Nassau is where most Bahamas charters start and end, the international airport, the best marina selection in the country, and easy provisioning make it the natural base. But it’s worth treating as more than a transit point: Atlantis and Paradise Island alone are worth a day, and the historic town centre has more to it than most guests expect.
We recommend building at least one day into your schedule around Nassau itself, either before or after your time in the Exumas, rather than treating it purely as a place to land and leave.
Why Start (or End) Your Charter in Nassau
- The best airport access in the Bahamas. Direct flights from most major US and international cities land at Lynden Pindling International, minutes from the marinas.
- The country’s best marina selection. Atlantis Marina, Hurricane Hole, and Nassau Yacht Haven all handle serious yachts, with real choice between them.
- Atlantis and Paradise Island. Aquaventure, the casino, and Cabbage Beach are worth a full day even if you’re not staying there.
- Easy provisioning. The best-stocked stores in the Bahamas for a week-long charter’s worth of food and drink.
- The gateway to the Exumas. About 40 nautical miles to the top of the chain, the standard start point for most Exumas charters.
Broker insight
Atlantis Marina is a beautiful, well-protected port. Hurricane Hole, about five minutes away, is clean and modern. Of the three main marinas, Bay Street is the one I’d be careful with for a first night, older wooden docks, mostly set up for day boats.
Daniel Asmus
Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY
Choosing a Marina in Nassau
Atlantis Marina – well-protected, right next to the resort, the default choice for most crewed charters embarking or disembarking in Nassau.
Hurricane Hole Marina – a short walk from Atlantis, clean and modern, a solid alternative when Atlantis is fully booked.
Bay Street Marina – older, wooden docks, mostly geared toward day boats rather than a first or last night on a crewed charter.
Your broker will confirm which marina your yacht is actually berthed at, don’t assume it’s Atlantis by default.
What to Do in Nassau & Paradise Island
Atlantis & Paradise Island
Atlantis is the reason most guests know Paradise Island by name, the Aquaventure water park, the casino, and Cabbage Beach are all worth a stop even for guests not staying at the resort. It sits right beside Atlantis Marina, so it’s an easy add before you head out or after you get back.
Historic Nassau
Fort Fincastle and Fort Montagu are both worth an hour if you like a bit of history with your beach time, and the Queen’s Staircase, 65 steps carved from limestone by enslaved labour in the 18th century, is a short walk from downtown. Nassau was originally called Charles Town, and the mix of Spanish, British, and West African influence still shows in the older colonial buildings.
Blue Lagoon Island & Ardastra Gardens
Blue Lagoon Island is a short boat ride out and a good half-day for families, calm beaches and a dolphin encounter program. Ardastra Gardens, back on New Providence, is smaller but has the famous marching flamingos if your itinerary has room for it.
Nassau as Your Gateway to the Exumas
Most Exumas charters start in Nassau and cruise south, the run to the top of the chain is about 40 nautical miles, a half-day at most cruising speeds. It’s the standard, easiest way to combine a proper Bahamas cruising week with a night or two around Atlantis on either end.
