Safety Concerns in the Bahamas and How to Avoid Them

The Caribbean Sea is a popular sailing destination for travelers from the USA and worldwide. But some islands are safer for visiting than others. With over 30 years of experience sailing, our USCG Captains and ASA-certified instructors know how to plan a safe, fun liveaboard sailing vacation.

Taking ASA courses with Go Sail Bahamas is an exciting way to experience the Abacos Islands and sail in one of the safest areas in the Bahamas. However, anytime you visit a new location, it’s important to take a good look at any potential dangers on the horizon. This article addresses common safety concerns that Bahamas travelers may have when visiting and how to avoid them.

Is Crime High in the Bahamas?

Crime is higher in the Bahamas than in some other popular Caribbean islands, but a lot of the crime is concentrated in specific regions—mainly Grand Bahama and New Providence. Violent crime did drop over 10% last year in the Bahamas. Still, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs lists the Bahamas as a Level 2 Travel Advisory risk (Exercise Increased Caution) because of the high crime on a few of the 30 inhabited islands.

When you take ASA sailing courses with Go Sail Bahamas, we sail through the Abacos Islands, which are safer than other popular vacation spots like Nassau. Our expert instructors are on hand to help you navigate the Bahamas safely and let you know of areas you should avoid at night and other local tips. 

What Are Some Safe Sailing Strategies?

Sailing is a safe way to travel, especially when you take ASA courses with Go Sail Bahamas. Our ASA instructors can teach you anything from sailing basics to advanced skills. Some safe sailing practices you can learn include:

• How to anchor & moor.
• What to do when you encounter shallow waters or other boats. 
• Procedures when someone goes overboard. 
• Safety tips if you lose power on the boat.

What to Know About Weather When Sailing

When you set sail in the Bahamas, it’s important to stay informed about the weather. You’ll want to pay attention to things like wind, rain, and waves—which you’ll learn more about in our ASA sailing courses. Weather apps are really helpful for predicting the forecast and sailing conditions in real time!

It’s also important to protect yourself from the sun, which can present a safety concern of its own. You’ll want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts when sailing in the Bahamas. 

Do the Bahamas Have Dangerous Animals?

The Bahamas are a nature lover’s paradise—with tropical forests and coral reefs packed with exotic wildlife. But not all of the animals you may encounter in the Bahamas are cute and cuddly!

Most dangerous wildlife lives in the water, and although you probably won’t encounter many, be careful not to get too close to creatures like jellyfish, lionfish, and sharks. The best way to avoid close interactions with wildlife is to:

• Swim during the daytime.
• Pay attention to lifeguard warnings or written warnings on beaches.
• Paddleboard and swim away from areas where sharks feed or where people are fishing.

Like anywhere, pay attention to your surroundings and leave an area ASAP if you see signs of dangerous wildlife in the water.

What Diseases Should You Watch Out for in the Abacos Islands?

Anytime you travel to another country, it’s important to know what viruses you can encounter. Overall, the Bahamas are relatively safe from a disease standpoint, but mosquitoes and tap water do pose some risks of spreading diseases such as Dengue and Hepatitis A. Mosquitos aren’t an issue when you’re sailing, thanks to the Caribbean breeze. And when you settle into your cabin, we provide water makers that produce clean, safe drinking water.

Sail Abacos Safely With Go Sail Bahamas

When considering the Bahamas’ safety concerns, it’s important to note that the Abacos Islands are one of the safest locations in the country. If you pay attention to the forecast, wear the right gear, and get to know the ins and outs of sailing with our ASA instructors, you can have a safe and memorable trip in the Bahamas!