Sailing in Bahamas
Including Berry Islands, Bimini Chain, and Cat Island. On the map.
The vibe
Sailing in the Bahamas is a relaxed, scenic cruise across crystal waters, with plenty of anchorages. The dry season from November to April is ideal, but sailing is possible year‑round. Many charter options exist, but experienced sailors often navigate independently; the atmosphere is a mix of touristy and local.
Berry Islands
Berry Islands
dmtilley / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A compact group of 30‑plus small islands and cays, known for protected anchorages, clear waters and a relaxed sailing atmosphere. Ideal for short hops and reef cruising.
Access. Charter bases operate out of Great Harbour Cay and also from Nassau; many flotilla tours include the Berry Islands as a highlight.
Notes. Best visited November‑April when winds are steady and seas are calm. Some cays have limited mooring buoys, so plan anchorage ahead.
Bimini Chain
Bimini
Per Ola Wiberg from Ekerö, Sweden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Just 50 km west of Miami, the Bimini islands provide quick offshore passages, deep‑water anchorages, and world‑renowned big‑game fishing waters that also attract sailors. The waters are typically flat with reliable easterly breezes.
Access. Charter operators run daily trips from Nassau and from Bimini’s North Bimini Marina; private yachts often stop at Alice Town for provisions and fuel.
Notes. Sailing season runs November‑April; the area can be busy with fishing vessels, so maintain a proper lookout. Moorings are available at several cays.
Cat Island
Cat Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Cat Island’s rugged coastline, hidden coves and historic ruins make for scenic cruising and quiet anchorage. The island is less visited, offering a tranquil sailing experience.
Access. Charters depart from Nassau and occasionally from the nearby islands of Eleuthera; private yachts can stop at New Bight for fuel and provisions.
Notes. Sailing conditions are optimal November‑April; watch for shallow reefs near the southern tip. Moorings are scarce, so anchor with care.
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Harbour Island
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Eleuthera’s 180‑km long, narrow ribbon of land offers dramatic cliffs, pink‑sand beaches, and steady winds, while nearby Harbour Island adds a boutique sailing vibe with its famous Pink Beach.
Access. Charters depart from Governor’s Harbour and from Nassau; many operators offer day sails to the island chain and to the surrounding cays.
Notes. Trade winds are strongest from December to March; watch for shallow reefs near the southern tip. Anchorages are plentiful but some are exposed to northerly gusts.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Exuma
stevestevens / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A protected 100‑square‑mile marine reserve with crystal‑clear waters, shallow reefs and dozens of tiny cays. Sailors enjoy short hops between the cays, anchoring in pristine anchorages and exploring uninhabited beaches.
Access. Charter companies operate out of Great Exuma (George Town) and provide day‑trip or multi‑day flotillas to the park. Private yachts can also be crewed from Nassau or Exuma Harbour.
Notes. Best visited November‑April when trade winds are steady and the hurricane season is over. Moorings are available at many cays; no overnight facilities on the islands.
Grand Bahama & Lucayan Archipelago
West Grand Bahama
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Grand Bahama’s western coastline and the surrounding Lucayan islands provide a mix of long coastal stretches, sheltered bays, and easy island‑hopping routes. The area is popular for both cruising and regattas.
Access. Marinas in Freeport and West End host numerous charter companies; day‑trip flotillas often include the nearby Great Abaco and the Lucayan cays.
Notes. Trade winds are strongest December‑March; the western side can experience choppy seas during summer storms. Moorings are plentiful in Freeport Harbor.
Great Inagua
Inagua
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The southernmost Bahamian island offers vast salt‑pan flats, quiet anchorages, and abundant wildlife, especially flamingos. Sailors enjoy long, open‑water passages and the chance to explore remote beaches.
Access. Charter services operate from Matthew Town and from Nassau, offering multi‑day trips that include Inagua and neighboring cays.
Notes. Best visited November‑April; the island is exposed to occasional squalls in summer. Limited facilities mean self‑sufficiency is advised.
Long Island
Long Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Long Island features dramatic cliffs, pink‑sand beaches and a series of protected bays ideal for anchoring. The island’s position offers easy access to both the Exuma chain and the Eleuthera region.
Access. Charter operators from Nassau and from the nearby islands run day‑sail and overnight trips to Long Island’s harbors such as Dean’s Bay.
Notes. Peak sailing season is December‑May; the island can be windy in summer. Moorings are available at several bays, but some require anchoring.