Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Flats fishing regulation of 2017 suspended
Flats fishing regulation of 2017 suspended

Posted: 24 Apr 2018 10:17 AM PDT

NASSAU, The Bahamas, 24 April, 2018….. News that the Government has suspended the Flats Fishing Regulations has been welcomed by the Association of Bahamas Marinas, which had protested the passing of the regulations when they were passed in 2017 out of concern for a detrimental impact on the country’s appeal as a destination for fishing enthusiasts.

The association regrets that its concern has, in fact, proved to be well founded, given reports of a subsequent decline as high as 40 percent in bookings at bonefish lodges.

Now experiencing a bumper season in marina activity, the association regards the government’s decision as well timed and expects it will give the fishing lodges an opportunity to regain momentum and re-establish The Bahamas’ reputation as a premier fly-fishing destination.

Marina users spend large amounts purchasing goods and services in The Bahamas. Boaters, drawn to The Bahamas to fish will purchase fuel, groceries, supplies and repairs, gifts and souvenirs, entertainment, taxi services, food and beverages. The association recognises the impact the 2017 regulations has had on lodges, taxi drivers and Family Island communities and hails the government’s decision as well-timed.

The ABM expressed relief that onerous and impractical regulations will not now place a damper on the country’s ability to capitalise on the buoyant market conditions in the US and is convinced that regulations can be developed that will serve the interest of both supplier and consumer, while generating even greater economic benefits for the country.

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Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Reminder – You will NOT be notified by email of replies to Posts
Reminder – You will NOT be notified by email of replies to Posts

Posted: 22 Apr 2018 02:16 PM PDT 

Remember, you will only get an email when the FIRST user creates a new topic post in Bahamas Chatter. You will NOT get an email when a user replies to this first post. You must click on the link in the first email periodically to review replies to the original topic. Hopefully Explorer Charts will update to a forum someday. 🙂

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Is Flo’s Conch Bar still open?” plus 1 more
Posted: 21 Apr 2018 10:30 AM PDT

Is Flo’s Conch Bar still open? Posted: 21 Apr 2018 10:30 AM PDT Anyone know if still open and operating? Tried e-mail and phone without success Headed over to Bahamas 4/30 from Key Largo, Fl to Bimini, Chubb and Berry’s. Thanks Carter Hopkins Amazing Grace Chop15802@gmail.com

Family Island Regatta begins April 25, 2018 Posted: 21 Apr 2018 09:03 AM PDT The National Family Island Regatta begins Wednesday, April 25 in Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “SVRS / Float plan replaced by ROAM app” plus 1 more
SVRS / Float plan replaced by ROAM app

Posted: 20 Apr 2018 08:01 AM PDT

As of April 15, the SVRS and float plan system has been replaced by a new app called ROAM available for ios and droid.

We used it to clear coming back into Miami a few days ago.

Once you download the app, you need to create an account at login.gov.

The app allows you to enter passenger and vessel data (including photo of each passport).

Upon return to the US, you select the passengers, vessel and answer a few basic questions about the trip. After submitting the data, a customs officer will initiate a video call inside the app. You will need to have person show their face and passport.

Quick and easy. Then you get a clearance confirmation by email.

And the best is that Non LBO US citizens do not have to go to immigration.

Staniel Cay depths

Posted: 20 Apr 2018 04:07 AM PDT

Garmin charts and Nobeltec TZ app have conflicting depth info for Staniel Cay YC approach from the West. Do most deep draft vessels enter the marina from the East (Atlantic), or is the bank side ok? I have 5′ draft…

Thanks!

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “New flights to Bimini” plus 2 more
New flights to Bimini
Updates on Chub Cay Marina
How do you reserve a mooring at Warderick Wells

New flights to Bimini Posted: 19 Apr 2018 12:12 PM PDT Now there are now even more options for getting to Bimini Sands! Bahamas Air will start service to South Bimini in May. They will offer flights from Miami 4 days a week.   FRS Caribbean offers ferry service to north Bimini.   Tropic Ocean Airways offers regular service to north Bimini and private charters to north and south.

Updates on Chub Cay Marina Posted: 19 Apr 2018 04:54 AM PDT Does anyone have any info on Chub Cay Marina? Most recent posts are from just after the hurricane.

How do you reserve a mooring at Warderick Wells Posted: 19 Apr 2018 04:50 AM PDT Hi, I have sent an email to exumapark@bnt.bs to try to reserve a mooring in a couple of weeks but not response. I’ve also try to call but you leave a message and not call back. Any other suggestion to reserve a mooring or you just drop in and deal with the park when you’re there? Thanks,

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Warderwick Wells WiFi
Warderwick Wells WiFi

Posted: 18 Apr 2018 04:08 AM PDT
Hello,
Anyone know if there is wifi available (for purchase) these days at the Warderwick Wells office or moorings?
Thanks!

