South Florida boaters love the Bahamas for its stunning waters and proximity to the U.S. If you're wondering how to get to Harbour Island Bahamas, by boat, the journey takes between seven to ten hours, depending on your vessel’s cruising speed. Harbour Island sits just 222 miles from Florida’s coast, and if your boat has limited fuel capacity, you may need to refuel before arriving.

Most boaters first navigate to Bimini, located 50 miles off Florida’s coast. To get there, they must cross the famous Gulf Stream, which can be challenging. Checking the weather and staying cautious is essential to ensure a smooth passage.

If Bimini is the first port of entry, boaters must clear customs there before continuing their journey. It’s best to have all customs and immigration documents prepared in advance. Additionally, your boat should display the correct flags Yellow for quarantine and Bahamian after clearance.

The captain should wear polarized sunglasses and be skilled in reading Bahamian waters. An updated GPS, preferably a Garmin, is crucial for safe navigation. A backup GPS is also recommended in case of any issues.

Most boaters also pass through Nassau, with some choosing to spend the night there. From Nassau, reaching Harbour Island takes just a couple of hours.

The trickiest part of the journey comes after passing Spanish Wells. You’ll need to navigate through the Devil’s Backbone, a reef-filled area requiring extreme caution. Always pass through in daylight with full attention.

Most insurance policies won’t cover your boat unless you hire a pilot to guide you through this section. Once you enter Harbour Island Bay, stay within the marked canal—one moment of inattention can lead you into shallow waters.

Planning carefully ensures a smooth trip for anyone wondering how to get to Harbour Island Bahamas.