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 feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Attwood Harbour	5.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Attwood Harbour is facilitated by a sandy bottom offering excellent holding. Multiple reviews mention a clear, easy entrance, and the presence of diverse marine life, such as turtles and rays, adds to the anchorage experience. It accommodates up to ten boats with ample space.
	Crooked Island South	4.8 ★	Review summary: Crooked Island South offers a stunning beach setting with soft sand that is easy to land a dinghy on. Visitors enjoy excellent holding ground and protected anchoring conditions, even during strong winds from the east and southeast.
	Fortune Island West	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Fortune Island West presents challenges due to the presence of nearby reefs, prompting cruisers to anchor further from shore in deeper water. The location remains attractive, featuring high-quality sand and direct access to a beautiful beach. Good holding conditions are generally offered.
	Sugar Bay	4.2 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Sugar Bay offers fantastic water conditions with a sandy bottom, excellent holding, and considerable space for multiple vessels. However, the proximity to the beach can result in noticeable swell, particularly with east and southeast winds, which might require adjustments for comfort.
	Landrail Point	4.1 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Landrail Point offers excellent holding in sand and a spacious area. Visitors can expect some rolling in higher winds, particularly from the west. The proximity to snorkeling spots and good cellular reception are additional benefits frequently mentioned.
	Mudian Harbour	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Mudian Harbour offers a choice between secure holding despite rolly conditions and poor holding in calm waters. Visitors have observed nurse sharks near their boats. The site is remote, with wind direction significantly influencing comfort levels during stays.
No image	Datum Bay	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Datum Bay involves transitioning from rocky areas to sandy patches. The bay generally offers calm conditions even with winds from the southeast at 23 knots. Some visitors have difficulty finding suitable sand for anchoring despite efforts, leading to varied experiences.
	Landrail Settlement	3.6 ★	Review summary: Tucked away in a scenic setting, Landrail Settlement offers an anchorage with clear water and sandy bottom conditions. Visitors mention it provides good holding and deep sand, enhancing the overall anchoring experience.
	Castle Island	3.5 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Castle Island reveals spacious sandy grounds with effective hold. Although stunning, the area is notably affected by ongoing swell conditions. Light winds are more favorable since stronger gusts can make overnight stays difficult due to the rolling swell from nearby formations.
	French Wells #2	3.3 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in French Wells #2 is popular among visitors despite challenges. Strong winds can cause spinning over anchors, though adjusting position closer or outside when conditions exceed 20 knots helps. The spot offers a scenic mangrove river, adding appeal to this location.

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Marinas

Crooked Island Marina

3.2 ★

Review summary: Navigating Crooked Island Marina presents challenges due to coral heads, though buoys help guide the entrance. Visitors highlight a welcoming atmosphere with good protection in calm waters. Reviews emphasize ongoing construction but note the marina serves larger vessels and offers a nearby beautiful beach.

There are insufficient reports for yacht clearance in this part of Bahamas. Be sure to add clearance markers and reviews to the map when clearing in and share your experiences with others.

Useful yacht clearance links