bahama run questions

I've made the Bahamas trip many times in my GW. My GW now lives in the Bahamas and apparently it loves it there. First if you're going to the Bahamas you need to get a copy of the "Explorer Charts". They come in a set of three, Near Bahamas, Far Bahamas, Exumas. These are by far the best navigational charts of the Bahamas. If you have a chart plotter that uses CMAP or Garmin then you likely have the "Explorer Charts" already

First trip think about the Abacos. I'd suggest putting in at Ft. Pierce, FL or Palm Beach Inlet, FL. You need to find a place to store your vehicle and trailer. Cross at Memory Rock and keep heading east. Check in at customs at Spanish Cay. Many great places to stay in the Abacos but I will tell you they have gotten more crowded in the last 20 years.

If you're for a little less tourist and better fishing, think about coming down to N. Eleuthera. Again put in at Ft. Pierce or PBI and check in at Customs at West End. Be there when they open. There is a little known route around Grand Bahama and through the Bight of Abaco. This is a little longer but by far the easiest route going to N. Eleuthera. One the way back you may want to run towards Chub and fish the Pocket or Tuna City. This route in in the Explorer charts.

If you've got 2 or 3 weeks, do the Exumas. You'll not be disappointed.

I'm based in Spanish Wells, N. Eleuthera and if I can help I'm happy to.
 
Dale1,

We go to Grand Bahama/Bahamas every summer at least once and usually never miss the opening in August for Lobster Season. We leave August 2nd this year....We leave out of Stuart/Port St Lucie. We stay at ocean reef which is about 35 miles South of West End and near Lucaya. Very affordable, safe and has nice accommodations for the money. No theft in 15 plus years of going.

A must is the Abaco cruising guide by Steve Dodge and plug in all the waypoints before leaving. I update every year.

PM me and I am happy discuss over the phone or I will type all day! LOL I can give you the whole run down and tricks it you are interested.

Regards,

Rob

205 Marlin 300 F250's
 
So, are there channel markers in the Bahamas like the ICW or do you rely on reading the water colors with polarized sunglasses and follow your chartplotter?
 
Magic there are few aids to navigation in the out islands I have been to either in the Exumas or Abacos. We dont run around their at night very much. I cant wait to go back.
 
Bahamas- you didn't mention what type of safety gear you have on board or should have on board- Radar, EPIRB, Sat Phone, VHF and back up Hand Held VHF- maybe a raft? Back up fuel filters? if you don't have these, suggest you borrow or rent them- things happen quickly .
 
OK, more dumb questions. 1. Can I take my dog? 2. do you have to have a special or bahamma fishing licence. 3. do the same restrictions apply "grouper, snapper, etc as does in flordia? 4. if you had a choice of one, would it be an eperb or sat phone?

thanks, dale
 
Hi Dale,

I can't comment on the run to Bimini or the Bahamas (I boat in New England), but can assure you that the 265 is an offshore tank. Of course pick and choose your days but feel good knowing that another 265 has been offshore 15-40 miles for sharks and as far as the canyons (75 miles) for tuna.

Good luck and enjoy! Feel free to ding me anytime with any questions about the 265.

EPPE
2003 265 Express
 
dale1 said:
OK, more dumb questions. 1. Can I take my dog? 2. do you have to have a special or bahamma fishing licence. 3. do the same restrictions apply "grouper, snapper, etc as does in flordia? 4. if you had a choice of one, would it be an eperb or sat phone?

thanks, dale
Click to expand...

1. Never traveled with pets, so don't know.
2. Yes. License is part of your $150 customs/immigration/departure/fishing fee when you arrive. Bring exact change.
3. No. Last time I went it was something like 10 "game" (kingfish, dolphin, wahoo) fish or sixty pounds of "scale" fish (grouper snapper). But you can only legally bring back what is legal for one day in Florida.
4. For me it is an epirb. Just press one button. If you ever have to press that button, you'll have lots on your mind and lots to do.
 
Regarding pets, yes you can take your pets. there are two forms that you will need

AGRI_APPLICATION TO IMPORT DOMESTIC ANIMALS INTO THE BAHAMAS amended
AGRI_AGR VS 1A FORM

I would be happy to upload to the forum but I'm not sure how to do it. Just check out the Bahamas govt. site.
 
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