Berry Islands, Bahamas

When we first sailed through the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, we didn’t fully understand how important anchorage selection really was. At the time, we were still learning, figuring things out as we went and choosing spots based on what looked good on the map. But the Berry Islands quickly taught us that exposure matters, and that the right anchorage can completely change your experience.

Hoffman's Blue Hole

I have to say If you’re planning a sailing trip through the Bahamas, the Berry Islands are one of the most underrated areas to explore. They’re often seen as just a stop between Bimini and the Exumas, but they offer quiet anchorages, incredibly clear water, and a more remote feel compared to busier parts of the Bahamas.

Now, after multiple trips, we approach this area very differently. We don’t just pick places, we choose anchorages based on wind, protection, depth, and how the conditions might change overnight. These are the anchorages we’ve used and would return to, based on our experience aboard SV Bogumila.

We usually enter the Berry Islands from the north, coming down from Bimini or crossing over from Florida, and make our way south through the chain.

Great Harbor Cay is often our first proper stop in the area,it's also a very easy check in location. Great Harbour offers a spacious anchorage with typical depths around 8 to 12 feet and good holding in sand. You can also stay in a very protected Marina. After a longer passage from Florida, this felt like a place where we could relax and enjoy being there. We’ve found it works best in light to moderate east or southeast winds, while stronger north winds can make it more exposed unless you make it inside a Great Harbour Cay, which is considered a hurracain hole. From here, it’s a great place to walk long quiet beaches, explore the island, and enjoy peaceful sunsets right from the boat.

From Great Harbour, we continue southeast toward Hoffman’s Cay. The run is straightforward in settled weather, with beautiful shallow banks along the way, but we always keep an eye on depth and good light as we move through this area.

The area around Hoffman’s Cay is one of the most visually stunning anchorages in the Berry Islands. Anchoring depths here are around 6 to 10 feet with sandy bottoms, but it’s also more exposed than it looks, so we only stop here in lighter conditions. What really makes this place unforgettable is the Hoffman's blue hole its about 600ft deep some reports suggest it could be ''bottomless'' . After landing the dinghy, there’s a short walk across the island that leads you to it. Suddenly, you’re standing at the edge of a perfectly round, deep blue pool surrounded by rock. The contrast between the bright ocean and the dark blue of the hole is incredible. Swimming there feels completely different—the water is cooler, much deeper than it looks, and has a quiet, almost mysterious feeling. It’s one of those places that really shows how unique the Bahamas are, and is a highlight for anyone exploring the Berry Islands.

Continuing further south, we make our way toward Bonds Cay. This stretch feels more remote, and you really start to notice how quiet the Berry Islands can be, with changing shades of blue water and shallow banks surrounding you.

Bonds Cay is one of those anchorages that really stood out for us. Depths here typically range from about 7 to 12 feet, and we’ve found good sandy spots to anchor. It has that untouched feel that makes sailing the Bahamas so special. The water is incredibly clear, and it’s the kind of place where you can feel completely removed from everything. Also we only stop here in settled weather with lighter winds, as it can become exposed quickly, especially with north or west winds. But when conditions line up, it’s an incredible place to swim, explore quiet shoreline, and complete solitude.

If conditions allow, we continue exploring nearby areas like Little Harbor, adjusting our route depending on wind direction and what anchorage will offer the best protection.

Little Harbour offers a more peaceful and low-key anchorage, with depths often around 6 to 9 feet and very clear water. It works best in calm conditions or light east winds, and once again we avoid it when winds shift north or west. When it’s settled, it’s perfect for snorkeling, relaxing on empty beaches, and enjoying a quieter side of the Bahamas.You can find many sea shells,along the beach.

⚓ Anchoring Tips for the Berry Islands (Wind & Conditions)

The biggest lesson we learned sailing the Berry Islands is simple: many anchorages are only comfortable in the right conditions. What looks calm during the day can quickly change overnight if the wind shifts. Holding is generaly good in a sand.

Now, before moving from one anchorage to another, we think not just about distance, but also about direction, depth, and wind. We always ask ourselves where the wind is coming from, where it might shift, and whether we’ll still be protected once we arrive. That one change in made everything easier.

On our first trip, we were still figuring things out. We didn’t fully understand how much wind direction and depth affect comfort, and we definitely made mistakes. But over time, things started to click. Now we don’t just arrive somewhere and drop anchor, we plan ahead, move with the conditions, and choose spots we know will work.

The Berry Islands are more than just a stop along the way. They’re where you started to slow down, learn, and really understand how to anchor and move through the Bahamas with confidence.

You won’t know everything on your first trip—and that’s okay. With time, you start to recognize what works, you find your favorite places, and eventually, you just know where to go and just enjoy being there.

Berry Islands