Guide to Sailing from Miami to Bahamas

Miami is one of the most common jump-off points when sailing to the commonwealth country of the Bahamas. This is best done during summer when avid explorers would find the weather favorable for sailing. The calm waters of the season not only makes the travel safer, it also showcases glass-like waters filled with visible marine life. Like many top sailing destinations, Bahamas hosts hundreds of island locations featuring coastal establishments, gorgeous beaches, diving and snorkeling spots, cove areas and remote anchorages.

Travel Preparations

Aside from the preparations needed for your mode of transport, you must also ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents before sailing. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien, it is imperative that you bring your passport. Upon reaching your destination port in Bahamas, you need to check in with the Bahamian customs and immigration.

Making a check list of key items to bring for the sail helps prevent problems and hassles during the trip. This list should include basic necessities including food, drinks, first aid kit, travel gears, clothes, mobile phone, extra batteries, GPS unit, physical maps, explorer charts, travel books, flash lights, life jackets, aerial flares, fire extinguishers and other travel essentials. Ensure you have the spare parts for your boat handy, in case of any emergency. Checking weather reports, confirming any additional foreign travel document you are required to bring and reading sailing guides and other crucial travel updates are also important.

Sailing Schedule and Travel Options

Late summer and fall sails may have risks of encountering hurricanes -- from occasional menacing tempests to less destructive tropical storms. Yet, one thing that makes Bahamas a great sailing destination is that hurricanes rarely have direct paths towards the country. This allows sailing parties to considerably encounter only tolerable rains and winds from a hurricane. Also, Bahamas' temperature doesn't change much throughout the year. Cool breeze would typically moderate the hotter days in the country as well.

Sailing to Bahamas can take anywhere from two and a half to eight hours. In general, travel time depends on the type of boat used, how experienced the crew is and how favorable the wind conditions are.

Popular Destinations

Choosing your sailing route and destination for your Bahamas travel depends on what you want to check out in the country. Each island has its own personality and distinctive things and specialties to offer.

Cruising and yachting enthusiasts can find many well-defined areas fitting their sailing activities. Most of these areas are found in the Bimini and the Gulf Stream Islands, The Berry Islands, The Abacos Islands, The Exuma Cays chain, Harbour Island, Eleuthera and Cat Island, The Out-Islands, Grand Bahama, Freeport, Port Lucaya, Nassau and Paradise Island.

Bimini, just about 50 miles away from Miami, is one of the most popular ports when sailing from Miami to Bahamas. This westernmost Bahamian district features a number of islands that are actually nearer the United States than Bahamas' capital Nassau, which is about 140 miles away from Bimini. Reaching Cat Cay would require an additional 8 miles from Bimini.

The cosmopolitan Nassau leads you to a famous tourist location where duty free shops, parks, museums and other commercial establishments abound. There are also a number of diving sites and beach areas to choose from around the city. It provides easy access to the white beaches of Paradise Island, a famous beach destination hosting Las Vegas-style resorts, hotels and casinos.