The Bahamas combine shallow, turquoise banks, steady trade winds, and short hops between protected anchorages—conditions that make a Bahamas yacht charter straightforward to plan and rewarding to sail. Whether you prefer a family-friendly multihull, a classic monohull, or a quick power cat, island groups such as the Exumas and the Abacos offer clear water, plentiful beaches, and simple day runs that suit both first-time skippers and seasoned crews.

Introduction to Bahamas Yacht Charter

The Bahamas stands out as a premier destination for luxury yacht charters, captivating travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty, storied history, and vibrant island culture. With more than 700 islands and cays scattered across crystal-clear turquoise waters, a Bahamas yacht charter opens up a world of possibilities for yacht charter guests seeking both adventure and relaxation. Glide from one secluded white sand beach to another, discover hidden coves, and immerse yourself in the laid-back rhythm of island life aboard your charter yacht. Whether you’re drawn to the lively atmosphere of Nassau or the tranquil anchorages of the Out Islands, every day brings a new horizon. For those in search of a dream getaway, a Bahamas yacht charter offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and unforgettable experiences—making it the ultimate escape for families, friends, and couples alike.

Bahamas Catamaran Charters: Space, Stability, and Shallow Draft

A catamaran rental Bahamas is the most popular way to explore these islands. Twin hulls sail flatter than monohulls, so mixed-ability crews can move around safely while underway. Broad decks and a wide salon make life at anchor comfortable, and the shallow draft lets you tuck into sandy shelves close to shore—ideal for swim stops, paddleboards, and dinghy trips to the beach. Private yachts, including catamarans, are ideal for those seeking privacy and exclusive access to the islands.

Catamarans are especially practical on Exuma routes where many anchorages are open to the prevailing breeze but lie behind reef protection. The extra deck space also makes it easier to manage snorkel gear and water toys between frequent short passages.

Bareboat Charter Bahamas: Skipper It Yourself (or Add a Captain)

If you want full control of your itinerary, a bareboat charter Bahamas gives you the yacht without crew; your skipper handles sailing, anchoring, and safety. The archipelago’s day-sailing distances and line-of-sight navigation help new skippers build confidence quickly. Yacht charterers can customize their itinerary and enjoy a personalized adventure, tailoring each day to their preferences. If you’d rather hand over the helm, add a professional skipper to most listings at checkout while keeping the trip private to your group.

What to expect on a bareboat charter

• A short chart and systems briefing at the base.

• A refundable security deposit and a clear list of what’s included (dinghy/outboard, basic safety kit) and what’s paid locally (fuel, national park moorings, marina nights).

• Limited public moorings outside park areas; most nights are at anchor in sand with good scope.

Inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, note that it’s a designated no-take marine reserve with its own rules and a network of park moorings; treat it as a place to drift, watch wildlife, and leave only bubbles - a highlight on any bareboat catamaran charter Bahamas route.

Power Yacht Charter Bahamas: Range and Flexibility

A power yacht charter Bahamas (including power catamarans) suits crews who want to cover more ground on a tight schedule or who prefer predictable travel times regardless of wind. You can day-hop quickly between Nassau/Paradise Island and the northern Exumas, or use Great Exuma as a base to reach the central cays without long sails. Expect higher fuel costs than sail, offset by the ability to visit more anchorages in a week.

Sailboat Rental Bahamas: Classic Feel and Keen Upwind Ability

A sailboat rental Bahamas (monohull) delivers an engaging sailing experience and typically sharper upwind angles than multihulls. Cabins are cozier and the boat will heel under sail—part of the appeal for many sailors. If your group prefers to sail most of the day and you’re comfortable anchoring, a monohull is a satisfying, budget-friendly option.

Planning Your Charter

Embarking on a Bahamas yacht charter begins with thoughtful planning to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. The ideal time to set sail is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is warm, sunny, and the seas are calm—perfect conditions for exploring the islands. Most yacht charters require a minimum charter duration of seven days, giving you ample time to enjoy the highlights of the region, though longer itineraries can be tailored for those who wish to explore further afield.

Choosing the right yacht is a key part of the planning process. Motor yachts offer speed and comfort for those eager to cover more ground, while sailing yachts provide a classic, hands-on experience for enthusiasts. Catamarans are a popular choice for their stability and spaciousness, especially for families or larger groups. To find the perfect fit, it’s wise to consult with an experienced charter broker who can match your preferences and group size to the ideal vessel.

When budgeting for your trip, consider the full charter fee, which typically includes the base charter rate, an advance provisioning allowance (APA) to cover food, beverages, and fuel, and any applicable taxes such as the yacht charter tax. Understanding these components upfront helps you plan with confidence and avoid surprises, ensuring your focus stays on enjoying every moment of your Bahamas adventure.

