Crossing the Gulf Stream: Navigation & Customs
The Gulf Stream Crossing
The passage from Miami to Bimini crosses the Gulf Stream, one of the most powerful ocean currents in the world. The Stream flows northward at 2 to 4 knots through the Straits of Florida, creating a significant set to the north. Vessels must compensate by steering south of the rhumb line. In northerly winds opposing the current, the Stream can produce steep, dangerous seas — the crossing should only be attempted in settled weather with winds below 15 knots from the south or east.
Crossing Times
Miami to Bimini is approximately 48 nautical miles (4 to 5 hours at 10 knots). Miami to Nassau is approximately 185 nautical miles (18 to 20 hours at 10 knots, typically an overnight passage). Miami to the northern Exumas via Nassau is approximately 220 nautical miles.
Departure Points
Most charters clear U.S. customs outbound at the port of departure — typically Island Gardens Deep Harbour or Miami Beach Marina. The yacht's agent handles the paperwork.
Bahamas Customs & Immigration
All vessels must clear customs and immigration upon arrival in the Bahamas. Designated ports of entry include Bimini (Alice Town), Nassau (Nassau Harbour), and Georgetown (Exuma). The captain must present the vessel's documentation, crew list, and passenger passports. A cruising permit is issued for the duration of the stay. Fishing permits are separate and must be obtained at the port of entry.
Fees
Cruising permit fees vary by vessel length. For vessels over 100 feet, expect approximately $300 to $500 for the cruising permit plus $50 per person for immigration. Fishing permits are $20 per person. Departure tax is included in the cruising permit fee.
Communications
Cell coverage (BTC) is available in Nassau, Bimini, and populated islands but absent in the Exuma Cays and remote areas. Satellite communication is recommended for extended cruising.
Itinerary 1: Bimini Weekend (3-4 Days)
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Miami and the ideal destination for a first Bahamas charter or a long weekend. The crossing takes 4 to 5 hours, making it possible to depart Miami in the morning and anchor in Bimini by early afternoon.
Day 1 — Miami to Bimini
Depart Miami at first light. Cross the Gulf Stream with a southeast heading to compensate for the northward current. Clear customs at Alice Town on North Bimini. Anchor in the harbor or take a berth at Bimini Bay Resort Marina (accommodates vessels up to 200 feet) or Blue Marlin Marina.
Day 2 — Bimini Exploration
Bimini's appeal is its fishing heritage and laid-back island character. Ernest Hemingway lived here in the 1930s, and the island's big-game fishing tradition continues. The Bimini Road — a submerged formation of rectangular limestone blocks — is a popular snorkeling site, with various theories attributing it to Atlantis, natural formation, or ancient construction. Radio Beach on North Bimini offers calm, clear water.
Day 3 — Fishing or Relaxation
The waters off Bimini are among the most productive in the Atlantic for big-game fishing. Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna are all present seasonally. The Gulf Stream passes directly offshore, bringing pelagic species within easy reach. For non-anglers, the Healing Hole — a natural freshwater spring in the mangroves — is a local curiosity.
Day 4 — Return to Miami
Depart Bimini in the morning for the return crossing. The Gulf Stream will set the vessel north on the return, so steer south of the direct course to Miami. Arrive by early afternoon.
Dining Ashore
Sabor (at Resorts World Bimini, upscale), Stuart's Conch Stand (legendary conch salad, cash only), Joe's Conch Shack (waterfront, casual), and Bimini Bread House (fresh Bahamian bread daily).
Itinerary 2: Nassau & Paradise Island (5-7 Days)
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, offers a combination of colonial history, world-class dining, and resort infrastructure that complements the natural beauty of the surrounding waters.
Day 1-2 — Miami to Nassau
The passage from Miami to Nassau is approximately 185 nautical miles, typically completed as an overnight crossing. Depart Miami in the afternoon, cross the Gulf Stream during the evening, and arrive in Nassau by morning. Clear customs at Nassau Harbour. Berth options include Nassau Yacht Haven (up to 200 feet), Palm Cay Marina, or Albany Marina (the most exclusive, associated with the Albany resort developed by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake).
