Planning Bahams trip..info needed

[Bonzai]

As I have previously posted I hope to be able to head for Bahamas after mid-January sometime. What are recommendations for routes and time of departure for decent weather and any personal experiences of this trip this time of year. Trying to get an idea of any/all aspects of trip as I will be taking the Admiral...lol...need to be prepared! Thanks guys...cyu on the water!

 

[Chuckbear]

We wrote a couple of posts on our blog that might have some useful information,
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-cruisers-want-to-know-about.html
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-do-you-do-once-your-in-bahamas.html

We have crossed over in many different months. In December and January we have had flat calm seas and no wind. We have had gale force conditions in the Spring. You watch and wait for a weather window then go. One of our posts show a crossing map for options. We will be crossing from Key Biscayne to Bimini sometime around the second week in January. Hope this helps. Chuck

 

[Bonzai]

Thanks Chuck. I am reading the first parts now and already have been helped.Thanks and will read all. You may be heading there slightly ahead of me sounds like. I will keep watch on your blog and give you a shout when I have solidified a loose plan...lol! Cya out there.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Try this one: good, long, lots of good details in the appendix. Not anything that hasn't been documented before in expensive books!

Pretty well written and documented. A fun read, too.

http://cblights.com/cruising/icwbahamas.html

 

[Chuckbear]

Things change in the Bahamas, sometimes from one week to the next. A lot has changed since 2007. Chuck

 

[MrBill_FLL]

abaco, nassau or exumas, or?

abaco fourm is good resource. most depart from south biscayne bay, but you can leave from ft laud if heading to abaco via west end...

you need current explorer charts.
and maybe the current dodge guide for abacos.

-for a 1st trip, I'd recommend abaco

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I hate nassau.
I think of it like miaim bayside marina... nice, if you don't leave. but go 4 blocks in the wrong direction.... :naughty:

IMHO, its a dangerous, tourist trap... expensive, terrible holding. lots of current. but they do have stores.

I would recommend a slip ($$$) for safety. really. and careful at night... -take a cab, on the mainland. paradise island is cool, if you can buy a pass to Atlantis.... for a few hours. but might as well go to Disney.


other than that, its great!

Abaco all the way. or exumas, but you go through nassau to exumas.

http://abacoforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

http://www.drralph.net/Information-Resources-Links.html

http://www.drralph.net/TravelinginyourBoat.html

 

[Bonzai]

Leaning towards Abaco, been told is an easier trip for first timers. The forum is full of good info. Thanks Bill!