Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit The Bahamas – One Night Stay?
Cruising Permit The Bahamas – One Night Stay?
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 04:40 AM PST
In the case of an overnight trip from, let’s say, North Palm Beach to West End Grand Bahamas, is the cruiser required to purchase a cruising permit at full price upon arrival at West End? Or, is the cruising permit required only if planning to stay over a specific number of days?
Bahamas Chatter: “New Responses to Fuel Survey”
New Responses to Fuel Survey
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 08:26 AM PST
After the holidays, we have had a couple more responses to our request for updates on our monthly Fuel and Dockage Survey. Here’s what’s been added to the listing:
Treasure Cay Marina, diesel $4.24
Bimini Bluewater Marina. Diesel $4.20, Gas $4.55.
We appreciate those of you who have sent us prices as you get fuel along the way. There still are many marinas we haven’t heard from, so we hope you will send any new information that you may get on your next fuel stop.
Thanks,
Monty
New Responses to Fuel Survey
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 08:26 AM PST
After the holidays, we have had a couple more responses to our request for updates on our monthly Fuel and Dockage Survey. Here’s what’s been added to the listing:
Treasure Cay Marina, diesel $4.24
Bimini Bluewater Marina. Diesel $4.20, Gas $4.55.
We appreciate those of you who have sent us prices as you get fuel along the way. There still are many marinas we haven’t heard from, so we hope you will send any new information that you may get on your next fuel stop.
Thanks,
Monty
Garmin Charts
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 04:36 AM PST
Are explorer charts available for Garmin chart plotters ?
Bahamas Chatter: “A Nassau Alternative” plus 1 more
A Nassau Alternative
Posted: 04 Jan 2016 04:16 PM PST
For years, we have gone through Nassau Harbour on our way to the Exumas, sometimes stopping at a marina, sometimes pushing on across the Yellow Bank. This year we tried something new: We went outside of Paradise Island (it was New Years Day and the tour boats were like locusts) for a beautiful view of Atlantis and the rest of the island. We came in on the eastern end of the harbour and went around the corner to Palm Cay Marina on the southeast coast.
We were more than delighted with our stay there. First of all, after a warm and rolly day at sea across the Northeast Providence Channel, we were refreshed with a dip in the saltwater pool overlooking the Yellow Bank. The use of the courtesy car allowed us to go to the nearby locals supermarket, Super Value, and stock up for better prices than we would find on Bay Street. The staff was friendly and helpful and made our short stay most pleasant and the dockage rates were no higher than in the harbour, in some cases less expensive. There is a lovely restaurant, a tiki bar on the beach, a laundry, and a small gift shop. Exiting the next morning for the Exumas was quick and easy from there, a straight shot out and across the Yellow Bank.
Make sure you arrive before dark as a security chain blocks the entrance in the nighttime.
Berry Islands: A Not-so-overlooked Cruising Ground
Posted: 04 Jan 2016 04:04 PM PST
Often the Berry Islands are “fly-over” territory for Bahamas cruisers headed to Nassau or the Exumas or beyond. Yet their popularity has increased as evidenced by greater numbers of boats lingering and enjoying the beautiful clear water, the great fishing, the possibility for secluded anchorages. Indeed, many folks are spending the entire winter cruising season there, gunkholing about or extending their stay at the excellent Great Harbour Cay Marina for some reasonable dockage fees. The marina staff goes out of their way to make guests feel at home and taken care of, to the smallest details. And it is a very secure all-around protection from bad weather. The village of Bullocks Harbour has some services to offer with two excellent beachfront restaurants for special dining, in addition to the village cafes. Several flights a day come in and out of Nassau, plus several times a week from Ft. Lauderdale, making it more accessible to bring visitors in to yachts.
Of course, there is also Chub Cay Marina, which is often a stopover for boats transiting the Bank or anglers eager to catch the big fish. And don’t forget the iconic Flo’s Conch Bar at Little Harbour Cay, where Chester greets you with a smile and serves up some of his mom’s recipe of conch fritters.
For the flyfishing enthusiast, there are miles of flats where the elusive bonefish lure fishermen to try to catch them.
The string of cays from Stirrup to Chub present a number of choices for enjoying this beautiful archipelago.
