Nassau Yacht Haven
Nassau Yacht Haven Marina · East Nassau anchorage
25°04.44'N 77°19.50'W
Depth
2.5–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand/mud in 2.5–6m. The 0.8m Nassau tidal range requires careful depth planning — arrive at high tide and check depths at low water before committing for the night. Marina berths are more stable than anchoring for heavy commercial traffic. Call VHF 16 for berth assignment.
About This Anchorage
Nassau Yacht Haven is the primary facility marina for cruising yachts in Nassau — the best-equipped facility on New Providence for visiting foreign vessels clearing customs. The marina has 150+ berths, fuel (gasoline and diesel), fresh water, electricity (US 110V/220V), showers, laundry, WiFi, and a dockside bar and restaurant. Customs and immigration clearance is routinely handled at the marina. The approach anchorage east of the marina breakwater is free and provides good holding in sand and mud. Nassau Yacht Haven is the recommended first stop for any vessel entering the Bahamas through Nassau — close to downtown provisioning, the Nassau Airport (15 minutes by taxi for crew changes), and with 24-hour security. The 0.8m tidal range means depths at the marina entrance shoal slightly at low water; draft over 1.5m should confirm berth depth with the dock master.
Protected From
N · NE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina berths ~$2–3/ft/night (includes power, water). Free anchoring in approach area.
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
- Permit details
- Cruising Permit ~$300 for 3 months. Marina can assist with customs clearance paperwork.
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required for all foreign vessels; customs clearance at marina; marina speed limit 3 knots; VHF 16 for dock master; no anchoring in marina approach channel.
Hazards
- !Shoal depths at marina entrance at low tide — 0.8m tidal range; draft over 1.5m confirm with dock master
- !Commercial harbour traffic passes close — maintain awareness of ferry and water taxi routes
- !Northers (Nov–Apr) — marina is well-protected but a strong norther can make departure difficult for 24–48 hours
- !Fuel dock can be very busy on weekends during high season — arrive early
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Nassau Yacht Haven on VHF 16 before entering — the dock master will assign a berth and confirm current depths
- →The marina's concierge service can arrange customs clearance, car rental, provisioning delivery, and airport transfers
- →Arawak Cay ('Fish Fry') — 10 minutes by taxi — serves the best local Bahamian food in Nassau: conch fritters, cracked conch, grilled fish
- →Fuel is well-priced at Nassau Yacht Haven compared to the outer island prices — top up before heading to the Exumas
- →The 0.8m tidal range is obvious at the fuel dock — timing departure at high tide is important for draft vessels
Facilities
Dockside restaurant and bar at Nassau Yacht Haven. Nassau downtown restaurants within dinghy or taxi range — Graycliff Hotel restaurant (fine dining), Arawak Cay (local Bahamian fish fry, excellent). Best provisioning: Solomon's Fresh Market, City Market.
Nearest provisions: Nassau downtown (0.8nm by dinghy/taxi) (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Peak season December–March. Marina recommended over anchoring for extended Nassau stays — security and facilities are superior.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
Nassau's 0.8m tidal range and cruise ship wake mean conditions change continuously. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position through every tide cycle — so you can explore Nassau with complete peace of mind.
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