5 Best Boating Destinations for a Weekend in the Bahamas

5 Best Boating Destinations for a Weekend in the Bahamas

With the boating season quickly approaching the off-season, it’s time to start making float plans somewhere warm. One of the top places for off-season boating: The Bahamas. Who wouldn’t want to spend Autumn on island time surrounded by the sun and crystal-clear blue waters? We narrowed down the best boating destinations in the Bahamas for you, no effort on your end is needed.

As northern harbors cool down, now is the time to extend your summer with a trip to the islands! Many boaters cruise The Bahamas with the goal of doing as little as possible, but when doing nothing gets boring these islands have a lot to offer with many sights to see. Read on to find a new place to adventure in The Bahamas:

1. Rose Island 

To explore one of The Bahamas’ more private destinations, Rose Island is your best bet. Completely private and only accessible by boat, boaters can cruise the three miles to get there from Paradise Island in only 15 minutes!

Rose Island is 11 miles long and does not have any roads or residential life, only a few developed properties intended for tourism making this a scenic hotspot. There are memorable experiences to enjoy as well such as snorkeling and swimming with pigs. 

5 BEST BOATING DESTINATIONS FOR A WEEKEND IN THE BAHAMAS

2. Blue Lagoon Island

Located just three miles from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is a must for a day trip excursion. One special fact about Blue Lagoon is that it remains secluded, only home to many dolphins and sea lions. Blue Lagoon Island visitors will find a peaceful and natural environment to spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Officially known as Salt Cay Island, Blue Lagoon Island offers visitors clear blue and turquoise waters, many coconut palm trees, white sandy beaches, beautiful coral reefs to explore, and a selection of family-friendly activities.

Blue Lagoon Island

3. The Exumas

Exuma also referred to as “The Cays,” is a district of The Bahamas comprising more than 365 mini islands – one for each day of the year.  

The largest island within The cays is Great Exuma, which is 37 miles long and connected by a bridge to Little Exuma, another Cay Island. The island chain is known for having some of the prettiest and bluest water in the world. Some spots to explore once you’re on the island: 

Pelican Beach: also referred to as the Tropic of Cancer Beach, is known for the white and golden sand that runs along with its crystal clear waters. After your visit, head over to the hut and sign your name alongside the other boater signatures.  

Pig Beach on Big Major Cay Island: entirely uninhabited by humans – instead inhabited by swimming pigs! As you arrive at the beach, the pigs will paddle out to greet you. Feel free to jump in and swim with them! Book your tour to Pig Beach here.

The Exumas
The Exumas

4. Harbour Island

Harbour Island is best known for the long pink sand beaches stretching along the island’s eastern shore. The island is 3 and 1/2 miles long with approximately 2,000 residents, great beach-side restaurants, and pastel-painted cottages within Dunmore Town, the original capital of the Bahamas.

Aside from relaxing at the beach, visitors can also venture out to the coral reefs to see marine life, such as stingrays and turtles. One of the top reefs to see on the island is the Devil’s Backbone, which is a shallow and jagged-edge reef.

Harbor Island

5. Andros Island

Andros Island is a group of Bahamian islands, politically considered one single island – one which has a total area greater than all other 700 Bahamian islands combined. Although it is the largest island in The Bahamas, it is also the least explored. 

This island is the perfect day trip if you’re looking for exceptional natural surroundings and privacy, as the island consists largely of unpopulated stretches of beach. Morgan’s Bluff Beach is one of the better-known areas on Andros Island and is said to have hidden treasure buried somewhere beneath the sand. It is also the site of the ‘All Andros Crabfest’ which is a party to celebrate the crab industry on the island. The festivities include sailboat races, releasing of the crabs, a crab culinary contest, live music, and local food and drinks.

Another fun area to explore is Fresh Creek, where you can check out Captain Bill’s Blue Hole. The hole is 440-feet in diameter and part of an underground cave system beneath the island. Visitors can also find the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef full of tropical fish and other sea animals along a 190-mile stretch. 

Andros Island

In the market for a motor yacht or express cruiser to take to the Bahamas? Check out our current inventory and jumpstart that tropical getaway with a quality boat to make the journey there.

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