Top 5 Yacht Charter Destinations in The Bahamas
Mar 19, 2024
The Bahamas offers an expansive playground for yacht charter guests. There is so much to see and do, so much natural beauty, clean white beaches, clear water, incredible marine life, and endless beautiful islands to visit.
It is also known as one of the best diving destinations in the world, as well as one of the best sports fishing destinations. AND it has ideal conditions for many kinds of water sports, from windsurfing to Jet skiing!
1. The Exumas
There is a reason why you will find the Exumas at the top of every list of best destinations in the Bahamas. Comprising over 365 cays and islands, the Exumas offer a diverse and picturesque cruising ground.
Known for their pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, these islands provide an ideal setting for yachting enthusiasts.
Geographically situated in the central part of the Bahamas, the Exumas are divided into three main areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays.
Great Exuma serves as the gateway, with its capital, George Town, offering essential services and facilities.
Little Exuma, connected by a bridge, provides a quieter retreat with stunning beaches and untouched landscapes.
The Exuma Cays, a stretch of smaller islands and cays, offer some of the most exquisite and secluded spots in the region.
- The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine reserve, showcases vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkeling and dive charters. Staniel Cay, within the Exumas, is renowned for the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay and the captivating Thunderball Grotto, a unique underwater cave system featured in the James Bond films.
- Cruising through the Exumas unveils a spectrum of anchorages, each offering its own unique charm. Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay, and Warderick Wells are among the popular stops, providing essential services, picturesque beaches, and opportunities to interact with the friendly local communities.
- Visitors to the Exumas can relish the laid back vibe of island life while enjoying world-class amenities. From upscale resorts to charming beachside cottages, accommodations cater to diverse preferences. This is also a good place to sample the local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and an excellent selection of fruity cocktails.
2. Eleuthera Island
Eleuthera Island, located about 50nm east of Nassau, ranks high on the list of premier charter destinations in the Bahamas. It offers a range of unique attractions for yacht charterers.
Renowned for its pristine pink sand beaches, particularly on the eastern Atlantic side, Eleuthera offers some of the most visually striking coastlines in the region. (The unique pink color is attributed to the presence of foraminifera shells mixed with the sand.)
One of the island’s notable landmarks is the Glass Window Bridge, a natural bridge that separates the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the calm turquoise of the Exuma Sound.
This wonderful geological formation provides a picturesque setting with a captivating contrast between the two bodies of water.
For those seeking world-class fishing experiences, Eleuthera proves to be an ideal destination. The island’s waters are abundant with various species, including bonefish, tarpon, and marlin, attracting anglers from around the world.
The versatility of fishing options, from flats to deep sea, contributes to Eleuthera’s reputation as one of the world’s best fishing destinations.
Off Eleuthera’s Northern shores, the shallow waters give way to steep drop-offs, with depths of over 3000 meters, where you will find the really big fish such as the Marlins.
It is on this exact island that the world’s largest Marlin was caught in 1993. If you plan to do a luxury fishing yacht charter, this is a must-visit destination.
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3. Berry Islands
The Berry Islands, situated to the northwest of Nassau between the Great Bahama Bank to the west and the Tongue of the Ocean to the east.
The Berry Islands are part of the Out Islands (also known as the Family Islands) of the Bahamas, known for their natural beauty, tranquility, and appeal to those seeking a more secluded and exclusive island experience.
With over 30 islands and numerous cays, the Berry Islands provide an extensive playground for yacht charterers, well worth the slight detour.
This is also a good stepping stone for those planning a yacht charter route reaching the Bimini Islands further to the west.
The Berry Islands also offer exceptional opportunities for water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and sport fishing.
The rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs make exploring the underwater world a highlight of any yacht charter in this region.
The great location of the Berry Islands, nestled between the Great Bahama Bank and the Tongue of the Ocean, ensures easy access to both shallow and deep-sea exploration.
- The largest island in the Berry Islands, Great Harbour Cay, serves as a central hub with an airport, marina facilities, and a golf course, adding amenities to the natural beauty of the islands.
- The Berry Islands have a historical past, with evidence of Lucayan Indian settlements dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The islands were also frequented by pirates and privateers during the colonial period.
- The Berry Islands are surrounded by several blue holes, underwater sinkholes that can reach considerable depths. These geological formations are of interest to divers exploring the mysteries of the ocean floor.
4. Nassau & Paradise Island
Nassau and Paradise Island, the core of the Bahamas archipelago, must definitely be included in the top 10 charter destinations in the Bahamas, offering a perfect blend of ultimate luxury and pristine tropical beauty.
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is located on New Providence Island and serves as the gateway to the archipelago.
This is where you will most likely fly in, and so be the launching place of your great charter exploration in the Bahamas.
Paradise Island, connected by two bridges to Nassau, complements the experience with upscale resorts, such as the famous Atlantis Hotel, and other high-end luxury attractions that make it stand out as one of the most extravagant destinations in the world.
This is the ideal place to both start and end a luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas.
- Atlantis Paradise Island: A highlight of Paradise Island is the iconic Atlantis resort. This sprawling complex features extravagant water parks, world-class dining options, and a casino. Charter guests can enjoy access to the resort’s exclusive facilities and experiences.
