Sailing in Andros Island means steady trade winds, a 225-kilometre barrier reef and anchorages that take a week to work through properly. The island east coast opens onto the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep-water channel with reliable reaching conditions south from Nassau. The west side faces the Great Bahama Bank, where shallow turquoise water and protected cays make for gentler sailing and excellent snorkelling. A sailing charter here rewards curiosity and a willingness to explore.
The Bahamas sailing charter fleet runs to roughly 19 vessels, a more curated selection than the motor fleet but one that leans toward capable bluewater builds and well-found catamarans with good beam. Sailing yachts between 18 and 30 metres suit Andros well: the anchorages are open enough for larger boats, the winds are consistent, and the absence of marinas on the west coast rewards a yacht that can swing at anchor and land guests by dinghy.
Weekly sailing charter rates in the Bahamas begin around 30,000 euros and reach 150,000 euros for the larger and newer builds. The advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers fuel for engine passages, food, water and berthing at Kamalame Cay or Fresh Creek. Sailing charters are inherently fuel-efficient, which means the provisioning allowance goes further than on a comparable motor yacht itinerary.
An Andros sailing week typically works south along the east coast from Nassau, stopping at Fresh Creek for reef diving and the blue holes near Andros Town. The route rounds South Point at Driggs Hill and crosses to the shallow west-side bank, anchoring off Moxey Town. The return leg north passes through the Joulter Cays, a protected conservation area with clear water and very few other boats.