Bahamas Yacht Charter Itineraries: Exumas and Abacos

Yacht Charter Exumas: Nassau–Highbourne–Staniel–Warderick Wells

Start: Nassau/Paradise Island – Many crews begin at Paradise Island or nearby marinas on New Providence Island, making a 35–45 nm first leg to the northern Exumas. Atlantis Marina on Paradise Island is a deep-water harbor with 60+ slips, a 12-ft approach channel, and a protected harbor—useful for larger yachts or for a relaxed first night dockside. This area is easily accessible via international airport and is a prime starting point for exploring the islands by yacht in the Bahamas, with a wide variety of charter yachts available.

Highbourne Cay – Gateway to the Exumas with Highbourne Cay Marina, a sheltered marina offering provisions, fuel, and a protected harbor; a reliable first stop for weather and timing checks. Secluded beaches are easily accessible by yacht, making it a favorite among charter yachts.

Norman Cay – Drift over the famous plane wreck, snorkel patch reefs, and pick a sand-bottom anchorage with protection from the trades. (Always use lookouts over the banks in good light to read water color around coral heads.) The area features several secluded beaches and is known for excellent dive sites, where you can scuba dive and encounter sea turtles and tropical fish.

Warderick Wells & the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park – Pick up a park mooring, explore marked trails and snorkel zones, and observe a strict no-take policy that protects marine life. The park is home to vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles, making it a top destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring renowned dive sites.

Staniel Cay & Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) – Provision and fuel at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, then dinghy to see the world-famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Conditions vary; go early for calmer water and fewer boats. The anchorages here offer access to secluded beaches and more opportunities to spot sea turtles and tropical fish while snorkeling or diving.

Cave Cay / Compass Cay – Quiet anchorages, clear-water channels, and a choice of marinas further south (check depths and currents, especially on spring tides). These stops are ideal for enjoying secluded beaches and exploring additional dive sites.

Return leg – Stage at Highbourne again for a weather window back to Nassau.

The Exumas are free from large cruise ships, ensuring a more exclusive and tranquil charter experience. This itinerary delivers amazing sailing experiences, allowing you to enjoy the best of Bahamas chartering, from secluded beaches to vibrant marine life. Whether you choose a motor yacht, sailing yacht, or catamaran, your charter experience will be filled with unforgettable moments as you explore the islands by yacht in the Bahamas.

Optional marinas for staging or a weather lay-day

• Atlantis Marina (Paradise Island) – 12-ft minimum depth, 63 slips, a protected harbor, and shore-side amenities steps from the dock.

• Emerald Bay Marina (Great Exuma) – Full-service facility on Great Exuma, an official port of entry with large-yacht capacity and on-site services.

Yacht Charter Abacos: Marsh Harbour–Hope Town–Green Turtle Cay

Start: Marsh Harbour (Great Abaco) – A central launch point for the Sea of Abaco’s protected waters, with repair services and easy access to groceries and chandleries.

Hope Town (Elbow Cay) – Iconic red-and-white Elbow Reef Lighthouse watches over a well-sheltered harbor; the lighthouse is one of the last hand-wound, kerosene-lit beacons still in operation and open to visitors.

Great Guana Cay / Man-O-War – Short day hops with moorings and sand-bottom anchorages; good stops for beach walks and lunch ashore. Some marinas here feature lively beach bars, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water.

Green Turtle Cay – Choose White Sound or Black Sound and the Green Turtle Club & Marina for slips and services; New Plymouth offers groceries and low-key restaurants.

Treasure Cay & Whale Cay routes – Treasure Cay Beach is a world-renowned destination, famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Treasure Cay also boasts an outstanding golf course and a full-service golf resort, making it a top choice for golf enthusiasts. While navigating the Whale Cay route, you have the opportunity to visit deserted islands for a secluded and pristine experience. Check local guidance for whale passage conditions; in settled weather, continue the loop back toward Marsh Harbour.

Bahamas Boat Rental Locations and World-Class Marinas

• Paradise Island (Nassau) – Deep-water access and large-yacht facilities at Atlantis Marina, within walking distance of restaurants and resort amenities. Its close proximity to Nassau's international airport makes it especially convenient for international travelers and yacht owners.

• Highbourne Cay (Northern Exumas) – A naturally sheltered, protected harbor with face dock for large yachts and back-in slips; book in advance during peak weeks.

• Emerald Bay (Great Exuma) – Full-service marina tied to on-site resort facilities and an 18-hole course; convenient for crew changes or a rest day.

• Marsh Harbour (Abaco) – A practical hub for Abaco itineraries with slips, shore power, and short sails to Hope Town and Man-O-War.

• Green Turtle Cay (Abaco) – A compact, well-equipped marina scene around White Sound and Black Sound, with straightforward access to town.

Sailing Season, Trade Winds, and Hurricane Season in the Bahamas

Winds are predominantly easterly trades. Winter months bring consistent breezes and lower humidity; spring and early summer are often calmer and warmer. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1–November 30; during this period, monitor forecasts closely and keep itineraries flexible, especially for exposed crossings.

Costs, Yacht Charter Tax, and What’s Included

Pricing on yacht rental Bahamas varies by season, boat size, and build year. Expect:

• Base charter fee – The weekly or daily price for the yacht.

