Adventures in the Bahamas: Anchoring and Exploring West End

Welcome to our latest adventure in the stunning waters of the Bahamas! Today, we’ll take you through our experience as we navigate the challenges of anchoring and exploring the beautiful surroundings of West End. Join us as we share the ups and downs of our journey, including our encounters with nature, the joys of exploration, and the little hiccups that come with life on the water.

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Clearing into the Bahamas

We’ve just cleared into the Bahamas, and let me tell you, the excitement is palpable! However, the conditions at West End are a bit rocky. The holding isn’t great, and we didn’t have the best night’s sleep because our anchor wasn’t holding as well as we’d hoped. We put out 250 feet of chain, but it feels like we’re just floating. So, we’ve decided to move to a nearby anchorage that should be more accommodating.

Before we set off, I need to crank up the engine and prepare for the journey. The water here is absolutely stunning—just look at that vibrant blue! You can even see our chain trailing off into the depths. It’s a beautiful sight, but we need to get moving. Bye, West End! You were a rough night, but clearing was a breeze. If you have a dog, I’ll leave links below to helpful resources. Now, let’s head to our next anchorage!

Click 2 Clear https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBSEW/cusLogin/signin.cl

Clear your pet in Bahamas https://www.bahamaspetpermit.com/

Navigating to Ginn Sur Mer Anchorage

We’re now rounding the corner towards Ginn Sur Mer, and it’s not far from West End. The entrance is marked by poles on either side, and we have to be careful to thread the needle as we make our way in. With a draft of 6.4 feet, I’m keeping a close eye on the gauges to avoid any surprises.

We made it through safely! The depth here is promising; I’m not seeing anything under 13 feet, which is reassuring. My wife is on lookout duty for crab pots—those pesky things can really mess up your day if you get one caught in the prop. We’re headed towards a spot that should have around 10 to 17 feet of water. There are a few other boats around, so it looks like we’re in good company.

Setting the Anchor

My wife is getting the anchor ready while I keep an eye on our surroundings. Look at how this area has been cut out—it’s clearly man-made! The holding should be better here, and I’m feeling optimistic. However, there’s still some concern about being too close to the rocky wall on our starboard side. We’ll make sure to set our anchor properly and pull against it.

Exploring the Beauty of Ginn Sur Mer

Now that we’re anchored, it’s time to explore! This place is like night and day compared to where we’ve been for the past year. The water is crystal clear, and we can see our rudder and keel without any trouble. It’s a sight for sore eyes after the murkiness of Florida ICW waters.

We set off in the dinghy to check out the nearby waterways. It’s amazing to see the different types of plumbing and wiring used around here—very creative! We passed by a boat that didn’t quite make, a reminder of how careful we need to be. As we explore, we realize we’ve come to the end of this canal. Time to turn around and find another route.

Searching for the Dinghy Dock

After some searching, we find what looks like a dinghy spot, though it’s more of a makeshift area where people just tie up their boats. We decide to head back towards the bridge and find a spot to secure our dinghy. The heat of the Bahamian sun is intense, and our dog, Bella, is feeling it too. We have to keep her hydrated!

The Journey Back and Local Discoveries

We walk down a dirt trail, and it feels like we’re trailblazing through the underbrush. Bella is panting and clearly in need of a break. I leave my wife and Bella at the end of the canal to fetch the dinghy. As I navigate back, I take in the sights and sounds around me. It’s a little challenging with the rocks, but we manage to make it work.

We finally make it to a paved road, and there’s a bit of civilization around—a house and some friendly locals. We decide against venturing too far, as Bella is getting tired, and we don’t want to risk running into any stray dogs.

A Quick Stop at the Store

After our exploration, we head to a local store, but we find it lacking. There are no prices on anything, and the items available are things we could easily find back home. We’re not hungry, so we decide to skip the restaurant. It’s just too darn hot, and we need to get back to the boat for some hydration.

Returning to the Boat

Back on the boat, we realize today didn’t turn out to be the beach day we expected. Instead, it turned into a cleaning day. My wife is hard at work polishing the stainless steel, trying to keep it looking brand new. It’s a never-ending battle against rust, and we’re both on a mission to keep our boat in top shape.

As we clean, Bella is supervising, as always. She thinks she’s a good little helper, as she enjoys the shade while we work. We’re making water and tidying up the floors, and it feels good to have everything looking fresh again.

Setting Off Again

As we prepare to leave Ginn Sur Mer and head towards Freeport, we’re hopeful for smoother sailing. The conditions have been a bit choppy, and we’re ready for a change. The goal is to avoid getting knocked around too much as we head out.

Reflections on Our Journey

Throughout our time in the Bahamas, we’ve encountered challenges, but each moment has been a learning experience. The beauty of the islands, the warmth of the sun, and the thrill of exploration make every struggle worth it. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead as we continue our adventure. Stay tuned for more updates as we explore new waters and discover hidden gems along the way!

Until next time, happy sailing!

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Checking in West End Bahamas and Stumbling on a Great Anchorage Ep 56