The Inagua Islands

Inagua Islands, at the southernmost end of the Bahamas, are a remote cruising area with limited shoreside facilities and long distances between destinations. They are commonly used as a port of entry by boats arriving from farther south and from the eastern Caribbean. The absence of large marinas necessitates reliance on natural anchorages for shelter.

This area draws those interested in experiencing the natural beauty and unique aspects of the Bahamas away from more developed tourist scenes.

Cruising sailors here often use Matthew Town for provisioning and as a convenient starting point for exploring the islands. The best view of the island can be found from the top of the Matthew Town Lighthouse.

Inagua National Park is another notable attraction, covering a significant portion of Great Inagua. It is home to the Bahama parrot and numerous flamingos.

Anchoring within Inagua National Park is regulated to protect its wildlife and habitat. Visiting yachts should be aware of these restrictions and adhere to designated anchorage areas.

Places to stay

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

Anchorages

	Man of War North ★ 4.7 Clear, calm waters provide excellent anchoring conditions. Visitors highlight a consistent need to be cautious of coral heads when anchoring. Snorkeling opportunities off the boat are plentiful, making for an attractive spot to relax.
	Sandy Point Anchorage ★ 4.7 Protected anchorage offers good holding with sandy and grassy bottom. Visitors reported some swell at high tide but noted a variety of marine wildlife. Caution is advised when entering due to a narrow gap in reefs; beach conditions may vary, with litter present.
	Hogsty Reef ★ 4.6 Anchoring at Hogsty Reef can be an exceptional experience in calm weather. Reviewers emphasized the need for settled conditions due to the lack of shelter. Visitors reported high winds and swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable.
	Little Inagua South-West ★ 4.5 Anchoring conditions are favorable with good holding in various depths. Water clarity exceeds 100 feet, complemented by proximity to coral walls suitable for diving. Some coral heads pose a risk to the anchor chain, necessitating careful placement.
	Hogsty ★ 4.4 Conditions vary within the anchorage depending on wind direction. While several reviews highlight the stunning waters and snorkeling opportunities, others mention discomfort from swell during windy nights. Exploration of the area, including its wildlife and beach, is recommended.
	Man of War South ★ 4.0 The anchorage offers stunning turquoise waters with excellent holding on sand. While the scenic beauty is highlighted, infrastructure for cruisers is lacking, as there is no access to land or available services. Mosquito presence is also noted as an issue during certain seasons.
	Matthew Town ★ 3.5 Rolly conditions are frequently mentioned, often impacting comfort while anchored. Customs and immigration processes generally proceed smoothly, although some visitors experience lengthy waits. The local community is described as friendly, enhancing the overall welcoming atmosphere.
	Calm Bay ★ 3.3 Calm Bay offers good protection and holding but users must anchor close to shore. Wind shifts can lead to a bumpy experience, and mosquitoes can be an issue without steady winds. The area has a rocky bottom covered in sand.
	Victoria Bay (Airport Anchorage) ★ 3.3 Calm conditions are possible but a strong rolly aspect is prevalent. Visitors reported challenges with swell and wind, affecting stability. Anchoring is convenient for check-in, but seeking more sheltered areas shortly after may be advisable.
	Alboy Hole, Great Inagua ★ 2.8 Anchoring in Alboy Hole presents challenges with coral and rocky bottoms. While some boats successfully maintained anchor hold during recent conditions, issues like rolling and the need for multiple attempts to anchor were noted. Visitors should be cautious and consider using satellite images to navigate the area.

Show more

Marinas

Matthew Town Government Dock ★ 3.1 A concrete dock allows secure tie-ups, though special care is needed to prevent damage from strong tidal conditions and concrete edges. Amenities include water and basic restroom facilities, but supplies are limited. Friendly staff assist, making it a viable short-term stop.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Bahamas: