Bahamas luxury yacht charter

Bahamas yacht season and weather

The Bahamas are blessed with more than 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rarely dipping below 24°C. December to April is considered the main high season, when the climate is dry, warm and sunny. Summer months from May to July bring hotter weather, averaging 30°C, but more humidity and a higher chance of rain. The sea temperature averages between 23°C and 29°C. The official hurricane season lasts from June to the end of November. If visiting some of the larger islands, such as Nassau, you may want to avoid spring break – a period of two weeks where American college kids come to the islands to party.

Bahamas yacht charter itineraries

Whether visiting the crescent beaches and exclusive retreats of the Abaco Islands, relishing the flame-red sunsets and world-famous fishing spots in Bimini, enjoying the escapism of the Exumas or heading to the Out Islands for tropical shores and uncrowded cruising grounds, Bahamian itineraries can include a great mix of island vibes, picture-perfect cays and remarkable natural beauty.

The Exumas are bursting with fish-packed reefs and kaleidoscopic coral plumes. Swim with friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay, spot giant iguanas at Allen Cay and swim with pigs at the now world-famous Big Major’s Spot. Charters can easily spend a week or more exploring these exquisite far-flung isles, which run south-east from New Providence.

For more secret anchorages, world-class diving and spectacular fishing, consider a Bahamian Out Islands itinerary. Meet your yacht at Cape Eleuthera Marina, which can host yachts up to 60 metres, and head out for a first dive at Bamboo Point. Fish for mahi mahi and tuna before dropping anchor for the night under a star-studded sky. Tartar Bank on Cat Island lies to the east of Eleuthera and is another magnet for those fishing for yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi and blue marlin, while great diving and snorkelling can be found amid the coral canyons and sea caves at Cat Island’s Hawk’s Nest. More dazzling corals and reef fish await at Conception Island, 25 nautical miles south. The long, glittering sands of neighbouring Rum Cay are another top pick, with the cay famed for its reefs, deep drop offs and the wreck dive over HMS Conqueror.

The Bahamas by superyacht

Getting to the Bahamas

The Bahamas lie around 45 nautical miles off the coast of Florida. Charters commonly enter from US waters or arrive from other islands in the Caribbean.

There are several airports in the region that accommodate private and commercial aircraft including Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport, Exuma International Airport, Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (formerly known as The Marsh Harbour International Airport) in the Abacos and Grand Bahama International Airport.

Legal requirements

Yachts must notify officials of their arrival and await pratique before heading ashore. Clearance must be done on arrival (within 24 hours). Entry into the Bahamas must be made at an official Port of Entry. A Q flag should be flown.

Entry fees will apply to all visiting yachts and are inclusive of a 365-day cruising permit and a three-month fishing permit.

Anchoring fees apply in some of the marine parks including the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park boundaries.