Day 3 — Nassau & Paradise Island
The colonial architecture of downtown Nassau — pastel-colored buildings, the Queen's Staircase, Fort Charlotte — provides a morning of exploration. Paradise Island, connected by bridge, is home to Atlantis Resort and the Ocean Club (a Four Seasons property). The Ocean Club's Dune restaurant, by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is the finest dining on the island.
Day 4 — Rose Island & The Exuma Sound
Rose Island, a narrow strip of sand 10 miles east of Nassau, offers excellent snorkeling and a Robinson Crusoe beach experience. The waters between Nassau and the northern Exumas are a transition zone — the deep blue of the Exuma Sound gives way to the impossibly turquoise shallows of the Bahama Bank.
Day 5-6 — Northern Exumas
Continue south to the northern Exuma Cays (see Exumas itinerary below for detail). Highlights include Allan's Cay (swimming iguanas), Highbourne Cay (marina and provisions), and Norman's Cay (the infamous drug-running island of the 1980s, now a peaceful anchorage with a submerged plane wreck visible in the shallows).
Day 7 — Return to Nassau or Miami
Return to Nassau for the overnight crossing back to Miami, or arrange a one-way charter with crew repositioning.
Itinerary 3: The Exuma Cays (7-10 Days)
The Exuma Cays are the crown jewel of Bahamas yacht chartering — a 120-mile chain of 365 islands and cays stretching southeast from Nassau. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1958, was the first marine protected area in the Caribbean and remains one of the most pristine marine environments in the Western Hemisphere.
Staniel Cay
The social hub of the central Exumas. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club (founded 1956) is the gathering point for cruisers, with a small marina, restaurant, and bar. The Thunderball Grotto — a partially submerged cave featured in the James Bond film of the same name — is a five-minute dinghy ride from the yacht club. The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, the Exumas' most famous attraction, are a short tender ride south.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
A 176-square-mile no-take zone where fishing, collecting, and anchoring on coral are prohibited. The park encompasses some of the healthiest coral reefs and fish populations in the Bahamas. Warderick Wells Cay serves as the park headquarters, with mooring balls available (no anchoring permitted). The Boo Boo Hill trail on Warderick Wells offers panoramic views of the park.
Compass Cay
A privately owned cay known for its marina and the nurse sharks that congregate in the shallow waters near the dock. Visitors can swim with the sharks in waist-deep water — they are habituated to humans and entirely docile.
Black Point Settlement (Great Guana Cay)
One of the few inhabited settlements in the Exumas, with a small grocery store, bakery, and the annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival in February.
Leaf Cay & Allen's Cay
Home to the endangered Bahamian rock iguana. These prehistoric-looking reptiles are found nowhere else in the world and are remarkably approachable.
Georgetown (Great Exuma)
The southern terminus of most Exuma charters. Georgetown is a small town with provisioning, fuel, and customs facilities. The annual George Town Cruising Regatta in March draws hundreds of sailing vessels from around the world.
Itinerary 4: The Abacos (7-10 Days)
The Abacos, in the northern Bahamas, offer a distinctly different character from the Exumas. The island chain was settled by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in the 1780s, and the colonial architecture, New England-style clapboard houses, and sailing culture reflect this heritage.
Access from Miami
The Abacos are approximately 180 nautical miles from Miami. The crossing typically routes through Bimini or directly across the Great Bahama Bank to Great Abaco Island. An alternative is to fly to Marsh Harbour (the Abacos' main airport) and board the charter yacht there.
Marsh Harbour
The commercial center of the Abacos, with full provisioning, fuel, and marina facilities. The Jib Room and Snappas are popular waterfront restaurants. Marsh Harbour Marina and Boat Harbour Marina accommodate large yachts.
Hope Town (Elbow Cay)
The most picturesque settlement in the Abacos, centered on the iconic red-and-white striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse (1864) — one of the last hand-turned, kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world. The town has no cars; transportation is by golf cart or boat. Hope Town Harbour Lodge and Cap'n Jack's provide dining.
