A Guide to Sailing in the Bahamas

If you plan to learn to sail in the Bahamas, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the land and sea, sailing conditions, and where to stay. This brief guide will tell you everything you need to know before planning a vacation with our Bahamas sailing school.

Getting to the Bahamas

Before you begin sailing, you’ll need to get to the Bahamas first. Here’s a look at some things you should know before you learn to sail in the Bahamas.

What is the Best Airport to Fly Into?

There are flights to the Bahamas from most major cities worldwide. When you charter a bareboat or take ASA courses with our Bahamas sailing school, your vacation will be in the Abacos Islands. We stick to this region for safety. To get to the Abacos, fly into Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH), which is located near our Bahamas sailing school.

What is the Best Way to Get to the Marina?

Once you land at the airport, you can take a taxi to Marsh Harbour for around $25, where you’ll meet your American Sailing instructor or charter manager. 

Where Should I Stay?

One of the best aspects of learning to sail in the Bahamas is that you can stay right on board. Whether you are taking ASA courses or chartering a bareboat, we offer a full kitchen, private bedrooms, and bathrooms equipped with showers. You can also spend a night or two at a local hotel like Abaco Beach Resort before or after you sail.

Knowing Where and When to Sail in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a large stretch of islands, with thousands of anchorage sites. That may seem a bit daunting, but our Bahamas sailing school narrows in on the safest region: The Abaco Islands. You’ll experience the beauty of the Caribbean and discover some of our favorite places to snorkel, swim, and sail.

What Anchorages Should We Stay At?

When you learn to sail in the Bahamas, we recommend starting in Marsh Harbour before anchoring in Great Guana Cay, Hope Town (Elbow Cay), Lynyard Cay, and other calm harbours ideal for anchoring on a day trip or overnight stay.

What Are the Best Places That Are a Must-See in the Abaco Islands?

If you are learning to sail in the Bahamas, you may wonder where exactly to go. Our expert instructors made this list of some of the must-see sailing destinations in the Abacos Islands: 

• Marsh Harbour: Not only is this the jumping-off point for your sailing vacation, it’s also home to some of the best restaurants, accommodations, and festivals in the Bahamas.
• Elbow Cay: Hope Town light house and historic harbor filled with food shops and access to the beach.
• Treasure Cay: Want our pick for the best beach in the Bahamas? Stop at Treasure Cay Beach and wander around the 3.5-mile stretch of white sands and clear blue waters on a sunny day.
• Little Harbour: Not only is it popular for snorkeling, but Little Harbour is also home to Pete’s Pub and Gallery, an iconic seafood shack on the water.
• Man-O-War Cay: Learn some maritime history at the Albury’s Boat Building & Canvas Shop.

When Do You Sail?

Our Bahamas sailing school is open year-round, and you can book ASA sailing courses or charter a bareboat, as long as there are no hurricanes predicted during your sailing dates. If you are learning to sail in the Bahamas, we recommend sailing from November through May for the best conditions.

Exploring the Culture and Cuisine of the Bahamas 

The Bahamas are a vibrant collection of islands where you can explore the flavours, sounds, and history of the Caribbean. Knowing what to expect can help you enjoy your sailing trip in the Bahamas. 

Food in the Bahamas 

While we provide many meals when you book a trip with our Bahamas sailing school, you will want to try local cuisine while you’re in the Abacos region. Popular local dishes include:

• Conch (stew, fritters, chowder).
• Lobster.
• Peas and rice.
• Bahama Mama cocktail.

Local Culture

The Bahamas have a long and complicated history that includes slavery, colonization, and a relatively recent independence. 90% of the population is black, and many locals have ancestors from West Africa. To learn more about the music, traditions, and style of Bahamian people, attend a local event like the Abaco Summer Celebration or Junkanoo in the winter.

Learn More About Sailing in the Bahamas

Now that you know more about the Bahamas, it’s time to plan your sailing vacation! Learn how to sail while experiencing the magic of the Caribbean when you sail in the Abacos Islands.