The Bahamas were made for private boat cruising. With over 700 islands and cays scattered across shallow, crystal-clear banks, this is a destination where the journey matters just as much as the destination. Cruising your own boat here means warm water beneath the hull, short hops between anchorages, and the freedom to stop wherever the colour of the sea pulls you in.
Navigation is largely line-of-sight, the anchorages are plentiful, and life unfolds at island pace. From lively harbours to deserted sandbars, the Bahamas reward those who explore slowly and independently.
Top 10 Places to Cruise in the Bahamas
1. The Exumas
The heart of Bahamian cruising. Endless anchorages, turquoise shallows, sandbars, and iconic stops like Big Major Cay, Compass Cay and Thunderball Grotto.
2. Staniel Cay
A cruising classic and gateway to the central Exumas. Great marina, friendly vibe, and easy access to caves, reefs and tidal channels.
3. Shroud Cay
A natural playground of mangrove creeks and shallow lagoons. Best explored by dinghy on a rising tide.
4. Warderick Wells (Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park)
Pristine and protected, with exceptional water clarity, hiking trails and secure moorings. A highlight for nature-focused cruisers.
5. Harbour Island
Charming, colourful and refined, with its famous pink sand beach and boutique dining scene.
6. Eleuthera
A long, narrow island offering dramatic Atlantic cliffs on one side and calm Caribbean waters on the other—ideal for varied cruising conditions.
7. Nassau & Paradise Island
Bustling and vibrant, with full services, provisioning and nightlife. Best enjoyed as a short stop before heading back to quieter waters.
8. The Abacos
Perfect for relaxed, family-friendly cruising. Protected waters, charming settlements and well-marked routes between islands.
9. Green Turtle Cay
Classic Bahamian charm in the Abacos, with a strong boating culture, friendly locals and sheltered anchorages.
10. Andros (West Side)
For the adventurous cruiser. Remote, uncrowded and close to the world’s third-largest barrier reef—exceptional diving and fishing.
Cruising the Bahamas on your own boat is about simplicity and freedom—anchoring in water so clear it feels unreal, stepping off the swim platform into warm sand, and letting the trade winds set your pace. It’s one of the few places in the world where boat life feels effortless.
