cruising the Bahamas. all of your info, please!

[theodyssey]

I know how vague and vast this request might be, but just crossed over from FL to Grand Bahama a few days ago and am wide open as to where to see, where to drop the hook, what to eat, what to avoid, what to steer clear of... all of it.

new sailor. 31' sailboat. draws 4. novice at best.

many thanks!

[skipmac]

Well yes, it is vague and vast.

Maybe start with giving some idea of how long you plan to stay. No point in giving you suggestions for a three month cruise itinerary if you're only going to be there three weeks.

[sailjumanji]

Get Explorer charts and Active Captain.

[skipmac]

Leave Freeport/West End and go to the Abacos. Standard route cross the banks, spend the night at Sale Cay then leave early next morning for the Abacos.

If you go down the chain be very careful if you go around Whale Cay Passage

[theodyssey]

ah! good point, @skipmac.

plan on 3-4 months. making my way down to Turks & Caicos. other than that, am wide open.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by theodyssey

ah! good point, @skipmac.

plan on 3-4 months. making my way down to Turks & Caicos. other than that, am wide open.

an
One option.

Cross the Grand Bahama Banks to the Abacos. Down the Abacos (Green Turtle, Marsh Harbor, Man-o-War). To north end of Eleuthera (Harbour Island). To the Exuma Island Chain (Staniel Cay, Exuma Land and Sea Park), Georgetown). To Long Island (Clarence Town) or San Salvador. Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Turks & Caicos.

[Ndavies]

Well - that is a vague request........I just can't wait to see some of the replies I am sure you will get!

I would suggest reading some blogs - there are some good ones out there, and may I humbly suggest taking a look at ours. Go back to February 2014 S/V Midnight Sun II: February 2014. Also, if you don't have it, get the cruising guide and some decent charts.

Have fun and stay safe!
Neil

[SouthernPride]

Can you keep me updated about your adventures. I plan on doing the same at the end of 2016 into April 2017. Any high points low points to be aware of.
Thanks,
Mike
Southern Belle

[LooseGoose]

Definitely Abacos.

Bookmark Barometer Bob - Abacos, Bahamas

Cruisers net radio is at 8:30 every morning out of Hope Town, CH 68

Manjack Cay, Green Turtle, New Plymouth to check in, (Sundowners Pub after 5 to meet many other cruisers), Treasure Cay, Man-'O-War, Hope Town, Abaco Inn for lunch and surf view, Little Harbor (Randolf Studio & Pete's Pub.

Then off to points South.

[BHI_Guy]

What Skipmac said, and best of luck. I'll be there this time next year (or a few months earlier). What kind of 31 foot boat is she?

[theodyssey]

thanks again! keep 'em coming.

she's a 1967 Grampian Classic 31. old gal, but built like a tank.

pressing question now:

with me being in Freeport [terrible, but needed a week of r&r and Flaming Bay is cheap], should I continue E/SE down the coast and then back up North, island/cay hopping to Crown Haven and then making my way around the coast? or should I backtrack and see the northern part of Grand Bahamas?

wide open for any advice.

[skipmac]

Maybe it's just me but I always thought a big part of the enjoyment of cruising was looking at charts and guidebooks, learning about the places I'm heading and planning the trip.

[Cal31]

The first two islands east of Walkers Cay, Grand and Double Breasted cay, are so nice I doubt you will want to go anywhere else. Grand is native Bahamas at its best and Double Breasted is a wonderful anchorage. We've sailed to the Abacos but always wound up back at those two places. Walkers used to be great until the hurricane some 10 years ago tore it up. Not sure it ever rebounded.

[ausnp84]

We went Coco Grove to Bimini, the across the Bank to Crab Cay, Nassau, then spend a couple of months trickling down the Exumas to George Town. Sailing on alternate days, planning on the days off, more or less complete novices as well.

Enjoy it, the Bahamas are an amazing place

n

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Maybe it's just me but I always thought a big part of the enjoyment of cruising was looking at charts and guidebooks, learning about the places I'm heading and planning the trip.

Well that's true when the guidebooks are useful. But I can say I have a few that have been a waste of money except for providing out of date marina information.