Navigating Under the Paradise Island Bridges: What You Need to Know
Paradise Island is a sought-after tourist hotspot and a favored stop for yachts, especially luxury superyachts. Boaters appreciate its proximity to Florida, luxury resorts, and the high-end marina facilities at Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina. This beautiful island boasts breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and is just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant downtown Nassau. Spanning 685 acres, Paradise Island is linked to New Providence by the Paradise Island East Bridge and the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge. For yacht owners and captains planning to dock at Hurricane Hole, understanding how to navigate around the Paradise Island bridge is essential.
Hurricane Hole at Paradise Landing stands out as the premier superyacht destination in The Bahamas, featuring over 6,000 feet of fixed and floating concrete docks. We have crafted a marina experience like no other, complete with luxurious residences, retail options, exquisite dining, and a variety of amenities.
The Paradise Island Bridges are fixed and do not have mechanisms to raise for boat traffic, leaving many yacht owners and captains wondering if they can navigate under them. Fortunately, we have compiled essential information and tips below to ensure a smooth arrival and departure to our marina.
How High Are the Paradise Island Bridges?
The Paradise Island Bridges, owned by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, serve as vital connections between Paradise Island and New Providence, including Nassau. The Bahamas Bridge Authority, a quasi-government entity tasked with constructing, operating, and maintaining these bridges, notes that they reach 70 feet above sea level at their tallest point. These bridges are operational around the clock, every day of the week, and remain accessible even during severe weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes. These bridges are fixed and do not have any opening mechanisms, but at their highest point, they allow enough space for superyachts to pass under. This is also a plus, as yachts will not need to wait for bridges to open to pass under, allowing quicker access to our marina.
Hurricane Hole is situated east of both Paradise Island Bridges, allowing vessels to approach from either direction. For those coming from the west, the route involves navigating the wider and deeper-dredged section of the harbor, which requires passing beneath both bridges. Although many superyachts can clear these structures, larger sailing yachts and certain catamarans with tall masts may encounter difficulties. Access from the east side is available, but this area is less dredged, potentially presenting challenges for boats with deeper drafts. Our marina can accommodate superyachts measuring up to 420 feet, which may require access from the east side. As a result, planning ahead and determining the best route for your vessel is crucial.
A Quick Look at the Two Paradise Island Bridges
Owned by The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, there are two Paradise Island bridges that connect this island with Nassau and New Providence. Each bridge operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While each of the Paradise Island bridges is built with pre-stressed concrete material with a cantilever-type construction, there are some major differences between the two that drivers, boaters, and pedestrians need to know.
The Basics of the Eastern Bridge
The eastern bridge, which is 1,560 feet long and has 36 feet of two lanes of vehicular traffic, includes pedestrian sidewalks on each sidewalk that are about 5 feet wide. It’s rated for a maximum weight/load limit of 15 tons and first opened to traffic in April 1967. It received a renovation in 1998 and again in 2016.
The Western Bridge: The Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge
While it was simply referred to as the “western bridge” at first when it opened in December 1998, this newer, bigger bridge eventually was given a new honorific name in 2012: The Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.
The newer of the two Paradise Island bridges, The Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge is 1,930 feet long and 52 feet wide, with three lanes of traffic and four toll booth lanes, and includes a 7-foot-wide single pedestrian sidewalk. It has a weight and load limit of 25 tons and a 17.5-foot maximum height clearance for its canopy.
Each of the two Paradise Island bridges carries traffic in just one direction, both serving an important role to easily link Paradise Island with New Providence.
Navigating Under the Two Paradise Island Bridges
Now that you know the basics and history of the bridges, let’s get to the crucial details that yachters and boaters need to know: How to navigate under the two Paradise Island bridges.
Both are 70 feet above sea level at their highest points, and both are operated and maintained by The Bridge Authority, which has the same role for all bridges in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina is located east of both Paradise Island bridges, and vessels can access the marina from either the east or west. It’s important to know that this top Bahamas marina is a deep-water facility with a deep draft, and we can accommodate even the largest superyachts.
So, how do you access Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina? If you come in from the west, you’ll be navigating the wider and deeper-dredged part of the harbour. However, this path requires clearing under both Paradise Island bridges, which may be too low for large sailing yachts and some catamarans.
