Green Turtle around The Whale to Marsh Harbour, Bahamas

We left Green Turtle yesterday morning and the weather was beautiful! Almost no wind and the sea around the whale was almost flat!!! According to many boaters, Whale Cay is perhaps one of the most treacherous areas in the entire Abacos island chain. While Whale Cay (uninhabited) is not of any particular danger, the surrounding waters and shoals are sometimes treacherous. This is due to shallow water in this area and a long fetch to the northeast that can result in sea conditions often referred to as a “rage.”

Before you attempt the outside passage around Whale Cay, first check the weather for wind conditions. If the wind is blowing at any velocity above 10 knots from the northeast, likelihood is you’ll stay put for the day. Next, make a VHF radio call and ask for any boats in the Whale Cay Channel to report on conditions.

The Whale (Whale Cay)

The rest of the trip went just as smoothly and we arrived at Marsh Harbour Marina and Jibroom Restaurant/Bar before noon. Considering how common winter winds are in the Bahamas, we have reserved a slip here for two months as our “port in a storm/homebase” and will make short cruises to the neighboring cays, bays and beaches.

We spent the rest of yesterday and today reacquainting ourselves with the area and meeting up with old friends. Steve lived in Marsh Harbour for many years, first on WhoCares #2 (his first Hatteras) then after selling the boat he rented a house on Pelican Beach, across the street from the Jibroom. I was lucky enough to visit him here several times so I was also having fun reacquainting and meeting up with old friends.

Our view of the Marsh Harbour Marina and Jibroom

Our view of the harbor

The Jibroom Restaurant/Bar and Marsh Harbour Marina

Beautiful Pelican Beach, Steve’s old backyard!! Abby definitely remembers growing up here and is happy to be back! Even at nearly 13 years old she is chasing coconuts again!