Change of Plans?

We knew there was a possibility of changing COVID requirements when we made our jump to the Bahamas and the first of those to impact us directly is here. 

We have been in Eleuthera for four days and last night the OPM released this new guidance. What does that mean for us? Maybe nothing.

We currently have 21 days left on our cruising permit in the Bahamas and we need to check out at a Port of Entry on our way out. Prior to this notice we were planning to hunker down for a front this weekend then either:

1. Head to the Abacos (new to us, not as much time as we would like to spend perhaps helping out, shallow for our draft in many places, puts us in a great spot to cross back to northern FL); 

2. Explore some more of Eleuthera, then head to the Berrys (love it, easy check out, shorter hops); or

3. Stay in Eleuthera for the duration of our permit (pretty much how we left last year, but this time we are allowed on island).

In all honesty the new COVID order hasn’t changed much for us. It would mean that we would have to find a place to test here in Eleuthera and in the Abacos or Berrys if we go there and stay for more than 5 days, and incur testing expenses, but otherwise our options are unchanged. So we will move the boat today to get set up for this blow and talk about our options as a family! (All weather-dependent, of course!)

Also, having been in the Bahamas at the start of this pandemic and back again a year later we continue to be impressed with the communication and adaptability of this small, geographically dispersed nation. Their online health visa tools are easy to use and make allowances for gaps in connectivity and weather delays. Their rules cover locals and visitors, and generally have clarification for travelers via plane vs boat. Are there some kinks? Sure. But are they proactively trying to keep their people safe? Absolutely.