Archive For: Bahamas

Hoping no-one will mind, I have taken the liberty of copying the discussion below from the MTOA List-Serve.

We have a time constraint (I know, trawler people shouldn't have a fix timetable, but still) and to make Bahamas, we would have to be there mid/end January to mid March. Experienced Bahamas travelers say we will be cold — no swimming. Did, in anybody's opinion, the global warming change that, or should we wait until we can make April/May, or the global warming kicks in?
Raoul, ADRIA

Raoul,
We spent time in the Abacos at the end of April the first of May and it wasperfect! The charter company told us we were lucky because it was the best weather they had experienced all year.
Happy New Year,
Susan Wigginton

I can tell you that those of us who live in Florida seldom go to the Bahamas in the winter since the same fronts that pass through here also go there.
That being said, there is also quite a difference between the northern islands (Abacos) and further south. I am sure many people from northern climes think Georgetown in the Exumas is pretty tropical even in the winter.
Bottom line, it is up to you, but if you want beautiful clear blue waters the Bahamas are pretty tough to beat.
wayne

Raol,
We have been in the Bahamas in that time period many times, We swam, snorkeled, fished and played volleyball on the beach every day. It was sunny warm and fantastic. We would be there now if
circumstances were different but will make it next year. Even the Abacos are warm but the fronts do make it through there more frequently. Head for the Exumas and have a ball.
Chuck

We spent the winder in Marsh Harbour 2 yrs. ago. Although windy most of the time that year, it was very comfortable for swimming & snorkeling.
George 

April is the best month for weather in the Bahamas pr the Florida Keys The winter winds are down(making the stream passable)to the Bahamas, and the Keys water temp is warming up as well. The days are much longer, and the snow birds are heading north making the harbors less congested.
Al Hackett
Pale Moon

To avoid the winter wind cycles, it's best to wait until April. We've done it the last three years from April through July and have had great weather.
Bob & Susan

Subject: New Years Eve Sampson Cay Club
Cruising News: Come join us at Sampson Cay Club for New Years Eve, Wednesday Dec 31,2008 . We will we serving a Bahamian Buffet from 12 noon until 6 pm.  The buffet will include fried chicken, pork, barbeque ribs, coleslaw, peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, assorted desserts, iced tea and coffee.    The price is $25.00 for adults, $15.00 for children, gratuity is included.  Join us for fireworks at 7:30 pm  After the fireworks have a free rum punch at the bar. All of the staff at Sampson Cay Club wish you a Happy New Year.
Check our website : www.sampsoncayclub.com to see our newly remodeled Hilltop Villa and new information on the Cay
Cathy Piazza

What is the latest on reentry rules from the Bahamas. We may come back to US around Stuart this spring.
I know about Customs decal requirement. Are they still enforcing a trip to the airport or other office on arrival?
Greg and Susan Han
Allegria

Depends on the office and the Custom Agent. Sometimes they give us a clearance number over the phone and sometimes they will make us come to them and sometimes they will make us bring the boat somewhere and come to the boat. The decals usually gets you a clearance number over the phone but is no guarantee. You will generally find out when you make the call to them upon entry. Chuck

Greg, the new program does make it much easier to clear in but you must personally go to Customs to sign up. Since Greg is in the Bahamas now that will be difficult. But others heading in that direction would be well served to sign up, Again, each crew member on board must sign up.
Chuck

I copied the following discussion of cell phone service in the Bahamas from the MTOA ListServe.

I called Vertizon (my cell phone service provider) and they assured me that  I will have a service in Bahamas (where the Batelco signal exists) and that the Verizon system is compatible with the Bahamas one. There is just an additional $1.80/min roaming charge — still cheaper than alternatives, like buying  a phone there, or sat phone rental. Can anybody on the List confirm that this really works? Thanks,
Raoul

If you have one of the newer cell phones (tri-band or quad-band) they should work fine in most parts of the world. The older phones will not work!
I used my off-the-shelf tri-band AT&T cell phone in St. Martin, Saudi Arabia, and the Bahamas. Our aircard worked as well in the Bahamas. Note however that a gazillion dollar per second roaming charge does apply. We now have the quad-band LG Slides.
Check the capabilities of your cell phone itself. If you have at least the tri-band it should work. Check you Verizon plan for international coverage. If you don't have it, and they require it add it for the nominal monthly charge.
If you anchor in a harbor with open access WiFi (Marsh Harbor), use Skype (it's free) except you'll want to pay the $3.00 monthly charge so people with landlines and cell phones can call you and you can call them without any per minute additional charges. Also, we got the standard phone number ($20 per year) so that people can call use direct on WiFi from a landline or cell phone.
Hope this helps.
Bob

http://www.bahamasb2b.com/news/story.php?title=new-bahamas-seafood-watch-guide-available

