Sailing Route Guide

Sailing from Cherokee Sound to Elbow Cay: Distance & Time

Plan your passage between these two popular Abacos destinations with accurate distance and timing estimates.

Route Details

Direct Distance

15.3 NM

28.4 kilometers

Initial Bearing

17° N

heading from Cherokee Sound

Estimated Passage Time

3h 4m

at 5 knots

2h 33m

at 6 knots

2h 11m

at 7 knots

About This Route

Both destinations are part of the Abaco Islands in The Bahamas. This passage connects Cherokee Sound, known for its a loyalist fishing village where world-class bonefish flats meet centuries of maritime heritage in one of abaco's oldest settlements., with Elbow Cay, where you can experience a car-free island paradise crowned by one of the world's last hand-cranked kerosene lighthouses.. The Sea of Abaco provides protected waters for most of this route, making it a comfortable sail in typical conditions.

Important: Distances are approximate direct (straight-line) measurements for trip-planning only. Actual sailing routes follow channels and marked passages and will be longer. Do not use for navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Cherokee Sound from Elbow Cay by boat?
The direct sailing distance from Cherokee Sound to Elbow Cay is approximately 15.3 nautical miles (28.4 kilometers). Actual routes following marked channels may be slightly longer.
How long does it take to sail from Cherokee Sound to Elbow Cay?
At typical cruising catamaran speeds: 3h 4m at 5 knots, 2h 33m at 6 knots, or 2h 11m at 7 knots. Conditions, wind, and sea state will affect actual passage times.
What is the heading from Cherokee Sound to Elbow Cay?
The initial bearing from Cherokee Sound to Elbow Cay is approximately 17° (N). Always use proper charts and navigation equipment when sailing.