Bahamas verse Caribbean

[jt11791]

Originally Posted by dwedeking2

Buy a house in Detroit. You'll still be unhappy but at least you won't be disappointed....

[DockDoc]

Its hard to beat the Bahamas as an american sailor. They speak English, take American dollar, propane fill-ups are US type etc etc. You can visit the ritzy high trafic areas like Nassau if you like that, but also go to secluded islands where, as we have, spent a week and saw no one. It a shelf so the depth doesnt vary much, and your pretty protected. Anchoring is very simple, and the sailing routes are well documented.

The Caribbean is a mixed bag. If the islands still have economic and political relations with momma Europe they are generally in decent shape, and safeish. If they are independent it certainly increases the risk, mainly of theft, but all crimes in general. The diving is decent but imo not as good as snorkeling in the Bahamas.

Ive been as far south in them as St Vincent and the grenadines, and back up, this coming fall our plan is Chesapeake to Bahamas, to Turks, to PR, USVI BVI and then U-turn back home. The Caribean isn't worth the time, stress, and money to me.

Sorry your crossing was a smash up, but that happens. On those I just harness in at the helm, have my puke bucket handy and sail on.

[sailorboy1]

What the heck is wrong with some of you? Don't you have enough other places to post your comments? Just what was it about the thread title and simple question that attached trolls? :

To those that actually posted a helpful response pkease accept my apology for reading this.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

What the heck is wrong with some of you? Don't you have enough other places to post your comments? Just what was it about the thread title and simple question that attached trolls?

Sorry mate..
Just thought I'd pass on something about the Caribe..
The only thing I know about the Bahamas is they are best sailed past.. full off Floridians..

[crayiii]

The Caribbean is nice for it's vastly superior diversity in food, activities, people, and things to do. The Bahamas are close to the US and have amazing beauty. That's how I would sum up the differences to us.

[sailorboy1]

Really sucks for me sometimes. Just took this while sitting in the cockpit having a rum and coke.

[Lowcountry]

I have enjoyed every minute that I have ever spent while sailing in the Bahamas. It's a sailor's paradise. Can't wait to get back down there.

[Paul L]

The eastern Carib in non- covid times is pretty crowded with cruising boats. Some places like the BVIs are way over crowded, leading to pain in the arse anchoring and expensive food and drinks. Petty crime is a bigger issue in the Carib.
The Bahamas has superior snorkeling, it is easy to get to and get back from, none of the passages are long. Crime is low.
The eastern Carib has far more interesting geology, enough variety that you can find places you really like, is more foreign. It is 900 miles to weather to get there. Once there the sailing up and down the trades is good - far better than the Bahamas.

Pick your poison, but if you have doubts it is a long way down and back,

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Paul L

The eastern western Carib in non- covid times is pretty crowded with cruising boats. Some places like the BVIs are way over crowded ...

Presume you meant to open with Western Caribbean, and concluding with Eastern Caribbbean.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Paul L

The eastern Carib in non- covid times is pretty crowded with cruising boats. Some places like the BVIs are way over crowded, leading to pain in the arse anchoring and expensive food and drinks. Petty crime is a bigger issue in the Carib.
The Bahamas has superior snorkeling, it is easy to get to and get back from, none of the passages are long. Crime is low.
The eastern Carib has far more interesting geology, enough variety that you can find places you really like, is more foreign. It is 900 miles to weather to get there. Once there the sailing up and down the trades is good - far better than the Bahamas.

Pick your poison, but if you have doubts it is a long way down and back,

Ahh come on.. The BVI's is a tourist resort..
Anguilla/St Martin and points South are where the cruisers go.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Ahh come on.. The BVI's is a tourist resort..
Anguilla/St Martin and points South are where the cruisers go.

It's certainly not overwhelmed with charterboats when you head south of BVIs. It's still crowded with boats. Many who are in their 5,7 or 10th year hanging in the same places. To each his own.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Presume you meant to open with Western Caribbean, and concluding with Eastern Caribbbean.

Nope, my comments were limited to eastern Carib. BVI are a little special due to the overwhelming number of charter boats.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Paul L

It's certainly not overwhelmed with charterboats when you head south of BVIs. It's still crowded with boats. Many who are in their 5,7 or 10th year hanging in the same places. To each his own.

True.. But you have to admit it's a much more cosmopolitan mix with European boats equal to but often outnumbering US ones.
That 1000nm Thorny Path or 900nm beat before you can run down to the Leeward is a nice deterrent.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by boatman61

True.. But you have to admit it's a much more cosmopolitan mix with European boats equal to but often outnumbering US ones.
That 1000nm Thorny Path or 900nm beat before you can run down to the Leeward is a nice deterrent.

Sure, having more international flavor is a good thing. I guess I'm just not a fan of the E Carib. Too many boats, too much petty crime, etc. There's a few places that I liked: actually did enjoy the BVIs once you accept the crowding, the Saints, Bonaire and a few others with baguettes. I'd much rather spend time in the South Pacific, but then the trip there (and back ) is a bit longer

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Sure, having more international flavor is a good thing. I guess I'm just not a fan of the E Carib. Too many boats, too much petty crime, etc. There's a few places that I liked: actually did enjoy the BVIs once you accept the crowding, the Saints, Bonaire and a few others with baguettes. I'd much rather spend time in the South Pacific, but then the trip there (and back ) is a bit longer

That I agree with.. loved the Marqueasas, American Samoa not so much, Vanuatu a thumbs up..
Wish I'd gone there 40yrs ago..
May never have left the Marqueasas