• VAT and local taxes – The Bahamas currently apply 10% VAT on charter fees; many charters also account for an additional 4% port/charter fee. Always confirm the applicable taxes for your booking, as policies can change.

• Port fees – Port fees are typically covered by the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and should be factored into your overall budget.

• Security deposit – Refundable, with optional damage-waiver products on some boats.

• Fuel, water, and ice – Paid as used; power cats consume more than sailing yachts.

• Moorings and park fees – Day-use moorings at Exuma Park sites and selected bays; overnight marina stays priced per foot at market rates.

• Optional skipper – Add a professional captain to any private charter if no one in your group wants to helm.

• All-inclusive or APA? – Fully crewed all-inclusive yacht charters Bahamas use a fixed per-person or per-week model; other crewed options operate with an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) to cover food, beverages, fuel, port fees, and incidentals. On Boataround, most listings focus on bareboat and skippered formats; check each boat’s “What’s included” section before booking.

Minimum charter duration is commonly 5–7 nights in peak season; short Bahamas boat rental day charters exist around Nassau/Paradise Island and select hubs.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Marine Life Highlights

• Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park – No-take marine reserve with moorings, trails, and exceptional water clarity. The reefs here are teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and follow park rules.

• Norman Cay – The famous plane wreck in shallow water is a signature snorkel stop in the northern Exumas, and one of several unique dive sites where you can scuba dive among vibrant marine life.

• Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) – Home of the world-famous swimming pigs near Staniel Cay; plan a morning visit for calmer water and fewer tenders.

• Abaco Reefs & Cays – Patch reefs in the Sea of Abaco offer easy snorkeling close to anchorages; Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay are good bases for short dinghy hops. These areas are also known for excellent dive sites, where you can encounter tropical fish and sea turtles.

Power vs Sail vs Catamaran: Matching Boat Type to Your Crew

• Power yachts / power cats Bahamas – Best for covering distance quickly and maximizing time ashore; higher fuel cost, but flexible scheduling.

• Sailing yachts Bahamas – Classic feel, livelier helm, and generally lower charter rates; more heel under sail and less interior volume per foot.

• Catamarans Bahamas – Most popular for families and groups: stable, spacious, shallow draft, and easy swim access; higher base rates and marina fees than comparable monohulls.

If comfort at anchor and easy beach access rank highest, Bahamas catamaran charters are the safe bet. If your group is smaller and keen to sail, a monohull is efficient and engaging. If your plan is ambitious or time-limited, a power cat keeps the itinerary simple.

Featured Stops to Add to Your Personalized Itinerary

• Rose Island (near Nassau) – A relaxed day-trip beach stop east of Paradise Island with clear water, sand-bottom anchoring, and access to secluded white sand beaches for a peaceful escape.

• Harbour Island & Eleuthera – Pink sand beaches and boutique dining ashore; some areas offer secluded white sand beaches, making them perfect for privacy seekers. A longer leg from Nassau, better with settled weather.

• Berry Islands – Quiet anchorages on a classic day-sail north of New Providence; enjoy the opportunity to visit a privately owned island for an exclusive experience, as well as explore pristine, secluded white sand beaches. Good staging for longer loops.

• Green Turtle Cay & Hope Town (Abacos) – Historic settlements with protected harbors and easy provisioning; a natural rhythm for family crews.

Featured yachts are available for charter, ideal for exploring these exclusive destinations. Include these stops in your itinerary to create your dream Bahamas yacht charter.

Book Your Bahamas Yacht Charter with Boataround

When you’re ready to charter in the Caribbean, Boataround makes it straightforward to compare boats, confirm real-time availability, and reserve securely. Browse sailing catamarans, monohulls, and power cats; filter by cabins, air-conditioning, generator, or watermaker; and choose your preferred departure hub—Paradise Island/Nassau for the Exumas or Marsh Harbour for the Abacos. Transparent pricing shows what’s included and what’s paid locally, so you can plan confidently and keep costs predictable.

Catamaran rental in Bahamas

Charter a catamaran and explore Bahamas! Prices start from 364 € per day. Experience the authentic charm of Bahamas by renting one of our 102 available catamarans. Multihulls in Bahamas offer you ultimate comfort and space and are ideal for a relaxing family vacation. With great stability, catamarans are easy to sail and a pleasure to live a vacation afloat.

It’s ideal for a family with children as it can anchor in a bay just a few meters from the shore at a depth of only 2 meters.

Our fleet of catamarans in Bahamas includes popular brands such as Bali, Leopard and Lagoon.

Catamarans in Bahamas range from 36.1 to 82 feet (11 to 25 m) in length. Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bareboat catamaran charter, or a novice desiring a skippered catamaran, we ensure a seamless and memorable sailing experience.

These are some of the best places to charter a catamaran in Bahamas:

• Catamaran rental Caribbean Islands
• Catamaran rental Great Abaco
• Catamaran rental Nassau