Miami to Georgetown - Bahamas

[osirissail]

Do you mean the "Joulter Cays" off the north end of Andros Island?

If so, there are two ways to get there. First from the west side you can get, maybe, within 5nm before it gets below a meter (3ft) of water. But who knows, you might be able to wend your way in closer visually.

Secondly is from Morgan's Bluff harbor on the north end of Andros Island. You can reach the Joulter Cays by dinghy or with your boat if the weather is settled by again feeling your way in carefully.

One other option is to stop at Cross Cay (N25° 08.3' W078° 14.5') which is just off the northwest tip of Andros Island. I have taken my boat with 5ft draft pretty far up and in close to Cross Cays. You will also be able to access Crab Cay and Pine Cay from the western side approach.

Since virtually nobody goes there, even Bahamas people, the fishing and flora/fauna should be spectacular and untouched. Since the prevailing winds are normally from an easterly direction and all the water around is quite shallow it should be a good safe place to be for a few days or so.

Latest report I had from friends just returning from a Bahamas "circle" is that free Wifi is pretty much gone and what is available is slow speed and costs money. So if staying in communications with anybody back in USA or other places is important, you might want to consider other types of communications such as SSB HF or Satellite.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, JollymonSouth.

[osirissail]

Addendum: to my #31 - My friends reported that even the various "paid" WiFi outlets would not allow SKYPE or other high bandwidth usage - the exception being if you were in a high priced marina.

[AnchorageGuy]

Mike, I just posted this notice, so be sure and check on the current situation before you cross...

Bahamas Customs Strike – MNN041012

For any of our friends that might be planning an off season trip over to the Bahamas, be aware the Bahamas Customs and Immigrations Officers have been on strike since April 5th. Customs offices are being manned by members of the Bahamas Defense Force but you should expect delays clearing in and some offices may be closed so please check ahead. The Customs and Immigrations Officers are staging demonstration at various Customs and Immigrations Offices around the Islands so we urge everyone to be cautious and avoid areas of civil unrest. We will keep everyone posted as things change.

Chuck

[waterworldly]

Was just at the Customs House in Bimini, no problems, no delays, and no civil unrest. First hand knowledge will always be your best source in these types of situations, but I would expect "civil unrest" only in the most urban places such as Nassau or Freeport. As a cruiser and a property owner there, I can tell you that the "rules" such as no camping, are basically aimed at immigrants that come up from places such as Haiti and Cuba and have been settling on some of the outer islands.

[AnchorageGuy]

Waterworldly, Good to know. But for the original poster that is going in May, I would still advise to get current information just before crossing. Things in the Bahamas can and do change frequently, so what might be the case today can change next week or next month. By the time they cross the situation may very well be over completely or become more problematic. You are absolutely correct that current first hand knowledge is the best. More information on the strike can be found here. Chuck