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| Copyright © 2021 The Islands Of The Bahamas 1200 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 450, Plantation, FL. 33324 | |||||||||||||||||||
EXUMA PARK MOORING FEES
Up to 39’11” – $30 • 40’ – 49’11” – $40
50’ – 59’11” – $50 • 60’ – 69’11” – $80
70’ – 89’11” – $120 • 90’ – 119’ – $150
120’ – over – $170
Landing Fee – $10/pp (visitors9not on mooring)
ANCHORING FEES (Daily)
under 90’ – $0.50/ft
over 90’ – $1.00/ft
Check www.bnt.bs for latest info.
Shame that the cruising fees have double , Don't mind the park fees.
With commercial airlines limiting and cancelling flights, Makers
Click here for Updates, Deals, and Dreams with Makers Air
Cruisers Net Team Member, Winston Fowler, took this photo of a dinghy from Highfield Boats, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Find everything you need to know for boating to the Bahamas.
One reason to go to the Bahamas. This photo was taken on Money Cay in the Berry Islands. Photo by Greg Allard
Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Click here for Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, is excited to announce the addition of 21 new moorings balls in the vicinity of their marina.
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier yacht club in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! If you cruise to Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, you should consider joining this great group of like minded cruisers. See also Bahamas Chatter.
The following is an update on what’s happening in the Abacos. Evidence of rebuilding is everywhere and great progress has been made. Basically, there is no reason to stay away any longer.
Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions imposed on Great Abaco and Marsh Harbor, RMHYC members have not made their way there yet but hope to soon.
Below are some pictures showing evidence of the good work done by the various organizations to which the RMHYC made donations last year; it helped make a difference.
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Cruisers Net is proud to support the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, whose members are willing to support, protect, and preserve the wonderful and beautiful islands of the Bahamas, especially in and around Marsh Harbour. They will be uploading pictures to the Club website RMHYC.com as time and internet connectivity allows. Look in the Photo Albums section. Newest pix will be at the top. |
The Explorer Team has been hard at work on their newly designed website with new content and updated information for you, the Bahamas cruiser. The new platform means that you’ll need to sign up to continue access to their free Bahamas Chatter Forum. We invite you to visit and join for free!
Click here for invitation to join! Come on over to the new Explorer Bahamas Chatter Forum!
Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Abacos Update 2/21
Posted: 07 Feb 2021 08:51 AM PST
Our contacts in the Abacos have updated us on things our Bahamas Cruisers will want to know before they go. The Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas 9th edition contains a more detailed update as of fall 2020. Since then, the able Abaconians have made amazing progress on restoring what was devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Please send us first-hand updates to share when you get them. Here’s the latest from locals:
Marsh Harbour
BANKS:
Commonwealth is open at Maxwells.
Royal Bank has a small office in town.
1st Caribbean CIBC is reopening soon.
ATMs are located in various places in town, including Rubis Gas Station and the airport.
BOAT RENTALS: Harbour View, Cruise Abaco.
CRUISERS’ NET: Tune in to Channel 16 for announcements of Cruisers’ Net time and VHF channel. Announcements are being made with daily updates for area services and facilities. Listen for the ever-changing updates.
DINGHY LANDING: Union Jack dock has been repaired as a dinghy dock in the harbour.
FERRY SERVICE: Two services are now operational with service to Hope Town, Man o War, Guana Cay. The former Albury’s Ferry is now “The Ferry.” G&L also offers a full schedule of trips.
FUEL: Boat Harbour Marina.
GROCERIES:
Maxwells is fully open, also offering an ATM machine.
Abaco Groceries is also open, with a liquor store as well.
HARDWARE: National Hardware open. Also Yamaha has a new building . The Outboard Shop now services Suzuki, Evinrude and Yamaha (no sales).
LODGING: The Island Breeze Motel on the harbour is open. They also have car rentals.
MARINAS: Harbour View Marina and Cruise Abaco have some rentals available.
Harbour View Marina is working hard to get their docks fully functional. Docks have been stabilized and new wiring is being installed now. The reception area buildings will be next.
The Conch Inn docks are gone. Reconstruction has begun with expectations of reopening in 2022. The Moorings charter companies are still operational, keeping their boats at anchor. Snappa’s will be rebuilt on the Conch Inn site with a summer 2021 opening planned.
