Nassau : Profile
Clearance procedures can take place at Prince George Wharf (cruise ship terminal), any marina in Nassau Harbour, Atlantis and Hurricane Hole marinas on Paradise Island, Lyford Cay at the west end of New Providence.
Customs and Immigration Tel:242 322 8791, VHF Channel 16 Can be called from any of the Nassau marinas when clearing in.
When arriving direct from a foreign port, Customs and Immigration clearance procedures can take place at any Marina in Nassau Harbour or at the east side of the cruise ship dock, Prince George Wharf, in the building with the tall tower: you may also clear at Lyford Cay's private yacht harbour at the west end of New Providence
Before entering Nassau harbour, when within a mile or so, be sure to call Nassau Harbour Control on VHF 16 who will shift to working Chnl 9 (even if passing through to one of the marinas. This proceedure must also be followed if moving to another anchorage within the harbour). They will ask for your last
port of call, request details etc and you will be advised of traffic and given
permission to enter. You should also call them before changing location
in or leaving the harbour for permission to do so when they will ask for
your destination and advise traffic.
It is possible to anchor anywhere in Nassau Harbour outside the main channel,
but you must stay clear of commercial shipping areas where freighters
manoeuvre and unload. Harbour Control will probably advise you where to go.
There are two bridges across the harbour, clearance over the main channel
is 70 ft at high water springs.
There are two other anchorages around New Providence, both good in settled weather, Old Fort Bay just east of the Lyford Cay channel on the north shore, the other further west at West Bay east of Goulding Cay. Coral Harbour on the south shore is no longer available to the cruising public and is now the headquarters of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. However, you can gain shelter in extreme conditions.
Going ashore by tender in Nassau harbour from anchorages is more difficult
than in the past. There are two places where tenders may be taken, both Texaco fuel docks, one at Harbour Central Marina, west of the bridges, and
the other at Texaco Harbour View, east of the bridges. They make a small
charge and you can take garbage ashore too. You should lick your dinghy
and its motor both at anchor and while ashore, but do not impede access
to a dinghy dock for others.
Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) has a small dinghy dock so, if you come ashore here (and even if you don't), please go in and join this voluntary Association - it's the only rescue service in The Bahamas. Just west of BASRA is Crocodile's restaurant, where there is a floating dinghy dock alongside the wall, for your use at any time. Please visit the restaurant for a meal and a beer or two. Both places are happy to accommodate visiting yachts but take no responsibility for loss or damage, so be sure to lock your engine and dinghy when you leave it but do not block the facility for others.
Be aware that Nassau is primarily a tax-free tourist mecca and has become a
"big City" with commensurate crime rate. Be very street-wise. The crime rate is high (not only for theft), so take care where you walk, especially at night, and secure all your property as best you can, locking your boat securely at
night and when away from it.
Atlantis Marina Paradise Island Tel:242 363 6068, Fax:242 363 6008, VHF Channel 16/10 (working) If your boat is under 12m, forget this marina. 40ft is its minimum length.
This marina offers worldclass facilities and is an un-missable landmark with its towers, spires and domes and coral pink buildings. The aquarium here is spectacular and worth a visit even if you are not berthed here.
It offers every conceivable service that even the largest
mega-yacht could desire.
No fuel available at this marina
Bayshore Marina and Marlin Marine, East Bay Street, New Providence Tel:242 393 7873, Fax:242 393 0066, VHF Channel 16 A working boatyard with 12 slips for visitors. Min depth 6-7ft. Haul-out facilities, fuel, power, water/ice. There is a well stocked chandlery at Marlin Marine, next door.
The yard is operated by Brown's Boat Basin.
Claridge Marina South Nassau Tel:242 393 0771 or 242 364 2218, Fax:242 393 5393 0r 8013 Dockage. Dry storage facility. Fuel Boat bottom painting. Travel lift - up to 50 tons or boats up to 18ft wide.
East Bay Marina East Bay Street, New Providence, (between the two Paradise Island bridges) Tel:242 394 1816 / 242 394 5801, Fax:242 394 1816, VHF Channel 16 25 slips. Fuel. Water & ice. Electricity. Showers (no toilets). There are plans to rebuild the shoreside facilities here. Note: the western bridge has an air height of 57 ft (17m).
Harbour Central Marina East Bay Street, Nassau Tel:242-323-2172 Texaco fuel, electricity, water, dinghy landing
Lyford Cay Harbour PO Box N 7776, New Providence, Nassau Tel:242 362 4131, Fax:242 362 5062 74 slips. Depth dockside: 10-12ft. Can accommodate vessels with a max. draft of 8 1/2-9ft. Cruising yachtsmen welcome up to four days. Fuel. Electricity. Water/Ice. Complete shopping center at marina. Telephone, Cable TV hook-ups. Fishing charters half and full day. Bait.
Nassau Harbour Club and Marina East Bay Street, PO Box SS 5755 Tel:242 393 0771, Fax:242 393 5393 nhc@batelnet.bs 65 slips. T-head accommodates up to 200ft. Fuel (diesel only), water, ice, electricity, showers, pool, security, laundry service. Also shopping centre, liquor store, restaurant & bar. Satellite hook-up. Advisable to book ahead.
This is a popular and attractive marina and it is best to book ahead.
Nassau Yacht Haven East Bay Street, New Providence, PO Box SS 5693 Tel:242 393 8173/4, Fax:242 393 3429, VHF Channel 16/82 info@nassauyachthaven.com 150 slips. Fuel. Water & ice. Showers. Laundry service. Liquor store, Electricity. Telephone hook-ups. 24-hour security. Satellite. Charter fishing and charter boats available. Adjacent Restaurant and Bar. Several chandleries nearby, also a pharmacy and an ATM.
Paradise Harbour Club and Marina Paradise Island Tel:242 363 2992, Fax:242 363 2840, VHF Channel 16 phc@bahamas.net.bs 20 slips. Water. Electricity. Telephone & TV hook-up. Accommodations. This is a private marina, but they occasionally have space for visitors. No fuel available
at this marina
TPA Marina East Bay Street Tel:242 394 1605 Just west of Nassau Yacht Haven
The Nassau Yacht Club offers reciprocal facilities to members of some offshore sailing clubs, check with them if you think you qualify. The NYC holds an annual yachting regatta in early February, everyone welcome to participate.
Nassau Yacht Club East Bay Street, New Providence This has a small marina, but it is not open to visiting boats.
Seven Seas Cruising Association Tel:+242 362 1574, Fax:+242 362 2044 cwardle@batelnet.bs Nick and Carolyn Wardle are the Seven Seas Cruising Association's Nassau cruising station.
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