Dock and Dine: Restaurants to Visit Via Boat in the Bahamas

Sandy Allen

06 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

Photo: Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina (Facebook)

With crystal-clear water, laid-back vibes and year-round sunshine, the Islands of the Bahamas are a boater’s dream. For those who love both the sea and great food, few experiences beat docking your boat right at a Bahamian restaurant and stepping ashore for a fresh, ocean-to-table meal. From chic marinas to barefoot beach shacks, here are some of the best dock and dine spots in the Bahamas to cruise to from marinas or private boat slip rentals.

The Landing (Harbour Island)

The Landing overlooks the picturesque harbor of Dunmore Town and has an elegant yet unpretentious vibe. You can tie up nearby and stroll to this historic inn and restaurant, known for its refined Bahamian cuisine and colonial charm. Dishes like grilled lobster with plantains and conch chowder pair perfectly with the sunset over pink sands.

Chat ‘N’ Chill (Stocking Island, Exuma)

Photo: Chat 'N' Chill Bahamas (Facebook)

A boater’s legend, Chat ‘N’ Chill is accessible only by boat (and that’s part of the magic). Drop anchor off Stocking Island and wade ashore for conch salad made fresh on the beach, cold Kalik beer and Sunday pig roasts that draw locals and cruisers. It’s as authentically Bahamian as it gets.

Banana Bay Restaurant (Grand Bahama Island)

Photo: Visit Grand Bahama Island (Facebook)

Located near Fortune Beach in Freeport, Banana Bay welcomes visitors arriving by small boat or jet ski. This breezy open-air spot offers gorgeous views of turquoise shallows and a laid-back menu of grilled snapper, cracked conch and tropical cocktails. It’s the perfect pause between island hops and returning to your marina or private boat lift for rent.

MacDuff’s Restaurant (Norman’s Cay, Exumas)

Photo: MacDuff's - Norman's Cay Beach Club (Facebook)

Once a notorious smuggler’s hideout, Norman’s Cay is now a peaceful paradise — and MacDuff’s Restaurant is its crown jewel. Dock at the cay’s marina and stroll to this rustic-chic beach bar for conch fritters, island burgers and rum drinks under the palms. The view of the lagoon is pure Bahamian bliss.

Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina (Abaco)

Photo: Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina (Facebook)

This long-loved marina and restaurant in the Abacos is a quintessential dock and dine destination to visit from private boat dock rentals. The Green Turtle Club serves up seafood platters, Bahamian stew, fish and cocktails at the legendary Dollar Bar. Boaters often linger here for days, savoring both the cuisine and the camaraderie.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club (Exumas)

Photo: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (Facebook)

Perhaps the most famous dock and dine spot in the Bahamas, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a must-stop for boaters cruising the Exumas. You can dock right in front and enjoy gourmet dinners featuring lobster, grouper and tender steak from several restaurants, including Sea Level, Captain’s Lounge, The Deck and The Bar. Don’t miss feeding the local nurse sharks that hang out by the docks!

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