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Old Bahama Bay Marina as a refined gateway to Grand Bahama
Old Bahama Bay Marina sits on the western tip of Grand Bahama Island, creating a graceful threshold between Florida and the Bahama islands. Just 56 miles from Palm Beach across luminous water, this marina and bay resort combination feels both secluded and strategically connected for discerning travelers. Many guests appreciate that the resort yacht harbour is close enough for a weekend escape, yet distant enough to feel like a complete change of pace.
The property is operated by Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, which manages both the marina and the adjacent resort with a focus on relaxed elegance. For travelers comparing luxury rates on a premium booking website, this dual identity as marina and resort offers flexibility for yacht owners, hotel guests, and mixed groups. The address in West End, Grand Bahama, places you at the island’s western edge, where sunsets over the bay are a nightly spectacle.
Old Bahama Bay Marina is a full-service facility with 63 slips, a controlling depth of about 2.4 meters at mean low tide, and capacity for yachts up to 36.5 meters. This scale suits both private yacht owners and transient cruisers who value professional dock staff and efficient customs procedures. Because the marina is a key gateway between Florida and the Bahamas, many boaters use it as their first or last stop when crossing the Gulf Stream.
For hotel-focused guests, the adjacent bay resort offers beachfront suites, landscaped grounds, and direct access to the marina’s amenities. This combination allows couples, families, and groups to blend a classic island beach stay with the atmosphere of an active yacht harbour. When you compare options on luxury booking platforms, this integrated resort yacht concept can be a decisive advantage.
Marina facilities, slips, and services for yachts and hotel guests
The heart of Old Bahama Bay Marina is its 63-slip layout, designed to welcome both long-term members and short-stay transient visitors. Each slip is equipped with electricity in 30, 50, and 100 amp service, along with potable city water at the dock for reliable comfort. High-speed fuel, including gasoline and diesel, is available directly at the marina, which is particularly convenient for larger yacht and resort yacht itineraries.
Dockage rates at Old Bahama Bay Marina vary seasonally, and many luxury travelers monitor these rates through premium booking websites before confirming dates. “Dockage rates vary seasonally. As of 2024, summer rates are $2.99 per foot per night, and winter rates are $2.50 per foot per night. Additional fees apply for electricity and water services.” Guests planning extended stays often compare these marina rates with hotel room rates at the bay resort to balance budget and comfort. Because the marina is only 56 miles from Palm Beach, it is a popular first stop for Florida based yachts.
On shore, the marina offers complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, which supports both leisure streaming and remote work needs. Laundry facilities, including coin laundry, and well maintained showers help transient crews and hotel guests refresh after days at sea. Many visitors appreciate that internet access is included as a free amenity, especially when coordinating onward travel or car rental arrangements.
Security is a priority, with 24 hour monitoring and controlled access around the dock and slip areas. On-site customs and immigration services streamline arrival into the Bahamas, reducing waiting times and making the marina a practical entry point to Grand Bahama. For travelers booking through luxury and premium platforms, these operational details add tangible value to the overall resort and marina experience.
Resort comforts, beach atmosphere, and on-site amenities
Beyond the marina, Old Bahama Bay functions as a relaxed bay resort with a strong sense of place on Grand Bahama’s west coast. Suites open toward the beach and water, allowing guests to step directly from their room to the sand within a few meters. The shoreline curves gently around the bay, creating a sheltered swimming area that feels intimate yet expansive.
The resort grounds feature a central pool framed by palm trees and low rise buildings, which keeps the scale human and welcoming. Guests can enjoy pool internet connectivity, meaning internet access extends naturally from rooms to loungers and shaded cabanas. This is particularly useful for travelers who need to stay in touch with work while still enjoying the beach and marina surroundings.
Active guests appreciate the on-site fitness center, which offers a practical way to maintain routines between sailing days or island excursions. After a workout, many guests walk directly to the beach or the dock to watch yachts arrive from Palm Beach and other parts of the Bahamas. The combination of fitness center, pool, and beach creates a balanced resort environment for both relaxation and activity.
Practical amenities such as coin laundry and car rental services support longer stays and multi stop itineraries across Grand Bahama. Families value the ability to wash clothes on site, while car rental access makes it easy to explore beyond West End toward the island’s east and center. For many travelers comparing luxury properties, this blend of marina services and resort comforts at Old Bahama Bay Marina offers a compelling alternative to more urban island hotels.
Environmental standards, certifications, and responsible boating
Old Bahama Bay Marina holds a notable position in the Bahamas for its environmental and quality standards. It was the first marina in the country to earn Blue Flag certification, a respected international label that recognizes clean water, safety, and environmental management. This distinction matters to yacht owners and resort guests who prioritize sustainable travel and responsible use of coastal ecosystems.
The marina also participates in the Shark-Free Marina Initiative, which promotes shark conservation by discouraging the landing of sharks at participating docks. For travelers who care about marine life, this commitment aligns with a broader shift toward ethical boating in the Bahamas and beyond. Many guests choose Old Bahama Bay Marina precisely because it balances luxury with environmental responsibility.
