Sailing Route Guide

Sailing from Elbow Cay to Gillam Bay Beach: Distance & Time

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

Route Details

Direct Distance

23.2 NM

43.0 kilometers

Initial Bearing

307° NW

heading from Elbow Cay

Estimated Passage Time

4h 39m

at 5 knots

3h 52m

at 6 knots

3h 19m

at 7 knots

About This Route

Both destinations are part of the Abaco Islands in The Bahamas. This passage connects Elbow Cay, known for its a car-free island paradise crowned by one of the world's last hand-cranked kerosene lighthouses., with Gillam Bay Beach, where you can experience a sweeping crescent of white sand ideal for sunrise walks, shelling, and low-tide wading on green turtle cay.. 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 Elbow Cay from Gillam Bay Beach by boat?
The direct sailing distance from Elbow Cay to Gillam Bay Beach is approximately 23.2 nautical miles (43.0 kilometers). Actual routes following marked channels may be slightly longer.
How long does it take to sail from Elbow Cay to Gillam Bay Beach?
At typical cruising catamaran speeds: 4h 39m at 5 knots, 3h 52m at 6 knots, or 3h 19m at 7 knots. Conditions, wind, and sea state will affect actual passage times.
What is the heading from Elbow Cay to Gillam Bay Beach?
The initial bearing from Elbow Cay to Gillam Bay Beach is approximately 307° (NW). Always use proper charts and navigation equipment when sailing.