Tips for Provisioning for the Bahamas

This year, my husband Ben and I spent our first season cruising the Caribbean, with our 60 pound boxer dog in tow. Aboard our 38 foot sailboat Wanderlust, we sailed from Florida to the Bahamas in December, and spent the next 3 months island hopping through the gorgeous Caribbean country. We sailed from the Berries, to Nassau, to the Exumas, to the Out Islands, and beyond.

We provisioned for our trip in Florida before departure, but that's not to say we provisioned correctly. As first timers, we learned a lesson or two. Here's a few things we've learned about provisioning food and supplies for 3 months of cruising through the Bahamas.

Fruits and Veggies:

The country grows very little produce within their islands because the land doesn't allow for heavy agriculture. Plus, their economy is driven from tourism, not produce. From time to time, you'll find a roadside veggie stand offering local goat peppers or plantains, but the pickins can be slim. You can expect wilting veggies, bruised fruit, and short supply compared to what you're used to finding at home... and at double the price.

If possible, stock up on veggies that have a long shelf life. Carrots, onions, beets, cabbage and potatoes can all be purchased in bulk, and stored for several months on board. We stored 6 pounds of potatoes, 3 heads of cabbage, 40 carrots, and 30 onions which lasted about 2 months of our 3 month journey.

If you can stand to eat canned veggies purchased in the US (or elsewhere), you'll save yourself a boatload of money. We've grown to tolerate... even like canned peas, corn, berries, pineapple, pears, and beans. We usually rinse in freshwater before cooking if possible to help cut the sodium and added sugar of canned goods.

For those days when you must have fresh produce, try asking the local grocer which day the food barge arrives. Do your shopping on that day to grab the freshest produce with the most variety, but expect to pay a pretty penny!

Alcohol:

Even though the Bahamas does produce some liquor, it is ridiculously priced and the quality is average. A case of Kalik beer can cost you upwards of $60. If you like to enjoy a drink or five from time to time like us, it is best to pack as much of your favorite drink as you can carry on board. Our personal favorites are Black Box wines, and several cases of good old fashioned Heineken. You don't want to be caught empty handed when you get invited to that cruiser beach BBQ!

High End, Health Food, and Snack Food Items:

If you like high quality food items, don't wait for the Bahamas to re-stock. Most of these items will be imports, which means you can expect to pay exorbitant prices, if you can find them. For example, when I went searching for a jar of coconut oil for cooking, I found one... for $27 US. My alternative was a $15 8 oz bottle of low grade cooking oil... not exactly tasty and STILL crazy expensive.

If you regularly use and enjoy any of the below items, bring more than you think you'll need along for the journey.

- Pure or high grade cooking oils

- Gluten free pastas or grains

- Peanut or almond butter

- Olives

- Nuts

- Crackers

- Candy

- Chocolate and Cocoa

- Spices

- Condiments

Paper Goods:

Bahamian toilet paper costs 2-3 times as much as US toilet paper.... maybe because it is all scented like a baby's butt? I don't know.. but I do know that sometimes, it is sold only in single rolls at five bucks a pop. Provision plenty of TP, paper towels, paper plates, tampons, ziplocks and stationary. The good news is that this stuff doesn't expire!

Cheese, Dairy, and Meats:

We actually found a fairly good selection of cheeses, eggs, butter, fresh milk, and meats in the Bahamas. Although the prices were higher than we're used to (+/- $9 for a gallon of milk), they weren't as exorbitant as some other items, I'm guessing because the Bahamas can produce them in country.

However, I do still suggest bringing hard cheeses with a long shelf life, boxed milk, and canned meats. You'll save yourself a little money, and some outislands or more remote areas may not have the same selection of the grocery stores on more populated islands, especially if you miss food barge day.

Toiletries and Laundry Products:

Again, these items are usually imported to the Bahamas which means you're paying your shampoo's airfare and boat fare. Pack plenty of your favorite hair products, soaps and cleansers, razors, laundry detergent, toothpaste, lotions, sunblocks, and deodorant, especially if you have any type of allergy or special needs for these products. Selection is minimal and quality is low in the Bahamas. It is not uncommon to see one brand on the shelves, like $15 strawberry scented Suave shampoo and $13, slightly rusted Bic razors.

Also worth mentioning is the abundance of fish and lobster, free of charge, if you're up to the challenge to drop a line in the water, or take a dive. If you're not up to it, you'll commonly encounter fisherman selling lobster tails at a reasonable $5 each, or sometimes willing to exchange for a few beers. All the more reason to stock up on cheap US beer, right?!

The bottom line is, you can find food in the Bahamas, so on the bright side, you won't starve, especially if you've got a large sailing kitty that can allow for some extra local food spending. But if you're anything like my husband and me, we're on a tight sailing budget, and any extra pennies pinched help us extend our voyage just a little longer.

You can check out our complete provisioning spreadsheet here, including our grocery list and quantities for our 3 month cruise.

What would you add to this list? Feel free to comment your suggestions below!

Thanks for reading,

Quinn, Ben and Ruca

#destinations #lifeaboard #DominicanRepublic