Bahamas Yacht Charter Guide
The Bahamas is a land awash with beauty and intrigue. From the cavalier pirates of old who made the numerous cays their ultimate hideout to the multi-colored marine life that thrives in the shallows today, the 700 islands are rich in history and beauty. Swim underwater caves, drop anchor in quiet bays and catch the Gulf Stream winds for a sailing vacation of a lifetime. Whether resting on the plethora of beaches or exploring deep into the verdant vegetation, each island offers numerous treasures that come alive when discovered on a yacht charter.
The Bahamas islands have lured and captivated seafarers for centuries, enchanting both settlers and traders alike. Explorer Christopher Columbus landed on San Salvador in 1492 and declared this place to be a ‘baja mar’ or ‘shallow sea’ – and hence The Bahamas gained its name. This area is famed for attracting the boisterous pirates of centuries past, making use of its countless quiet hideouts and its eponymous shallow waters for burying stolen loot.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack made use of The Bahamas’ busy shipping lanes to their swashbuckling ends, commandeering and looting merchant ships. Today, the buccaneers are all gone but there remains a distinctly Bahamian sense of escapism and adventure on these isles – and doubtless plenty of unearthed treasure.
The archipelago of the Bahamas is formed from coral, creating 700 islands and cays that contain incredible reefs. Nassau is its best-known port, and having lured pirates for centuries it now attracts charter yachts as an ideal place to begin or end a charter vacation. This high-energy port is a center for international traders, alive with bartering, excited shoppers, and the occasional celebrity trying to blend into the hustle and bustle. The docks of many of the five-star marinas are an easy tender ride from the airport, meaning you can easily add on an extra few days to explore the land. Casinos, bars, and gourmet restaurants offer plenty of choices to fill your evenings, and the days can be spent in amongst the action or visiting the museums.