Checking in at Bimini
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 04:07 AM PST
We are jumping from F Lauderdale to Bimini, when the weather clears, and would like to know if North or South is a more convenient check in to get a 90 day cruising permit? We’ve been told that you must go to the airport on South Bimini, and that North might make you pull into a marina to clear. We are quiet, nature loving cruisers, who prefer good holding to Bars and Marinas… But we want the fastest clearance possible. Thanks for the advice!
Probably a personal choice, but we always cleared very easily at Bimini North.
Skipper Hugh is looking for 3 months storage in the Bahamas. If you are familiar with boat yards/marinas in the Bahamas, let us hear from you. In the meantime, we suggest that Hugh dig into Explorer Chartbooks, a SSECN Partner, for information on long term storage.
About to leave SW Florida for my first Bahamas trip on my 36′ monohull sailboat. Plan to sail through June or July 2016 and then find somewhere to leave the boat preferably on the hard.
Any suggestions as to somewhere to be hauled for about 3months?
Hugh
Sea Otter
Islander Freeport 36
What months are you interested in? We live in Freeport, off one of the finger channels along the Grand Lucaya Canal, about equidistant from the southern entrance and the bridge, 220′ dock, and 1 mooring. We live here, gated prioerty, with 2 BIG dogs. We have about 9′ depth at our dock. Our MagicJack # in the Bahamas 757 588-0375.
The best storage we have used in the Bahamas is Kevali House in hurricane hole #3 across the bay from Georgetown in the Exumas.
The owner, Bob, runs a tight ship and a close watch over his operation.
We have stored our boat there twice, once in his slips and once on a mooring. I found there is much less galvanic corrosion on the mooring.
Here’s the website http://www.kevallihouse.com/marina/
We left ours at Marsh Harbor Boatyard. Good service, reasonable prices, 24 hr security, and nice people . Its on the outskirts of Marsh Hbr but still close to services, provisioning etc. Its also close to a major airport so no water taxi required. You can check their website for prices.
Bahamas Chatter: N W Channel Light
Bahamas Chatter: Needed Items for Long Island
Needed Items for Long Island
Posted: 14 Dec 2015 11:36 AM PST
From a Long Island resident, here are some of the many things that would be appreciated for any of the southeast Bahama islands that were hit so hard by Hurricane Joaquin:
Household items is next- pillows, bedding, plates, pots n pans, silverware, cooking utensils- you know. Those things you take for granted till you are missing them- mixing bowls, wooden spoons, serving utensils, storage containers, cutting boards, knives, cups, rugs’¦’¦..Most houses that are being built are at drywall stage. Some still need windows and doors but I know you all couldn’t get away with those!! lol
ANYTHING someone somewhere on this island can use- trust me!
If I put a box of household items together in Beaufort, NC is there a cruising boat out there that would be willing to pick up the box at the Beaufort Docks and take it to Long Island?
Bahamas Chatter: N W Channel Light
N W Channel Light
Posted: 11 Dec 2015 04:29 AM PST
As of Dec. 7 ’15, the new marker at NW Channel was NOT lit. Also noted at present time, is that diesel at Bimini was $4.25, at Chub , $4.90.
At Bimini a $25 minimum fuel purchase to use a credit card.
We are Canadian and usually winter in Florida. This year we came with our yacht and are looking forward to spend February in the Bahamas. We are in search of useful info.
Thank you
Andre Lefleche
Andre, Explorer Chartbooks and their Bahamas Chatter is SSECN’s recommendation for information on the Bahamas. We wish you smooth sailing!
The SSECN Team
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a hub of activities, as well as that laid back Bahamian lifestyle.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club Makes Investment in Your Enjoyment
Over the years we have watched Staniel Cay Yacht Club make sure they were able to serve their customers without sacrificing or spoiling their “island atmosphere” and they have done an outstanding job. As their popularity has grown, they have worked hard to make sure everyone
has a great experience, beyond what they might have ever expected. To sustain and maintain this level of service, quality and charm, look at this latest investment in your enjoyment….
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club has expanded their capacity to serve in their dining room. Here’s the view as you park your dinghy for dinner.
Just look at all the windows; they are bringing the view right into the dining room.
Here’s a look from the inside looking out……
…and the original dining area is still part of the overall dining area and experience. Everything is just a little larger, so you and all your friends can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner together !!
Staniel Cay is still the Bahamas quintessential “island atmosphere.”
