Nassau Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Yacht Routes
Nassau is the natural launchpad for Bahamas charters, and the itineraries below are built for guests who want to use the capital as their base while exploring the surrounding islands. Day charter routes cover single-day outings, while the multi-day itineraries head further afield. The 3-day and 4-day routes cover different ground and can be combined into a seamless 7-day voyage.
Day Charter Routes from Nassau
Rose Island Beach Day
Depart Nassau mid-morning for the 20-minute cruise to Rose Island. Anchor in the western cove, snorkel the shallow reef (look for green turtles and spotted rays), and settle into a beach picnic prepared by your crew. Spend the afternoon paddleboarding, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. Return to Nassau for a sunset approach past the Atlantis resort. Duration: 6–8 hours.
Turtle Encounter at Sandy Cay and Green Cay
Head south-west from Nassau to Sandy Cay and Green Cay, two small islets surrounded by seagrass beds that support dozens of resident green sea turtles. Snorkel among the turtles in waist-deep water (they are remarkably relaxed around swimmers), then relocate to a nearby sandbar for a private lunch. Duration: 6–7 hours.
Athol Island Reef and Sculpture Garden
A 10-minute cruise from Nassau Harbour brings you to the waters off Athol Island, where an underwater sculpture installation sits among natural patch reefs. Combine the sculpture snorkel with a drift over the adjacent coral heads, then continue east to Rose Island’s quieter eastern beaches for an afternoon swim. Ideal for families. Duration: 5–7 hours.
3-Day Nassau Yacht Charter Itinerary: Northern Exumas Sprint
Day 1: Nassau to Highbourne Cay
Embark at Nassau’s marina by mid-morning. Cruise south-east to Highbourne Cay (55 km, roughly 2.5 hours). Drop anchor and snorkel Horseshoe Reef, then tender to Allen’s Cay to meet the Bahamian rock iguanas. Sunset dinner on the aft deck.
Day 2: Swimming Pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and Staniel Cay
Head south through the Exuma chain to Big Major Cay for the swimming pigs, then Thunderball Grotto for a magical cave snorkel at slack tide. Lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Afternoon: Compass Cay nurse sharks and Rachel’s Bubble Bath. Overnight near Staniel Cay with a beach bonfire dinner.
Day 3: Norman’s Cay and Return to Nassau
Cruise north to Norman’s Cay for the sunken plane wreck snorkel and Twinkie Beach. Farewell lunch on board as you begin the return to Nassau, with an optional stop at Rose Island. Arrive back by late afternoon.
4-Day Nassau Yacht Charter Itinerary: Eleuthera and Harbour Island Loop
Day 1: Nassau to Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera
Cruise east across the Tongue of the Ocean to Eleuthera (80 km, approximately 3 hours). Anchor at Governor’s Harbour and spend the afternoon on the pale-pink sand of French Leave Beach. Optional: drift-snorkel through Current Cut if tidal conditions are favourable. Dinner on board featuring fresh catch from local fishermen.
Day 2: Glass Window Bridge and Gregory Town
Cruise north along Eleuthera’s Caribbean coast. Stop ashore at the Glass Window Bridge for the iconic Atlantic-vs-Caribbean photo. Continue to Gregory Town for a hike to the bluff-top lookout and a snorkel off the Current. Evening: reposition toward Harbour Island.
Day 3: Harbour Island
Full day at Harbour Island. Stroll Dunmore Town’s pastel lanes, browse boutiques and galleries, and walk the three-mile Pink Sand Beach. Lunch at Sip Sip (lobster quesadillas with ocean views). Afternoon: horseback riding, spa, or swimming. Dinner ashore at The Landing or Rock House.
Day 4: Spanish Wells and Return to Nassau
Short cruise to Spanish Wells for a stroll through the tidy fishing town and a fresh-off-the-boat lobster purchase. Depart mid-morning for Nassau (80 km, 2.5–3 hours), with an en-route snorkel stop if conditions allow. Arrive Nassau mid-afternoon.