Something we were not aware of and find interesting.
Chuck

Subject: Pet Importation to Bahamas
Cruising News: We are working our way through the ICW to the Bahamas with our pet cat.  We have been travelling with another boat who also are bringing their cat.  We've been trying to sort out our requiremnents and we haven't seemed to get it straight.  Our cat has had all the requisite vaccinations as well as a statement of health from our vet (July 2008).  We have applied for and have received from the Bahamas the required "Permit to Import Dogs and Cats Into the Commonwealth of Bahamas".  The documents and our discussions with personnel of the Department of Agriculture in Bahamas in relation to what we now will need is uncliear.  It seems to imply that we'll need to get a certification of health from a US Vet within 24 hours of our departure (this will be difficult given the normal waiting for weather windows).  It also suggests that we have to present the pet to a vet in the Bahamas within 24 hours of entry.  Can anyone clarify what is required?
Mike McKendy
Sea Sharp

Subject: Christmas
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Christmas News
Wednesday Dec 24th Christmas Eve, Join us in our Bar for Happy Hour beginning at 4pm, Karaoke Christmas Carols,Traditional Bahamian Buffet Dinner Served in the Restaurant 4pm-7pm. Adults $25.00 Children $15.00
Thursday Christmas December 25th,  Take the day off and enjoy yourself and join us for A Traditional Christmas Buffet Lunch/Dinner  Service 12 noon until 6 pm Adult price $ 25.00 Children $15.00, Restaurant and Bar will CLOSE promptly at 7 pm. Sampson Cay Beach Party Saturday  Dec 27, 12 noon until 6 pm  Come join us on the beach for our Buffet, Ribs, Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese,Corn on the Cob, Salad for $15.00 a person.  Fresh Conch Salad made by Teddy $10.00 Happy Hour Beer and Mixed Drink prices… Come have a fun day on the beach. The staff at Sampson Cay would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year.  Thank you for your business and we will be looking forward to serving you on your next visit.

Subject: Boat Stolen
Cruising News: Our family boat was stolen from Elbow Cay at Dorris Cove in the early morning hours Thanksgiving day, 2008.  It was a Jupiter 31 with a navy blue hull with silve trim and the name of the boat on the side, "Slatwater Rentz"  It had twin 225 yamaha four strokes.  Please, if anybody has any information, plaese contact the Lighthouse marina or the authorities in Marsh Harbor.  You can also contact me at jbrentz@gmail.com.  This is becoming a real problem for the area and i hope it stops.  I am asking for any hlep and thank you for keeping your eyes peeled.
Jeff Rentz

I  will let others give the on the ground experiences with the dogs, however, you need to quickly begin the process of getting an import permit for the dog (we have a bird).  Price is cheap $10 but you must get the application form and Fed Exp it to Nassau.  For a fee they will fax it back to you.  You then need to have each dog examined by a US vet who must sign the US form for an international health certificate.  This must be physically sent to that states US Agricultural Vet office who will countersign. (Believe the fee is $24).  All of this takes time.
Marty and Deb

Subject: Abaco dockage and fuel
Cruising News: Well some of the Marinas in Great Abaco are offering some good deals for dockage,but here on Elbow Cay there are not really any. I don\\\'t understand not wanting to lower dockage rates or fuel prices to attract a little business,but that\\\'s the way it is.Business is very slow here and the Marinas are empty.
AJC

Subject: News from Bimini
Cruising News: 11/30/08 Just got back from 2 weeks in Bimini. We were sad to learn that the Bimini Big Game Club hotel and marina have closed.
We docked at SeaCrest and had a great stay.  Bimini Blue Water was also open, they have fuel and diesel was $4.25.  The new resort, Bimini Bay has dredged a deep water channel up to their facility.  They are catering to mega yacht and fishing boats.
Capt Bob\\\'s and C J Deli are still open thru lunch. But there was not much available for dinner.  Internet available at Sea Crest and
Bimini Blue water. Still had a great time!
Laura Crop

Here is a listing of 2008 fall and winter events at Staniel Cay Yacht Club (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONOSOR), in the Exumas

Halloween Costume Party – Friday, October 31 at 8:00 pm

Kids Christmas Party – December 25

Pirate Party – December 29

Long Drive Contest – December 30

Mixed Doubles C-Class Regatta – December 31

Annual Cruising Regatta – January 1

Subject: Provisions in Marsh Harbor
Message: I was recently advised by Carol on S/V Interim, by way of S/V Salty Dog, that Maxwells Grocery in Marsh Harbor, Abacos, had burned to the ground this summer.
Steve Kamp, S/V Carolina

our Name: Paul Eddy
Your Email Address: pemarlin@bellsouth.net
Subject: Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Our 26 foot Intrepid was stolen from the Great Abaco Club at Boat Harbor Marina Friday night.  Lines were cut and the boat taken.  Please keep an eye out.  Name is \" Meagan Nicole\"  – white boat with black and gold trim.  Twin 250 Yahama engines.  Please e-mail or call (904) 861-5544 with any sightings.  You can contact Boat Harbor Marina and talk to Cecil if you do not want to call long distance.

