I am by no means an expert on exploring the Bahamas by boat. Though I’ve been to Bimini, the closest Bahamian destination to the mainland, a bunch of times, I’m still a greenhorn. I’ve gone deeper for multi-day excursions just three times, most recently with the Deep Impact Custom Boats clan. I’ll be back with the Nor-Tech group in August.
The Bahamas are beautiful sensory overload. Photo courtesy of the Florida Powerboat Club.
So keep in mind that all of this advice is coming from someone who is less than a Bahamas sage. That said, here are my top-five tips.
• The Bahamas are a foreign country, not a colorful United States-owned water-park off the South Florida coast. Bahamians have their own culture. The pace of things, from dining to refueling, is slower than ours. Know that before you go and be patient. You’re in the Bahamas, for heaven’s sake, one of the prettiest places on earth. Chances are you don’t get there often. So chill out and enjoy. There’s no rush.
• Save the big partying for dry land. It goes without saying that captains shouldn’t drink a drop until their vessels are secured for the day. But it’s not a horrible idea for their passengers to stay sober as well. Unless you’re on a charter, you are more than a passenger. You’re a crew-member. You never know when your captain might need some help. The environment is intoxicating enough. The party can wait.
• Top off your fuel tank at every destination. And depart full for the next one even if you’re “sure” you can make it.
• Wear PFDs when you’re running above idle speed. Yes, it can be hotter than an Ohio foundry in the Bahamas on a sunny day. And yes, you would be more comfortable without a PFD. But while I have not experienced it, I would guess that drowning is less comfortable that sweating.
• Last but not least, take lots of photos and videos but don’t forget to just soak it all in. From the water colors to the scenery, the Bahamas are delightful sensory overload. At least now and then, let your memory be your camera.