On the other hand, if you’re not too picky and do some research, you can find truly amazing cruise deals. https://www.cruisetraveloutlet.com/blog/best-time-to-cruise-to-bahamas There is, however, a slight drop in temperatures in winter. The off season in the Bahamas is from April to December, and that’s the most relaxing time to visit. Although the season typically runs from early-May through November, you won’t be bothered too much by storms during much of that timeframe. Selinsky is the former senior editor of "Success Magazine" and deputy director of the Duke University News Service. Enter additional info such as cabin preference, group size, destination, and more. No comments yet. Most boats make … Although the beaches are more crowded, the best time to visit the Bahamas is during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April, making it a great spot for a warm winter getaway. Each person aboard must complete an Immigration Arrival Card. So, now that you’re aware of the major factors that could and should influence what’s the best time to cruise to the Bahamas, you can actually make an informed decision. If sunshine and toasty temperatures are all-important for a Bahamian cruise, go ahead and take the plunge. Again, it all depends on your own preferences. Summer is, naturally, the warmest season. The best month for a cruise depends on several factors, including who's going on the cruise, what the expectations are, how much weather affects the fun and what the budget looks like. As a tropical archipelago in the Caribbean, this island nation enjoys beautiful weather year-round. These months have nice weather, relatively small crowds, and no spring breakers or summer vacationers. Luckily, we’ve taken care of that for you and below, you’ll find four important things to consider before choosing when you’re going to go on your Bahamas cruise. He's obsessed with America's national parks. Additionally, sailings during winter holidays and summer season are typically very crowded, which is something you might want to avoid as well. Best time to visit. The best time to head offshore directly to the Bahamas or Florida would be during the month of November. You should expect to pay a higher price for these types of sailings, though. An experienced traveler, his most memorable journeys include a sea crossing on a cargo ship, a cruise along the Norwegian fjords, a multi-month bike trip around northern Europe, and a road trip across Australia. The best time of year to cruise the Bahamas is definitely during the summer months – May – June – July, August – September, even October. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You’ll also find mid-length cruises to the Bahamas… At any time of the … Here you can enjoy the sights of opulent waterfront mansions and fancy yachts in the sun-kissed Latino-flavored decadence. For the best weather, visit Bimini during winter (from November to May) when temperatures average a balmy 24°C (75°F) with fairly constant and cooling easterly trade winds. The best time to visit the Bahamas is usually April to early May. I'd say that May through August is the best time to visit. If you’re looking for a holiday celebration unlike anything you’ve done before, this is a nice option to have. The following fees will be applied to boats staying in The Bahamas for up to 3 months: Boats up to 34 feet: $150 (no change) Boats 35-99 feet: $300 (no change) Boats 100-149 feet: $500; Boats 150-200 feet: $800; Boats over 200 feet: $1,000; For stays longer than 3 months: Boats … While deciding whether to go on a cruise to the Bahamas can and should be easy — of course you should! 30% Off all Guests, BOGO Air - Explore the World with unbelievable Savings. Gain access to exclusive savings by subscribing to our email list. Florida has a secret to share. Debbie Selinsky is an award-winning writer based in North Carolina. This is because the nearest islands of Bahamas like Bimini is only 50 miles east of Miami. Selinsky attended North Greenville University, Oregon Institute of Technology and the Poynter Institute for Journalistic Excellence. The three things mentioned above all affect how much you’ll pay for a cruise. And indeed, that’s what awaits you in the Bahamas (among many other things, of course). Figuring where you should leave from, how long the trip will take, what course to steer … Bahamian … The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-April to early July, after the Spring Breakers have flown north and before hurricane season arrives in early August. (Photo: plage de turkoises bahamas image by foxytoul from Fotolia.com ). This only applies to you if you’re into this sort of thing, but many cruise lines offer holiday cruises between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The weather is still calm but starting to cool off from the inferno of July and August and the water temps … But it depends on whether visitors want to stay mostly on land or mostly in the water. Phone +1 … Special events and festivities usually do the same. Whether you’ve found