Subject: Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Regarding my stolen boat – the engines are 200\'s , not 250\'s (sorry for the typo in the original posting).
Thanks again for any input on the \"Jenny Lynn" 26' Intrepid stolen from the Great Abaco Club Friday, August 29th. I have a photo I can send to anyone interested.

FOUND!

Subject: FOUND Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Our boat was found abandoned late Saturday with engines stripped, but hull OK.  Thanks to all who may have tried to watch for it!
Paul Eddy

We spent the last winter in the Bahamas on our 49' power cat, Pretty Penny. We spent most of the time in the Exumas, which we absolutely loved. We plan to go back this winter and spend more time in the Exumas and see more islands. You can see the experiences on our trip on our blog http://prettypennycruise.blogspot.com. I agree that Staniel Cay is a great place to have guests meet you. There is a great resort at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and lots of nearby islands to explore. You can get there by Watermaker Air from Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport. Georgetown on Great Exuma is another great place. It is on a huge harbor – Elizabeth Harbor and there is a large semi- permanent boating population there most of the winter, usually 2-300 boats. The Abacos are supposed to be nice too, but they are usually colder and the weather reports were consistently for higher winds. The best charts and the Explorer Chart series which has detailed soundings and information on all the towns and marinas. The Explorer Charts will give you recommended routes between islands, but you will have to rely on visual navigation for a lot of the route. You will quickly learn to tell the depth of the water by the color. For the best weather service for the Bahamas and the Carribean I recommend Chris Parker and Carribean Weather Service. You pay a flat fee for the year and can get SSB broadcasts from Chris specifically tailored to you cruising plans.
Best of luck and safe cruising.
Regards,
Bob Kingsbury

We have found the Explorer Charts to be Great. There are three of them. Not only are they a chart. But they all so give local information. I like the Guide books put together by: Stephen J Pavlidis. We all so have Skipper Bobs.
All three will give information on Customs and Immigration.  If you have a pet on broad. You will need a pet permit. And you will need a user fee decal. To get back into the US.
As for having visitors fly in. George Town in the Exumas is a good place.
If you are Marina people. There is a fairly new marina just North of George Town. I have been told it quite nice. But check water depths before going in.
Elisabeth Harbor has a lot of great anchorages. This is between George Town and Stocking Island. There is usually a lot of boats anchored there. This is a great place lots to do and see. Trails, beaches, swimming, snorkeling and actives on the beach.
If you do not have it. You may want a books on shells, sea beans, fish, and birds. There is a lot to explore, on the Islands.
Hope you find this helpful.
Deb Baas S/V Heart's Desire

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We spent the last winter in the Bahamas on our 49' power cat, Pretty Penny. We spent most of the time in the Exumas, which we absolutely loved. We plan to go back this winter and spend more time in the Exumas and see more islands. You can see the experiences on our trip on our blog http://prettypennycruise.blogspot.com. I agree that Staniel Cay is a great place to have guests meet you. There is a great resort at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and lots of nearby islands to explore. You can get there by Watermaker Air from Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport. Georgetown on Great Exuma is another great place. It is on a huge harbor – Elizabeth Harbor and there is a large semi- permanent boating population there most of the winter, usually 2-300 boats. The Abacos are supposed to be nice too, but they are usually colder and the weather reports were consistently for higher winds. The best charts and the Explorer Chart series which has detailed soundings and information on all the towns and marinas. The Explorer Charts will give you recommended routes between islands, but you will have to rely on visual navigation for a lot of the route. You will quickly learn to tell the depth of the water by the color. For the best weather service for the Bahamas and the Carribean I recommend Chris Parker and Carribean Weather Service. You pay a flat fee for the year and can get SSB broadcasts from Chris specifically tailored to you cruising plans.
Best of luck and safe cruising.
Regards,
Bob Kingsbury

We have found the Explorer Charts to be Great. There are three of them. Not only are they a chart. But they all so give local information. I like the Guide books put together by: Stephen J Pavlidis. We all so have Skipper Bobs.
All three will give information on Customs and Immigration.  If you have a pet on broad. You will need a pet permit. And you will need a user fee decal. To get back into the US.
As for having visitors fly in. George Town in the Exumas is a good place.
If you are Marina people. There is a fairly new marina just North of George Town. I have been told it quite nice. But check water depths before going in.
Elisabeth Harbor has a lot of great anchorages. This is between George Town and Stocking Island. There is usually a lot of boats anchored there. This is a great place lots to do and see. Trails, beaches, swimming, snorkeling and actives on the beach.
If you do not have it. You may want a books on shells, sea beans, fish, and birds. There is a lot to explore, on the Islands.
Hope you find this helpful.
Deb Baas S/V Heart's Desire

.