Marsh Harbour Marina has one dock open. Work is being done to restore the Jib Room Restaurant and boutique.
Boat Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort offers full services with dockage and fuel. The reception area and restaurant areas are still under tents, but reconstruction is ongoing. The marina plans three fishing tournaments for the spring.
MEDICAL SERVICES: Hospital was used for refugee shelter and is being renovated. Integrated Medical Services mobile medical unit offering assistance and treatment.
PROPANE: Abaco Gas will fill your propane tank on the spot.
RESTAURANTS: Wally’s will be opening soon. Snappa’s will be coming to the Conch Inn property. The Jib Room is being rebuilt. Stay tuned for opening dates. Several takeouts are available in walking distance from the harbour. A waterside cabana, located at the old site of Long’s Seafood, is serving food.
TELEPHONE: Some land lines have been restored by BTC, but not all telephones are connected. The local land line exchange is 365. Cable Bahamas phones are more reliable with 699 numbers. Also ALIV with 559 and 801 exchanges are reliable. Many folks switched to ALIV, which generously gave free phones and phone cards at the outset of Hurricane Dorian. Since there is no directory, we are slow to get new phone numbers listed for these customers.
CAUTION: Although progress has been made, there is still much debris in the water, particularly in the inner anchorage area of Marsh Harbour. Some obstructions are buoyed; some are not. Proceed with great caution. Also, locals warn of increased crime ashore. Because most streetlights are still not working, it is unwise to wander ashore at night.
HOPE TOWN
Mostly cleaned up with businesses in various stages of reopening. Lighthouse Marina has fuel at the dock. Hope Town Inn and Marina is yet to be fully opened.
MAN O WAR
Harbour cleaned up. Marina docks are gone with no current progress on reconstruction. Hibiscus Restaurant is open.
TREASURE CAY: Treasure Cay Marina is under reconstruction with a few slips available. Moorings are available as well. The fuel dock is open.
GUANA CAY
Progress continues with waterfront businesses beginning to reopen. A new grocery is coming on the harbour. Orchid Bay Marina has some services and is making progress.
GREEN TURTLE CAY
Green Turtle Cay, as a community, has made great strides to getting the cay back to normal. The Green Turtle Club is fully operational and welcoming visitors. Bluff House Marina is still undergoing repairs before reopening.
Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Sand “bores”?
Posted: 25 Jan 2021 04:27 AM PST
I’ve got a question that I’m hoping you might be able to help with, and the internet so far has been less-than-helpful. I notice in the Explorer charts and many other guides the use of the term “sand bore.” Explorer defines this on several charts as a “fluid, shifting, live sand bar.”
Can anyone shed some light on the origins of the term, or perhaps point me towards some reference materials? How exactly is a bore different than a “shifting sand bar,” a term often used on the same chart near the same feature? I know there are several geographic places where the term is used, but my question is mostly academic. What exactly is a sand bore?
Thanks in advance!
Matt Claiborne
s/v Dulcinea
This advisory is from Tripadvisor and the US Embassy in the Bahamas.
Dear traveler,
Are you considering an international trip? If so, read on. The CDC has issued a COVID-19 order that may impact your plans for re-entering the United States.
Effective January 26, 2021 travelers arriving in the U.S. must:
1) Get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing to the United States and show a negative test result to the airline before boarding OR 2) show documentation of recent recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding.
This new order applies to all air passengers — including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents — aged 2 years and older. It also applies regardless of the length of time spent outside of the United States.
Acceptable documentation of recovery from COVID-19 includes both a positive viral test result within 3 months of travel (or the time period specified in current CDC guidance) AND a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official stating that the passenger is cleared to end isolation.
Passengers who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need to delay their travel until they meet the criteria to end isolation; learn more here.
Need more information? Visit this FAQ page at CDC.gov.
