Nassau Harbour, New Providence, Bahamas

We made another early start on our trip across the Great Bahama Bank to Nassau, New Providence. This was to be our longest trip over the reef, though the navigation looked simple enough from the charts, average depth about 4m with two large reefs half way- yellow and white banks which we needed to pass between. We seemed to reach the first waypoint between the reefs in no time at all despite the drizzly rain and overcast day. I had just been saying well at least we won’t be meeting any big vessels out here in this shallow water…. when of course one arrived on the horizon.

The supply vessels in these waters are like landing craft and presumably have a fairly shallow draught. This one was approaching to starboard and on a course to pass between the reefs, we turned to starboard to avoid the collision which the steady approach angle indicated, he didn’t turn at all but to be fair was presumably hindered by the reefs. He was moving fairly slowly and we ended up having to run almost up to the south side of the reef then turn 90 degrees to pass behind him and pass through ourselves. Needless to say we saw no other large vessels that day, only in the 1 mile of our journey (of 36 miles) where there was an obstruction!

Entering Nassau harbour

Nassau harbour is actually a narrow channel between New Providence and Paradise Island, open at both east and west. We were expecting it to be really busy on the approaches but it actually wasn’t too bad and we were able to make our way in quite easily. However, even though this one of the busiest stretches of waters in the Bahamas there are still reefs to be avoided even with our draught. We ended up in a procession of a superyacht then us, then a monohull on the same slightly dog legged course in. We managed to get a place on anchor besides another catamaran off the side of the main channel between marinas.

The skyline of Nassau is dominated by the Atlantis resort with towers and turrets of pink sandstone. It is supposed to be quite a place to visit. There is a marina but it is intended for superyachts you aren’t allowed in if you are below 40ft in length. There is a large aquarium, water chutes, casino, nightclubs etc. The original building has been significantly expanded so I guess it does well. We will probably go and have a look around when we get ourselves settled. There are enormous villas on both sides overlooking the harbour and you can certainly see that there is wealth in Nassau.

Looking east in Nassau Harbour

The rest of the afternoon it poured down with rain so we stayed on board to tidy up etc. Eventually there was break long enough for me to run in and see if we could find anywhere to get cooking gas as we are about to completely run out. The road behind the marina has a number of chandleries and a shopping mall complete with Starbucks, KFC and Radio Shack, we are certainly out of the sticks now. I managed to find somewhere we could drop the cylinder off for filling the next day though no promises on whether they would have European fittings. I also popped to the supermarket for some treats to eat after weeks of the same sort of food. Kevin got a steak so he was happy, I got some fresh fruit and bagels. 

Large villas line the waterside in Nassau