Bahamas
Cruising News: Bad news Bahamas, no more duty free for replacement parts !! see guardian article.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/bixex/302027229970400.php
Marianne

Bahamas
Cruising News: Bad news Bahamas, no more duty free for replacement parts !! see guardian article.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/bixex/302027229970400.php
Marianne

The message below comes from our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Sampson Cay Club. Sounds like a VERY good time will be had by all who attend these fun evenings!

Subject: Sampson Cay Club Buffet and Karoake Party
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Wednesday Bahamian Buffet and Karoake Party
Join us for a  Bahamian Buffet starting at 5:30pm until 10pm. Buffet includes traditional Bahamaian favorites such as Minced Lobster, Carved Beef , Chicken,Peas and Rice just to name a few items ,Guava Duff and other Bahamian desserts , iced tea and coffee  Reservations Recommended but not required  Drink Specials All Evening  Price Adults $25.00  Children under 12 $15.00
Karaoke 8pm until ????  Don't miss the great food and fun at Sampson Cay
Cathy Piazza

The message below comes from our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Sampson Cay Club. Sounds like a VERY good time will be had by all who attend these fun evenings!

Subject: Sampson Cay Club Buffet and Karoake Party
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Wednesday Bahamian Buffet and Karoake Party
Join us for a  Bahamian Buffet starting at 5:30pm until 10pm. Buffet includes traditional Bahamaian favorites such as Minced Lobster, Carved Beef , Chicken,Peas and Rice just to name a few items ,Guava Duff and other Bahamian desserts , iced tea and coffee  Reservations Recommended but not required  Drink Specials All Evening  Price Adults $25.00  Children under 12 $15.00
Karaoke 8pm until ????  Don't miss the great food and fun at Sampson Cay
Cathy Piazza

Criusing news from Andros
Cruising News: We just got back from 2 weeks in Andros, cruising from Morgan's Bluff to South Bight. The best (really the only) fuel stop is Patrick Romer's Esso service in Morgan's Bluff (329-2519). There was no fuel in Fresh Creek, unless you want to bring it in in barrels, which the dockmaster Jerry at Andros Lighthouse Marina in Fresh Creek can arrange. We stayed several nights at Andros Lighthouse Marina, and took a beautiful dive trip with nearby Small Hope Bay Lodge. Andros lighthouse Marina has wi-fi, water electic, laundary, and a good restaraunt. Also spent several nights at anchor in Lisbon Creek on South Bight. It is very well protected and has a very well marked enterance channel, but the holding was not so good – a bit scoured out. Leroi Bannister, owner of Bannister's Guest House and the Aqua Marine Club, has a couple of moorings available there. Lisbon Creek is a wonderful friendly settlement woth a visit. On the way back North, we stopped at Staniard Creek, a few miles north of Fresh Creek. The Yachtsman's Guide suggests this as a nice ancorage, just inside the creek mouth. However, there is a new devlopment going in there called Coconut Grove, and they are trying to restrict anchorage there – we where told it is "private". We anchored farther up the creek by the settlement, but that will not work if you draw over 3 feet. Staniard Creek is another wonderful friendly little place, apart from the jerks building Coconut Grove.
Jonathan Gorham

Criusing news from Andros
Cruising News: We just got back from 2 weeks in Andros, cruising from Morgan's Bluff to South Bight. The best (really the only) fuel stop is Patrick Romer's Esso service in Morgan's Bluff (329-2519). There was no fuel in Fresh Creek, unless you want to bring it in in barrels, which the dockmaster Jerry at Andros Lighthouse Marina in Fresh Creek can arrange. We stayed several nights at Andros Lighthouse Marina, and took a beautiful dive trip with nearby Small Hope Bay Lodge. Andros lighthouse Marina has wi-fi, water electic, laundary, and a good restaraunt. Also spent several nights at anchor in Lisbon Creek on South Bight. It is very well protected and has a very well marked enterance channel, but the holding was not so good – a bit scoured out. Leroi Bannister, owner of Bannister's Guest House and the Aqua Marine Club, has a couple of moorings available there. Lisbon Creek is a wonderful friendly settlement woth a visit. On the way back North, we stopped at Staniard Creek, a few miles north of Fresh Creek. The Yachtsman's Guide suggests this as a nice ancorage, just inside the creek mouth. However, there is a new devlopment going in there called Coconut Grove, and they are trying to restrict anchorage there – we where told it is "private". We anchored farther up the creek by the settlement, but that will not work if you draw over 3 feet. Staniard Creek is another wonderful friendly little place, apart from the jerks building Coconut Grove.
Jonathan Gorham