight forward, mainly line of sight on a Bahamas sailing itinerary. As such, the waters inside or west of the chain are protected, shallow and generally calmer than those outside on the eastern side, which consist of deep, open ocean. You don’t need to own a boat, you can rent one:) The cost of the sailing trip will depend on many factors. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The 45-mile trip (8-10 hours by sailboat) involves crossing the Gulf Stream which can get rough, especially in the winter months. Thank you for the comment and wish you a nice day! There are 5 rides weekly between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport (Grand Bahama). Ragged Island was the end of the Bahamas for us. Once the winter crowds have left the Bahamas can take on a more relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere. I hope it helped and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information. When planning their trip to the area, many sailor enthusiasts like to plan […] I found this article as I am planning a trip to the Bahamas next year, so there is some really useful information here! Sailing Around the World, week #2: Bimini, Bahamas by Sailing JAEKA Exploring Capital of the Bahamas, Nassau by Sailing JAEKA, week #5 Sailing JAEKA, week 8: Plane Wreck Discovery & Choppy Navigation Join our crew and help our neighbors in the Bahamas in their time of struggle. If you have fewer days - pls consider power yachts - as they can cross to Bimini in 3-4 hrs, sailing vessels under good conditions take min 8 hrs - but it can take more. Oops! The best departure point from the mainland United States is generally Florida. But if you want to check-in at Abacos, Fort Lauderdale or Miami will be your best departure point since they'll allow you to ride the Gulf Stream a bit. The best time to visit the Bahamas is when suits your schedule although it is a popular winter destination for many. With a little less than one month to make our way back to Florida, and a mountain of sailing prep ahead, we knew going further south wasn’t an option. It may be an overnight sail away from South Florida but deciding the best month to sail and how to sail to the Bahamas can be overwhelming to most sailors. Directory of American Sailing Association sailing schools located in the Bahamas where you can take beginning to advanced sailing lessons. The Exumas run along the eastern edge of the Grand Bahamas Bank. Her experiences have created her desire to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures. Andros: The largest islands in the Bahamas, Andros isn't typically thought of as a hot spot among cruisers, but it makes an interesting stop. Sailing Routes Bahamas Sailing around the Abacos Islands in the Bahamas is truly blissful. You can set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and sail 50 miles to your first stop in Bimini. Many sailors prefer boats with cabin accommodations as they're normally ideal for your safety if you plan to stop at various marinas. Liveaboard Sailboat Loans - Are They Worth It? Do-it-yourselfers have two choices: Bring Your Own Boat to The Bahamas Out Islands or rent one here. Weather, hurricanes and seasons are all important aspects to consider for your comfort and enjoyment of a Bahamas sailing experience. Freeport is Bahamas Yacht Sailing You cannot imagine that there are so many shades of blue. Best advice from seasoned sailors is to wait for a weather window. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing. Do not think twice and live the luxury and exclusivity of one of the best destinations in the world with the Bahamas catamaran charter. The Best Time to Sail in the Bahamas – 8 Important Factors... How to Choose a Life Jacket – Advice & Guidelines. So when is the best time to sail to the Bahamas? Sailors love the Bahamas for its sheltered harbours, easy-to-challenging sailing areas, and pristine, deserted islands. That's why many sailors sailing to the Bahamas from the United States choose Miami as their favorite departure point. The Complete Guide to the Island / Sailing Bahamas, Days 29-60 In the previous article about sailing Exumas, we stopped at four awesome anchorages and discovered a submerged plane, an adventure dinghy ride in the mangroves, swam with the pigs and dove the famous James Bond’s Thunderball cave. If your primary objective is to use a yacht for transportation from the Mainland to Nassau, don’t even think about it. The Bahamas are an enormous series of island chains lying to the east and south of the Florida peninsula. The 45 gallons of fuel is a bit light but will get you to the Bahamas without I enjoyed learning about the seasons, activities to do and day dreaming about tropical paradise to play in during the winter months in the states. Of course, there are several factors such as where you're sailing from, the weather conditions, and the hurricane season that may determine your Bahamas sailing experience. The 45 gallons of fuel is a bit light but will get you to the Bahamas without needing to tank up. This area is perhaps one of the best in the Bahamas as it offers numerous treats of civilization than most areas in the Bahamas including museums, shopping, and restaurants. The sailing route Fort Lauderdale (Florida) - Gran Bahama (Freeport) takes 2:30 hours with the high speed ferry.. *Prices are cheaper, even the boutiques have summer sales! Gun Cay – Ocean Cay 21,53 km (13,38 mi), Day 4. For example, you can factor in travel insurance both on you and your sailboat. The Exumas: Yachties head to these beautiful sailing waters to see some of the country's most dramatic coastal scenery.The Family Island Regatta, the most popular boating spectacle in The Bahamas, is held here every spring. Peak season is the most expensive time to visit and runs from mid-December to mid-April (Winter). Scattered like jewels over the ocean just southeast of Florida, The Bahamas offer endless possibilities for sailors. Yes, I would like to receive emails with exclusive specials and offers. Fresh Creek, home to the US Navy's Atlantic Underwater Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) base, and Morgan's Bluff … Abundant marine wildlife, crystal clear turquoise waters and uninhabited cays. >>. The islands have experienced hurricanes in their history but landfall is not as common as you might fear as more hurricanes actually hit the mainland than the Bahamas. Why a large boat? Type of Boat - The type of boat that you use to sail to the Bahamas must be built well enough to handle the open ocean, especially when the weather conditions are adverse. The islands are busier in winter and more expensive to visit as I’ve mentioned it above. Ali was a perfect host... relaxed, capable, enthusiastic, and so proud of the Bahamas. Local weather forecasts will assist you with planning and friendly locals will be more than happy to share suggestions for favorite destinations. While you can see them from a flybridge, the experience isn't the same as when snorkeling. But as they always say, reaching paradise is never easy. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. LEARN TO SAIL IN THE EXUMAS, BAHAMAS. Get general tips on boating to The Bahamas, refueling, and dockage. We offer 16 unique destinations filled with exciting experiences below and above water. Contact your yacht.vacations consultant today. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Aside from the raw beauty, the subtle changes of blue have been used by mariners throughout history to determine the depth of the water and the presence of reefs. 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Sheltered harbours, easy-to-challenging sailing areas, and nature for many people all-year-round...