For more details, see COVID-19 Information for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
US Embassy in the Bahamas
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits
Bahamas Chatter: “ABACO UPDATE” plus 1 more
| ABACO UPDATE Posted: 13 Jan 2021 02:16 PM PST ABACOS UPDATE Here are some responses we got back from a query to update you on what is going on in the Abacos. PLEASE SEND US ANY FIRST-HAND INFORMATION YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH FELLOW CRUISERS. GREEN TURTLE CAY: Many repairs going on in Abaco. Green Turtle Cay is doing well all things considered. You can purchase diesel and unleaded gasoline at Green Turtle Club Marina or at Sunset Marine both on Green Turtle Cay Bluff House Marina 242-824-6231(cell) and restaurant and pool were destroyed but are currently being rebuilt. Beach Bar restaurant (Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar) will be open by the 1st of March, rooms and villas are projected to be available for rent by the 1st of May (maybe a few of the villas in advance of that date. Email frontdesk@bluffhouse.com Many restaurants and bars and stores are open, freight boats arriving several times a week bringing in building materials for businesses and home owners that are fixing their homes for rental. Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina is open. Regarding COVID: Keep checking the Bahamas.com website for updates. There is no quarantining currently unless you test positive while here. We have had no confirmed cases on Green Turtle Cay. We are a port of entry; cruisers should call to arrange clearing and regarding the 5 day Rapid antigen test if staying more than 4 nights. Call Green Turtle Club for more information. From Bluff House: We thank all of the Cruisers that have helped people on Green Turtle Cay since Hurricane Dorian and want them to know how hard we are working to be able to welcome them back and are in fact welcoming guests back on Green Turtle Cay already. There are volunteers on the island and volunteers from the island that are currently helping to rebuild homes and to provide drinking water, etc. Things are being built back better than ever. Most people are either back in their homes or close to being back after 18 months of living in other people’s homes. GUANA CAY: Orchid Bay Marina is presently open from Monday – Saturday from 7:00 – 1:00 pm for fuel and boats coming in. Our restaurant is not open at this time. We have gas, diesel, ice, electricity, water and gift shop items. Orchid Bay’s land line 242-365-5175 is working. Grocery store is rebuilding on the front street. The original Guana Harbour grocery is not reopening. Grabbers Bar and Restaurant has reopened; Mama’s Takeaway has reopened; Guana Lumber and dive Guana too. At present, a negative COVID test is required upon entering the Bahamas. After being here 5 days you must have the rapid test done. They apparently have done away with the quarantine. It appears that the cases in Abaco have decreased. LITTLE HARBOUR, ABACO: At Pete’s Pub & Gallery, the Johnstons are overjoyed to be able to welcome everyone back. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. They hope to see you soon. |
| Inside Report on COVID Posted: 13 Jan 2021 12:58 PM PST From a cruiser in Spanish Wells, we had this up-to-date report on real-time experience: Generally, Store owners are requiring people to wear masks inside their businesses. Yachtsmen are cooperating with wearing masks in public. “With the Bahamas policy we feel pretty sure that most newly arrived cruisers are negative (especially after the second test) but most cruisers are not socializing with each other.” The concern among the cruising community is being careful not to get COVID from the locals. Two private clinics in Spanish Wells Eagles Landing on Main Street (fee for testing) Bahamas Wellness Eagles Landing on Main Street 242-333-4869 or 242-359-7555 M-F ******* Sat/Sun appt only 242-819-1167 ________________________ Free private clinic Bonnie Symonette 242-422-9952 |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bahamian Covid
| Bahamian Covid Posted: 04 Jan 2021 05:06 AM PST Just talked to a captain returning from a Christmas/New Years trip to the Bahamas. |
Since you have to COVID free to receive the shots I would hope they would accept us.
I have been following the continuously changing policies for entry into the Bahamas. My wife and I just got our first of two vaccines for Covid (we got Moderna). Is anyone hearing that proof of vaccination may in the future suffice for entry into the Bahamas?
Bahamas Petroleum Company has started drilling for oil just 150 miles off Florida’s coast, prompting a dire warning from members of Congress.
