Florida To Bahamas Options

[Fantazia]

Has anybody with a large mast and a 2m draft ever approached Nassau from the west and then bona around south side of the island to Palm Cay? Is there a channel, going around the top (north side) doesn't look too much better on the entry, I don't believe we can go through Nassau Hbr because of the bridges?

[Vasco]

You can enter Nassau Harbour from the east end. Go to Chubb Rock (north and east of Paradise Island) then south to the harbour entrance.

[Fantazia]

Thanks, does that mean that if I want to go to Palm Cay, I will need to go around the east end of Nassau?

[Vasco]

Don't know where Palm Cay is but if you're going to the west or south part of New Providence and don't want to enter Nassau harbour you can just sail west of N.P. Lots of water there. It would help to know where you're coming from. Great Bahama Bank? NE Channel?

[Dave852]

You can go around the east or west side of Nassau. I would decide based on the wind direction etc... Palm Cay is a great alternative to the other Nassau marinas with great rates, great restaurant, very nice manager, free courtesy car etc... But, it's a very serious entry due to some incredible coral heads. Do not try with poor light and if it's your first trip to the Bahamas I would suggest going in the east harbor as Vasco suggests, much easier.


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[johnmcntsh]

Palm Cay is definitely a good choice. I love Nassau, been there many times. Just got back a couple of weeks ago. If you get to PI try the Green Turtle Bar and Grill, just under the outbound bridge. Great Expat place and fantastic and reasonable food and Drink, ( for the Bahamas anyway). Ask for Antonio and tell him John and Betsy said HI.

I think the number 15 Jitney is the bus you will want to take. It's only 1.25 and a wonderful experience.
Stay on the coastal parts of the island when traveling. Safety becomes an issue on inland parts of the island.

Cruise ships come in on the western side of PI so if you are checking in there just follow them in.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Dave852

You can go around the east or west side of Nassau. I would decide based on the wind direction etc... Palm Cay is a great alternative to the other Nassau marinas with great rates, great restaurant, very nice manager, free courtesy car etc... But, it's a very serious entry due to some incredible coral heads. Do not try with poor light and if it's your first trip to the Bahamas I would suggest going in the east harbor as Vasco suggests, much easier.


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Now I know where it is. It's the new marina that lots of cruisers are going to due to the good rates. Heard that their service is good too but the entrance has a chain across it in the evenings so get there in daylight. The best approach coming from FL would be Chubb Rock south and then around the east end of NP. The winds would then likely be much better than coming around the west end of NP. Usually blowing from the east somewhere.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by johnmcntsh

Cruise ships come in on the western side of PI so if you are checking in there just follow them in.

The OP can't get under the bridges to Paradise Island so the western entrance to Nassau harbour will not work for him. He will be limited as far as anchorages and marinas go. And then he'll have to backtrack if he's going to the Exumas like most cruisers.

[Cheechako]

How tall a mast?

[Fantazia]

26m. above w/l:

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Fantazia

26m. above w/l:

Don't have my charts here but think you definitely have to go around and not through Nassau Harbour.

[johnmcntsh]

West side bridge is 68.8 I believe, East side may be a little lower.

[Dave852]

Originally Posted by johnmcntsh

West side bridge is 68.8 I believe, East side may be a little lower.

I have been under with 71' , the antenna was touching so 72' would not make it. At any rate the OP is definitely not making it under.


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[skipperr100]

I am leaving Miami on Dec 5th, in a ppower boat. Any other boats leaving at that time? Would like to buddy boat to Bimini or Nassau.