Here is a quick overview of why the rule  “go 25 miles or so south of your intended Bahamas destination”  in order to cross the Gulf Stream.
Northerly winds will make the crossing very uncomfortable; as the wind against current create short steep nasty waves – wait for no winds or light easterlies for a more comfortable ride
If you plan on Sailing look for  S or SW winds

Tides and Currents

WINDS

Gulf Stream Crossings to The Bahamas

Because of the Gulf Stream’s north-setting current, most cruisers prioritize making as much southing as possible along the U.S. East Coast before crossing. From South Florida, it’s just a day hop across the Gulf Stream to reach the first islands of The Bahamas. This route follows the typical snowbird cruising path, as outlined by Van Sandt in A Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South. It allows for travel within the ICW or limits to manageable day hops offshore.

The Strategy for a Smooth Crossing
The general advice is to get as far south as possible before making the crossing. The farther south you start, the easier the crossing and the more route options you’ll have. Slower vessels benefit most from this approach. For instance, leaving from Key Largo with a moderate southeasterly breeze — a common forecast — allows you to take advantage of a more favorable heading and the Gulf Stream’s flow instead of fighting against it.

Chris Parker of the Marine Weather Center identifies two primary crossing zones: the North and South Crossing Areas. These terms are widely used in marine forecasts, even if you don’t use his services (though they’re highly recommended).

North Crossing Area

The North Crossing Area spans the track from West Palm Beach (Lake Worth Inlet) to West End, Grand Bahama — a route roughly 56 nautical miles east.

Common departure points include:

  • Farther north: St. Lucie Inlet or Fort Pierce Inlet, often with crossings targeting the Abacos.
  • Farther south: Departures from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, with direct routes to Grand Bahama or the Abacos.

Once on Grand Bahama’s southwest corner, it’s an easy passage through the Northwest Providence Channel toward the Berry Islands or Nassau.

South Crossing Area

The South Crossing Area typically covers the route from Fort Lauderdale or Miami directly to Bimini, about 46 nautical miles east of Key Biscayne. This is the shortest crossing from Florida to The Bahamas.

Other options include:

  • Departing Key Largo or the Florida Keys: These routes lead to Bimini or South Riding Rock, opening paths toward Andros, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas.
  • Continuing to North Crossing zones: A route to Grand Bahama or the Abacos is also possible from this area.