The Bahamas has opened a new marina in Nassau, providing easy access to the Exumas, Eleuthera and Berry Islands. It is part of a $500 million project.

An engine idles along a quiet dock southeast of Nassau. Crew members are rinsing salt from the hull. The forklift lifts the center console from dry storage and lowers it into the water with clean precision. The fuel line is activated, the line is disconnected, and within minutes the boat is heading out to sea.

It’s a newly opened site. Blue Water Cay’s Legendary Marina ResortA project that adds a new dimension to the way you ride a boat Bahamas.

Nassau’s new boating hub

The marina was officially opened on a 50-acre peninsula in New Providence, with Bahamian government leaders in attendance for the opening. The location is on the safe edge of Nassau, between the capital and the Out Islands.

This is a full-service marina with infrastructure built for both short stays and longer voyages. Wet Slip handles vessels up to 130 feet long with power, fueling, pump-out service and 24-hour security.

We also have dedicated catamaran berths and a concierge team responsible for provisioning, transportation and scheduling.

What stands out from the ground

Dry storage operations are the headline feature.

The facility is rated to withstand winds of up to 185 miles per hour. BahamasBuilt for boats up to 55 feet. More than 300 dry stack locations are located behind the docks, and high-capacity forklifts handle launching and retrieval operations throughout the day.

The boat is taken out of storage, rinsed with clean water, the engine washed and quickly put in the water. Processing time is measured in minutes.

We also have an on-site service center covering major brands such as Mercury and Yamaha, so repairs and maintenance are done on site, eliminating the need for external adjustments.

How travel to the Bahamas is changing

This marina puts Nassau in a different role.

It is not a single destination but a starting point for traveling to multiple islands. The Exumas are about 32 nautical miles away. Eleuthera and the Berry Islands are also nearby. Day runs and night routes become realistic parts of the same journey.

This will open a wider version. Bahamas — where you split your time between Nassau and the Out Islands instead of choosing one.

here on the water

Head southeast and you enter the Exuma chain, where sandbars extend into shallow blue waters and marinas are filled with small boats and tenders. Highbourne Cay and Norman’s Cay are common first stops.

Driving north you reach the Berry Islands, famous for their fishing grounds and long open waterways.

Closer to Nassau, Rose Island and Athol Island offer quick day trips with clear water and quiet beaches.

The route is short enough to be connected over several days and the anchorage serves as a reliable return point.

Why it matters to travelers

Demand for boat-centric travel has steadily increased globally. BahamasThis is especially true among travelers from Florida and the southeastern United States. More and more visitors are choosing charters, private captains and multi-island excursions over traditional resort stays.

Infrastructure like this supports this demand. This will add capacity, improve logistics and increase the overall level of service provided in Nassau.

Even if you don’t arrive by boat, the impact is direct. Booking charter options just got easier. Starting points have become more organized. Equipment and service standards are improved across the board.

What’s next for Blue Water Cay?

The marina is the first step in a bigger plan.

Developers are building a full waterfront resort community connected to a dock, part of a project expected to cost about $500 million. Future phases are expected to include a hospitality component along with maritime infrastructure.

Right now the focus is on the marina itself, and it is here that the immediate travel impact is evident.

Plan your arrival and stay

The marina is a short drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport, making it easy to reach. Land and transfer and you’ll quickly arrive at the dock.

If you’re planning to make Nassau your base, check out hotels on the east side of New Providence, close to Blue Water Cay. From there, you can combine your time on land and time on the water.

You can also make split itineraries. Start in Nassau, then extend your trip to the Exumas or Eleuthera.

Bahamas now

This opening adds another way to the experience Bahamas.

There are still resorts, beaches and familiar stops. There is now a stronger network that can start at marinas built for speed, service and time on the water and go beyond.