Mom & Pop Maps That Became Essential for Bahamas Exploration Peter Swanson Oct 08, 2025 30th Anniversary Editions, Fall 2025 The mom-and-pop operation that gave Bahamas cruisers “Explorer” chartbooks is celebrating its 30th year in business. Monty and Sara Lewis have cruised the island nation since 1984, and, from the beginning, they wanted to see what was beyond the overpopulated harbor at George Town. She was a technical writing teacher at a community college. He was a sergeant in the Maryland State Police with a captains license. As incredible as it may seem today, this pair of nautical tourists set out to map routes, anchorages and entrances before the existence of GPS. According to their official history, “they sat down with local fishermen and salty cruising sailors, tracing vague routes on tissue paper and listening to stories of adventuresome travel to the Ragged Islands and the Bight of Acklins.” Their three primary publications are chartbooks: Near Bahamas, Exumas & Ragged Islands and Far Bahamas with Turks & Caicos. All three are now available in their recently released 12th edition. These books are famous for their reliable charts but also incorporate elements of a cruising guide with descriptions of local amenities and lists of resources. “Explorer” chartbooks have a strong competition for the most popular and easy-to-reach Bahamas regions (including those covered in Addison Chan’s “Bahamas Land & Sea” cruising guide app), but they are unique in service to the more adventurous sailors who wish to go to the most remote islands. As navigation entered its electronic age at the beginning of the millenium, “Explorer Charts” were able to stay relevant through strategic partnerships. The Lewises first venture into electronic charting began in 2003 with Nobeltec, a division of Jeppesen. Now their data is incorporated into the electronic charts sold by B&G, Furuno, Lowrance, Navico, Raymarine, Simrad, Standard Horizon, Aquamap, C-Map, iNavX, OpenCPN and TZi Boat. In other words, they went from sketching on tissue paper to an honest-to-goodness business. Sara Lewis said this came about mostly by accident: Making money was never a thought as we began. There seemed to be a need and we could fill a special niche. It turned out to be another “hidden gift” that we could claim it as a business. Our first retirement venture was taking charter guests out for a sail on our 34-foot Carter Vivacious at our home port of Ocean City, Maryland. Being able to claim boat expenses as a business was a bonus we hadn’t even planned on, so it sort of allowed us a cruising kitty that we hadn’t planned on. We had no idea it would grow and sustain us for 30 years! And even now, provide a legacy for family to take over. Sara and Monty Lewis LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

If you would like to learn more about the Bahamas Children’s Hostel and their mission, please visit their website at: www.bceh242.org

Starting on August 1, all dogs entering the U.S. (including those that left the U.S. and are returning, and regardless of the country they are coming from) must be: • healthy upon arrival • at least 6 months of age • microchipped • accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and required vaccination and veterinary documents. Additional requirements may apply depending on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and whether or not the dog was vaccinated in the United States. Use CDC’s Q&A tool (the CDC “DogBot”) to determine what rules apply to your dog: https://bit.ly/2rww2bq *Note: The Bahamas is NOT on the list high-risk for dog rabies list.

Explorer Chartbook updates are available online for the current publications. Near Bahamas, 11th edition (October 2023) Exumas and Ragged Islands, 11th edition (October 2023) Far Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, 9th edition (October 2023)

