Where can I charter a yacht in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian?

It’s been just over a week since Hurricane Dorian made landfall across the Bahamas, hitting the northern portion of the region the hardest-  as it stands, Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands look to be the worst affected by the category 5 storm. 

But the many islands which make up the Bahamas are spread over 259,000 square kilometers, and the majority of the islands in the region have not felt the catastrophic effects of the hurricane. 

Even so, the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian is expected to cost billions of dollars, and the Bahamas economy relies heavily on tourism- which includes crewed yacht charters.

The Exumas escaped the worst of the storm, reporting heavy winds and rain in the north of the region but no serious damage to infrastructure.

Marinas including Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Compass Cay Marina remain open for business, and Exuma International Airport is operating at full capacity.

The Exumas offers plenty to see and do when exploring the area by yacht, including the famous Pig Beach, Pablo Escobar’s Sunken Plane and the Thunderball Grotto.

• The Staniel Cay Plane Wreck

  Activity

• Pig Beach

  Beach

The Bahamian capital of Nassau felt some strong winds and a powerful swell during the storm, but is still open for business in the wake of Dorian. 

However, be aware that the international airport is busier than usual, with many displaced individuals looking to return to the US for respite.

Nassau is also experiencing a shortage of supplies, which have been sent over to affected areas as part of relief efforts. However, the island reports it still has fuel, groceries and everyday yachting needs. The shortage is expected to ease in the coming weeks.

Attractions in the area include the Ocean Club Spa and Atlantis Paradise Hotel.

• Atlantis Paradise Island

  Attraction

Eleuthera was minimally affected as a result of Dorian, with only some infrastructure damage reported in the north of the island. 

Part of the dock was torn down at Valentines Resort and Marina and Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina had a power outtage for several days. However, both are now up and running, and say they are ready to welcome yacht-goers back to the Bahamian cruising grounds with open arms.

 Most bars and restaurants across the island are open as usual, and the famous Pink Beach is still in pristine condition, as is the Glass Window Bridge.

The Berry Islands were battered by tropical force winds and rain, but luckily sustained no long-term damage.

Chub Cay Resort and Marina is currently busier than usual, as it is acting as a safe drop drop-off point of entry for supplies heading to the Abacos and Grand Bahama.

The marina will be assisting in the storage and secure movement of all donated goods via air and sea.

Lying on the west of the Bahamas, Andros Island didn’t feel the brunt of Hurricane Dorian.

As the largest island in the Bahamas, Andros has been crucial to organising relief efforts for the devastated areas. However, this hasn’t affected day-to-day running on the island, and all marinas and airports are open as usual. 

Known for being a pristine paradise, Cat Island has not felt the wrath of Hurricane Dorian. All major airports and marinas are running at full capacity, and all amenities across the island are open as normal.

Long Island was not hit by Hurricane Dorian, and reports business as usual across the island. The island’s animal shelter has accepted a huge number of displaced dogs and cats from neighbouring islands.

Grand Bahama and the Abacos