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Motor Yachts
Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter
A Bahamas motor yacht charter with a full crew and garage full of water toys and SCUBA dive equipment is the way to go. The Bahamas has always primarily been a motor yacht destination; the water is very shallow and the distances between the islands are far, so the speed and shallow draft of a motor yacht is just ideal.
Most charters start in Nassau, which is easy to fly into from major US Cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, or New York. From there, we recommend a route heading south through the Exumas and returning north along Cat Island and Eleuthera –a hotspot for diving and game fishing. This loop covers just over 300 nautical miles and can be done on a one-week motor yacht charter, still leaving plenty of time for water sports, snorkeling, diving, and beachside relaxation.
Where to Go on Your Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter?
Start your Bahamas motor yacht charter in Nassau, the main hub for luxury yachts and well connected to major US cities. From here, we recommend you head straight to the Exumas, the number one yacht charter destination in the Caribbean. The Exumas are a stunning chain of islands stretching 120 nautical miles, packed with iconic stops like Highbourne Cay, Norman’s Cay—where you can snorkel around Pablo Escobar’s infamous drug smuggling plane—Shroud Cay, Warderick Wells, Thunderball Grotto (at Staniel Cay), famous for its appearance in the James Bond movies Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, and Major Spot to visit the famous swimming pigs. You could easily spend an entire week cruising the Exumas without running out of incredible things to do.
But the real advantage of a motor yacht charter is that you can go beyond the Exumas. We recommend adding Eleuthera Island to your itinerary. Known for its pink sand beaches, amazing SCUBA diving, and being a hotspot for game fishing, Eleuthera offers a quieter, less-traveled experience.
A loop from Nassau through the Exumas and Eleuthera covers just over 300 nautical miles and fits perfectly into a 7-10 day charter. At a cruising speed of 15-20 knots, you’ll have plenty of time each day for water sports, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on paradise beaches.
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What to Do on Your Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter?
SCUBA Diving on Your Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter
The Bahamas is one of the world’s top SCUBA diving destinations, and with a private motor yacht charter you have easy access to all the sites.
If diving is your thing, we recommend you get a Bahamas motor yacht charter fully equipped with SCUBA gear; tanks, compressors, and often with certified instructors on board. This setup allows guests to dive directly from the yacht and even complete full certification courses during their trip.
Most famous dives include Thunderball Grotto with its underwater cave system featured in James Bond movies; the Blue Hole on Andros Island, a massive underwater sinkhole surrounded by coral reefs, (this is for experienced divers); Stuart Cove’s Shark Arena in New Providence, a thrilling shark dive where reef sharks swim gracefully around as divers observe from a close but safe distance; and The Washing Machine (Exumas), a drift dive with strong currents spinning divers through vibrant coral reefs—an exciting, fast-paced experience.
Water Sports on Your Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter
Bahamas motor yachts are packed with water toys and sports to keep everyone entertained. Most come with paddleboards, kayaks, wakeboards, water skis, Seabobs, and sometimes even an inflatable water slide—so you can slide straight from the top deck of your yacht into the gin-clear water.
We recommend choosing a motor yacht with jet skis, the most popular water toy in the Bahamas. They’re a thrilling way to explore the calm, protected waters inside the islands.
Kitesurfing is another popular water sport in the Bahamas; the conditions are perfect with consistent trade winds and shallow waters. The Exumas, particularly Stocking Island and Emerald Bay, are excellent spots for all levels, while Long Island’s Cape Santa Maria Beach offers open bays and plenty of space to ride.
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Game Fishing on Your Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter
If you are into game fishing, you know that the Bahamas is a world-class game fishing location, with big catches like Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and Wahoo.
If this is your game, we recommend a Bahamas luxury fishing charter, and don’t worry, we can get the whole family onboard with this. You charter a spacious motor yacht with all the comforts you’d expect, complete with a high-speed chase tender for reaching prime fishing spots. Your yacht will be fully outfitted with top-tier fishing gear, and an expert crew that knows all the best locations, like the Exumas, Abacos, and Eleuthera. There’s plenty for the family too, with water sports, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more to keep everyone entertained.
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When is the Best Time for a Motor Yacht Charter in the Bahamas?
The optimal time to charter a motor yacht in the Bahamas aligns with the region’s peak season, spanning from late November to early May. During these months, the Bahamas experience mild temperatures, minimal rainfall, and favorable sea conditions, creating an ideal setting for a seamless and enjoyable yachting experience. This timeframe ensures that charter clients can fully appreciate the stunning beauty of the Bahamas, explore its diverse islands, and indulge in the pleasures of cruising in optimal weather conditions.
Book Well in Advance
Ideally, you’d inquire about a Bahamas motor charter 12 months in advance. WHY? The best motor yachts are often fully booked long in advance and it’s not unusual to see popular dates booked 2 summers ahead for a Bahamas yacht charter. Inquiring less than 6 months ahead often means that your first choice is unavailable for charter. Additionally you might find that the motor yacht you want, can’t make it to the port where you wish to commence your yacht charter.
What Does a Bahamas Motor Yacht Charter Cost?
Charter taxes in the Bahamas comprise a cruising tax of 4%, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10%, and a 35% Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), the cumulative tax, added to the initial charter cost, comes to approximately 50%. Therefore, a charter valued at $100,000 effectively translates to a total cost of $150,000. It is noteworthy that, in comparison, the VAT in Greece stands at a significantly higher rate of 25%. If you’re looking for an area with lower taxes, consider mybvicharter.com
Navigating the waters of luxury motor yacht charters in the Bahamas introduces a crucial consideration—cruising taxes. As a percentage of the overall charter cost, these taxes swiftly escalate into a significant financial factor, particularly in high-end charters. Understanding and factoring in these expenses becomes paramount for those seeking an optimal and transparent budgeting approach when booking a yacht charter.
How Much Does a Bahamas Yacht Charter Cost? APA and Taxes
Read MoreTalk to a Yacht Charter Expert
Daniel Asmus
Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY
+34 678 368 304
+1 484 978 8668
CS
Chelsea Schipper
Jan 12, 2024
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 minds at ease throughout every process. He found us the perfect match on a charter in the Bahamas. 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 and honest, and he exceeded our expectations.
DC
David Cook
Jan 29, 2025
Working with Nadja Asmus and DMA Yachting was an absolute pleasure. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and excellent follow-up made the entire charter process seamless and stress-free. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful, always going the extra mile to ensure every question was answered and every concern addressed. Nadja’s commitment to her clients is unmatched, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a top-tier broker.
GH
Glenn Hunter
Oct 4, 2024
It started from the beginning with Daniel and trusting him and his company to guide us with our needs. The crew on Project Steel was exceptional and the Captain being flexible with the itinerary and knowledge of the Islands. The food and Chef were fantastic, gained 5 pounds. Marie and Marina very professional. Thomas and Alex were very helpful with all the water toys.
What Do Our Clients Say?
We are proud of our long track record of happy clients, many of whom return for their second or third yacht charter with us. Our clients consistently praise the ease of our booking process, our ability to match them with the perfect yacht and crew, and our responsiveness in understanding their needs and making things happen. We are here to set you up with your dream Bahamas yacht charter.
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