Overview
The Bahamas archipelago stretches 760 miles from Grand Bahama (100 miles east of Florida) to the Turks and Caicos. It's one of the world's most varied cruising grounds — from the shallow turquoise flats of the Exumas (where you can see the sandy bottom in 20 feet of water) to the bluewater ocean passages of the outer islands. The defining characteristic is the water: nowhere else on earth is the ocean this clear. The Atlantic side is deep blue; the Bahama Bank is every shade of turquoise imaginable.
The Exumas
The Exuma Cays are the highlight of Bahamas sailing — a 120-mile chain of small cays and islands with the most extraordinary water color in the Caribbean. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (anchoring only, no fishing) has the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. Staniel Cay is the social hub with the famous Thunderball Grotto (where James Bond films were shot). Compass Cay has friendly nurse sharks you can swim with. Big Major's Spot is home to the famous swimming pigs. Charter from Nassau (2–3 hour sail south) or fly into George Town (Exuma) for a one-way charter north.
The Abacos
The Abacos in the north are the traditional Bahamas sailing destination — the Sea of Abaco is a sheltered inland sea providing excellent protected sailing between the outer barrier cays. Marsh Harbour is the main charter base; Hope Town on Elbow Cay (with its famous candy-striped lighthouse) is the most photographed harbour in the Bahamas. The Abacos are particularly popular with Florida sailors making their first offshore passage.
Nassau & New Providence
Nassau is the arrival point for most Bahamas charters — international flights, large marina facilities (Nassau Harbour Club, Atlantis marina), and immediate access south to the Exumas or north to the Abacos. Nassau itself rewards a day's exploration — the colonial architecture, the straw market, and the spectacular Atlantis resort on Paradise Island are all within walking distance of the marina.
Best time to go
November through May is the sailing season. December through March is peak — northeast trade winds of 15–20 knots, clear skies, and temperatures of 24–27°C. April and May are slightly lighter wind but warm and uncrowded. The Bahamas sit north of the main hurricane track but are not immune — avoid June through October.
Charter information
Main charter bases: Nassau and Marsh Harbour (Abacos). Major operators include Sunsail, The Moorings, and Florida-based charter companies running day-hop itineraries. A 40ft bareboat runs $3,900–$6,600/week; catamarans from $6,600. Note: Bahamas waters are very shallow in places (2–6 feet on the Banks) — a shallow-draft vessel or catamaran is strongly recommended over a deep-keel monohull for the Exumas.