If you can answer Hubert’s question, let us hear from you.

Where to get a iridium sim card in Nassau?
Can I pop up a former SIM card?
Regards,
Hubert

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Explorer Chart Course Lines/Garmin Active Captain” plus 1 more
Explorer Chart Course Lines/Garmin Active Captain

Posted: 04 Apr 2018 03:49 AM PDT

Can you please confirm that the current Garmin cartography and the Garmin Active Captain cartography is displaying the Explorer Chartbook course lines? Can you also let us know which other cartography choices have these lines embedded?

Stern anchors (another opinion)

Posted: 03 Apr 2018 08:34 AM PDT

Having cruised the Bahamas for the past ten years aboard a 42′ catamaran, I have only deployed a stern anchor once, in a narrow cut near Double Breasted Cay. We have a Rocna anchor for our primary (bow) anchor on 250′ of chain and a Fortress FX-85 anchor on 25′ of chain with a 150′ rope rode that I used as a stern anchor. My learning experience was to have enough rode (chain or line) to reach the opposite anchor when the current switches direction. When pulling off from the anchorage, you need to retrieve the down current anchor first so you have to let our enough rode to end up over the top of the downcurrent anchor. As it relates to scope, I would suggest using the maximum because of one anchor slides, you’re going to end up with a huge mess. My opinion is a single anchor is preferred over a double anchor and a strong mooring ball is preferred over a single anchor in some situations. I prefer to find an anchorage where a double anchor is not required. Good luck. Safe cruising! Blades R.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Where to leave boat for 2 months?
Where to leave boat for 2 months?

Posted: 02 Apr 2018 03:28 AM PDT

We are planning a trip to the Bahamas but may need to leave the boat for one or two months. We would prefer to simply leave the boat there instead of sailing back and then returning to the Bahamas. Does anyone have any suggestions in the Andros, Berry Islands, Nassau, and or Eleuthera area which would be safe?

Also, if one does leave their boat in the Bahamas, what security measures should one take?
Thanks
s/v John Galt

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Stern anchors
Stern anchors

Posted: 26 Mar 2018 06:03 PM PDT

I am sailing a 40ft cat daft 1.35.

I would like to know how often stern anchors are deployed cruising in the Bahamas.

If they are used at all what setup? How much chain, rode, scope, and what techniques are used for deployment?

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Buccaneeer Club
Buccaneeer Club

Posted: 26 Mar 2018 04:51 AM PDT

We stopped at governors harbour on our way back to spanish wells from cape eluthera. We and our buddy boat wanted to go out for dinner. A friend had recommended the buccaneer club. We made a reservation for 7pm. When we got there there was a table with a reserved sign on it. The attendant seated us, gave us menus, and took drink orders. The menu was varied from apps to sandwiches to full meals. we had full meals plus drinks and dessert. Price was probably $$$-$$$$ but well worth it. We all said that the ambiance, food quality, service, etc was the best we’ve experienced in the bahamas. when we left there was a line. Thank god for reservations.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Anchoring Fees
Anchoring Fees

Posted: 23 Mar 2018 08:38 AM PDT

We have received confirmation from Exuma Park that the anchoring fees are indeed being collected as of March 1, 2018.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: ““Waterproof” charts” plus 1 more
“Waterproof” charts

Posted: 21 Mar 2018 06:53 AM PDT

My Explorer charts get wet fairly often.

Pages are ‘waterproof’ but the ink is definitely not.

As a result, my northern Abaco charts are nearly useless, having overlays on one page and blank on the other, as the ink lifts from one to the other facing pages.

Has anyone addressed this issue successfully in the past? Do Monty and Sarah sell replacement pages? It seems a real waste to have to buy another book for the sake of a few pages…

ANCHORING FEE OPPOSITION; original letter by CHARISMA

Posted: 20 Mar 2018 05:32 PM PDT

Hello fellow crusiers:

An unidentified boater from the Cruisers Net, well intentioned I’m sure, posted my letter below without my knowledge and moreover took the liberty of fictionalizing an opening paragraph. I believe many of you know that on 28 Feb, I was at my station as Net Controller in George Town…not in the land and sea park. Below is the original email letter to a friend, which I am totally happy to make public. Please feel free to copy and distribute, especially to BNT, BUT IN ITS COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL FORM. Thanks, Bill, sv CHARISM

Good morning, Joe:

Insofar as you may have a rapport with this man, perhaps you’d care to admonish him that there currently is NO mention of anchoring “fees” for vessels under ninety feet on the current park web site, Exumapark.org. I copied just now what is presented on that site and pasted it in at the conclusion of the Email.