Approaching from the east, instead, the harbour isn’t as well-dredged, and boats will face a draft that can be difficult to navigate unless the operator is familiar with the area and is coming in at high tide.
Either side of access has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to plan ahead and determine which route is best for your vessel.
Can You Walk Across the Paradise Island Bridges to Nassau?
On the southern edge of Paradise Island, Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina is conveniently located just a short stroll from the Paradise Island Eastern Bridge, making it an ideal spot to explore Paradise Island and New Providence. Each bridge connecting Paradise Island features pedestrian walkways, allowing easy foot traffic. The eastern bridge spans 1,560 feet and accommodates two lanes of vehicle traffic, complete with 5-foot-wide sidewalks on either side and concrete safety rails. In contrast, the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge stretches 1,930 feet and is 52 feet wide, featuring three lanes of traffic and a single 7-foot-wide pedestrian walkway, also safeguarded by concrete rails.
While vehicles crossing the bridges are subject to tolls, pedestrians can walk over free of charge. The journey from Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina to downtown Nassau takes approximately 30 minutes on foot. On particularly warm days, you might prefer the Paradise Island Ferry Service, which, according to Bahamas Air Tours, operates every 30 minutes from 9 am to 6 pm for a fare of $5 per ride as of 2023. You can catch the ferry on the western side of the Paradise Island Eastern Bridge, which conveniently brings you close to the heart of downtown Nassau.
Will Superyachts Be Able to Navigate Under the Paradise Island Bridges?
The clearance of the Paradise Island bridges is 70 feet at low tide, allowing some superyachts to pass beneath, depending on their size and mast height. However, larger vessels might face challenges due to these fixed bridge limitations, so verifying your specific dimensions before attempting to go under is critical.
Hurricane Hole is well-equipped for large superyachts, featuring a maximum depth of 14.5 feet and a spacious turning basin. Reaching our marina may involve navigating around the bridges, but there is also a detour around the island that takes only 20 to 30 minutes. It’s also worth noting that when approaching from the east, the harbor is not well-dredged, and navigating the draft can be tricky unless the operator is familiar with the area and arrives at high tide.
How is Boat Traffic Under the Paradise Island Bridges During Peak Yachting Seasons?
The waterways connecting Paradise Island and New Providence are bustling and vibrant throughout the year. A considerable amount of boat traffic under the Paradise Island bridges includes a mix of recreational boats, commercial water taxis, tour vessels, and larger yachts, especially during the peak yachting season from mid-December to mid-April.
As you approach Nassau Harbor from the west, you’ll navigate between the western tip of Paradise Island, marked by a white lighthouse on your port side, and the line of Long Cay, Silver Cay, and the Silver Cay breakwater on your starboard side. Before entering the breakwater, it’s essential to contact Nassau Harbor Control on VHF channel 16 to request permission, as this area experiences heavy traffic. Nassau Harbor Control operates around the clock, and all vessels must report in when entering, leaving, or changing positions within the harbor’s boundaries.
Getting to Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina Through the Paradise Island Bridge
To reach Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina from the west and navigate under the Paradise Island bridge, set your navigation systems to N 25 04.800, W- 077 19.180. This will position you just off the western entrance to Nassau Harbor, where you can easily spot the initial entry buoys. Be sure to communicate with Nassau Harbor Control on VHF channel 15 to obtain permission for harbor entry. After you pass the second bridge, you will find Hurricane Hole Marina on your port side.
Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina is an exceptional destination for yacht owners and captains on Paradise Island. It provides seamless access to top-notch dining, shopping, medical facilities, and more. Our marina features a range of premium amenities, including in-slip fueling, 24-hour security, on-site customs clearance, and a dedicated concierge service. We take pride in being one of the leading marinas in The Bahamas, committed to delivering outstanding service to yacht guests and crew members. In fact, our slips now accommodate vessels 50 feet and up, vastly expanding our services.
Feel free to contact Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at 242-603-1950 if you have any questions or concerns about navigating Nassau Harbor and the Paradise Island bridges.
External Sources
- Bahamas Air Tours – Paradise Island Ferry Service
- Bahamas Bridge Authority – Frequently Asked Questions