Planning a Bahamas Sailing Trip (Need Help)

[Tingum]

There are many commercial flights into MHB. Most likely cheaper to fly commercial. For charters check: Cherokee Aviation, Airgate, Island Wings. Moorings has the largest boat selection, you would most likely want the 46 or 50 ft cat. Not sure of prices, changes with the season, check their web site or call them. Definitely a well run operation. Whatever you do don't try and come from the states with only a week!

[Amapola]

A week won't get you very far. We've waited up to three weeks for good crossing weather. You'd be better off flying to Marsh Harbour and chartering there for a week exploring the Abacos.

[bgallinger]

I looked at chartering a cat in the abacos a year ago and was shocked to discover (in the fine print) that a $4000 CASH deposit against any damage would be held until the return of the boat and a full inspection completed by the operator. Also, we were restricted to sailing no more than 10 miles north and 10 miles south of the dock. I decided not charter the boat and went elsewhere.

[Vasco]

If you're set on chartering out of Ft. Lauderdale do Biscayne Bay. And maybe a bit of the Keys.

[ismith15]

After some heavy heavy research I think I am going to use a company called nav tours that sails out of Nassau and George Town. They seem to be a little cheaper and are the perfect location to launch an adventure into the Exuma's.

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

I looked at chartering a cat in the abacos a year ago and was shocked to discover (in the fine print) that a $4000 CASH deposit against any damage would be held until the return of the boat and a full inspection completed by the operator. Also, we were restricted to sailing no more than 10 miles north and 10 miles south of the dock. I decided not charter the boat and went elsewhere.

This may be true of some charter companies, but The Moorings and I believe Sunsail are not nearly so restrictive.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by ismith15

After some heavy heavy research I think I am going to use a company called nav tours that sails out of Nassau and George Town. They seem to be a little cheaper and are the perfect location to launch an adventure into the Exuma's.

Have you done a time/speed/distance review of this plan?

[cheoah]

If you can charter out of G Town Exuma, that would be pretty sweet in May. And if you never left the harbor, it would not feel like a waste. I'm sure you could cover some miles if you are an experienced skipper.

I have only flown to GGT inter-island from NAS or FPO, but check the price of flights; easy enough to get to, connecting in one of the above airports through Bahamasair, et alia.

If you charter out of E. Florida, be prepared to cruise E. Florida. There's worse ways to spend your time, but not by much Ok I'm biased, born on G. Bahama

Abaco would be great too, but only if you can go to Green turtle or some of the other Cays, and might have a little cold front action then, Tingum would know best.

Ok I know I'm Mr singlehander loner dude, but 12 people on a boat? Really? I'd plan ample opportunity for shore leave.

best of luck, have a blast.