Green Turtle Cay
A Loyalist settlement with the Albert Lowe Museum documenting the island's colonial history. The New Plymouth Inn and Bluff House Beach Resort offer accommodation. The Wrecking Tree bar at Bluff House is a sunset institution.
Man-O-War Cay
A traditional boat-building community that remains dry (no alcohol sales). The Albury Brothers boat shop continues a tradition dating to the 1800s. The island is known for its craftsmanship and self-sufficient character.
Treasure Cay
Home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas — a 3.5-mile crescent of powder-white sand consistently ranked among the world's best. The Treasure Cay Resort and Marina provides full services.
Note on Hurricane Dorian (2019)
The Abacos were devastated by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. Significant rebuilding has occurred, but some areas remain affected. Check current conditions before planning a charter.
Practical Information: Provisioning, Fuel & Safety
Provisioning
Nassau and Marsh Harbour offer the most comprehensive provisioning in the Bahamas, with supermarkets stocking international brands. In the Exumas, provisioning is extremely limited — Staniel Cay has a small grocery store, and Georgetown has basic supplies. For extended charters, provision fully in Nassau or arrange for provisions to be flown in to Staniel Cay or Georgetown.
Fuel
Diesel and gasoline are available at major marinas throughout the Bahamas, but prices are significantly higher than in the United States (typically $6 to $8 per gallon for diesel). In the Exumas, fuel is available at Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay, and Georgetown. Plan fuel stops carefully — running out of fuel in the Exumas is a serious logistical problem.
Water
Fresh water is scarce in the Bahamas. Most islands rely on rainwater collection and reverse osmosis. Yachts should carry sufficient water for the entire charter and use watermakers conservatively. Do not expect to fill water tanks at island marinas.
Medical
Medical facilities in the Bahamas are limited outside of Nassau. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau is the primary facility. For serious medical emergencies in the Exumas or Abacos, air evacuation to Nassau or Miami is the standard protocol. Ensure the charter yacht carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and that the crew includes someone with medical training.
Weather
The Bahamas share Miami's climate — warm and humid year-round, with a rainy season from June through November that coincides with hurricane season. The ideal charter season is November through May. Winter cold fronts can bring strong northwest winds (20 to 30 knots) for 2 to 3 days, followed by settled conditions. Monitor NOAA and Bahamas Department of Meteorology forecasts continuously.
Currency
The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and U.S. currency is accepted everywhere. Credit cards are accepted at major marinas and restaurants but not at small settlements. Carry cash for local purchases.
The Gulf Stream Crossing: What to Expect
The Gulf Stream is the defining feature of the Miami-to-Bahamas passage. Understanding this powerful ocean current is essential for a safe and comfortable crossing.
Current Speed & Direction
The Gulf Stream flows northward at 2.5 to 4 knots through the Straits of Florida. The current is strongest in the center of the stream, typically 10 to 15 miles offshore, and weaker near the edges. The stream's position shifts seasonally and can be tracked via satellite sea-surface temperature charts (available from NOAA and commercial weather services).
Wind Against Current
The most dangerous condition in the Gulf Stream occurs when north winds blow against the northward-flowing current. This creates steep, closely spaced waves that can be hazardous even for large vessels. A 15-knot north wind that would produce 3-foot seas in open water can generate 8 to 10-foot breaking waves in the Gulf Stream. Never cross the Gulf Stream when north winds exceed 15 knots.
Optimal Crossing Conditions
The ideal conditions are east to southeast winds of 10 to 15 knots, which produce a comfortable beam sea on the crossing. Calm conditions are also excellent but less common. The best crossing window is typically in the morning, when winds are lightest and the sea state is most settled.
Navigation Strategy
When crossing the Gulf Stream, aim south of your destination to compensate for the northward set of the current. A vessel traveling at 15 knots will be carried approximately 5 to 8 miles north during a 3-hour crossing. Your GPS track will show a significant curve to the north. Experienced captains calculate the set and drift before departure and adjust the heading accordingly.
Crossing Duration
Miami to Bimini is approximately 48 nautical miles and takes 3 to 4 hours at 15 knots. Miami to Nassau is approximately 185 nautical miles and takes 12 to 15 hours at cruising speed. Many captains prefer to depart Miami in the late afternoon for the Nassau crossing, arriving at dawn.