And the Captains lounge area is still very much “Staniel Cay” charm.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club has been and remains a favorite Bahamas destination.
They are committed to making sure they can serve their loyal and new customers with the highest service standards.
We know, we’ve personally experienced their hospitality and it is indeed first class and five star !! The “laid back and enjoy” atmosphere is still very much their focus.
Staniel Cay knows how to make improvements while keeping the “main thing”…”the main thing” !!
Subject: Thank You: Airstrip Open!
Dear Staniel Cay Airport Supporters,
THANK YOU! Together, we did it! Our collective voice (and your many signatures!) encouraged action, and we are thrilled to report the re-opening of the Staniel Cay airport as of yesterday! The official notice can be seen at http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Staniel_Cay_Airport_Re-Opened_to_Air_Traffic45182.shtml
Once again, thank you so very much for your support and collective efforts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Staniel ‘“ as you land on our new and improved home airstrip!
Brooks Miller & Stephen Miller
on behalf of
Concerned Citizens of Staniel Cay & Vicinity
P.S. Our apologies for any duplication in emails as news of this exciting accomplishment spreads.
Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:42 PM PST
We are all aware of the devastation caused to the southern Bahamas by Hurricane Joaquin. Long Island, Rum Cay, Crooked & Acklins were by far the most damaged with the storm sitting over southern Long Island for 36 hours straight with winds topping 135 mph.
Prior to the tragedy, I had started a drive to bring much needed school supplies to Long Island with the guidance & assistance of Ms. Dawn Simmons of the Ministry of Tourism (Salt Pond) along with local educators. Below is a list as sent to me prior to the storm.
School Supplies for Long Island & Other Disaster Relief
New Schedule for Weather Broadcasts
Posted: 02 Nov 2015 05:26 AM PST
Wx Update, SCHEDULE, //WL2K R/ Sat31, 11a
New schedule for SSB Voice Nets & simultaneous Internet Webcasts
Tonight the US undergoes its semiannual time change ritual, so beginning Monday, November 2, there will be a few minor changes to timing of SSB Voice Nets:
Please visit the following link to download pdf files with the schedule and map:
http://mwxc.com/news/?p=199
In plain text, here’s the scoop:
E Caribbean & offshore vessels S of 30N moving toward E Caribbean: 7:00am AST (6am EST / 1100 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB.
Bahamas, Florida, and other areas within 200mi of Florida: 6:30am EST (1130 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB.
US E Coast & offshore vessels N of 30N (Georgia & SouthCarolina may do better on Bahamas/Florida Net): 7:30am EST (1230 utc / 8:30am AST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB.
Caribbean W of 72W into E Pacific: 1330 utc (9:30am AST / 8:30am EST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB.
After traffic is finished on the W Caribbean Net, I’ll make a final sweep to the ESE / E / NE from Florida to pick-up any traffic missed earlier in the morning.
NEW NET IN THE EVENINGs:
Any Subscribing Vessel to our SSB Voice Nets is welcome to participate in our new evening Net at 2200 utc (5pm EST / 6pm AST). However, the protocol will be different for this Net, since it’s not targeted at any specific group of Islands as are our morning Nets.
Sometime between 2145 utc ‘“ 2200 utc, on either 8.137 USB or 12.350 USB, please say your vessel name & approximate location (name an Island you’re close to, or Lat/Lon rounded to the nearest degree). When I hear you, I will acknowledge you, and let you know I have you on the list for traffic. If I do not acknowledge you, then I don’t hear you, so try the other channel or ask for someone to relay your vessel name & location.
At about 2200 utc I’ll start working vessels on my list, grouped logically, and with my antennas pointed in your direction.
One bit of confusion for the first 2 weeks of November is I’ll have to handle Salty Dawg vessels on 8.152 USB & 12.350 USB for maybe 30 minutes beginning at 2200 utc’¦but as soon as I’m done with them, I’ll begin working my list of Subscribing Vessels on the traffic list on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB.
FOR NOW, all the above schedule remains 6 days/week (Daily except Sundays).
Thank you for your continuing support!’¦Chris Parker.
