Bahamas Yacht Charter Guide

Have you been daydreaming about a luxury yacht charter adventure in the Bahamas?

Visiting The Bahamas is an awe-inspiring experience that provides spectacular scenery to explore and an exciting atmosphere. The 700 islands have a storied past, from the notorious pirates who sought refuge there to the diverse aquatic life that now dwell in the shallow waters. Explore underwater caves while swimming, anchor in peaceful bays, and take advantage of the Gulf Stream winds for a memorable sailing adventure. 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.

For centuries, the enchanting and captivating islands of the Bahamas have been a destination for 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.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack used the bustling maritime routes of The Bahamas to carry out their plundering and pillaging of 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 Bahamas comprise of 700 islands and coral cays in a stunning archipelago, which stands out for its breathtaking reefs. Nassau's port is well-known as a place that had been luring pirates for centuries. Nowadays, it is a popular spot for beginning or ending a charter vacation, drawing in numerous yacht charters.

This port is a hive of international activity, with merchants engaging in trade and shoppers looking for deals, as well as the occasional celebrity trying to blend in with the hustle and bustle. The docks of many of the 5-star marinas are a short journey from the airport by tender, providing an opportunity to extend your stay and explore the area.. 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.

Explore Exuma

If you want to take it easy during your charter, escape from the hustle and bustle of Nassau and travel south to the peaceful Exumas.

These 365 cays are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere, and many celebrities own properties here to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. The shallow waters exclude large cruise ships, so your charter yacht holiday will take you to a place where the pristine beaches are free from the tourist crowds. Crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and watch out for the locals that may choose to join you – the swimming pigs. The origin of the 'domestic' pigs on Major Cay is unclear, but when boats come to the island, the pigs can be seen swimming out to greet them.

Explore Abaco

Reef-and-key sheltered waters on The Sea of Abaco give travelers over one hundred miles of calm cruising in relatively shallow seas, and Great Abaco Island is found at its center with its clutch of striking colonial towns. Inland there is much to discover, from historical plantation houses to rum distilleries. The Exumas archipelago is a shallow cruising ground, ideal for a private yacht charter as its depths allow for private yachts but exclude cruise ships. The atmosphere here is calm, and charter yachts can easily find secluded white beaches that can be enjoyed in full privacy. The clear turquoise waters are beautiful for sailing, enjoying water sports, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Its reefs are full of fish, including parrotfish and angelfish, which you can often spot without a mask.

Explore Thunderball Grotto

Be sure to check out Thunderball Grotto – the place where the James Bond movie of the same name was shot. Here, you have the chance to relive the scenes and swim through the cave which was 007's shelter until he was rescued by air.

The waters here are teeming with colorful parrotfish and angelfish, which can often be spotted from above the water - it is that clear! Exploring the reef while snorkeling, you may find stromatolites – the oldest macro-fossils on earth, which contain evidence of biological life that is thousands of years old.

Εxplore the Lucayan National Park

Another must-see is the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island and just 25 miles from Freeport: the largest unchartered system of caves in the world and the only place in which you can see all six of the islands’ ecosystems in one place. North of Nassau you can take your charter yacht to the Abacos. You will encounter delightful villages such as Hope Town, with its picturesque red and white striped lighthouse, providing a stunning contrast to the sparkling blue waters of the sea.

This town, with its small international airport, could be the perfect spot to conclude your cruise to the Bahamas. The only way to truly appreciate the Bahamas is to charter a luxury yacht and experience the islands from the exquisite perspective of the ocean.