Oil drilling near Florida coast
SunSentinel
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Oil exploration to begin in the Santaran Channel” plus 1 more
| Oil exploration to begin in the Santaran Channel Posted: 19 Dec 2020 07:46 AM PST Read Eyewitness News article showing location of the oil exploration area. |
| New road and foot bridge on Long Island Posted: 19 Dec 2020 07:36 AM PST Prime Minister Minnis opened a new paved road to the Cape Santa Maria Monument and a foot bridge to Newton Cay on the north end of Long Island. See news article https://ewnews.com/pm-opens- |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “News from Recent Survey” plus 1 more
| News from Recent Survey Posted: 15 Dec 2020 07:28 AM PST In our December 15 survey of various Bahamas marinas for Fuel and Dockage Updates, we discovered a new trend among several Bahamas marinas. With more and more large yachts coming to The Bahamas, it is evident that they are being favored over smaller cruising boats. Here are some of our findings: Increased tie-up fees to stop and clear Customs–Cat Cay Yacht Club $500. Added fees to go ashore and walk about–Chub Cay Club $59 weekdays and $95 weekends per person. Extra fee to get fuel–Lyford Cay $1/ft. Members Only–Albany Marina, Chub Cay Club. Lyford Cay provides transient dockage with a written sponsorship from a member. Refusing to give dockage rates on phone—Browns Marina, Bimini. Some good news to share: The folks at Harbour View Marina n Marsh Harbour are working hard to rebuild after Hurricane Dorian and are targeting a spring 2021 reopening. Marsh Harbour Marina and Hope Town Marina are also working on rebuilding to reopen as soon as possible. A note on fuel availability: Stella Maris Marina has some small amounts of fuel available onsite but can call a delivery truck for larger quantities. We love it when you share what you see as you cruise The Bahamas. Feel free to post any news you find as you travel! |
| Abaco bound “hubs” Posted: 15 Dec 2020 04:43 AM PST Planning to sail from Miami to the Abacos this week probably anchoring at Great Sale or beyond.. Where is the most user friendly port to ”clear in”in the ”Hub” area, between there and Hopetown. Will probably arrive over the weekend….are there any facilities open over the weekend (as there used to be in Marsh Harbor)? |
The Bahamas government has entered into an official agreement with the United States for search and rescue missions. Our thanks to Greg Allard for this article.
Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar (left) and US Embassy Charge d’Affaires John McNamara sign the agreement.
Govt signs contract with US for search and rescue operations
Eye Witness News
Whether you’ve found yourself in Florida after a trip down the ICW or you call the Sunshine State your home, when you’re boating in Florida, the Bahamas beckons. A great article from our friends at DOCKWA.
Crossing the Gulf Stream: How to Boat from Florida to The Bahamas by Adrian Mott
blog.dockwa.com
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Update COVID Exuma
Posted: 13 Nov 2020 06:46 AM PST
PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT ON EXUMA: INTRODUCED MEASURES TO REDUCE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN EXUMA Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the following restrictive measures for Exuma, effective Thursday, November 12:
1. There will be a 24-hour weekend curfew from 6pm Friday until 5am Mondays; businesses will not be allowed to operate during this time;
2. Weekday curfew will be from 6pm to 5am;
3. Commercial activity can continue through the week can continue save for fish frys, bars, and restaurants connected to bars;
4. Funerals are allowed at the graveside only and can have 10 people excluding the officiant; the same number of people is applicable to weddings – there will also be no repasts or receptions;
5. Church services are to be held virtually;6. Schools must be held virtually;
7. Effective tomorrow, domestic travel by air or sea is prohibited into and out of Exuma except in the case of emergency;
8. Anyone travelling from Exuma to any other island, must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test;
9. No public or social gatherings are allowed.Dr. Minnis said these measures do not apply to the Exuma Cays.“I know this is short notice but this is essential after seeing what has happened on several past occasions,” he said.
The prime minister further explained that Exuma has recorded over 30 new cases in the past week.There are 79 positive cases from the island of Exuma – 28 are active, two are hospitalized and there has been one COVID-19 related death, according to Dr. Minnis. The prime minister also announced that the number of health care professionals on the island have been “boosted.”
“The measures on New Providence and Abaco have helped to decrease the spread of the virus on these islands,” the prime minister said earlier. “I assure you that we can continue to make progress if we continue to work together and wear our masks and avoid large gatherings.”He also said all positive cases are in isolation in Eleuthera and all contacts are being monitored.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
What are the requirements if arriving by boat. Consider the fact that it could take 4-5 days Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas on the ocean or you could blow a 3 day test waiting for an appropriate weather window to leave FTL or , WPB or MIA and cross to the West End or Bimini.