Weather Windows
In winter, cold fronts pass through every 5 to 7 days, bringing 2 to 3 days of unsettled weather followed by 3 to 5 days of excellent conditions. Plan your crossing for the settled period after a front passes. In summer, the primary concern is afternoon thunderstorms, which typically develop between 2 and 6 PM. Morning crossings are preferred.
Diving & Snorkeling Highlights
The Bahamas offer some of the finest diving and snorkeling in the Western Hemisphere, with visibility frequently exceeding 100 feet and water temperatures ranging from 75°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
Bimini
The Bimini Road, a series of rectangular limestone blocks on the sea floor in 15 to 20 feet of water, has been the subject of speculation since its discovery in 1968 — some claim it is a remnant of Atlantis. Regardless of its origin, it is an interesting dive site. The Sapona wreck, a concrete-hulled ship that ran aground in the 1926 hurricane, sits in 15 feet of water and is excellent for snorkeling.
Nassau & New Providence
Stuart Cove's dive operation offers shark feeding dives (Caribbean reef sharks), wall dives along the Tongue of the Ocean (a 6,000-foot deep trench just offshore), and wreck dives including the James Bond wrecks used in filming. The Clifton Heritage National Park offers shore diving among coral reefs and underwater sculptures.
Exumas
Thunderball Grotto, a partially submerged cave on Staniel Cay, is the most famous snorkeling site in the Bahamas. Named after the James Bond film, the grotto features a cathedral-like interior illuminated by shafts of sunlight penetrating through openings in the rock. Schools of tropical fish fill the cave. Enter at low tide for the easiest access. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers pristine reef diving in a no-take marine reserve, with fish populations significantly larger than in unprotected areas.
Abacos
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, a 2,100-acre marine reserve between Marsh Harbour and Tilloo Cay, offers exceptional snorkeling and diving on pristine coral reefs. The blue holes of the Abacos — vertical underwater caves formed during the Ice Age — are advanced dive sites that attract technical divers from around the world.
Swimming with Marine Life
The Bahamas are famous for animal encounters. Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, feeding iguanas at Allen's Cay, and visiting the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay are iconic Exumas experiences. In Bimini, wild dolphin encounters can be arranged through licensed operators. Whale sharks are occasionally spotted in the Exumas between November and March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport to visit the Bahamas by yacht? Yes. All persons aboard must present a valid passport upon arrival. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check Bahamas immigration requirements before departure.
Can we bring firearms to the Bahamas? Firearms regulations in the Bahamas are strict. Firearms must be declared upon arrival and will be held by Bahamas Customs for the duration of your stay. Failure to declare firearms is a serious criminal offense. Spear guns are also regulated — they must be declared and may only be used outside marine parks.
What about pets? Pets require a valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 48 hours of arrival, proof of rabies vaccination, and an import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture. The process is straightforward but requires advance planning.
Is it safe to anchor overnight in the Exumas? Yes, the Exumas are generally very safe. The primary risks are weather-related (dragging anchor in strong winds) rather than security-related. However, secure valuables and lock the yacht when going ashore, as petty theft can occur at popular anchorages.
What is the best time of year for a Bahamas charter? November through May offers the best weather, with settled conditions, moderate winds, and comfortable temperatures. December through March is peak season with the highest charter rates. April and May offer excellent conditions with lower rates. Summer (June-October) brings warmer water, calmer seas, and the lowest rates, but hurricane risk increases.
How much does a Bahamas charter cost? Day charters from Miami to Bimini start at approximately $5,000. Weekly crewed yacht charters range from $25,000 for a 50-foot motor yacht to $500,000+ for a superyacht. The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of 25-35% covers fuel, food, port fees, and customs charges. Crew gratuity of 10-15% of the charter fee is customary.
Can we fish in the Bahamas? Yes, but a Bahamas fishing permit is required. The permit can be obtained at customs upon arrival or in advance. Bag limits and size restrictions apply. Fishing is prohibited in marine parks and reserves. Spearfishing with scuba gear is illegal throughout the Bahamas.