The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a charter region defined hundreds of low islands and cays scattered across shallow banks, in shades of blue found almost nowhere else. Days are spent at anchor off pristine sandbars, exploring by tender and swimming from the stern, with the freedom to seek out secluded stretches of coastline and uncrowded anchorages. Much of the finest cruising lies in very shallow water, so the choice of yacht (and her draft) matters more here than in many other destinations.

Where to cruise

The Exumas

The heart of a Bahamas charter. A chain of more than 300 islands and cays stretching south-east from Nassau, with the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park forming one of its highlights. Expect sandbars revealed by the tides, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay and the extraordinary underwater scenery of Thunderball Grotto.

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Pink sand, pastel cottages and some of the finest restaurants in the islands. Harbour Island's Dunmore Town brings a little life ashore, while Eleuthera's long Atlantic beaches and the fishing settlement of Spanish Wells offer a quieter side of the Bahamas.

The Abacos

A sheltered cruising ground in the northern Bahamas, protected by a chain of barrier cays. Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana Cay combine distinctive island character with beautiful beaches, historic settlements and easy passages between anchorages.

Nassau & New Providence

The natural starting point for many charters, with the international airport, superyacht marinas and Paradise Island all close at hand. From Nassau, the northern Exumas are within easy reach, making it possible to begin exploring the islands almost immediately after stepping aboard.

A suggested week: Nassau to the Exumas

Day 1 — Nassau to Highbourne Cay

Board in Nassau and cruise across the banks to Highbourne Cay, the gateway to the northern Exumas. Spend the afternoon swimming, enjoying the yacht's water toys and watching the sun set over the shallow banks.

Day 2 — Allen's Cay & Highbourne

Visit the iguanas of Allen's Cay in the morning, then return to Highbourne for an afternoon between the beaches and turquoise water.

Day 3 — Norman's Cay & Shroud Cay

Snorkel the famous sunken aircraft off Norman's Cay before continuing to Shroud Cay. Explore its mangrove creeks by tender or paddleboard, with the changing tides revealing a network of waterways and natural pools.

Day 4 — Warderick Wells

Anchor at the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Explore the nature trails, climb to Boo Boo Hill and spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling in some of the clearest water in the chain.

Day 5 — Compass Cay

Swim with the resident nurse sharks at Compass Cay, then take the tender to Rachel's Bubble Bath, a natural tidal pool where waves spill across the rocks from the Atlantic.

Day 6 — Staniel Cay

Snorkel Thunderball Grotto around low tide, visit the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay and go ashore at Staniel Cay for an evening at the yacht club.

Day 7 — Staniel Cay

Enjoy a final morning among the beaches and sandbars before disembarking at Staniel Cay for onward travel by private charter flight to Nassau.

The route is indicative rather than fixed. Your captain will adjust the itinerary according to tides, weather conditions and your preferences.

When to go

The Bahamas can be chartered year-round. December to April is the peak season, with warm, generally dry days and steady trade winds, although passing cold fronts can occasionally bring cooler and windier spells. Christmas, New Year and the spring holidays are particularly sought-after periods and book well in advance.

May to July can bring warmer water, quieter anchorages and periods of calmer weather, although rainfall increases and the Atlantic hurricane season begins in June. From June to November, itineraries should remain flexible, with August to October typically the most active part of the hurricane season.

Stay ashore

Begin or end a charter with a villa on Harbour Island, where the pink sand beach and characterful streets of Dunmore Town provide a natural counterpoint to a week at anchor. A few days ashore either side of the yacht can also make international flight connections through Nassau more relaxed.

We can arrange the yacht, villa, transfers and itinerary together, creating one seamless journey through the islands.