I put fees in quotes, insofar as this charge to anchor a boat within these boundaries is tantamount to extortion. In my opinion if I anchor for the night and do not go ashore, then my activity places no strain upon the Park’s services or environs. Were I even so to float in the water to view fish and coral, what rationale is there to prevent me from doing this when I have paid my entry money allowing me, as per the Commonwealth, to physically be in any Bahamian location I so choose? Any effort to extract additional money for a particular area indistinguishable from surrounding environs is extortion, plain and simple, by definition, not opinion, and I shall not support it. Moreover, I intend to publish and circulate the above as broadly as media and conversation permits within the cruising community. The response to you from Joe in Nassau reveals his selective assessment that cruiser response is favorable; he is merely promoting the sound of his choir to advance an agenda. To the contrary the vast number of folks I canvas objectively, feel as me. That without published presentation of need, financial transparency, proper notification, and responsible methods of collection, anchoring “fees” in open Bahamian waters is a sham, and the use of the Park’s good name is being exploited. Therefore, neither I nor others with whom I have spoken will continue to anchor within Park boundaries, thereby averting conflict and discrimination we feel as a result of these sad circumstances. Furthermore, some of us who have freely contributed to the Park financially shall cease doing so. This new anchoring policy is ironically exploiting the very gift of nature it seeks to protect. Myself and others like me, and there are many, shall not be a part of it.

Please feel to forward this letter to anyone you do choose, including the Bahamas National Trust, and Exuma Land and Sea Park. I shall be doing so now to about one hundred fellow cruisers on my list.

Very truly yours,
Bill, s/v CHARISMA, Black Point, Exuma, 15 March, 2018
Captain W. Tice, USCG MASTER 100 Ton

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Cheap fuel
Cheap fuel

Posted: 16 Mar 2018 04:54 AM PDT

I took on diesel today 3-15-18 at the St Georges Power Plant Russell Island outside of Spanish Wells. 200 gallons tax included was $3.65/gal. Mac, the fuel dock manager lost his cell. He got a new cell and the number is 242-557-7520. They pump fuel for the fishing fleet.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Exit clearance from states to enter Bahamas…??” plus 1 more
Exit clearance from states to enter Bahamas…??

Posted: 13 Mar 2018 04:56 AM PDT

True or False…I just recently heard that Bahamian Customs is requiring U.S. Customs clearance from the states to enter the Bahamas. Is this just for Canadians or is it something new for US registered boats as well?

Store in Current

Posted: 12 Mar 2018 06:41 PM PDT

Just visited the Current, Eleuthera and they now have a small store with limited goods, cans, frozen meat, onions etc. but the owner does bring in good fresh fish to sell. Nice friendly folks in town. Stop by. There is a public road off the north beach. Nice anchorage in E to SE wind.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Crossing from St Lucie.
Crossing from St Lucie.

Posted: 10 Mar 2018 11:57 AM PST

Hey all!

Departing Vero Sunday mid day and looking to make the crossing to West End. Anyone else making the jump from St Lucie?

Any qualms with this weather window?

Smooth Sailing!

-SV Ruca

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION” plus 1 more
THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION

Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:36 PM PST

The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a large marine mollusc, formerly abundant throughout the Caribbean region. It is now under threat from overfishing.

There has been a major decline in the population of protected queen conchs in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park over the last 20 years.

The most recent survey found predominantly older queen conchs, with a shortage of juveniles to replace them.

Researchers believe overfishing in upstream areas has depleted the park’s larval supply. Increased predator density within the park may also be a problem for juveniles.

Queen conch fisheries outside protected areas in the Bahamas are experiencing intense fishing pressure and are near collapse.

Conchs play a huge role in Bahamian culture.

Act now to save the Queen Conch.

Shedd Aquarium Postdoctoral Research Associate Dr. Andy Kough has been working alongside partners at the Bahamas National Trust to survey different habitats around The Bahamas for queen conch. Using Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, Dr. Kough and fellow researchers are gathering data to inform conch fishery management and protect populations into the future.

Long Island Update 2018

Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:29 PM PST

Here are some changes to add to your 6th Edition Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, in case you haven’t already found them:

NORTH END, CAPE SANTA MARIA TO HARVEY’S BAY

Pratt’s Store at Seymours closed
Beach Bungalow Restaurant closed
Internet Connection near Stella Maris closed
Williams’ Auto Car Rentals at Glintons closed
No more scooter rentals at Stella Maris Inn

Coming soon: Tiki Bar and Grill at north end of Queen’s Highway at Seymours; boat tours of swimming pigs and feeding the stingrays.
Add Columbus Harbour Tours with Omar Daley at 357-1417.

