Are the Berry Islands worth it?

[Clipper4730]

Hey folks just curious if the Berry islands in the Bahamas are worth the visit. We are swinging through the Bahamas on our way to Tampa in a few weeks and are debating on whether or not to stop by the Berries or continue a bit south as far as Allan's Cay in Exuma before heading back to Bimini then on to Miami then south around the Keys. So how is it there, good anchorages nice beaches, diving, seclusion etc. we draw 6'. Anyways thanks in advance!

Will

[brownoarsman]

I think the Berries probably have more seclusion than other parts of the Bahamas. The west side is all very shallow water, so a lot of deeper draft boats skip it. I saw only two other boats the whole two weeks I was in the berries. One was at little harbor where a large cat dropped anchor for a hot minute, saw the seasonal bar was closed, and took off. The other was a power boat doing a day trip at devil's. Little harbor, by the way, has a fun holet underneath the rocks that you can let the tide/current propel you through.

My all-time favorite anchorage is in the berries where the three islands of Hoffman's, devil, and one other form a protected hole. White sand beaches 360 degrees all around, the 'blue hole' cliff jumping site, and some okay but not great snorkeling. Mostly I like it for the little bit of beach on devil's.

[rognvald]

The Berry's are a quiet alternative to traditional mainstream Bahamas anchorages in settled weather. Mostly, the anchorages are exposed to the West but there are a few places where reasonable all-weather opportunities exist. Anchoring on the bank is generally good with sand/gravel bottoms. Some areas you'll have to dig in your hook due to very hard sand. The best way to visit the Berry's is to take a week, perhaps less, and start at Whale Cay and work your way North to Great Harbour Cay. The fishing is good both oceanside and on the bank. However, don't expect senior volleyball, potluck dinners, and caravan anchorages . . . you know where you can find those things. Good luck and safe exploring. I think it's worth the effort.

[ReMetau]

We draw 6' and visited Little Harbor, Soldier Cay, and Great Harbor. We spent days at Soldier Cay and Little Harbor as the only boat. Loved it. We used the dinghy to visit Hoffman from Soldier which was a long run but well worth the trip.
The Exumas are hard to beat, but if you have the time, the Berry's are worth a stop.

[caradow]

Providing you have settled weather would suggest just hanging out in Little Harbor and surrounding areas saving yourself over a 70 mile sail to Allen's Cay.
I honestly don't think you would be disappointed.

[puffcard]

Love the Berries, always get chased out by approaching fronts. Drop a line behind Hoffman's and you'll have a fish on in a second. Great Harbour is a good place to hide. Think Chub Cay is still closed. Allen vs Berries and have more time to explore, Berries by fair margin. They're like the Bahamas use to be.