How Long Should You Charter a Luxury Yacht in the Bahamas? Is 1 Week Enough?

With Charter Expert Louis Lamprell

🕦 Jun 11, 2024

Quick Read: 5 minutes

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Getting ready for your Bahamas yacht charter?

With its close proximity to the United States, specifically Florida, hopping on a yacht and setting sail in the Bahamas is more convenient than you might think.

But how long should you charter for to have time to see the best parts of the Bahamas and truly enjoy the experience? Let’s dive into the details with insights from charter expert Louis Lamprell.

How long is enough for a Bahamas yacht charter vacation?

I recommend that you take AT LEAST 5 nights for your Bahamas yacht charter.

There is so much to see in the Bahamas. To give you and idea, the distance from Grand Bahama Island in the very north to the Inagua Islands in the very south of the Bahamas is over 400 nautical miles. Even with a week’s yacht charter, you have to be selective in where you go.

On a catamaran, you can expect about a 5-hour sail from Nassau to the beginning of the Exuma Islands. A motor yacht can reduce this journey to about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the yacht’s size and power.

A week-long yacht charter is typical and provides a wonderful balance of exploration and relaxation.

However, if you are looking to deeply immerse yourself in the Bahamian way of life and see more than the “usual,” extending your yacht charter to 2 weeks or even more is not unheard of.

There is so much to see and do that you could go there for 3 weeks or a month and still not experience all of it. Don’t cut yourself short!

How far can you go on a 1-week yacht charter?

For a 1-week Bahamas yacht charter, the Exumas are your best bet. This district comprises over 365 islands, offering a new island for every day of the year.

Starting your trip from Nassau to Highbourne Cay, you’re looking at around 35 nautical miles, a manageable journey that sets the pace for a relaxing week.

The Exumas offer everything from the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay to the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

With such a wealth of attractions close together, staying within the Exumas ensures you don’t overextend your itinerary and miss out on truly enjoying what each unique island has to offer.

Emerald water idyllic beach at Nassau, The Bahamas in a sunny day.
Nassau, Bahamas
Boats Anchored Around a Plane Wreck at Norman's Cay, Bahamas
The famous plane wreck at Norman's Cay. The WWII-era plane belonged to Pablo Escobar's drug cartel. It was thought to be carrying cocaine when it landed in the water, just shy of the runway in 1980.
Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas
Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas

Is a 2-week Bahamas yacht charter worth it?

If you have the luxury of 2 weeks, consider a more expansive itinerary. Sailing north from the Exumas, you can explore Eleuthera and Harbour Island, famous for their pink sand beaches and quaint colonial towns.

Alternatively, heading southward to the Inaguas offers a more rugged and secluded yacht charter experience with some really unique locations. Take, for example, Great Inagua, the southernmost district, which is home to the Inagua National Park, which is home to over 80,000 flamingos.

The Eleuthera land bridge, also known as the Glass Window Bridge, is a natural limestone arch that spans across Queen's Highway, connecting the northern and southern parts of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. The bridge provides a striking visual contrast between the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm turquoise waters of the Exuma Sound on the other.
The Eleuthera land bridge, also known as the Glass Window Bridge, is a natural limestone arch that spans across Queen's Highway, connecting the northern and southern parts of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. The bridge provides a striking visual contrast between the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm turquoise waters of the Exuma Sound on the other.

There is also the option of incorporating the Berry Islands, in a longer yacht charter itinerary. Located about 30 nautical miles north of Nassau, the Berry Islands are a cluster of over 30 small islands, mostly uninhabited, offering secluded beaches and excellent fishing spots.

Other great destinations include Great Abaco Island, Andros Island, Grand Bahama Island in the very north, and the Bimini Islands, famous especially for its great sports fishing.

Venturing here suits those willing to travel a bit further on their yacht charter to discover places off the beaten track.

If the idea of a luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas intrigues you, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and options.

From selecting the right yacht to crafting the perfect itinerary, our expert guidance is invaluable.

Embarking on a yacht charter in the Bahamas offers an unrivaled opportunity to explore paradise with ease and style.

Whether it’s a quick escape or a more extended adventure, each moment promises to be as enchanting as the last.

So, why wait? The majestic shores of the Bahamas are calling.

HOT SPOTS IN THE BAHAMAS

1

The Exuma Islands

Located about 35 nautical miles southeast of Nassau, the Exumas are a stunning archipelago of 365 islands and cays known for their perfect blue waters and white sandy beaches. This area is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and Thunderball Grotto, a renowned snorkeling and diving spot featured in James Bond films.

2

Eleuthera

Positioned about 50 nautical miles northeast of Nassau, Eleuthera is famous for its pink sand beaches and historical colonial towns. The island’s attractions include the dramatic Glass Window Bridge, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, and Surfer’s Beach for those looking to catch waves.

3

Harbour Island

Just off the northeast coast of Eleuthera and about 60 nautical miles from Nassau, Harbour Island is famous for its pink sand beaches and upscale resorts. The island offers a quaint, relaxed vibe with golf cart transportation and excellent dining, making it a favorite among celebrities and travelers seeking a luxurious retreat.