HARVEY’S BAY TO MCKANNS

Add Green Leaf Bar and Grill at Bunches
Long Island Souvenirs at Deals
Wemyss-ical Treasures at Wemyss

SALT POND (Thompson Bay to Grays)

Long Island Breeze closed
Royal Bank of Canada in Cartwrights closed
Scotia Bank at Buckleys operating only two days a week with limited services (still have ATM for now)
Explorer Chartbooks now available at Seafarer Marine, Salt Pond, as well as Long Island Petroleum
Hardings Supply Centre Salt Pond closed
Add to Restaurants: Club Washington in McKanns and Tiny’s Hurricane Hole (formerly Parrots of the Caribbean) on Thompson Bay
Internet at Sou’Side Grill and Tiny’s
Also laundry at Tiny’s (two washers and dryers)
Seaside Car Rental (formerly listed as Fox Auto) correct phone number 338-0140 or 357-1528
Stan’s Car Rentals closed

DEADMANS CAY AREA
Add to Groceries: Kirtland’s Supermarket and Deli
JB Carroll’s Grocery and lodging closed
Library at Buckleys closed
Constantakis no longer rents cars in Petty’s
Add to Restaurants: Lloyd’s Sporting Lounge (Restaurant) at Turnbull, Big Gate on airport road.

CLARENCE TOWN and SOUTH END

The new Lighthouse Point Restaurant at Flying Fish Marina offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the cut into the harbour. There is also a new ship’s store with limited but growing supplies.

Add to Bakery and Groceries: Everyday Essentials (delicious baked bread and goodies and dry goods) on the hill in downtown Clarence Town

Below Clarence Town, closed businesses are Yelredda’s, Sweet P’s, Red Door at Berry’s, BTC Roses. Government clinic is still open.

J’s Convenience Store at Dunmore, expanded merchandise

A road trip revealed that the Queen’s Highway gets worse with potholes as you travel north from Salt Pond and better as you travel south, but it is always worth a road ramble on Long Island to find the old and the new.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Update
Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Update

Posted: 07 Mar 2018 01:17 PM PST

Thanks to a fellow cruiser for this new information on Rock sound:

Four Points, then Pascals, then Wild Orchids, now it is Frigates Restaurant. They have built a really nice enlarged dinghy dock and the gully has been partly dredged out. Great happy hours, free wifi, really nice but pricey for dinner. Hall’s grocery store has done some renovations and is really nice and well stocked, better prices than the Marketplace. They just completed a big dredging project and bulit an apron at the gov’t dock and the fast ferry/Island Link made its initial run into Rock Sound yesterday, huge uptick for the south end of the island as previously fast ferry only came into Gov Hbr. The old mailboat Eleuthera Express apparently has been retired due to age, all this infrastructure being funded by the Fast Ferry company. Everything else pretty much the same in Rock Sound, just as friendly as ever. Some expansion on the 3T’s laundromat, very clean and friendly.

The road near Glass Window was washed out with this last storm and folks have said it was worse there Sunday then during recent hurricanes. There is a report of some tourists who were swept away there, one survived but one missing.

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Seminar: Crossing the Gulf Stream” plus 1 more
Seminar: Crossing the Gulf Stream

Posted: 06 Mar 2018 05:24 AM PST

A seminar on the topic of Crossing the Gulf Stream will be held on April 19, 2018, at Dania Beach, Florida in the IT Parker Center. Time to be announced.

The two-hour seminar will be led by Captain Chase Camacho, USCG Master for 27 years. Captain Chase has traveled to the Bahamas since 1991. Also about six other captains will be there to assist with any other questions. Special Guest will be the U.S. Coast Guard.

Topics include:
Do’s and Don’t’s of crossing the Gulf Stream
How to prepare
What to bring
Storage
Important engine quick fixes

The fee is $795/boat up to 5 people and $100/pp for additional passengers.

For further information, please contact Captain Chase Camacho at chaseuone@gmail.com.

New fuel and dockage survey March 6, 2018

Posted: 06 Mar 2018 05:11 AM PST

A new survey of dockage and fuel prices has been completed and posted showing most of the marinas offering these services in the Bahamas. Some we were unable to contact at the present time and they are shown in red. In general, fuel prices were up with a few exceptions.

Please go to our website www.explorercharts.com under Fuel and Dockage Prices to check our latest findings. We will be updating continuously as we get new information.