We came back to lick our wounds from our first failed attempt to reach the Dominican Republic, a little more humbled and a lot more aware that, out here, the weather always calls the shots. Two rookies with big plans, we decided we needed a bit more guidance, so we signed up for Chris Parker’s Weather Routing.
Best decision ever.
The team was incredible, walking us through each part of the trip, answering every question, and building a plan that felt tailored to us. If you’ve read Bruce Van Sant’s Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South, you know the route south from the Bahamas isn’t simple. Chris’s advice went directly against some of Van Sant’s “rules”, but we decided to trust the process.
Leaving George Town
At sunrise, coffee mugs in hand, we pulled anchor in George Town. Rodney took the helm while I navigated us through the morning shuffle of boats. The harbor was quiet, the breeze light, and the water sparkled like it had been sprinkled with diamonds. The course to Thompson Bay, Long Island, was straight into the wind, so it was mostly motoring with a little help from our stay sail for some added stability. Not glamorous sailing, but peaceful, one of those days where you know you’re headed toward something new.
As we approached, we spotted a familiar sight: Sailing Tova, our friends, Mike and Sarah, already anchored. The bay was wide open, so we had our pick. We found a spot with just enough wind protection, dropped the hook, and exhaled.
Birthday in the Bay
It also happened to be Rodney’s birthday, so we shifted straight into celebration mode. Dinghy down, beer in hand, we headed to Tiny’s Hurricane Hole to meet Mike and Sarah for dinner and drinks. Nothing fancy, just cruisers celebrating in a quiet bay. If you get a change to go here the food is fantastic and view can’t we beat!
Exploring Long Island
The next morning, we were on a mission: check out of the Bahamas and explore Long Island before our weather window opened. The rental car guy met us at the dock (island time, but he made it), and we headed off, driving the length of the island and soaking in its rugged beauty.
Our first big stop was Dean’s Blue Hole, and it did not disappoint. Tucked inside an unassuming cove, it almost sneaks up on you. One minute you’re in waist-deep turquoise water, and the next, the bottom just drops away into a 600-foot-deep abyss. The water shifts from bright Caribbean blue to a deep, moody navy, nature’s way of saying, don’t mess with me.
We didn’t free dive (let’s be honest), but we did float over the edge, toes curled, hearts pounding just a little faster. It’s the deepest blue hole in the world, a place that feels ancient and mysterious. If you ever get the chance, go. It’s unforgettable.
Clearing Out
From there, we made our way to Flying Fish Marina, home to the customs office. The officer doesn’t show until after lunch, so we passed the time the cruiser way, chatting with locals, trading stories, and keeping one eye on the clock. Thanks to completing all our paperwork online, we breezed through when the officer arrived: one stamp, one receipt, and we were officially cleared out of the Bahamas.
We capped the day at Gordon’s Beach Bar and Grill, the kind of place where time slows and the beer is just cold enough. If you get a chance to stop there, get the fish. It is some of the best in the Bahamas! Before leaving, we stuck a Sailing Kismet sticker on the fridge, our little mark on a place that felt like the perfect exhale before the next big inhale.
Because in the back of our minds, we knew what was coming.
The weather window was here.
The Dominican Republic was calling.
Drop us a comment if you’ve ever explored Long Island or taken on the run to the DR. And stick around, next up, we leave the Bahamas behind and take on our biggest passage yet.
Fair winds and following seas,
Patrice & Rodney