How hard is it to sail from Florida to Bahamas?

A boat that’s able to notch up to 25 knots can take a couple of hours to sail from your departure point is South Florida to the western islands of the Bahamas. Such a boat can take just about a day to sail from Florida to Nassau or Marsh Harbor (the Boating Capital of The Bahamas).

How big of a boat do you need to go to the Bahamas from Florida?

To make your crossing safely, you need a motorboat or a sailboat that is at least 30 ft long to go from Florida to the Bahamas.

How long does it take a yacht to go from Florida to Bahamas?

The journey to Bimini itself takes about two hours. This depends on the boat type and engine, of course. A well-maintained boat with a pair of four-stroke 250 Yamahas can make it to Bimini in under two hours and make the whole trip on a single tank (about 400 gallons of fuel).

How long does it take to sail from Miami to the Bahamas?

How long is the boat from Miami to Bahamas trip? The ferry boat that makes the route from Miami to Grand Bahama (to the port of Freeport) takes between 3 and 4 hours. To get to the island of Bimini in the direct fast boat from Balearia it takes between 2 and 3 hours.

Can you sail to the Bahamas without a passport?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you’ll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Why do you need a yellow flag when entering the Bahamas?

When within sight of land in the Bahamas, run up the yellow quarrantine flag on the port outrigger, signifying know you are in Bahamian water and have not yet cleared.

Can I have a gun on my boat in the Bahamas?

If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it with Bahamian Customs. Only shotguns and handguns are allowed in Bahamian waters. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you cannot remove it.

Can you shoot pirates in international waters?

Violent acts against ships in the territorial sea of any State cannot be piracy under international law. Violent acts in the territorial sea are armed robbery under the law of the International Maritime Organization.

What flag do you fly on a boat in the Bahamas?

The civil ensign is a red ensign with a white cross throughout and the national flag in the upper-hoist corner. This sign is also known as the Merchant Marine Bahamas Courtesy Flag. A visitor flag is normally not hoisted until the vessel is properly cleared by customs and immigration.

Can you get off the boat on a cruise without a passport?

The U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency states that if you’re cruising without a passport, you’ll need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship in the form of a state-issued birth certificate. It also requires a government-issued driver’s license or a photo ID with your name and date of birth.