Partnerships such as Island Fast Pass for customs pre clearance further streamline the arrival process while maintaining regulatory compliance. These services help ensure that both members and transient visitors meet Bahamian customs and immigration requirements efficiently upon reaching West End. For hotel guests arriving by yacht, the ability to clear formalities at the same dock where they berth adds significant convenience.
Operational practices at the marina emphasize clean water management, safe fuel handling, and responsible waste disposal. Potable city water at each slip, combined with clear guidance on grey and black water management, supports the health of the surrounding bay and beach. When you evaluate options on a premium booking website, these behind the scenes standards at Old Bahama Bay Marina can be as important as visible amenities like the pool or fitness center.
Planning your stay through luxury and premium booking platforms
For travelers using luxury and premium booking websites, Old Bahama Bay Marina presents a nuanced subject change from typical city based resorts. Instead of a purely urban hotel, you are evaluating a hybrid of marina, bay resort, and island retreat on Grand Bahama’s west side. This requires attention to both hotel style comforts and practical boating details such as slip availability and dock services.
When comparing rates, consider how marina fees, resort room prices, and ancillary costs like fuel or car rental interact. Some guests split their stay between nights at the dock and nights in resort suites, especially when traveling with both yacht crew and family members. Others treat Old Bahama Bay Marina as a short transient stop, focusing on efficient refueling, customs clearance, and a restorative night on the beach.
Because the property is only 56 miles from Palm Beach, it works well as either a first or final stop on a longer Bahamas itinerary. From West End, you can continue east along Grand Bahama or onward to other islands, using the marina as a logistical and emotional reset point. Luxury booking platforms often highlight this strategic position, which combines convenience with the calm of a west facing bay.
Before arrival, it is wise to contact Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour directly to confirm slip availability, seasonal rates, and any current entry requirements. The official contact email, [email protected], is a reliable channel for up to date information about both marina and resort operations. This direct communication complements the overview you see on booking sites and helps align expectations for your stay.
Practical tips for maximizing your Old Bahama Bay Marina experience
To make the most of Old Bahama Bay Marina, start by planning around seasonal patterns in both weather and dockage rates. Many boaters prefer calmer periods for the 56 mile crossing from Palm Beach, which can influence slip demand and availability. Checking rates and conditions in advance allows you to align your marina stay with your broader Bahamas itinerary.
Upon arrival in West End, prioritize customs and immigration formalities, which are conveniently located on site at the marina. Ensure that all documents for both yacht and passengers are ready, especially if you are traveling onward to other islands in the Bahamas. This efficient process is one of the reasons Old Bahama Bay Marina is considered a key gateway to Grand Bahama.
Once formalities are complete, take time to explore the resort side of the property, from the pool to the beach and fitness center. Complimentary internet access extends across many public areas, so you can manage work or trip planning while enjoying the bay resort atmosphere. Families often appreciate the ability to alternate between pool time, beach walks, and watching activity around the dock and slip areas.
For longer stays, make use of coin laundry facilities, car rental options, and on-site dining to reduce logistical stress. Members and transient guests alike benefit from these practical services, which support a smooth transition between life on board and life on shore. By combining thoughtful planning with the marina’s built in amenities, you can create a stay at Old Bahama Bay Marina that feels both effortless and deeply rewarding.
Key statistics about Old Bahama Bay Marina
- Distance from Palm Beach to Old Bahama Bay Marina in West End, Grand Bahama : approximately 56 miles across open water.
- Total number of slips available at the marina : 63, accommodating a mix of members and transient yachts.
- Maximum vessel length accepted at the dock : up to 120 feet, suitable for a wide range of private and charter yachts.
Questions people also ask about Old Bahama Bay Marina
What are the docking fees at Old Bahama Bay Marina ?
Dockage rates at Old Bahama Bay Marina vary depending on the season and vessel length. “Dockage rates vary seasonally. As of 2024, summer rates are $2.99 per foot per night, and winter rates are $2.50 per foot per night. Additional fees apply for electricity and water services.” Travelers should always verify current rates directly with the marina before finalizing their itinerary.
Is Old Bahama Bay Marina pet-friendly ?
Old Bahama Bay Marina welcomes pets, which is helpful for yacht owners and resort guests traveling with animals. “Yes, the marina is pet-friendly. Guests bringing pets are required to follow Bahamian regulations and may need to provide a refundable deposit.” It is advisable to confirm any specific documentation or vaccination requirements before arrival.
What amenities are available at Old Bahama Bay Marina ?
The marina offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed for both comfort and practicality. “Amenities include high-speed fuel, electricity, potable water, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, laundry facilities, showers, and on-site dining options.” Combined with the resort’s pool, beach, fitness center, and car rental services, these facilities create a well rounded experience for discerning travelers.