- Gourmet Dining: Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse and upscale dining options in Nassau and Paradise Island. From fine dining restaurants with panoramic ocean views to beachfront eateries serving freshly caught seafood, the islands offer a gastronomic journey for those with refined tastes.
- First-Class Golfing: Golfers can enjoy world-class courses set against stunning tropical backdrops. Several upscale resorts on Paradise Island offer exclusive access to championship golf courses designed by renowned architects.
- Spa and Wellness Retreats: Indulge in pampering experiences at luxury spas scattered across Nassau and Paradise Island. These wellness retreats provide a serene escape, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and relaxation facilities.
- Cultural Exploration: Nassau’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its historical sites, museums, and vibrant local markets. Charter guests can immerse themselves in the Bahamian culture, exploring colonial architecture and engaging with the local arts scene.
- Nightlife Extravaganza: As the sun sets, Nassau and Paradise Island come alive with a sophisticated nightlife scene. Exclusive lounges, beachfront bars, and upscale nightclubs offer a refined atmosphere for those seeking entertainment after hours.
Types of Charter Yachts in the Bahamas
We recommend either chartering a motor yacht or catamaran for your crewed yacht charter vacation in the Bahamas. Why? The water in the Bahamas is very shallow, which greatly limits accessibility for deep-drafted yachts.
“We have seen a growing demand for luxury motor yacht charters among high-end charter guests.”
High End Yachts
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Read More5. Abaco Islands
The Abaco Islands stretch over 120 miles and include Great Abaco and Little Abaco as the main islands. But the archipelago also encompasses numerous smaller cays and islets, each offering its own unique character.
The Abaco Islands earn their spot among the Bahamas’ top 5 destinations with their diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks like the Elbow Cay Lighthouse, and the cultural richness of settlements such as New Plymouth.
The allure of Treasure Cay Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, coupled with Abaco National Park‘s natural beauty, makes this the perfect destination for any sun-seeker or nature enthusiast.
- Marsh Harbour: As the largest town on the island, Marsh Harbour serves as the commercial and transportation hub. The town has an airport, making it a common entry point for visitors arriving by air. Located in Marsh Harbour, the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Habor Marina offers world-class amenities for boaters and visitors. It serves as a popular base for exploring the Abacos.
- Abaco National Park: Covering an expansive 20,500 acres, Abaco National Park is a protected area on the mainland of Great Abaco. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including pine forests and mangroves, and provides habitat for various bird species, including the endangered Bahama Parrot.
- Elbow Cay Lighthouse: Located on Elbow Cay, the iconic candy-striped lighthouse in Hope Town is one of the last manually operated kerosene-burning lighthouses in the world. It stands as a historic landmark and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Treasure Cay: Renowned for its stunning beach, Treasure Cay boasts 3.5 miles of powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach consistently ranks among the world’s best and is a popular destination for water activities.
- Green Turtle Cay: This cay is known for its laid-back atmosphere and well-preserved colonial architecture. The settlement of New Plymouth showcases charming pastel-colored buildings, and the Albert Lowe Museum provides insight into the island’s maritime history.
- Man-O-War Cay: Man-O-War Cay in the Bahamas is renowned for its traditional boat-building heritage. The island has a long-standing reputation for skilled craftsmen who construct wooden boats using traditional techniques passed down through generations. This boat-building tradition is an integral part of the island’s cultural identity.
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Renowned for its world-class fishing facilities and exclusive marine life, the Bahamas ranks among the world’s premier fishing charter destinations.
Most of the fishing in the Bahamas archipelago consists of fly fishing, bone fishing, bottom fishing, and deep-sea fishing which would also include the major, exciting pelagic trophies such as marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, barracuda, and tuna.
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Who are We?
At DMA Yachting, we are proud to have a team of individuals who have real on-water experience. Many of our brokers have worked or lived on yachts themselves.
This firsthand experience allows us to truly understand life at sea in both the shoes of crew and guests and the details that make a yacht charter exceptional.
We closely inspect yachts and meet in person with captains and crew to ensure every element of the charter meets our high standards.
Our yearly participation in yacht shows like the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show and the BVI Yacht Show helps us stay on top of industry trends and client needs.
We are here to guide you through every step of your charter, from the moment you reach out to the moment your yacht charter ends.
MT
Malloy Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jun 11, 2024
An incredible experience
Very professional, communicated clearly and planned an amazing trip for us. Louis Lamprell did an amazing job connecting us with the unbridled yacht and crew. It was a trip of a lifetime. Our family highly recommends both DMA yachting and the unbridled charter. Everything was perfection!
DT
Dana Terrell
Jun 4, 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime
This was a trip of a lifetime! We booked with Nadja at DMA yachting and she made sure the entire process was easy and no problems. Our charter was with Zuri3 and our Captain Andre and First Mate Jana made our trip amazing! They made sure everything was taken care and treated us like royalty. This is not just a vacation this is an experience of a lifetime.
CC
Courtney Costales
Jun 2, 2024
Amazing Trip!!!!!!
Excellent communication throughout the process. Amazing boat and crew! Soooo much fun! We will definitely do this trip again!
JC
John C
May 24, 2024
DMA was amazing
DMA was amazing. This was my second time using them and they did not disappoint, they exceeded my expectations. Sarah Klische was incredible. Her knowledge and connections were priceless.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their charter vacation in the Bahamas.
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Booking a Bahamas yacht charter is easy with us—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!