Press Release Effective From Feb 13th, 2024 (Until Further Notice)   The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park was designated in 2002 and is managed by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT). The BNT is a Bahamian non-profit organization mandated by law to conserve and protect the national parks of The Bahamas. The western boundary of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park runs from the Cottage on Great Exuma just west of Crab Cay, approximately 3.5 nautical miles into Exuma Sound. The park’s Eastern boundary runs from Forbes Hill Beach just east of Pigeon Cay, approximately three (3) nautical miles to sea. A map of the park boundaries can be found on the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park webpage. While you are within the boundaries of this beautiful park, please enjoy yourself, but do obey the park rules and regulations. The BNT is in the process of zoning the park for specified uses. Until further notice, the following rules and regulations apply to all areas within the park. • No extractive fishing of any kind is allowed, including spearfishing, netting, trapping and hook and line. • For the safety of people and wildlife, the shallow water flats, mangrove creeks of Moriah Harbour Cay and Man O War Cay, and the reefs and sandbanks between Stocking Island and Fowl Cay are no wake zones. Vessels should operate in these areas at no more than 3 knots at all times. • While ashore, dogs should be kept on a leash no longer than 6 ft, including the Eastern end of Stocking Island, Fowl Cay, Moriah Harbour Cay, Red Shank Cay, Pigeon Cay, and the Man O War Cay Sand Bar. This is to protect vulnerable bird and reptile species. • Music should not be played loudly to avoid disturbing others and wildlife. • All Bahamian laws apply within the park boundaries, including fisheries regulations, seasons, and environmental health regulations, which prohibit the discharge of pollutants. • There are currently no designated anchorages in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. Vessels equipped as liveaboards are asked to immediately move from within the park boundaries with the following exception. Until park rules and zoning are finalized, temporary anchorage (up to 72 hours) is allowed in the Master Harbour area and south of the Man O Cay Sand Bar north of Rolle Town. • Please use good judgment to avoid obstruction or interference with other vessels in high-traffic areas. Holding tank use is mandatory within the park’s boundaries. • Small vessels are allowed to access and anchor on sandy shorelines. • The Bahamas National Trust appreciates your support as we work to protect the seagrass, coral reefs, and other sensitive habitats within Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. The park does have amenities for visitors to use. • Help us protect fragile reefs and seagrass using the yellow buoys provided at snorkelling sites or carefully anchoring in the sand. Hiking trails, Basil’s Classroom, and cabanas on Stocking Island and Fowl Cay are free for you to use at your own risk. • Garbage should be disposed of properly. Your assistance with litter and debris collection is greatly appreciated. Please respect wildlife by leaving animals and plants in their habitat. Please report any sightings of persons violating park regulations or conducting illegal activities by contacting our park office at 242-822-8688 by phone or WhatsApp between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm or The Bahamas National Trust Enforcement Hotline at 242-396-0188 after 5pm.  To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, conserving wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website:www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Your visit, membership, or donation can make a substantial difference in preserving the natural beauty of The Bahamas for future generations. ### For inquiries about The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park email the Park Office at mhcnp@bnt.bs or via phone or Whatsapp at 242-822-8688 between the hours of 9am-5pm.   About the BNT: The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of The Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged with such a responsibility, the BNT works daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas through science, stewardship and education for present and future generations. There are currently 33 National Parks managed by the BNT with more than 2 million acres of marine and terrestrial areas protected.    Editor’s Note: Moorings: The moorings are currently reservation-only and may be reserved online https://bnt.bs/mhcnpmoorings/   DAILY MOORINGS FEES (Including 10% VAT) Up to 39’ — $30 40-49' — $40 50-59’ — $50 60’ is the maximum length allowed on the moorings. Pumpout: Currently, the Programme Coordinator is asking all vessels to use their holding tanks while in the park boundary whether in the mooring field or in temporary designated anchorage areas. The Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership is working with local authorities and businesses to restore pumpout operations and proper waste treatment facilities to Elizabeth Harbour.

For many cruisers, the short hop from south Florida to Bimini is the fastest way across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas. If you've followed that magenta line more than once, you know that the entrance into North Bimini is always changing with shifting sands. In fact, one of the old buoys is now firmly planted and partially submerged on the shoal. Don't go by that one! Over the years, we have made many changes to the Bimini Chart BIM 3 (See Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas 11th Edition, p. 54). It’s important to check the edition of your chartbook to be certain that you are using the latest data.   We recently had an Explorer Chartbook user kindly send us his actual printed route into North Bimini from his GPS. He met some shallow water. It showed that he used a different path from the one in his current chartbook. When we asked about the chartbook edition he was going by, he was dismayed to find it was an 8th edition while the newest version is the 11th. Clearly, the route from the older edition had been changed about three times and he was using outdated information, which put him very close to the shoal.   The chart below shows the best route starting at the South Bimini Waypoint and lining up with the range markers on South Bimini. The range is still standing; however, the  range lights are probably not working. Go in close to shore, and follow the shoreline into Alice Town, North Bimini. This is the deepest route and it carries 7-8 feet (2.3 meters).   The alternate route is the northern one into North Bimini from the Bimini Waypoint. The controlling depth is 6.8 feet (1.8 meters). Shoaling is continuous near the entrance to this route.   It is best to arrive in daylight so that you can see the bottom on your way in. It is not recommended that you navigate this route in the dark unless you have been there before and have a good breadcrumb trail.

