Acklins and Crooked Island

Acklins and Crooked Island are sparsely developed cruising grounds with a handful of remote anchorages and few marinas. Most stops involve anchoring off small settlements or in natural bights and bays. Basic provisioning is available in a limited number of villages. Mobile data can be intermittent, and satellite based communications prove to be a good choice here.

Bird Rock Lighthouse, off the northern tip of Crooked Island, is an abandoned lighthouse that now serves as a distinctive landmark and rewarding spot to explore and photograph.

Navigating the waters around Acklins and Crooked Island is typically Bahamian and includes the careful traversal of shifting sand bars and other shallow hazards.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	French Wells ★ 5.0 Protection from wind is favorable, with adequate safety noted under various conditions. The anchorage features a mixed bottom of sand and coral, offering secure holding. Visitors can engage in snorkeling and fishing, enhancing the overall experience.
	Attwood Harbour ★ 4.8 A sheltered bay offers good anchoring conditions, though the swell can be uncomfortable during northeast winds. Clear water hosts diverse marine life, making it suitable for exploration with a dinghy. Reports of a calm environment enhance the appeal for stays.
	Crooked Island South ★ 4.7 Excellent holding conditions and access to a beautiful beach were frequently highlighted. Visitors reported feeling well-protected even in high winds, though getting close to shore can be challenging due to coral heads. The area's clear water and abundant marine life enhance the experience.
	Fortune Island West ★ 4.7 Sandy conditions near shore are accompanied by coral reefs, making anchoring challenging. Beach access is described as easy, with good snorkeling opportunities. Winds can create chop in deeper water, especially in stronger conditions.
	Fish Cay ★ 4.5 Fishing and natural beauty attract visitors. Calm conditions are noted, with shelter from northeast winds and minimal rolling, appreciated by monohull sailors. The surrounding beach offers opportunities for fishing and bird watching.
	Sugar Bay ★ 4.3 Anchoring conditions are generally favorable with sand providing good holding. The area experiences swells and winds that may cause movement, especially closer to the beach. Plenty of room exists for multiple vessels.
	Mudian Harbour ★ 4.2 Anchoring conditions vary with wind direction. The area is notably secluded, with softer anchoring in sand but can be rolly with easterly winds. Reports indicate challenges with dinghy landings and finding paths to scenic spots.
	Landrail Point ★ 4.2 Anchorage offers good holding in sandy bottoms and has been described as beautiful and peaceful. It is subject to rolly conditions in winds above 15 knots but provides easy access and is ideal for scuba and freediving. Visitors appreciated the friendliness of locals and nearby dining options.
	Long Cay East ★ 4.0 Wind conditions in this anchorage can create a side roll when opposing currents are present. The anchorage is shallow with good holding in sand, making it a safe option in high winds. Nearby, a beach features palm trees and coconuts for exploration.
No image	Datum Bay ★ 4.0 Anchoring conditions at Datum Bay vary. Several reviews indicate a mix of rocks and patches of sand, with some visitors having difficulty finding suitable spots. The area is described as beautiful and quiet, appealing for those seeking solitude.

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Marinas

Crooked Island Marina ★ 3.5 Construction is ongoing, with the marina charging about $4 per foot and lacking basic amenities like showers and toilets. The entrance is complicated by coral heads but is marked by buoys. Staff are friendly and food is rated positively.

Useful yacht clearance links:

There are currently too few reports on yacht clearance for this part of Bahamas. If you clear in here, please add any missing clearance markers and a short review to help others.