Bahamas Chatter: “New Fuel and Dockage Survey October 29, 2015” plus 9 more
New Fuel and Dockage Survey October 29, 2015
More Theft In Georgetown
George Town Cruisers’ Regatta
Hurricane Relief
Long Island hurricane damage
Vet question
Video from Long Island, Bahamas
Protect Your Explorer Chartbooks
July 19, 2015 from the International Space Station ‘“ Exumas
Staniel Cay Airport Update
As a courtesy to Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, we forward this letter of explanation regarding current available air service to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
From: Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Date: 08/16/2015 8:35 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Staniel Airstrip Follow-up – What the airstrip closure means to our guests and passengers
To all of our concerned SCYC guests and Watermakers Air passengers who received our recent email or saw the online petition to repair and reopen the Staniel Cay Airstrip…
We’re very sorry for causing some undue confusion and concern about this matter.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO CANCEL YOUR TRIPS!
The Staniel Cay airstrip has been closed since April but planes have been flying into the neighboring island of Blackpoint since the day it closed and guests are being ferried by boat to Staniel Cay (a 10-15 minute trip). We’ve been doing this for 4 months now so the process is very efficient.
Complimentary boat shuttle arriving Saturday morning…
…at the SCYC dock.
As you can see, this is a fairly painless process for our guests.
The letter that we forwarded to you in the petition was written by the community of Staniel Cay, who are, as you’d imagine, experiencing a great deal of inconvenience and who are rightly worried about folks who live here that require regular medical attention, etc. And of course, businesses (including ours) are incurring significant expense to deal with this issue… hence the letter.
However, we have taken great pains to make sure that our guests do not notice this change (for example, extending breakfast hours for our morning arrivals). In short, except for the boat ride, your trip will not be affected in any way. We are operating just like we always have and nothing about your trip or stay on Staniel should be impacted in any sort of negative way due to the airport closure.
“Bahamas Chatter” is a newly launched feature of Lewis Offshore, LLC and Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! See /?p=148421.
Bahamas Chatter: Staniel Cay (Exumas) Airport
Posted: 13 Aug 2015 02:07 PM PDT
Dear Staniel Cay Supporter:
You can take action to help! On August 12, we delivered a petition letter to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas and other key officials, urging the Government to repair and reopen the Staniel Cay airport immediately. The hard copy petition is signed by 164 people ‘“ nearly all Staniel Cay residents (locals and foreign homeowners alike), business owners and every private island between here and the Exuma Park headquarters.
Of course, many more people and entities are affected by the airport closure as well. We now seek widespread signatures from the many other supporters of Staniel Cay: extended families of Staniel Cay locals; families and guests of homeowners; families and clients of business owners; private cay owners/operators/families/staff/guests; boaters and cruisers; SCYC and rental home guests; private pilots; charter companies; pilot organizations; fly-in tour groups; suppliers; tourism agencies; and any other person or entity who experiences the negative impact of the Staniel Cay airport closure and urges its immediate repair/reopening. We have established an online petition to reach as many affected persons as possible.
Please go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/staniel-airport to read the August 12th letter from Concerned Citizens of Staniel Cay & Vicinity and SIGN YOUR NAME IN SUPPORT. Please sign as soon as possible so we can cite a strong number of online signatures. (If you are seeing this belatedly, we still welcome your signature as we will continue to cite growing numbers in ongoing efforts with officials.) Please continue to visit the site for updates and any further calls to action.
PLEASE FORWARD this information to your own contacts and networks of Staniel Cay-related persons/businesses to encourage their online signatures as well. We sincerely apologize for duplicate emails you may receive as word of this important initiative spreads.
Huge thanks to all signers! To all of you who love Staniel Cay, thank you for your continued support of this special Cay, and let’s get our airport up and running again!
Thank you!
Dawn Spivey & Brooks Miller
Our thanks to Skipper Norman Quinn for sending this video and this warning: DO NOT FEED THE PIGS!
Our friends Vern and Rose on M/V Roamalot reported a serious accident at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in the Exumas. While feeding the pigs, one of the largest pigs attacked and bit Rose pulling her right out of their dingy and nearly severing her thumb from her hand. She flew back to a Fort Lauderdale hospital where she underwent emergency hand surgery to repair three breaks and severed tendons in her thumb. Just a word of warning to cruisers in the Staniel Cay area…do not feed the pigs, especially in shallow water where they can jump into the boat and attack.
Staniel Cay where the pigs swim and here’s a candid shot of a fellow who went ashore without food for the pigs and the chase is on.
