Yacht Charters in The Bahamas – perfectly pure white sands and jewel-like turquoise waters have made these islands the long standing, stunning poster-child of the Caribbean. And yet with more than 700 islands and 2400 cays, this is a corner of the world that is surprisingly diverse – from the bustle and buzz of vibrant Nassau, to the outlandish and luxuriously over-the-top Atlantis resort, and finally onto the coral-coloured sands of Eleuthera. It’s an over-used phrase to say that destinations have it all for everyone, but the Bahamas, without question, truly do.
Bahamas yacht charter presents an unparalleled opportunity for cruising – with clustered islands that can be chopped and changed on an itinerary that could well be formed of destinations hundreds of miles apart.
The Bimini islands (which includes Cat and Gun cays) are a draw for many on a first stop – an ideal place to recharge, with neighbouring Gun Cay providing rest and relaxation in idyllic surrounds. From here, you could move onwards and upwards across to Great Bahama Bank, from where you can choose the quiet of the Berry Islands or the dizzying pace of Nassau. Moving on, the options are endless: go on to the largest islands of Andros, the forever-popular with sailors Abacos, the island with a frantic city, Nassau or the islands that offer challenge and adventure, positioned further out – including Cat Island, Long Island, Conception Island and Rum Cay, or choose those further away, such as the Crooked and Acklins Islands, Mayaguana, Great Inagua, or the Ragged Islands.
The Bahamas are unsurprisingly popular with sailors crossing from Florida – a destination that looks temptingly close by eye, and even closer by nautical map. Yet this seemingly short journey is not to be underestimated, an open water passage that demands skill, time and meticulous planning.
Key anchorages in the Bahamas
The Bahamas are awash with marinas and ports – numbering to 63 active marinas, 3,140 slips, 12 boat repair yards and 34 ports of entry.
Exploring the Bahamian coastline
The coastlines of The Bahamas are as picture-perfect as they are rich with history – follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and traverse a coastline where the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria have explored. For divers, few places can compare to the eerie blue holes of Andros, whilst the Exuma Cays’ sapphire-blue waters offer 365 cays and native swimming pigs. Take time to discover the Abacos, a stretch of islands that span 120 miles offering secluded beauty that leads to innumerable hotels, restaurants and bars.
The Bahamas ashore
For sightseers, there is the Queen’s Staircase on New Providence Island, dedicated to Queen Victoria and crafted out of solid limestone sometime around 1793/74; also on New Providence Island is The Cloisters Nassau, a 14th century monetary. Elsewhere in The Bahamas, there’s the Hermitage on Cat Island, providing a walk up the 63-meter Mt. Algeria to a small abbey.
For culture vultures and art lovers, there is: The National Art Gallery, Nassau; the Sandpiper Arts and Crafts Centre, Great Exuma; Leo’s Art Gallery, Grand Bahama Island and the Antonius Roberts Studio & Gallery, Nassau, amongst many others.
To truly appreciate the geological formations and feats of Mother Nature, the Glass Window in Eleuthera must be seen to be believed (nature’s own infinity pool, with a seemingly endless view out to the horizon).
To get up-close with nature, Bimini Road is exceptional – a world leading location for swimming with dolphins in the wild.
Finally, for divers, the Stones of Atlantis north off Bimini are a magical, must-see experience.
Yacht Charters in the Bahamas, has all the combinations required for a dream sailing holiday – what are you waiting for? One small step towards an amazing Caribbean adventure.