Sail The Bahamas

A Tropical Island Sailing Destination that Stands Apart

Unlike the chain of Caribbean islands to the south that were formed by volcanic activity, the Bahamas are the above-water parts of two extensive banks that rise from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The shallow waters here are dotted with numerous islands and cays sheltered behind miles of coral reef that teem with sea life.

The pure natural delights of a sailing vacation in the Bahamas unfold around the Exumas, a string of cays is an area mostly enclosed in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park. In the winterless climate of this special place, the trade winds blow gently across calm turquoise waters sheltered from the ocean beyond. The emphasis is on nature, solitude and tranquility, with  small beach settlements, a few including resorts, located on some of the cays you will visit.  

On a week-long charter, set out from Nassau's Palm Cay Marina  and sail some 35 nautical miles (65km) to the Exumas. One of the first cays you'll reach is Highbourne Cay, a great place to start, as you sample the warm tropical waters and snorkel some of the surrounding reefs. From there you can 'island hop' all the way to Allen's Cays and observe the unique iguana sub-species. As you return to base you'll have ample time to explore what you missed on the way out. 

Your charter in the Abacos starts and ends at a base on Great Abaco. While this is an expansive area for independent sailing, chartering is generally limited to the main island and the cays that lie close by to its east. From Marsh Harbour, Great Guana Cay and Green Turtle Cay with their modern services are favoured stopovers to the north, as is Little Harbour on Great Abaco to the south. In between are numerous quiet spots to drop anchor and play a while, or just rest and soak up the Bahamas sun. 

The Bahamas cruising ground is expansive. Both the Abacos and the Exumas offer just about all that charter sailors are looking for in a seven-day holiday with family and friends. If a longer charter of sailing and discovery is the objective, there's much more to explore on an extended voyage through this widespread archipelago. 

Talk to us about the Bahamas as a convenient, family-friendly travel destination. You'll be amazed at what's in store on an Abacos or an Exumas sailboat charter. 

Sailing Conditions in The Bahamas

January is the coolest month (av. 77°F/25°C) and August the warmest (av. 90°/32°). The Bahamas clock up an impressive 3,000 sunshine hours per year, with the wet season over summer. The best time to sail in the Bahamas is during the dry autumn/winter/spring season from November to April. Late December coinciding with vacation time until April is considered peak season. . 

Technically outside the Caribbean but in practice a part of its weather systems, the Bahamas face the possibility of hurricanes in late summer. During the sailing season the wind is generally calm to moderate from the northeast, and humidity is low.