Top Boating Destination of the Year

WINNER 

The Bahamas 

The most famous of the Bahamian shipwrecks, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas sank off Little Bahama Bank in 1656 carrying a double load of treasure. Heavy salvage over centuries brought up gems, gold, silver and remains of the Spanish galleon, all while stumbling upon other ships that went down. Yet only a small number of recorded shipwrecks have been found in The Bahamas. The search continues.

The story of its shipwrecks could describe the islands of The Bahamas themselves, well- explored yet brimming with novel possibilities. The stunning archipelago is an overall destination that opens like nesting dolls to a myriad of destinations. And while visitors to The Bahamas have climbed to more than nine million in recent years, you can still find experiences all your own, especially when you come by boat. 

Recreational boaters, a fraction of those who visit overall, come for many reasons. At the top of the list is: Water, water and water. Marinalife readers repeatedly cite The Bahamian blue — turquoise, aqua and crystalline shallows dropping to deep, dark sea — when naming this their top destination. 

“You have never seen such clear waters in your life,” says Dawn Bresnak, who has journeyed with her husband from Florida to The Bahamas at least 30 times on their 42-foot Sea Ray. “It’s an easy trip [to Bimini] from Fort Lauderdale or even Fort Pierce. We rarely see a soul.” She adds that they choose their crossing during complacent weather, usually in summer, and see whales, turtles, dolphins and stingrays along the way. 

The majority of boaters originate from the U.S., followed by just about everywhere else in the world. They come for island experiences all along the spectrum — miles-long solo beach walks, gambling resorts and high-flying amusements, world-class fishing, snorkeling and diving in a breathtaking underwater world, hidden coves, international cuisine, watersports fast and slow, and so much more. 

Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, manages Bay Street Marina in Nassau, which accommodates everything from 40-footers to superyachts. He says the best way to make a choice among the 60 marinas spread throughout the islands is by the type of location you desire. 

Want a casino at your fingertips? Head to the renowned facilities of Paradise Island and Nassau. Something quieter? Make your home base at one of the many Out Islands. Enjoy the colonial streets and wreck diving of the Abacos or the swimming pigs and secluded beaches of The Exumas. The Berry Islands, Bimini, the Ragged Island chain and Long Island are just some of your options, and no matter where you dock, the whole of The Bahamas is within reach.

“We are 16 island groups with 1,200 islands from a navigational standpoint. There are a lot of places to see. You can see all the different islands and chains without ever leaving the country,” says Maury. “Places like Crooked Island. Behind there, it’s 15 feet of water. You can weather a storm in there.” 

Bresnak and her husband keep a 22-footer at a condo on Bimini for exploring. They like to visit the Abacos and Exumas as well as cays only accessible by boat like Gun Cay, a nine-mile jaunt from Bimini. “You can go and pet the stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour. They come right up. They want to be petted,” she says. 

Ocean tongues its way between the Great Bahama Bank at New Providence Channel creating the Tongue of the Ocean where creatures as large as whales forage in protected waters. Wooded areas of Andros Island surround ancient blue holes, including one of the largest in the world. Lucayan National Park protects one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, as well as mangroves, creeks and coral reefs. 

Ashore, friendly people punctuate a unique culture. “It takes you back to another time and place, with little hidden coves to discover and genuine people to meet,” writes Bill Winchell, while another reader sums it up: “Beautiful beaches, wonderful people, great food and music.” 

Eat conch and spiny lobster, drink Bahamian Kalik beer, dance to the rhythm of goombay, and visit museums to learn about the history of Lucayan Indians, colonialism, piracy or the costumes of the Junkanoo carnival. Mariners enjoy The Bahamas Maritime Museum, inspired by the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas. Opened in 2022 in Freeport, the museum details island history and shows off the glittering bounty of The Bahamas’ legendary shipwreck. 

Navigating throughout The Bahamas and on the passage requires preparation. There are shifting sand shoals, rocky bars and reefs, currents, unmaintained or absent aids to navigation, a Gulf Stream crossing and more potential hazards. Know your weather, do your homework, have reliable guidebooks and charts, and be alert. 

When entering The Bahamas, you are required to check in and pay fees that depend on the size of your boat and how long you plan to stay. If you bring a pet, you’ll need a pet permit. 

The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) is a trusted resource for boaters navigating the beautiful waters of The Bahamas. Representing over 60 marinas across the islands, ABM is dedicated to promoting and protecting The Bahamas as a premier yachting and boating destination. The organization also plays a key role in advocating for sustainable marine practices and fostering collaboration between marinas, government agencies and the boating community. ABM provides comprehensive guidance on marina options, navigation tips and entry requirements. Visit bahamasmarinas.com.