FLORIDA TO THE BAHAMAS
Don’t Go Into The Gulf Stream With A Northerly Wind Component
Miami / Miami Beach TO BERRY ISLANDS
- Best for: Crossing to Bimini (50 NM) or the Berry Islands
- Pros: Shortest crossing to Bimini, good marinas, well-equipped for provisioning
- Cons: Heavy boat traffic, busy city environment
MIAMI TO THE BERRY ISLANDS
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
- Best for: Bimini (53 NM) or Grand Bahama (West End)
- Pros: Easy inlet access, major marinas, well-stocked marine stores
- Cons: Heavily trafficked inlet, commercial ship traffic
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) to Grand Bahama (West End)
Palm Beach (Lake Worth Inlet)
- Best for: Grand Bahama (West End – 55 NM)
- Pros: Wide, deep inlet, fewer boat traffic issues than Miami/Fort Lauderdale
- Cons: Slightly longer trip if heading to Bimini
PALM BEACH – LAKE WORTH INLET to Grand Bahama (West End)
Stuart (St. Lucie Inlet)
- Best for: Abacos (~110 NM)
- Pros: Less crowded departure point, good for northbound Bahamas routes
- Cons: Shallow inlet, can be tricky in bad weather
Stuart (St. Lucie Inlet) to ABACOS 110nm
Key Biscayne / Florida Keys (Marathon, Key Largo, Key West)
- Best for: Bimini, Berry Islands, Nassau, Exumas
- Pros: Warmer waters, fewer Gulf Stream concerns, easier access to central Bahamas
- Cons: Longer overall crossing distances compared to Miami/Fort Lauderdale
KEY BISCANE to BIMINI 50nm
General Considerations:
- Gulf Stream Timing – Best to cross with calm winds and a light southerly breeze to avoid rough conditions.
- Weather Windows – Check forecasts carefully, as strong north winds create dangerous waves.
- Customs Check-In
Crossing form Cap Canaveral to the Bahamas is not advised
NOTE Crossing form Cap Canaveral to the Bahamas is not advised