Out Island Gem 

The Marina at Emerald Bay
offers complete service
in Bahama’s Great Exuma

Full-service marinas capable of accommodating megayachts are few and far between in the lower Exumas, which is part of the rural charm of this Bahamas Out Island chain. Great Exuma’s capital, George Town, is a popular destination for long-range cruising sailors who are happy to “rough it” on the hook in Elizabeth Harbour without many amenities for months at a time. But there are plenty of other mariners, particularly motoryacht owners and their captains, who are delighted to find a marina on the island with the level amenities they are used to at home – especially one that’s right next door to an internationally renowned resort. That’s the Marina at Emerald Bay.

Located 14 miles northwest of George Town on Great Exuma, the Marina at Emerald Bay has nine lit buoys marking its channel entrance. Offering a depth of 14 feet at mean low water, it has 150 slips accommodating boats from 40 to 240 feet, with 30/50/100/200 amp 480V shore power and sewage pump-out dockside, along with cable TV and free WiFi. An official Bahamas Port of Entry with Immigration and Customs clearance, it also has a high-speed fuel dock and free shower and laundry facilities. Although the surrounding grounds have yet to be developed, the Marina at Emerald Bay welcomes guests in a two-story Harbourmaster’s Office with elegant tropical furnishings, including the Chart Room for plotting your next course, and the Hemingway Room – a lounge with WiFi and a large, flat-screen TV.

A grocery and liquor store are just up the road, as is the new Sandals Emerald Bay, one of the top-of-the-line properties in the international Sandals “Luxury Included” resort portfolio.

“Sandals Emerald Bay, located beside Marina at Emerald Bay, offers golf on our Greg Norman-designed course and full spa service to our marina guests. Fees are based on services provided,” said Doug Black, marina general manager. “Also, marina guests may enjoy the full resort experience by purchasing an all-inclusive pass that allows unlimited dining, drinks, live entertainment and watersports equipment. Kite surfing is fast becoming a popular sport at Emerald Bay due to our excellent surf and consistent easterly winds,” he added. “Kite surfers are saying we have some of the best conditions found anywhere.”

Off-site, sportfishing, diving and bone fishing are popular activities for cruisers who visit Great Exuma. For marina guests who want to explore the rest of the island and enjoy the shops and restaurants of George Town, the marina staff can help arrange a car rental. Slip rates begin at $1.00 per foot, with a 40-foot minimum. Winter season reservations are recommended.

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