Bahamas Yacht Charter - Aerial view of Hope Town, Abacos, Bahamas

Bahamas Yacht Charter

A premier luxury yacht charter haven, standing as a pinnacle destination for those seeking an unparalleled private yacht journey.

Encompassing over 700 enchanting islands, this archipelago invites charter yachts to traverse its waters, particularly the mesmerizing Exuma Cays and the captivating allure of Paradise Island and Nassau.

Merely 50 miles off Florida’s coast, it presents a myriad of sailing yacht charter and motor yacht charter opportunities, making it a quintessential locale for Bahamas yacht charters. Whether it’s the serene escape to secluded coral cays or the dynamic allure of luxury yachts cruising through New Providence Island, a Bahamas yacht charter holiday promises an eclectic blend of adventure and tranquility.

If you’re in search of endless water and beach activities, look no further than a yacht charter in The Bahamas. Marine life abounds in The Bahamas with unspoiled reefs. Every island group has countless snorkeling and diving sites beckoning you to explore the underwater world. If you want to experience the freshest seafood you can get or go home with your fishing tale; you’re lucky because The Bahamas is home to world-class sports fishing. From offshore fishing for blue marlin and Mahi to inshore fishing for bonefish, The Bahamas is ideally suited for all types of sports fishing.

Beach lovers will be in paradise in The Bahamas. From the uninhabited beaches of the Exumas to the pink sand beaches of Eleuthera to the luxury resort beaches of Nassau, there is a beach for every type in The Bahamas.

Nassau, the nation’s capital, is an ideal place to begin your Bahamas yacht charter. Offering an abundance of restaurants, golf courses, shopping and the famed Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, it is a great place to spend a day or two before cruising onto other islands.

The Exuma Islands are the most popular cruising area in the archipelago, but don’t let the moniker “popular” make you think they are crowded, as they are anything but. Comprising 365 islands, islets and cays with anchorages from an hour to seven hours apart, there is plenty of space to find privacy, even during the peak cruising season – so where you go depends on how many islands you want to visit.

Once you experience a yacht charter in the Bahamas, you’ll see why people come back again and again.

Bahamas Yacht Charter - Paradise at Long Island, Bahamas

Best Yachts for Charter in The Bahamas

This incredible archipelago boasts more than 700 coral islands, many of which are uninhabited and pristine. It is ideally cruised by luxury yacht, allowing you to anchor out and head ashore to explore, enjoy the sun and sand, use the yacht's water toys and so much more.

Aerial view of Great Exuma

Yacht Charter Destinations in The Bahamas

A playful swimming pig captured in the crystal-clear waters of the Exumas, Bahamas—a delightful encounter on your Bahamas Yacht Charter.

Exuma Islands

Nestled in The Bahamas, just southeast of Nassau, the Exuma Cays form a chain of over 360 islands, widely acclaimed as one of the most stunning Caribbean paradises. With its famed swimming pigs and pristine, powdery white sand beaches, the Exumas are an idyllic destination that deserve a top spot on any traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re a water enthusiast or simply seeking unparalleled natural beauty and solidarity, the Exumas beckon you to immerse yourself.

Bahamas Yacht Charter - Aerial view of Hope Town, Abacos, Bahamas

Abacos Islands

Hailed as the boating capital of The Bahamas, the Abacos Islands are primed for the waterborne. With breathtaking turquoise waters, delightful colonial villages, world-class golf courses, and exquisite culinary offerings, the Abacos Islands embrace all types of travelers.

A blissful scene on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, featuring palm trees swaying on the white beach on a slightly windy day—a perfect setting for a Bahamas Yacht Charter.

Harbour Island

Nestled just off the untamed shores of Eleuthera, Harbour Island may be small in size, but looms large in allure. Spanning a mere dot on the map, this enchanting destination measures approximately 0.5 miles in width from east to west and stretches 3.25 miles from north to south. Here, the temperature always strikes a perfect balance, never veering too hot or too cold, creating an idyllic haven for those seeking pure paradise.