Obviously, the pig “attacked” Rose for food. I don’t believe I mis-stated or inaccurately reported what occurred. We too, have visited the pigs at Big Major Spot on many occasions, and have seen other unwary cruisers injured while innocently feeding the pigs. I don’t have to remind you, or maybe I do, that emergency medical assistance in the Bahamas is extremely limited. A small child may not have fared as well as Rose during such an incident. The pigs are cute but can be aggressive, causing serious life threatening injuries to the inexperienced cruiser. My point was to warn readers to keep their distance and to make sure to stay in water deep enough that the pigs cannot touch bottom, if one decides to feed them. I have personally witnessed them climb into dingys in shallow water and “attack” the occupants in their search for food…doing what pigs do.
Duh. These are wild, feral pigs. Anyone who has ever hunted wild pigs knows that they can be vicious!
Here is a website for those of you who have opted to remain in the Bahamas for the summer:
http://www.bahamas.com/islands/abacos
Welcome to The Abacos. Calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty make this 120-mile’“long chain of islands a boating and sailing paradise. But it’s not just the sea that attracts travelers from around the world. Those who prefer to explore by land will find championship golf courses on Treasure Cay, charming colonial towns on Green Turtle and Elbow Cays, and countless hotels, restaurants and bars throughout The Abacos.
The beautiful Bahamas! The Berry Islands are made up of a land mass that totals just over twelve square miles. Many of the 30 cays that comprise the islands are great for snorkeling, hiking, diving and beachcombing.
Great Harbour Cay Marina
Cruising News
Just returning from two months in the Berry Islands of which we spent 15 days in Great Harbour Cay Marina. I can’t say enough good things about our stay there. Friendly, helpful staff always there to grab your lines when you’re arriving or help get you out when you leave. Totally protected, peaceful and quiet, very well maintained modern facilities and very reasonable rates. Excellent internet on your boat. Reasonable twice daily scheduled air service from Nassau. I highly recommend this facility to anyone in the area. Ask for Hans – he’ll take care of you.
Jerry Shinn
We look forward to hearing from you, our readers, as to how we can make this partnership more valuable for you.
We are pleased and look forward to working with Monty, Sara and the Lewis Offshore, LLC.
CLICK HERE For ExplorerCharts May 15 Dockage and Fuel Survey.
We were at Great Harbor back in Feb. 2006…it was desolate, but absolutely beautiful. Golf course club house was a wreck, there was a pool and facility right behind marina that looked like it had not been used in years, but had the raw potential of being spectacular. We love the beach and met some very nice folks. The hamburger place near the air strip was not bad but the air strip had some rather big holes. We waited five days for fuel which never came during our stay and finally with some accurate current and tide info we carefully cruised to West End. Great to learn of how it has experienced a new birth.
This request for bridge clearance by Skipper Charles was prompted by a discussion of the Grand Lucayan Waterway back in 2010, /?p=31487. If you have recent experience dealing with bridge height in the Waterway, let us hear from you! The Grand Lucayan Waterway is a north/south passage that allows boaters to travel from Dover Sound, which is on the north side of Grand Bahama, to the Northwest Providence Channel on the southern side of the island. The Casuarina Bridge crosses the waterway with a charted 27-foot fixed vertical clearance.
What is the real clearance of the bridge on the Lucaya waterway?
Charles
Yes, the Casuarina Bridge has a clearance of 8.3 meters (27 feet). See Explorer Chart GB 3, page 49, Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas, Seventh Edition.
Hi Charles,
I have not used this waterway, but looking at my Explorer Charts for Grand Bahama Island, I see one bridge that shows as being “Fixed” with a clearance of 8.3 meters or 27.23 feet. These charts also show that the low water depth is one meter or 3’feet 3″ inches….skinny. Hope this is helpful.
Skipper CW Fower
Comments from Cruisers (2)
So many differing opinions! Based on 14 years experience IF you are ONLY going to be here one night your BEST option would be to anchor out. IF however you plan to do any fishing, you will need a fishing permit to be in compliance.
SIG
I live in Freeport. I will call Customs and Immigration to confim, , but based on what I have experienced, they will make you pay. However, you can always arrive at West End after they close, and leave before they arrive. Or anchor at Memory Rock. Question is this: are you headind out to the Atlantic, or are you traveling between the islands