BAHAMAS EXPEDITION GROUP
Structured flotillas from Florida to the Bahamas and south to the Exumas. Each
expedition is led by an experienced Captain who has run these routes dozens of
times and understands the weather, routes, cuts, and anchorages that make or break a trip.
This is not a charter. You remain Captain of your boat at all times. Our role is to act as your expedition leader — guiding decisions, explaining the “why” behind each move, and keeping the group organized and safe.
WE PROVIDE:
- Daily weather interpretation and routing
- Professional “go / no-go” calls for crossings and exposed legs
- Route planning guidance and suggested waypoints
- Anchorage selection and arrival coordination
- Cut, tide, and current timing advice
- Group communication via VHF and WhatsApp
- Ongoing coaching so you learn as you go
WHO THIS IS FOR:
- This expedition is built for boaters who are ready to go, but want some backup
- First-time Bahamas or Exumas cruisers
- New boaters stepping up to longer passages
- Couples cruising alone who want a leader to follow
- Nervous Captains who don’t want to hire a full-time skipper
- Owners who want to learn, not just be “taken there”
If you’ve ever thought, "I know my boat can do it, I’m just not sure I can do it"... This expedition was designed for you.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN:
- Cross with confidence. Cross the gulf stream with a Captain who has done it many times, instead of hoping your first window is “good enough.”
- Real-world learning. Learn by doing — planning routes, timing tides, reading cuts, and anchoring in current — with someone explaining each decision.
- Better decisions, less stress. Instead of arguing with apps and forecasts, you get clear daily plans and backup options.
- Small, tight-knit flotilla. Travel with 3–5 other boats who are on the same journey. Share experiences, sundowners, and support.
- Future independence. The goal isn’t to make you dependent. The goal is that next time you look at the chart you'll say, “Yeah, we’ve got this.”
ROUTE & ITINERARY OVERVIEW (dynamic & weather-dependent):
Our expeditions do not follow a fixed calendar schedule. We use a route framework that adapts to wind, sea state, tides, and the comfort level of the group.
TYPICAL EXPEDITION FLOW:
- Florida departure: Depart from Lake Worth, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, depending on the forecast and best Gulf Stream angle.
- Gulf Stream crossing: Cross to West End (Grand Bahama) or Bimini, chosen based on wind direction and current. Check in with customs, rest, and shake down.
- Berry or Abaco Islands: Shorter hops in more protected waters. Practice anchoring, dinghy landings, and route planning in a calmer setting.
- Nassau (optional): Fuel, provisions, marinas, and a city stop if the group wants it and weather allows.
- Exumas corridor: Work your way down the chain with flexible stops such as: Highbourne, Norman’s, Shroud, Warderick Wells, Pipe Creek, Staniel Cay, and Great Guana.
- Return strategy: Plan a supported return to Florida or continue on your own once you feel ready. We’ll help you think through the timing either way.
TYPICAL EXPEDITION DAY:
Morning:
- Weather and sea-state briefing
- Route for the day, distance, and timing
- Hazards, cuts, and waypoints to watch
- Anchoring plan and arrival order
Underway:
- Boats depart in a loose sequence, staying within VHF range
- Ongoing check-ins at key points
- WhatsApp updates when cell coverage allows
- Adjustments as needed for comfort and conditions
Arrival:
- Leader arrives early or with the lead boats to confirm holding, depth, and room
- Guidance on where to drop, scope to use, and how the boat will swing with wind and current
- Time to swim, explore, or relax
Evening:
- Informal debrief, Q&A, and a preview of the next likely move (weather-dependent)
EXPEDITION DETAILS:
Duration: 4–6 weeks
Group Size: 3–5 boats
Usual Departure Windows: Late November and Late January
Route: Florida → West End or Bimini → Abaco or Berry Islands → Exumas
Experience Required: Basic boat handling and familiarity with your own vessel. We focus on passage and cruising confidence, not teaching from zero.
ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION LEADER:
Kory Arsenault is a licensed Captain, a Canadian sailor and liveaboard who runs his Nauticat 44 ketch. He has spent extensive time cruising in the Bahamas, all five Great Lakes and the US east coast.
He combines:
- Tens of thousands of miles under sail and power
- Hands-on experience with real-world weather, routing, and anchoring decisions
- A calm, practical teaching style
- A focus on helping new cruisers become confident, independent Captains
You’re not hiring a charter company... You’re joining up with a Captain who has already done what you’re trying to do — and is willing to share everything he’s learned along the way.
EXPEDITION PRICING:
From $4,500 CAD per boat
4-6 week guided flotilla through the Bahamas and Exumas including full expedition leadership, daily routing, planning, and support for the entire duration. Travel, fuel, marinas, and onboard costs remain your responsibility.
STANDARD EXPEDITION PACKAGE
$4,500 CAD / Boat
Includes:
- Captain-led Gulf Stream crossing
- Daily weather briefings
- Route planning + timing guidance
- Anchorage selection & arrival order
- Cut/tide/current interpretation
- Group communications (VHF + WhatsApp)
- Daily safety oversight
- Support during squalls / fronts
- Pre-trip readiness consultation
- Onboarding packet + readiness checklist
PREMIUM EXPEDITION PACKAGE
$6,500 CAD / Boat
Everything in standard, plus:
- Personalized routing consults
- Daily one-on-one Q&A (systems / nav / anchoring)
- Individual anchoring coaching at key anchorages
- Boat Readiness Check pre-departure
- Priority expedition placement
- Reserved spot in 2027 season (optional)
OPTIONAL SERVICES
-
$2,000 CAD - Private Leader Boat
If you want the Expedition Leader closer to your vessel on specific legs (e.g., stream crossing, cuts). -
$350 CAD - Boat Readiness Check (Pre-Departure)
One-hour video or in-person walk-through to evaluate: engine • electrical • anchoring • nav systems • dinghy. -
$250 CAD - Chart + Route Optimization Session
We map your exact vessel’s cruising ability and give custom routing strategies for your return. -
$150 CAD - Bahamas Comms Setup Package
We configure: WhatsApp groups, Nav apps, Offline chart downloads, Exuma tides + cuts references. -
$3-7 CAD/file - Downloadable .GPX Routes
The same proven .GPX files included in our Expedition, available on demand for a small per file fee.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Fuel
- Marinas / docks
- Food & water
- Customs / cruising permits
- Repairs or towing
- Starlink or data services
HOW TO JOIN:
- Reach out: Click the "Join Expedition" button below to start the process.
- Quick call: We’ll schedule a short call to confirm fit, answer your questions, and make sure expectations line up.
- Secure your spot: A deposit reserves your place in the flotilla. Space is limited to 3–5 boats per departure.
- Pre-trip prep: You’ll receive a readiness checklist, suggested gear list, and pre-departure planning support.
- Departure window: We monitor the weather together, choose a safe window, and begin your Bahamas expedition.
Note:
Spots are intentionally limited so you get real access, attention, and leadership — not just a name on an email list.
"I met Kory at the Fort Pierce City Marina while we were preparing to head to the Bahamas. We were inexperienced and honestly unsure how to go about the crossing. He took us under his wing, answered our questions, and helped us feel confident every step of the way.
We had a great time, learned a lot, and ended up exploring the Bahamas together as friends. I’d absolutely recommend the Bahamas Expedition Group to anyone thinking about making the trip."
ARE YOU READY TO CRUISE THE BAHAMAS WITH A LEADER AT THE FRONT?
Stop staring at your charts of the Exumas and saying “maybe next year,” this is your invitation to finally go — with someone who knows the route and will walk you through it step by step.