Why Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas? Where to Go, What to Do. Discover the Exumas

With Charter Expert Louis Lamprell

🕦 Jun 10, 2024

Quick Read: 6 minutes

Check out the VIDEO

Planning a luxury yacht charter vacation in the Bahamas?

Louis Lamprell, a seasoned charter broker with a wealth of knowledge, shares invaluable tips and insights on where to go and what to do on your Bahamas yacht charter in 2024.

Why you should go to the Bahamas for your next yacht charter vacation

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, AND it has ideal conditions for many kinds of water sports, from windsurfing to Jet skiing!

Some of the famous islands you will already know about, and others are unique areas only accessible when you are on a yacht. An Exuma yacht charter takes you to both iconic destinations and secluded spots away from the tourist crowds.

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. You, therefore, have to be selective in where you go on your Bahamas yacht charters, especially if you only have one week.

Luckily, the very best part of the Bahamas lies right in the center, easily reached from Nassau, where you will fly into. The area I am referring to is, of course, the Exumas or the Exuma Cays.

Sheltered by the outer islands to the north and Cuba and Haiti to the south, this is a very protected cruising ground. For this reason, an Exuma yacht charter is ideal even for those new to yacht charting.

Where to start your Bahamas yacht charter

Your charter typically begins in Nassau, the gateway to the Exumas. From there, you make your way down through the protected waters of the Exuma Island Chain.

You can then either head back up, reaching Eleuthera and Harbor Island, or you can focus on just enjoying your time hopping around the Exumas, where you can easily spend a week or more.

If this is your first time in the Bahamas, I recommend sticking with an Exuma yacht charter itinerary.

Emerald water idyllic beach at Nassau, The Bahamas in a sunny day.
Nassau, Bahamas
Luxury Motor Yacht docked at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort near Nassau
Luxury Motor Yacht docked at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort near Nassau
View from Atlantis Paradise Island resort near Nassau
View from Atlantis Paradise Island resort near Nassau

Why the Exumas is the best charter destination in the Bahamas

As I mentioned in the beginning, the Exumas are very protected, which means more comfortable sailing.

The islands are also very close together, which means the passages are quick, so you will have more time to explore the land, go diving or snorkeling, try out different water sports, and simply lean back and take in the stunning surroundings.

The Exumas are renowned for several standout attractions and hot spots that make it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for yacht charters and travelers seeking unique island experiences.

Below I have listed some of the hot spots included in our typical Bahamas yacht charter itineraries.

Aerial of The Exuma Cays
The Exuma Cays
Charter Catamaran Wind Chaser in the Exumas
Charter Catamaran Wind Chaser in the Exumas
Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas
Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas

HOT SPOTS IN THE EXUMAS

1

Pig Beach on Big Major Cay

Home to the famous swimming pigs, Big Major Cay offers a unique and unforgettable experience where you can swim and interact with the local pigs in crystal-clear waters.

READ MORE

2

Thunderball Grotto

Famous for being featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball,” this underwater cave system is excellent for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations.

3

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

The first protected marine area in the Caribbean, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park spans 176 square miles and is a haven for divers and snorkelers, known for its pristine beauty, exceptional water clarity, and vibrant underwater life.

4

Compass Cay

At Compass Cay, visitors can swim with nurse sharks in a marina, offering a safe and thrilling interaction with these fascinating creatures.

READ MORE

5

Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is the hub of activity in the Exumas, with amenities like the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, accommodations, and dining options. It’s also near Thunderball Grotto and Pig Beach at Big Major Cay.

READ MORE

6

Sandy Cay

Often referred to as the quintessential tropical ‘deserted island’, it has beautiful sandbars perfect for a day of relaxation and photo opportunities.

7

Allen’s Cay

Famous for its population of endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas which freely roam the island, providing a unique wildlife viewing experience.

8

Highbourne Cay

Known as the “Gateway to the Exumas,” this cay features beautiful beaches and private villas and is popular for sports fishing.

9

Warderick Wells Cay

The headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, it offers moorings and trails with breathtaking views, along with rich marine and bird life.

10

Norman’s Cay

This island has a notorious past with its history of drug smuggling in the 1980s and is also known for the sunken plane wreck which is a popular snorkeling spot.

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.

Find us on:

Our Blog

Charter Insights & Inspiration Written by Sailors

Discover the Latest in Yachting with Us

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.

Top 5 Superyachts with Dedicated Spas: Bahamas Luxury Yacht Charters
Read More
Top 5 Superyacht Beach Clubs: Bahamas Luxury Yacht Charters
Read More
Top 5 Must-Visit Exumas Yacht Charter Destinations: Explore The Bahamas With Charter Expert Louis Lamprell
Read More
How Long Should You Charter a Luxury Yacht in the Bahamas? Is 1 Week Enough? With Charter Expert Louis Lamprell
Read More
Why Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas? Where to Go, What to Do. Discover the Exumas with Louis Lamprell
Read More
Top 5 Water Toys Bahamas Yacht Charters are Adding in 2024 – Jet Ski, Seabob, Water Slide, Flyboard, E-foil
Read More
Top 5 Motor Yachts Under 55k in the Bahamas 2024 – Presented by Marcelle Hailwax
Read More
10 Best Things To Do on a Luxury Yacht Charter in the Bahamas
Read More
Top 5 Most Secluded Islands in the Bahamas
Read More
Top 5 Yacht Charter Destinations in the Bahamas
Read More
Top 10 Reasons to Charter in The Bahamas
Read More
Bahamas Yacht Charter – 7-Day Itinerary Guide to Bahamas
Read More

Where do we Charter?

East Mediterranean

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

Bahamas & Caribbean

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
Read More
Motor Yachts
Read More
Luxury Yachts
Read More
Catamarans
Read More
Power Catamarans
Read More
Charter Yachts with a Jacuzzi
Read More
Charter Yachts with Scuba Diving Onboard
Read More
Charter Yachts with a Jetski
Read More
Charter Yachts with Multiple Jetskis Onboard
Read More
Bahamas Luxury Fishing Yacht Charters
Read More
Sailboats
Read More

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!

Chris de Kock
Chris de Kock

Charter Broker

Yanna Pristas
Yanna Pristas

Senior Charter Broker, Associate CYBA Member

Alex Hailwax
Alex Hailwax

Charter Broker

Louis Lamprell
Louis Lamprell

Charter Broker

William Mc Nally
William Mc Nally

Charter Broker

Mo Pristas
Mo Pristas

CharterGuru

Marcelle Hailwax
Marcelle Hailwax

Charter Broker

Andrea Pristas
Andrea Pristas

Charter Broker

Sarah Klische
Sarah Klische

Charter Broker

Daniel Asmus
Daniel Asmus

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

Martina Asmus
Martina Asmus

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