Bahamas Yacht Charter - Aerial view of the stunning water and sandbars off Eleuthera in The Bahamas

Eleuthera Islands

Eleuthera beckons to those who cherish the serene and unspoiled ambiance of a rural island, where friendly locals embrace visitors with open arms. This slender island, measuring a mere two miles in width, offers a captivating blend of pink and white sand beaches, each blessed with breathtaking turquoise waters of crystal-clear clarity.

Out Islands

When you venture to the Out Islands of The Bahamas, you will be transported into a world of sporting paradise. Far removed from the glitz and glamor of Freeport and Nassau, these untamed and untouched islands offer a haven for adventure enthusiasts and avid explorers. Get ready to answer the call of thrilling escapades and discovery in this captivating destination.

Bahamas Yacht Charter - Atlantis resort in Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau and Paradise Island

Nassau and Paradise Island serve as the vibrant gateway to your yacht charter adventure. With an international airport and convenient accessibility, it is the ideal starting and ending point for your journey. While it may not be a destination for cruising itself, it offers an array of exciting experiences to enjoy before and after your charter.

Charter Highlights in The Bahamas

  • Pristine Beaches
  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Golfing
  • Fine Dining
  • Coral Reefs
  • Exclusive Resorts
  • Vibrant Nightlife
  • Enjoyable Climate
  • Yachting Infrastructure
  • Primed for the Waterborne
    Some of the bluest waters on Earth, ideal for enjoying your yacht’s tenders and toys
  • Choose Your Escape
    Hundreds of paradisiacal islands to explore, many uninhabited, offering unparalleled escapism
  • Footprint-Free Beaches
    Pristine white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, many of which you will have to yourself
  • Diving Paradise
    Superb diving and snorkeling with healthy coral reefs and vibrant marine life to explore
  • Luxury Aboard and Ashore
    Exclusive resorts, fine-dining restaurants, world-class golf courses, and casinos
  • Electric Nightlife
    Vibrant nightlife in Nassau and Freeport
  • Year-Round Bliss
    Wonderful year-round climate means you can enjoy The Bahamas at any time of the year
  • Superyacht Hub
    A popular superyacht destination with excellent yachting infrastructure, world-class service providers, and marinas

What To Do on a Bahamas Yacht Charter

School of fish at Thunderball Grotto Bahamas

Below the waterline at Thunderball Grotto

Tides permitting, swim and snorkel through the waters of Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the iconic 007 James Bond film, Thunderball and Never Say Never.

Plane wreckage near Norman's Cay

Explore the plane wreck on Norman’s Cay

Dive the relics of an old DC-3 airplane on Norman’s Cay. This large twin-engine plane is commonly known to have been a drug-running plane that crashed just off the coast due to mechanical issues. It sits in shallow, crystal-clear waters, making it one of the world’s most accessible wrecks. Surrounding the site, you’ll find many species of coral and tropical reefs.

Picturesque house constructions at waters edge of Staniel cay

Celebrate with friends at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is where the Exumas social scene converges. The pretty marina offers a wide range of services and amenities, including a selection of elegant dining options serving up international and traditional Bahamian cuisine. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner at the Sea Level, a refined restaurant that boasts breathtaking sea views of the Exuma Park; the ideal way to end a day cruising The Bahamas.

Nurse sharks swimming near the surface at Compass Cay, Bahamas

Meet the local nurse sharks

Enjoy a thrilling experience and swim with the nurse sharks in the shallow waters of Compass Cay. The docile nurse sharks are acclimatized to visitors, with local Bahamians even having names for each of the sharks who reside in the shallow waters of Compass Cay. Beyond the sharks, explore Compass Cay’s striking white sand beaches. The surrounding waters are also excellent for deep-sea fishing.

Aerial view of Great Exuma

Pick up some keepsakes

For artisans and authentic Bahamian crafts, head to the Straw Market in George Town, Great Exuma. Popular keepsakes include coconut and sand jewelry, woven straw hats, handcrafted bags, and artwork by local artists.