4

The Berry Islands

Located about 30 nautical miles north of Nassau, the Berry Islands are a collection of over 30 small islands, mostly uninhabited. This group is a hotspot for sport fishing and features great spots for diving and snorkeling, with Chub Cay and Great Harbour Cay being the primary islands offering services and accommodations.

5

Bimini

Situated approximately 50 nautical miles east of Miami, making it around 80 nautical miles west of Nassau, Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to the mainland US. It is known for its big game fishing and as a jumping-off point for divers looking to explore its mysterious “Bimini Road” underwater structure believed by some to be linked to the Lost City of Atlantis.

6

Abaco Islands

Situated about 90 nautical miles north of Nassau, the Abaco Islands are known for their boating and sailing facilities, often referred to as the sailing capital of the world. The islands feature old colonial towns, the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town, and excellent snorkeling and deep-sea fishing opportunities.

7

Andros Island

Located about 30 nautical miles west of Nassau, Andros is the largest yet least explored island in the Bahamas. Andros Island offers vast areas of wetlands that create channels perfect for bonefishing, and it’s home to the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world. Andros is also known for its blue holes, diving sites, and vibrant marine life.

8

Inagua Island

Approximately 325 nautical miles southeast of Nassau, the Inagua Islands consist of Great Inagua and Little Inagua. Great Inagua is known for its large national park, which is home to over 80,000 West Indian Flamingos, making it one of the largest breeding colonies in the world. The islands are less touristy and offer a more secluded, rugged experience with rich birdlife and natural beauty.

Ready to start your Bahamas yacht charter adventure?

Daniel's Contact
Louis

LOUIS LAMPRELL

Charter Broker

Email: [email protected]

Phone (USA): +15187651956

Contact us

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.

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Charter Insights & Inspiration Written by Sailors

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At DMA Yachting, we’re committed to staying on top of the latest trends in yacht charters, from the launching of exciting new yachts to the best destinations and activities. Our blog serves as a resource to keep you informed and inspire new ideas for your Bahamas yacht charter vacation.

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Emerald water idyllic beach at Nassau, The Bahamas in a sunny day.

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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.”

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DF

Donna Foster

May 14, 2024

This vacation of a lifetime was not possible without Louis Lamprell of DMA Yachting. When I began my broker search, I reached out to several and Louis was the first to respond (and he responded quickly!). He devoted a lot of time in helping us select a catamaran that best suited our family needs. He stayed in touch before, during and after our charter. To me, that says a lot about Louis‘ commitment to exceptional customer service. Our family of 4 adults and a child had the best vacation. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. THANK YOU LOUIS!

RS

Ryan Shirley

Feb 9, 2024

Louis was great from beginning to end and walked me through the whole process. He helped me find a great boat that fit within our time and cost preferences. He explained the differences between the different builds and the pros and cons. Once we selected the boat, he explained and walked me through the whole booking process, and answered all my questions. Finally, he checked in with me before, during, and after the charter to make sure everything met our expectations and addressed any concerns. I can’t recommend Louis enough if you are planning a charter and will definitely be in touch for our next trip!

CS

Chris Swanson

Feb 23, 2024

After some disappointments using one of the larger charter companies, we used Louis at DMA to help us select a yacht for a week trip in the BVI. We ended up selecting the ADEA which met our needs well, had an outstanding crew and provided a truly memorable experience. Louis was helpful at each step; narrowing down potential boats, selecting a boat, managing payment and then answering questions prior to departure. He checked in several times during the trip, but since the original selection was done well, there were no issues that needed resolution. Finally, after the trip he followed up to better understand our experience so that he could continue to pair customers with the right experience. Great Experience for first brokered charter. Would recommend Louis at DMA and use him again in the future.

CS

Chelsea Schipper

Jan 12, 2024

I met Louis Lamprell, at DMA Yachting through a Google search inquiry for a charter in the BVI. I was impressed with his immediate follow-up via phone call, text and email. Louis spent hours on the phone with me understanding our expectations of our family trip. Since we had never booked a charter, he put our mind at ease throughout every process. He found us the perfect match on a charter in the Bahamas. Louis made sure to connect with the Captain on our questions to make sure there was nothing that did not exceed our expectations. Louis was always available to us for any questions or concerns. He even arranged an e-foil rental on our behalf so that I didn’t have to spend time looking. His services were very professional, honest and exceeded our expectations.

What Our Clients Say about Louis Lamprell

Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their charter vacation in the Bahamas.

Our Team

Booking a Bahamas yacht charter is easy with us—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!

Alex Hailwax
Alex Hailwax

Charter Broker

Martina Asmus
Martina Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

Daniel Asmus
Daniel Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

Yanna Pristas
Yanna Pristas

Senior Charter Broker, Associate CYBA Member

Chris de Kock
Chris de Kock

Charter Broker

Sarah Klische
Sarah Klische

Charter Broker

Louis Lamprell
Louis Lamprell

Charter Broker

William Mc Nally
William Mc Nally

Charter Broker

Marcelle Hailwax
Marcelle Hailwax

Charter Broker

Andrea Pristas
Andrea Pristas

Charter Broker

Mo Pristas
Mo Pristas

CharterGuru