The Association of Bahamas Marinas has set out to position marinas as more than amenities appended to hotels for the convenience of guests who may own a boat. Instead, the ABM asserts, marinas in The Bahamas should be recognised for what they are collectively: a vital facet of the country’s tourism product that gives The Bahamas an edge on many competing island destinations.
“The fabulous beaches of The Bahamas are just one feature of the many points of interaction that are possible between a visitor and the glorious waters that surround our islands,” said Stephen Kappeler, ABM president. “The nation’s maritime tradition, geographic features and location have helped to provide opportunities for us to develop a network of world-class marinas that attracts boaters and yachtsmen from nearby Florida and all the way up the Eastern Seaboard of the USA.”
The Bahamas archipelago offers something for all seafarers and one’s destination may be dictated by the type of craft one is using and the Bahamas experience one seeks: sailboats are drawn to the serene experience of cruising the picturesque Exumas, a chain of islands in the southern Bahamas which are home to the celebrated Family Island Regatta, “Family Islands” being the alternate name by which Bahamians refer to the Out Islands of the archipelago, the latter being a term that makes sense if you live in the capital Nassau, or second city Freeport on Grand Bahama.
On the other hand, if one’s destination demands are more for heavy duty nightlife, casinos and sumptuous dining one would head for New Providence in the central Bahamas, site of the capital Nassau and Paradise Island.
The depth of water in areas of the archipelago dictate what can reach where. Pretty much all water craft can access Marsh Harbour and Hope Town in the Abacos, Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama, Nassau and George Town in the Exumas; while sailboats head for points in the Abacos, Long Island, the Exumas, Great Guana Cay and Eleuthera.
The ABM’s 31 marinas are located at points throughout The Bahamas. Visit our website for a full list – https://www.bahamasmarinas.com or call for information and reservations: Toll Free: 844-556-5290; U.S. 954-462-4591.