yourself in Florida after a trip down the ICW or you call the Sunshine State your home, when you're boating in Florida, the Bahamas beckons. Fishing. If you’re not too set on dates and schedules, this is a good way to save some money on cruises during the warmest time of year. If looking to take an inexpensive cruise to the Bahamas, again look to off-season times – late April, early May, September, October and early November – since many people are back to work and school and since rates are generally lower. Because of the exotic characteristics above, the Bahamas are among the most popular beach vacation and cruise destinations in the world. On the other hand, a 4-5 day cruise will give you time to see more islands and spend more time taking advantage of all the things there are to do onboard your floating playground. We will never spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time. Note the wettest month of the year in the Bahamas is June, and hurricane season runs from June through November. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. https://fishingbooker.com/blog/fishing-bahamas-out-of-florida The peak hurricane season, though, is roughly from mid-August through September. This is as close to paradise as you are ever going to get. You may find it is cooler in the early mornings and again in the evenings, so you may find a light jacket or cover makes you more comfortable. The white sandy beaches of the Bahamas are less crowded in fall. September and October are probably our favorite months to be in the Bahamas. Another island close to the south Florida … Enjoy and let us know how it was! Phone: 954-236-9292. It also eliminates the need for you to organize any celebrations yourself at all, which could be a massive perk. Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, Bahamian ports such as Nassau and Freeport are included on many Caribbean cruises. Bahamas Entry Requirements and Entry Fees. Whiz through the Everglades Mangrove swamp in an airboat and take some pictures of the toothy grins of the alligato… Similar to cruising to Bermuda, for example, the best time to cruise to the Bahamas is different for everyone, depending on their wants and needs, budget and availability to travel. Check out our blog post about finding the best cruise deals for more tips and tricks. Seekers of rest and quiet pleasure should also avoid March; it's spring break time on cruise ships in the Caribbean, and one will find themselves rubbing elbows with rowdy youths. Summertime is generally the calmest time of the year for a boater to make the crossing over to Bimini and anywhere in the Bahamas. Cruisers who come to the Bahamas during winter year after year are misguided, even if they are in the majority. They decide to visit these islands, not when the weather is best in the Bahamas… But if you’re intent on reaching the Lesser Antilles, follow the delivery skippers’ route offshore to the east. Ships and ports may be crowded, but everyone will be in a holiday mood and enjoying the clear water and white sandy beaches of Nassau and Freeport. Resort prices are down by as much as 60 percent, and resort boutiques … They will mail the forms to you. If you want to spent a winter cruising the Bahamas, that’s fine. The cooler period of the year when temperatures average 70-75F (21-24C)is from December through to February. The Bahamas islands are part of the … On the other hand, in case you’re looking for a romantic, quiet time at sea, consider booking your cruise to the Bahamas when all kids are in school. Due to its pleasant year-round weather, the Islands of the Bahamas makes a great cruise destination almost any time. The rest of the year is generally warmer with temperatures between 80-85F (27-29C). 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA. This is the shortest distance between the USA and Bahamas. Start the conversation!. The trade winds give the islands a warm and agreeable climate all-year-around. Another climatic factor that’s worth mentioning is the condition of the ocean. Also consider opting for a cruise on a more sophisticated line, such as Celebrity or Holland America, that is likely to have lots of well-traveled adults. So this is a little different then my other list videos but it was a video I promised those following the Bahamas series on the channel. The name invokes images of coconut drinks and swaying palm trees, day dreams of sunbathing on sandy beaches and doing absolutely nothing. Drinks, Tips, WiFi and More. For example, if your speed boat … Whoops! Activities are plentiful and varied, ranging from scuba diving and snorkeling to sunbathing to visiting historic sites and cities. Cruises at these times sell out early. Your Bahamas … It is not available online, but both it and the customs form can be obtained from The Bahamas Tourist Office in Plantation, Florida. Guaranteed warm with the hours of daylight near or at the maximum, but before the brunt of the hurricane season. —, the best time to cruise to the Bahamas requires a bit less spontaneity and a little more research. If money is an issue, be sure to avoid holiday cruises and high-season cruises from December through February; these cost more. Some engines have 350 horsepower or more with many new outboard motor models released every year. Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. Yes, of course we’ll try and steer you clear of any tropical weather, but it is the season. The white sandy beaches of the Bahamas are less crowded in fall. Whatever time of year you choose, though, you’ll have an absolute blast. The Florida Keys: Snorkel in Key Largo. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. The Best Times of Year to Cruise the Caribbean. If you’re looking to take part in water sports, you are therefore advised to visit the Bahamas between mid-spring and mid-fall. This will avoid the hurricane season, and much of the tropical storms. The only time for power boats to speed up is to avoid stormy weather and get to port safely. Though the Bahamas are a reliably popular … If you’re planning a long weekend, a 3-day jaunt will give you just the break you need. Holiday cruises also feature special celebrations, activities and shows, all to make the cruise even more memorable. Although the weather is pretty stable, there are some fluctuations you should know about before planning your Bahamas cruise. Where the flat, sandy, gorgeous, and mostly-deserted beaches meet the most crystal clear tranquil blue water you’ve ever seen, The Bahamas … On the plus side, though, cruise lines might offer discounted rates in the peak hurricane season because of the increased risk of itinerary changes and even cancellation. So, you can expect some relatively worse weather that time of year. As a tropical destination, the Bahamas do have a hurricane season. The one catch, however, is the development of infamous … The second consideration is your boat speed. While waiting for your cruise to set out, hop into a car and head down to Fort Lauderdale – the Venice of America. Great weather makes cruises more popular, which in turn causes a price hike. The best place to start your trip is in Florida, the Sunshine State. Despite the increasing numbers of children in year-round schools, the summer months continue to be the most popular time for families cruising the Bahamas. If trying to avoid noisy ships and crowded ports, the best times for a Bahamas cruise might be between mid-April and mid-May, which is before hurricane season starts in June, and from … She has written about travel for many years and specializes in cruise travel, having sailed on more than 100 cruises. Typically, the most agreed upon ideal time of year to cruise to the Bahamas seems to be May or June. These periods see a spike in young families traveling with kids, which gives your own kids the chance to make new friends and find playmates. What’s the best time to cruise to the Bahamas for you depends greatly on what you want to get out of it. Take into account the following four main factors when deciding on the best time to cruise to the Bahamas. The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country's peak season. If you have small children, you might consider cruising during school holidays. Crossing the Gulf Stream by boat from Florida to the Bahamas takes more planning than most routes. In that case, the best month is August, when average high temperatures are 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best to start from the east coast of south Florida like Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach. Another way to save money on a Bahamas cruise is to find out if there's a home port close enough to drive to rather than fly. Should you get a boat with a fly bridge? For example, Carnival Cruises offers four-, five- and six-night Bahamas cruises year-round from Charleston, South Carolina; Celebrity Cruises offers longer Bahamas cruises from Baltimore, Maryland. During these cruises, you might even have the option to get decorations and even a Christmas tree for your room on the ship. I am planning a trip for June 25th staying 12 days (plus … Another crunch time is any period that encompasses a holiday. (Photo: plage de turkoises bahamas image by foxytoul from Fotolia.com ), The Best Time to Take a Cruise to the Bahamas, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. This comes into play because the Gulf Stream’s flow averages roughly two knots on a trip across from Florida to the Bahamas and it needs to be accounted for. Crossing the Gulf Stream can be magical! We always recommend that our clients pick up their Bahamas charter vessel IN THE BAHAMAS. What with the ritzy city life, balmy wetlands, and swaying coco palms, what could be better? With their tropical climate, the Bahamas boast constantly high temperatures throughout the year. If trying to avoid noisy ships and crowded ports, the best times for a Bahamas cruise might be between mid-April and mid-May, which is before hurricane season starts in June, and from just after Labor Day until mid-November. 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