In 2020, we scrapped our plans at the last minute to sail to the Exumas, due to Covid. This year, things still seemed unsettled. I see no recent posts on the situation there, and was wondering about it. I've seen the new entry protocols, and am happy that some of this can be taken care of online. But the question is, are things open? At one point we heard things were open, but only for Bahamians. We also heard you couldn't disembark on some islands normally open to cruisers. We sure would like to hear if it makes sense to plan a cruise for early next year, or decide to make other plans. Thanks in advance. Mark and Dawn, SV BubbleCuffer
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Had dinner with a staniel property owner last night and they confirmed - follow the protocols and all is easy peezy! 😃 Look forward to seeing some of you folks out there!
I spent a few months in the Exumas last year and all was good fewer boats than usual and due to that some places had shorter hours.
I spoke with folks at Staniel Cay just yesterday and things are booming there with visitors to the island. There is no shut-down in the Exumas. One thing you might do to confirm what is going on is to call one of the marinas and ask directly about activity in the area.
Sara, thank you. I am familiar with these protocols. What I am trying to determine is, does it make any sense to make the effort to cross the Gulf Stream and the Bank in order to get to the Exumas, or is it basically closed down to tourists/cruisers. Are there even any cruisers in the Exumas now?
COVID Protocol for 2021-2
Entry requirements for citizens, legal residents and visitors traveling to The Bahamas.
Apply online for a Travel Health Visa (www.travel.gov.bs click on the International Tab)
If fully vaccinated against Covid 19:
Get a Covid 19 test at an accredited lab no more than five days before travel
Submit test result along with vaccination certificate to the Ministry via www.travel.gov.bs together with contact and other required information.
If you are not vaccinated against Covid 19:
Have a RTPCR test administered by an accredited lab. If its negative:
Submit results of the test together with contact and other required information via www.travel.gov.bs.
Children between the age of five and eleven years :
Shall undergo a Covid 19 test administered by an accredited lab no more than five days before travel is to commence; and
The parent or guardian shall submit results of the test to the Ministry of Tourism via www.travel.gov.bs, together with contact and other required information.
Note: The holder of a valid travel health visa will not be required to undergo a further Covid 19 test to travel inter island in the archipelago.
For further details visit: https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols
I would also like to know specifically about Bimini islands, cat key etc?