First, Staniel Cay is NOT in the Caribbean nor are the Bahamas. You gotta go south for a minute to get to that particular Sea. The Bahamas, which I have visited 20 plus times in all seasons, are gorgeous, but too cold for my blood in January through April when everyone ups anchor and avoids the northers almost daily as we all look for new anchorages out of the wind which clocks incessantly. We also wear windbreakers every day during those months and swim with painful grins on our faces, pretending that the water is warm. And I can’t cast a fly to a bonefish in 20 plus knot headwinds that never cease, so those combined points seal the deal for us. Simply gorgeous on almost all days if comparing winter conditions to Park City, Utah. We still love Staniel Cay and it is a gem, providing fuel, services, dining and an adequate bar. An oasis for sure. Pick the shoulder seasons IMO.
Bitter End Yacht Club, which we have also visited dozens of times, having kept our first big boat, ADVOKAT, in STT for nine years, is in the real Caribbean. The Christmas Winds do make it down there occasionally, and it can get chilly in January - March. It was quite busy when we were through in March 2025. USVI was a better destination. St. John has some of the world’s best national parks (buy the pass) with great mooring fields for boats less than 60 feet, and good anchorages for boats 60 feet plus. St. Croix is old school and simply wonderful - too many good things to say in this post but should not be missed. STT is a mess as it has been for the 25 plus years we have been there, but we still love it! Would never miss STT and my many friends who live there. Maybe a light dose of NYC in the Caribbean.
Send me a personal note or call if you want more first hand info on the entire region. We have an addiction and know some places.
Jack, Shangri-La 5388 and 6047
Capt. Jack Burgess, USCG Master 100 Tons