Boating In The Bahamas

There is no finer journey than the one that leads you to paradise. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Bimini, a cruise along the chain of islands in The Abacos or The Exumas, or a weeklong voyage to Nassau/Paradise Island, the waters of The Bahamas are waiting for you. Looking for a complete guide to luxury yachting in The Islands Of The Bahamas, click here to view Bahamas In Depth's guide.

For more information on boating in The Bahamas, visit bahamasmarinas.com.

If you like Boating, you might want to visit:

Featured Properties

Musha Cay Resort

The Exumas

Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay are hidden among the out islands of The Exumas, stretching over 700 acres of lush, natural beauty.

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Green Turtle Club & Marina

The Abacos

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Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina

Cat Island

Hawks Nest Resort & Marina sits on the southern tip of Cat Island, and is a great getaway for relaxation or to pursue any activity you choose.

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Bahamas Map

Boating

Ragged Island

The waters around Ragged Island are peppered with cays for boaters to explore. Long white-sand beaches and breathtaking views from atop cliffs invite sailors to come ashore. Boaters must check in at an official port of entry in The Exumas or Long Island before sailing into Ragged Island. Dockage is at Gun Point in southwest Ragged Island, where fuel and water are available. Small vessels can enter the creek in Duncan Town, the harbor at Johnson Cay in the north, at or just off Buenavista Cay, Hog Cay and Jamaica Cay.

Rum Cay

Rum Cay offers boaters a variety of interesting things to explore—spectacular beaches, hidden harbors, caves overlooking the sea and unique marine life—so that you can spend days on the water before seeing it all. There is no marina, although the best anchorage is near St. Georges Bay, nestled in the southeast corner of Rum Cay, just as you round the barrier reef in the protected waters of Port Nelson. A few tiny stores offer provisions, and a stop at the few quaint, island-style restaurants and bars is a must.

Mayaguana

Yachting enthusiasts heading farther south have made Mayaguana one of their favorite stopovers. The island is located along the Mayaguana Passage, a multi-hued waterway between Mayaguana and Acklins. The water there is a sight to be seen; before you can name its color, it will change right before your eyes! There are miles of secluded shoreline along Mayaguana’s coast for boaters to explore, with scenic beaches and several natural harbors. There is no marina here, but travelers sailing into Mayaguana can drop anchor at the public dock in Abraham’s Bay. Local guides would be willing to provide assistance with navigating the channels. If you did not arrive here on your own boat, the hotel can arrange an excursion on the water for you.

Inagua

Sailors will enjoy exploring the miles of secluded beaches and sights that can be accessed only by boat. There are several natural harbors here and the assistance of local mariners should be sought to navigate channels in the reefs. Suggested anchorages on Great Inagua are Lantern Head Harbour, Man-O-War Bay at Northwest Point, the waters just off Matthew Town or the government dock in town where fuel and water are available. The private pier at Morton Salt can be utilized with prior arrangement. Small vessels can enter at Mudjen Harbour on Little Inagua.

The Berry Islands

Natural deep-water passages have led to The Berry Islands becoming one of the leading cruise ship ports-of-call within The Bahamas. The surrounding waters offer dozens of uninhabited cays, miles of secluded swim-ashore beaches, and a multitude of magical harbors, all a big attraction to cruising boaters. Read More

Boating

Acklins & Crooked Island

Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration in Georgetown, The Exumas, before sailing into Acklins & Crooked Island. There are no marinas or official docking facilities here, but you can drop anchor in Crooked Island outside Landrail Point, at Major's Cay Harbour and French Wells, or on the eastern side of Long Cay. You will enjoy sailing around the atoll visiting the unusual attractions that are only accessible by boat: the Bird Rock Lighthouse on a cay just off Pittstown Point at the northwestern point of Crooked Island, the Samana Cays in the northeast, the Plana Cays in the east, the Castle Island Lighthouse off the southern tip of Acklins, and the Mira Por islets in the southwest. Bahamian schooners sail in the waters of The Bight during the Acklins & Crooked Island Regatta held on the first weekend in August.

San Salvador

San Salvador has some of the most beautiful bays in The Bahamas—Dim Bay, Long Bay and Snow Bay—and sailing on the clear water can virtually take your breath away. The island is surrounded by protective reefs, but there are a variety of beaches, lagoons and cays where you can drop anchor to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Read More

Boating

Long Island

An uninterrupted 80-mile stretch of contrasting coastlines gives Long Island its name and a distinct landscape. With the rich blue Atlantic Ocean on one side and the turquoise Caribbean Sea on the other, there is more than enough to keep any boating enthusiast enraptured. Read More

Boating

Cat Island

Sailing in the beautiful water around Cat Island is one of the primary reasons that many boaters visit. You can explore uninhabited cays and hidden coves, historical landmarks, the natural beauty of rose-colored beaches and dramatic cliffs as a backdrop. Read More

Boating

Andros

The western side of Andros is virtually unapproachable by boat due to the tricky shoals, but the eastern side is accessible and very scenic. Boaters will enjoy cruising through the "Bahama Blue" waters, over the coral reefs and past pristine beaches and colorful towns. Read More

Boating

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

An easy run across the Eleuthera banks from Nassau, lies Eleuthera’s 100-plus miles of coastline that offer sailing and boating enthusiasts one panoramic view after another. There are secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, numerous beaches and more than a few reefs to carefully explore. And, once you arrive, the marinas here make the ideal hub for a world-class, luxurious getaway.

Bimini

Bimini is a popular sailing destination for private power boaters and an entire world is waiting to be explored. You’ll be mesmerized by how the water color changes from a deep navy blue in the ocean around the island to clear green as you get into the harbor. Read More

Boating

The Exumas

There are docking facilities and six full-service marinas here, offering short or long-term dockage. Miles of cays and hidden coves make for some of the most spectacular sailing in The Bahamas, and frequent stops are recommended to really appreciate these picturesque islands. Read More

Boating

The Abacos

With an entire chain of enchanting islands arrayed around a warm, calm sea, The Abacos are one of the world’s best cruising and sailing areas and have been The Bahamas’ boating capital since colonial times.

Freeport

Some of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sea surround Freeport, which may account for the high number of visitors who arrive here the old-fashioned way—by sailing into port.

Nassau & Paradise Island

The marinas in Nassau & Paradise Island have fully functioning slips, most equipped with electric and water hook-ups and fuel. Some even have cable and Internet. The marina at Atlantis is the premier facility in The Bahamas, a luxury yacht harbor accommodating vessels of up to 220 feet. Read More