top of page

ABOUT

EXPLORER CHARTBOOKS

UNIQUELY COMBINED CHARTS & CRUISING GUIDE FOR THE BAHAMAS

In 1994, Lewis Offshore LTD began its quest to provide cruisers with the most accurate and easy-to-use charts for the Exuma Cays. As long-time cruisers, authors Monty and Sara Lewis knew personally the need for reliable cruising information so they used their own notations and surveys to produce the first Explorer Chartbook for the Exumas. The first edition, EXPLORER CHARTBOOK EXUMAS, was a looseleaf set of 24 charts of the Exumas accompanied by a small guidebook. It was followed by the second edition in 1995, which was the first bound chartbook.

 

HOW TO USE YOUR CHARTBOOKS

Initially cruising the Bahamas on a 35' sailboat, the Lewises designed the chartbooks for their own use while living aboard a small vessel for several months. The size is ideal for a nav station or cockpit; the cross-referencing of pages makes it easy to find where you want to go next. The combination of small- and large-scale charts allow you to get the big picture first then map out the detailed route. Finally, the extensive listing of cruising facilities and services for each community in which you might anchor, in an alphabetized format, completes the package of Navigational Charts/Cruising Guide all in one book. There is no real need for any other publications in your library. If you can purchase only one book for the area you're visiting, the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas, Exumas, or Far Bahamas is the one to buy!

 

WHY USE EXPLORER CHARTBOOKS?

The hallmark of Explorer Charts is accurate and up-to-date navigational data supplied by Monty and Sara Lewis and their experienced Research Team, who have done more surveys and research than is found  in any other source. The Lewises began cruising the Bahamas collecting data in the 80s and continue to update the charts and Need-to-Know Info. In the 21st century the Explorer Team still continues to produce the #1 charts and cruising guide for the Bahamas.

Explorer Chartbooks—Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

​

Kudos to
Explorer Chartbooks

"If you can afford only one publication for cruising
the Bahamas, these [Explorer Chartbooks] are the ones you'll want to have on board. They are the
Best Choice chartbooks." 

PRACTICAL SAILOR

"The most accurate and detailed charts of the Exuma Cays ever produced. Far better than government charts."

BLUEWATER BOOKS & CHARTS

"The 'been-there, done-that, got-the-tee-shirt' cruisers
flock to these charts." 

BRUCE VAN SANT | AUTHOR, PASSAGES SOUTH

"Anybody cruising the Bahamas should have Explorer paper charts aboard, and now they can have Explorer electronic charts as well (C-Map/Navico, Nobeltec, RosePoint, MapMedia, MaxSea, iNavX, AquaMap, etc)."

BLUEWATER BOOKS & CHARTS

"Your Explorer Charts were extremely popular and went for 123% of value in our auction!" 

DEFEVER CRUISERS

"Explorer Charts are clearly superior to anything else seen, with small lat/long grids enhancing transfer of
GPS positions directly to charts without mechanical assistance, while still keeping eyes ahead of the boat and on the color of the water and fathometer."

HOWARD & JANE BURDICK OF SEABURDS

"We should all throw away all the other chartbooks. Explorer is absolutely the best available." 

AL & GALE PARMENTIER OF RESOLUTE

"The Explorer Chartbook series is a must for any boater in the Bahamas. In the 80's I skippered a 158-foot motor yacht with a 10 1/2-foot draft in the Bahamas for two seasons. I would have paid a month's salary
for your books!"

A SATISFIED CUSTOMER

"Just bought Explorer Chartbooks - Great! I love them.
I have never seen a more complete set of "stuff"
for new cruisers anywhere."

A SATISFIED CUSTOMER

bottom of page