Bahamas Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of those rare destinations that genuinely lives up to the dream. Spread across more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays between Florida’s south-eastern coast and the Turks & Caicos, this Atlantic archipelago offers some of the clearest water on the planet, sand that ranges from blinding white to blushing pink, and a marine world so vivid it barely needs a filter. For yacht charter guests, it is close to unbeatable: short flying times from the US East Coast, warm weather that stretches from November right through to June, and a cruising ground varied enough to fill a fortnight without repeating a single anchorage.

What makes the Bahamas particularly special for crewed charter is the sheer range of experiences packed into a compact sailing area. You can wake up at a lively marina in Nassau, lunch on a private sandbar with the swimming pigs of the Exumas, and watch the sun set from a deserted pink-sand beach on Harbour Island – all within a few days. Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape from Miami, a week-long family adventure, or a milestone celebration aboard a superyacht, the Bahamas delivers the backdrop, the variety, and the infrastructure to make it effortless. Start planning your Bahamas charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

From the cosmopolitan energy of Nassau to the untouched wilderness of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, from the colonial charm of the Abacos to the big-game fishing waters of Bimini, every corner of the Bahamas has its own character. This guide covers each region in detail, with practical advice on seasons, distances, signature experiences, and the yachts best suited to each cruising ground.

Why Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas

Proximity and Ease of Access

Nassau is roughly a 45-minute flight from Miami and under three hours from New York, making the Bahamas the most accessible Caribbean yacht charter destination for North American travellers. Direct flights arrive daily from dozens of US and Canadian cities, and private aviation hubs at Nassau, Exuma, and Marsh Harbour mean you can step off a jet and onto your yacht within the hour. For Bimini charters, the crossing from Miami takes as little as 2.5 hours by motor yacht – no flight required.

Unrivalled Water Clarity and Marine Diversity

The Bahamas sits on two vast shallow banks where the water glows in shades of turquoise, aquamarine, and electric blue that have to be seen to be believed. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, and the marine life ranges from nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays to hawksbill turtles, wild dolphins, and the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Snorkelling and diving sites are spread across every region, from the Thunderball Grotto in the Exumas to the blue holes of Andros and the coral walls off Eleuthera.

Variety of Cruising Grounds

Few charter destinations offer so many distinct experiences within such short distances. The Exumas deliver deserted cays and protected nature reserves; Nassau brings five-star dining, nightlife, and the Atlantis resort; the Abacos combine colonial loyalist villages with world-class bonefishing flats; Eleuthera and Harbour Island pair pink-sand beaches with boutique sophistication; and Bimini sits on the edge of the Gulf Stream, offering extraordinary big-game fishing and hammerhead shark encounters. Your crew can blend two or even three regions into a single charter week.

Year-Round Warm Weather

Daytime temperatures hover between 24°C and 32°C (75–90°F) throughout the year. The peak charter window runs from mid-December through April, when humidity is low, rainfall is rare, and the trade winds keep conditions comfortable. Summer brings warmer water temperatures and fewer crowds, with excellent diving visibility and often calmer seas in June and July. Even the shoulder months of November and early May can deliver superb conditions at softer pricing.

Crewed Charter Culture

The Bahamas has a deep-rooted charter tradition, and its crews are among the most experienced in the Caribbean. Your captain will know every sandbar, cut, and lee anchorage; your chef will source fresh conch and grouper from local fishermen; and your stewardess will set up beach picnics, water toy sessions, and starlit dinners without you lifting a finger. Bahamian hospitality is warm, genuine, and famously relaxed – and that spirit flows straight through to the charter experience.

Top Destinations in the Bahamas

• Nassau & Paradise Island – The capital and main charter hub, with international flights, full-service marinas (including the Atlantis Marina on Paradise Island), historic forts, the famous Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, and world-class restaurants. Most charters start or finish here, and a night in Nassau lets guests enjoy the resort scene before heading to quieter waters.
• The Exumas – A 365-cay chain stretching 200 km south-east of Nassau, famed for the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and some of the most impossibly clear water in the world. The Exumas are the single most popular Bahamas charter cruising ground, and for good reason.
• Eleuthera – A long, slender island (180 km tip to tip, only 2–3 km wide) east of Nassau, known for pink-sand beaches, the dramatic Glass Window Bridge where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, laid-back fishing villages, and surprisingly good surf at Gregory Town.
• Harbour Island – A tiny, stylish enclave off Eleuthera’s northern tip, home to the legendary three-mile Pink Sand Beach, the pastel clapboard cottages of Dunmore Town, and some of the best boutique dining in the Out Islands. A favourite among celebrities and honeymooners.
• The Abacos – A 200-km chain in the northern Bahamas, known as the ‘Boating Capital of the Bahamas’ for its protected Sea of Abaco, loyalist colonial settlements (Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay), and excellent bonefishing. The Abacos are rebuilding strongly after Hurricane Dorian (2019) and welcome charter guests with renewed energy.
• Bimini – Just 80 km east of Miami, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the US mainland and the gateway to the Gulf Stream. Legendary for big-game fishing (Hemingway spent years here), hammerhead shark encounters, and the mysterious Bimini Road underwater rock formation. Ideal for short charters or as a first stop on a longer Bahamas itinerary.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas

Peak Season: Mid-December to April

This is the gold-standard window for Bahamas charters. Daytime temperatures sit between 24°C and 28°C (75–82°F), humidity is low, and rain is infrequent. The north-east trade winds blow a steady 10–18 knots, keeping the air fresh and the seas manageable. Visibility underwater is at its best. The downside: peak season is also the busiest (and priciest) period. Christmas, New Year, Presidents’ Day, and spring break weeks sell out months in advance – book early if these dates matter to you.

Shoulder Season: May, June, and November

May and June offer warmer water (ideal for snorkelling), fewer boats, and noticeably softer charter rates. The hurricane season officially starts on 1 June, but storms in May and June are statistically very rare in the Bahamas. November marks the tail end of hurricane season and the start of the dry weather pattern; it is an underrated month with pleasant conditions and good availability. Thanksgiving week charters from Nassau are increasingly popular with American families.

Summer: July and August

Temperatures peak in the high 80s to low 90s °F, the water is bathtub-warm, and afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually short-lived. Summer is excellent for diving (calm seas in July especially), and you’ll have popular anchorages largely to yourself. Yacht rates are typically at their lowest. Keep an eye on tropical weather forecasts and ensure your charter agreement includes flexible cancellation terms.

Hurricane Season Caution: September and October

These are the highest-risk months for tropical storms in the Atlantic, and many charter yachts reposition out of the Bahamas during this period. If you do charter in September or October, expect limited yacht availability, the possibility of itinerary changes at short notice, and the need for comprehensive travel insurance with hurricane coverage.

Signature Experiences

• Swim with the Pigs at Big Major Cay – The Exumas’ most famous residents paddle out to greet your tender, posing for photos in crystal-clear shallows. Best visited early morning before the crowds arrive.
• Snorkel Thunderball Grotto – An underwater cave near Staniel Cay, made famous in two James Bond films. Shafts of sunlight pierce the interior, illuminating swirling schools of sergeant majors. Time your visit for low or slack tide for the easiest entry.
• Explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – One of the world’s first marine protected areas, covering 456 square kilometres of no-take reef, mangrove, and open water. Hike to Boo Boo Hill on Warderick Wells for 360° views, and snorkel reefs so healthy they feel like a natural aquarium.
• Walk the Pink Sand Beach of Harbour Island – Three miles of blush-pink sand created by microscopic red foraminifera shells. Best at sunrise or sunset, when the colour deepens and the beach is at its quietest.
• Cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini – A 2.5-hour motor yacht crossing from Miami deposits you in another world: turquoise flats, mangrove-lined channels, and Hemingway’s favourite fishing grounds. Spot hammerhead sharks on a guided dive at Bimini’s famous shark site between December and March.
• Private Sandbar Picnic – Your crew sets up a shaded lounge, gourmet lunch, and chilled drinks on a deserted sandbar – no other footprints, no other boats. A signature Boatcrowd experience that guests talk about long after they’ve flown home.
• Feed the Rock Iguanas at Allen’s Cay – These prehistoric-looking creatures, some nearly a metre long, waddle down to the beach to greet visitors. A gentle, family-friendly wildlife encounter at the northern tip of the Exumas.
• Deep-Sea Fishing off Bimini or Nassau – The Gulf Stream current sweeps past Bimini carrying blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Your crew can arrange a dedicated fishing charter or set trolling lines from the yacht’s stern.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – The most popular choice for Bahamas charters. These crewed vessels typically accommodate 4–8 guests in 2–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 2–4 (captain, chef, and steward/ess). Shallow drafts let them nose into tight anchorages and sandbars that larger vessels can’t reach. Many Bahamas motor yachts operate on all-inclusive pricing, bundling meals, open bar, fuel, and water toys into a single weekly rate – ideal for families and first-time charterers. Expect speeds of 18–28 knots, making island-hopping swift and efficient. Weekly rates typically start from around $30,000–$50,000 depending on season and yacht.
• Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups or those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy, and service, superyachts deliver a floating five-star experience. Accommodation for 8–12 guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas (often with jacuzzis, outdoor bars, and sun lounges), and a full arsenal of water toys from jet skis to seabobs to diving compressors. Superyacht charters in the Bahamas typically run on MYBA terms (base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance of around 30% to cover fuel, food, and dockage). Weekly rates for 100–130’ superyachts start from roughly $60,000–$120,000; the largest mega yachts command $250,000+ per week.
• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans and large sailing catamarans offer exceptional stability, generous deck space, and a shallow draft that is tailor-made for the Bahamas’ sandbanks and reef-fringed cays. Catamarans in the 55’–75’ range typically sleep 6–10 guests in spacious cabins and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for guests prone to seasickness and for families with young children. Many luxury catamarans operate all-inclusive, with rates starting from around $25,000–$45,000 per week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in the Bahamas cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season, and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 60’–80’ range start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week on an all-inclusive basis during peak season. Superyachts (100’–130’) typically start from $60,000–$120,000 per week plus expenses (the Advance Provisioning Allowance, usually around 30% of the base rate, covers fuel, food, drinks, and dockage). The largest mega yachts can reach $250,000–$500,000+ per week. Luxury catamarans (55’–75’) start from roughly $25,000–$45,000 per week all-inclusive. Summer and shoulder-season rates can be 10–25% lower. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size, and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in the Bahamas?

Absolutely. Boatcrowd’s Bahamas fleet includes a growing selection of premium power catamarans and large sailing catamarans in the 55’–75’+ range. These vessels are ideal for the Bahamas thanks to their shallow draft (allowing access to sandbars and reef-fringed cays), exceptional stability, and generous living space. Most luxury catamarans come fully crewed with a captain, chef, and steward/ess, and operate on an all-inclusive basis. They are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups who appreciate the extra beam, the lack of rolling, and the ability to anchor in shallow turquoise water right off the beach.

Can I charter a yacht in the Bahamas for a film or TV production?

Yes. The Bahamas has a long cinematic heritage – from James Bond’s Thunderball (filmed at what is now Thunderball Grotto) to Pirates of the Caribbean and numerous reality TV shows. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs, and talent. Our team will coordinate with local marine authorities for filming permits, drone permissions, and logistical support. Nassau and the Exumas are the most popular filming locations, offering both dramatic seascapes and sheltered anchorages for controlled shoots.

Is the Bahamas a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon, or milestone birthday?

The Bahamas is one of the most romantic charter destinations in the world, and a crewed yacht takes celebrations to another level entirely. Your crew can orchestrate every detail – from a sunset proposal on a deserted sandbar (complete with champagne and a photographer arriving by tender) to a honeymoon itinerary with couples’ massages on deck, private beach dinners, and rose-petal turndowns. Milestone birthdays and anniversaries are equally well catered for, with themed parties, personalised menus, and surprise excursions arranged in advance. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are one of the most popular booking types in the Bahamas. Yachts and catamarans are available in configurations that sleep 8–12+ guests, with flexible cabin layouts to suit grandparents, parents, and children. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get age-appropriate snorkelling instruction, treasure hunts on deserted islands, and kid-friendly menus, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, comfortable sun lounges, and attentive service. The Bahamas’ calm, warm, shallow waters are among the safest and most family-friendly cruising grounds in the Caribbean.

Can I combine multiple Bahamas regions in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering here. A popular one-week route combines Nassau, the northern Exumas, and Eleuthera/Harbour Island. On a 10-day or two-week charter, you could add the Abacos or even include Bimini. Distances between regions are manageable by motor yacht – Nassau to the northern Exumas is roughly 55 km (a 2–3 hour cruise), and Nassau to Eleuthera is about 80 km. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will help design a multi-region itinerary that makes the most of your time without excessive travel days.

What should I pack for a Bahamas yacht charter?

Keep it light. Soft-sided bags are essential (hard suitcases don’t fit in yacht cabin storage). Bring reef-safe sun cream (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, polarised sunglasses, and lightweight layers for cooler winter evenings. Swimwear, cover-ups, and rubber-soled deck shoes or flip-flops will cover most of your days. If you plan to dine ashore at places like Harbour Island’s Rock House or Nassau’s Graycliff, pack one smart-casual outfit. Your yacht will supply snorkelling gear, towels, and toiletries.