Caribbean

Yacht charters in The Bahamas

Turquoise water, sandbars, and island hops from Nassau

111+ yachts on YATR · from $1,200 / day

Overview

The Bahamas archipelago stretches across 700 islands, but YATR charters concentrate around Nassau, Paradise Island, and the Exumas — where turquoise water, white sandbars, and swimming pigs made the destination famous worldwide.

Day trips from Nassau reach Rose Island, Blue Lagoon, and hidden sandbars within 30–45 minutes. Multi-day charters unlock the Exuma Cays, Compass Cay nurse sharks, and Thunderball Grotto — the James Bond filming location.

Most guests fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) and board at Nassau Yacht Haven or Paradise Island Marina. Customs and cruising permits apply for inter-island routes — your captain handles logistics on crewed charters.

Peak season: Dec–Apr — dry weather, calm seas, peak demand
Shoulder season: May–Nov — warmer water; monitor hurricane season (Jun–Nov)
Local tip: Book Exuma multi-day trips months ahead — limited crew and cabin inventory

Popular experiences

Rose Island & Blue Lagoon day trips
Exuma Cays swimming pigs & sandbars
Snorkeling reefs and shipwrecks
Multi-day island-hopping charters

Charter types

Nassau day charters

Fast cruisers and catamarans for sandbar BBQs, snorkeling, and Rose Island beach stops — the entry point for most first-time Bahamas guests.

Exuma multi-day expeditions

Liveaboard-style trips through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park with swimming pigs, iguanas, and secluded anchorages.

Luxury motor yachts

Crewed yachts with staterooms, chef service, and tenders for exploring shallow banks unreachable by large ships.

Fishing & reef adventures

Bahamas bonefishing flats, reef trolling, and spearfishing trips with licensed local guides.

Sample itineraries

Rose Island & sandbar escape

6–8 hours

Leave Nassau for Rose Island reefs, anchor at a private sandbar for lunch and swimming, return before sunset.

Paradise Island & Blue Lagoon

Half day

Short hop to Blue Lagoon Island for dolphins viewing (from the boat), beach time, and calm lagoon swimming.

Exuma Cays highlight reel

3–7 days

Multi-day run to Big Major Cay (swimming pigs), Compass Cay sharks, and Thunderball Grotto — the classic Bahamas bucket-list route.

Planning tips

Bring cash for island bars and beach clubs — some cays have limited card service.
Reef-safe sunscreen is essential; many areas are marine protected.
Confirm what's included: Bahamas charters often add fuel surcharges for long Exuma runs.
Fly into NAS the day before boarding — afternoon flights reduce first-day stress.
Travel insurance helps during hurricane season (June through November).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport for Bahamas charters?+

Yes. Even day trips from Nassau are in Bahamian waters — bring a valid passport and check visa requirements for your nationality.

Can we reach the swimming pigs on a day trip?+

The famous Exuma pigs are too far for a standard day charter from Nassau. Book a multi-day Exuma charter or a domestic flight to Staniel Cay.

When is hurricane season?+

Officially June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Operators monitor forecasts and may reschedule for safety.

Is the water calm for non-boaters?+

Nassau harbour and leeward cays are generally calm in season. Open-water crossings to the Exumas can be choppy — catamarans are popular for stability.

Departure marinas

Browse yachts departing from premier marinas in The Bahamas on YATR.

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