FACILITIES CLOSED   (Make a note in your chartbook.)  Salt Pond Fox Gift Shop (now KC Wine & Spirits 338-0015)   Simms BTC office   Grays HARDWARE: Archies Supply RESTAURANTS: Midway Inn Restaurant (damaged by Hurricane Joaquin)   Deadmans Cay HARDWARE: A&M Electric MEDICAL SERVICES: Pharmacy   Buckleys BANKS: Scotia Bank closed (ATM only)   Hamiltons FUEL: Treco’s Gas Station

NEW FACILITIES   Burnt Ground LAUNDRY: at Alfred’s Gas Station   Stella Maris FLIGHTS:  Makers Air 954-771-0330 from Ft. Lauderdale and back Thursdays and Sundays   RESTAURANTS: Ducky’s Restaurant, Liquors, and Tackle Shop 338-2035   Deals GROCERIES: Island Convenience Store 338-8111 (moved from next to Greenleaf Restaurant) Dinghy in to Deals Beach.   Millers HARDWARE: Alex Building Supply   Salt Pond LAUNDRY: Long Island Harbour Club (call 801-2671 for availability)   LODGING: Long Island Harbour Club 801-2671   RESTAURANTS: Long Island Harbour Club and Vantage Point Restaurant. Also, Sunday brunch at Long Island Harbour Club. Vantage Point Restaurant, Salt Pond Long Island Harbour Club, Salt Pond The Bight SHOPS: Long Island Trading 337-7222 (next to Letta’s Restaurant) also offers Concierge Service   Deadmans Cay MEDICAL SERVICES: Bonaventure Clinic 822-2932 (private clinic)    Gordons RESTAURANT: Gordon’s Beach Bar, 472-1537 Gordons, Long Island (southern tip of island).   It is worth the drive down to the south end of Long Island for the food, the view, the beachside accommodations, and a cool dip in the turquoise waters. The open-air beach bar features favorite Bahamian dishes and a full bar, plus comfortable beach furniture for outdoor dining. Gordon’s Beach Gordon’s Beach Bar & Grill PUBLIC REST ROOMS: The government has built several new public rest rooms up and down the length of the island. They are not always convenient to either the Queen’s Highway or to a dinghy dock, but if you are traveling by car and need a rest, here’s where they are located. We found only one locked—at the Simms government dock. They were clean and well supplied.   Seymours on Queen’s Highway near Sunset Restaurant Glintons off Queen’s Highway west to jetty near Eagle’s Nest Burnt Ground at landing Simms government dock Salt Pond government dock Deadman’s Cay Junkey Landing Road and Jerry Wells Road McKinnons Clarence Town government dock Gordons beach   TRANSPORTATION:  Sheeprunners 472-1030 fast passenger ferry between Salt Pond, Long Island, and George Town, Exuma. This new route adds some choices for those who want to make a day trip from Long Island to Exuma; also for those flying in to George Town International Airport to get to Long Island on the same day.   Current schedule: Friday and Monday departs Salt Pond government dock at 7:30 a.m. and arrives George Town government dock at 10:00 a.m. Departs George Town 3:30 p.m. and arrives Salt Pond at 5:00 p.m. In case of rough weather, the Sheeprunner may land passengers at the Exuma community of The Ferry, a taxi ride to George Town. Call for information on additional trips. Phone: 242-472-1030 Email: generalmanager@longislandharbourclub.com(mailto:generalmanager@longislandharbourclub.com) Vantage Point Restaurant, Salt Pond