The Bahamas & the Exumas: Tips and tricks

Johan Maier

I bet you’ve always dreamed of traveling to the Caribbean to go sailing. It's everything you've imagined and more. Imagine turquoise waters, secluded bays, and the unique rhythm of wind, sun, and salt. But as idyllic as the area is, it has its quirks. Knowing them will make your trip more relaxed and significantly safer. Here are the most important tips and tricks for the Bahamas, particularly the Exumas.

Depth

First things first, it's shallow. Really shallow. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing! The water is so clear that you can usually see the seabed. In good conditions, you can easily distinguish sand, seaweed, coral, and darker patches.

Visibility of the seabed quickly disappears in heavy swell or when sailing into the low sun. Then, visibility of the seabed quickly disappears. Plan your routes so that you’re sailing with the sun at your back as much as possible.

Even though it often looks easy, caution is essential. Don't leave inexperienced crew members at the helm for too long, especially in challenging stretches.

Tides and currents

The Bahamas have a moderate tidal range, but it is significant nonetheless. They can quickly become crucial, particularly when anchoring in shallow water.

Added to this are sometimes strong currents, particularly in the cuts and channels. Currents of two to three knots can easily build up there. These currents are caused by extreme depth differences: east of the Exumas, the seabed drops abruptly to depths of several hundred to over a thousand meters, while to the west, it often remains at depths of less than ten meters.

This causes noticeable water movement and changing directions. When anchoring, make sure to keep a safe distance from other boats. It's possible that your neighbor will drift in a different direction at night.

Charts

An often underestimated factor. Good charts are crucial here.

Navionics works well, but many sailors in the Bahamas prefer Aquamaps. The data is more accurate in many places and is often slightly more conservative, which is generally an advantage in this area.

The great thing is that there’s a two-week free trial. It's perfect for a sailing trip.

Planning, planning, planning!

This is especially true when it comes to provisions.
There are few places to shop along the route. Restaurants are also scarce, especially in more remote areas. Fresh fruit and vegetables are difficult to find and often expensive.
Good preparation will save you stress and money. Prices in the Bahamas are significantly higher than you might expect.

Make the most of the morning!

In the Caribbean, the daily rhythm is simple. It gets light around 6 a.m. and dark around 6 p.m.

It’s tempting to sleep in. However, if you set off early, you’ll quickly cover the distance and be able to enjoy the rest of the day at your destination. You can go snorkeling, explore, or relax.
Those who set off late often miss the best part of the day.

Timeframe and Duration

A trip of less than two weeks is hardly worth it. The distances aren’t huge, but there are so many places to visit that you’ll soon find yourself pressed for time.

The best season is roughly between December and May. During this time, you'll have steady trade winds, pleasant temperatures, and a significantly lower risk of storms. You should avoid the hurricane season, which is from June to November.
If possible, plan your trip for February through April, when you'll find good weather, moderate winds, and fewer crowds.

The Bahamas aren’t a difficult sailing area, but they do demand your attention. Those who adapt will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in the world.