Dave,
Yes, the "Don't Rock Passage" is an alternative to rounding "The Whale" when cruising through the Abacos for shallow-draft vessels. While it avoids a two or three mile stretch of open sea, Don't Rock Passage has its own set of potential hazards with shallow water, a shifting bottom and breaking waves under certain conditions. Like much of the Bahamas, there are no aids to navigation such as piles or buoys. The transit is discussed extensively in the local cruising guides. It can work under certain conditions, and we had seen two local boats use this passage from the distance during the previous day.
In spite of the fact that using Don't Rock Passage would have shortened our return trip by half an hour, we chose to round The Whale instead in four-foot, six-second swells. In my opinion, the risk (running aground in an area where finding a tow and/or repairs would be difficult) did not justify the reward (a half-hour shorter trip in potentially flatter seas). I may have chosen differently if I could have closely followed a boat with recent local knowledge, and it had been at least half-way up on a rising tide. Before deciding what is right for you, I suggest that you study the most recent cruising guides, tide tables and the conditions at the time of your passage.
Rich