White sand beach at Norman's Cay, Bahamas

Taste the good life with traditional Bahamian cuisine

MacDuffs at Norman’s Cay Beach Club is the perfect spot to stop for lunch. Indulge in traditional cuisine, such as curry conch chowder, conch ceviche, and fresh catch of the day, as well as a varied rum cocktail menu.

Motor Yachts for Charter in The Bahamas

Sailing Yachts for Charter in The Bahamas

Expert Insights

Dive into the captivating world of The Bahamas with Northrop & Johnson’s charter expert Jessica Engelmann. In this interview-style video, Jessica shares her extensive knowledge and deep passion for this stunning cruising destination. As our leading authority on The Bahamas, she provides expert answers to key questions about the best times to visit, ideal yachts for charter and top activities both on-shore and aboard. Get ready to explore The Bahamas like never before.

group of tandem superyacht charters at anchor in blue caribbean waters of bahamas

What types of yachts can I charter in The Bahamas?

Choose from a stunning selection of motor yachts, sailing yachts, and multi-hull boats, including catamarans. Northrop & Johnson has access to the best luxury charter yachts in The Bahamas, including spectacular expedition vessels, superyachts, and elegant sailing vessels by the world’s most iconic pedigree shipbuilders. Our fleet of charter yachts are fully crewed and boast refined onboard amenities and luxury interiors. Charter a luxury yacht in The Bahamas and enjoy an incredible vacation on the water. Contact the charter specialists at Northrop & Johnson and let us connect you with your ideal charter yacht in The Bahamas.

Are The Bahamas good for sailing?

The Bahamas, renowned for their stellar sailing conditions due to consistent trade winds, stand as a premier destination in the Caribbean for enthusiasts seeking a luxury sailing yacht charter experience. Recognized widely as the national pastime, sailing embodies the spirit of the Bahamian lifestyle. Optimal sailing ventures are typically pursued from late November through May, aligning with the Bahamas’ dry season and ensuring favorable weather for yacht charters. Among the archipelago’s jewels, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park emerges as a pinnacle sailing destination, offering over 11,000 acres of protected waters, replete with safe mooring areas and secluded beaches, ideal for private yacht explorations and motor yacht charters seeking serene anchorages amidst the Bahamas’ pristine marine environment.

Experience the luxury of a Bahamas superyacht charter

A Bahamas yacht charter experience can be tailored to match your desired holiday, whether you want pure escapism or non-stop adventure. Northrop & Johnson boasts a spectacular fleet of luxury yachts for charter in The Bahamas, including refined motor yachts and elegant sailing yachts

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Tips & Resources

Yacht Charter Events in The Bahamas

Sailing yachts racing during North Eleuthera Regatta

North Eleuthera Regatta

A four-day sailing extravaganza held annually, typically over the holiday weekend in October.

Bahamian woman dressed with typical Bahamian custom during festival

Goombay Summer Festival

Explore The Bahamas rich heritage and culture with live music, dance performances, art displays, and authentic Bahamian cuisine across multiple islands. Most events take place in August.

Fabric showing typical patterns and colors of Bahamian heritage

Junkanoo Summer Festival

Experience one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated festivals, with an extravagant street parade and parties. The Summer Festival takes place in August, with Junkanoo also being celebrated on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas Day), on New Year’s Day, and Independence Day.

Two bowls of Bahamian conch salad and bottle of beer

Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival

Held every October, this gourmet event is not-to-be-missed for culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy bespoke events with celebrated chefs, exclusive dinners, and tastings, hosted by Baha Mar resort.

Get in touch with a yacht broker in the Bahamas

Northrop & Johnson is a leading international yacht brokerage with access to the best and most luxurious yachts for charter, including the Abacos Islands. Our yacht charter brokers have unparalleled expertise and market intelligence. We take pride in listening to our clients’ needs and crafting exceptional charter itineraries in and around Abaco Island