The Bahamas stretches across 100,000 square miles of ocean, home to 700 islands and 2,400 cays — yet only 30 of those islands are inhabited. In 2025, the country welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors, many of them coming by private yacht. For travelers who want to trade crowded resort beaches for your own stretch of white sand, chartering a yacht is the most direct way to reach the secluded cays and pristine anchorages that define this archipelago.
This guide covers the route that first-time Bahamas charterers most often choose: a week-long loop through the Exuma Cays, with stops at the marine park, swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and deserted sandbars. Along the way we’ll break down the real costs, what’s included, and how to decide between a catamaran and a motor yacht — so you can plan a trip that matches your crew’s pace and budget.
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park covers 176 square miles and was established in 1958 as the world’s first land-and-sea park.
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Your 7-Day Exumas Itinerary
Most crewed charters start from Nassau, the capital and main port of entry. From there it’s a half-day cruise south into the Exuma Cays — a chain of 365 cays stretching 130 miles. This loop hits the highlights at a pace that works for first-timers and seasoned island-hoppers alike.
Day 1: Nassau to Allan’s Cay (35 nm, ~4 hours)
After clearing customs at Lynden Pindling International Airport and boarding at Nassau Yacht Haven or Palm Cay Marina, you’ll head southeast. The first stop is Allan’s Cay, home to the endangered Bahamian rock iguana — fewer than 5,000 remain in the wild. The iguanas here are accustomed to visitors; you’ll see them sunning on the beach as you anchor for the afternoon. The water around the cay is shallow and clear, perfect for a first swim after a travel day. Overnight anchorage at Allan’s Cay is calm, though exposed to easterly breezes.
Anchor well before sunset — the holding is sandy but can be tricky in wind. Pick up a park mooring if one is available ($27.27/night for vessels under 50 feet at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park moorings).
Day 2: Norman’s Cay to Shroud Cays (12 nm)
Norman’s Cay is famous for a different kind of landmark: a submerged drug-smuggling plane wreck from the 1980s, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Snorkel the wreck in the morning — visibility is best before the afternoon breeze picks up. From there, a short cruise brings you to Shroud Cays, where you can take a tender or kayak through the mangrove creek channels at high tide. The water temperature sits between 76–82°F year-round, so no wetsuit needed.
Shroud Cays’ Sanctuary Creek is a highlight: it starts as a lazy river with sea turtles alongside the dinghy, then opens into a rapid-style water slide that spills into the open sea. It’s the closest thing to a natural water park in the Exumas.
Day 3: Warderick Wells, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (8 nm)
Warderick Wells is the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which won the Platinum Global Ocean Refuge Award in 2018. The park is a no-take zone — no fishing, no shell collecting. Instead, you hike to Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views (leave a piece of driftwood on the cairn, as tradition holds), snorkel the marked reef trail, and explore the blowhole on the island’s windward side. The water here is among the clearest in the chain, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.
Moorings at Warderick Wells are available on a first-come, first-served basis; book ahead if you want to guarantee a spot. The park entrance fee is $15 per adult from July 1, 2026, plus $12.73 per extra guest per day.
Day 4: Compass Cay to Staniel Cay (15 nm)
Compass Cay is known for its resident nurse sharks — docile animals that gather around the marina dock. You can swim with them in waist-deep water; they’re accustomed to people and often called the “labradors of the sea.” A short tender ride south brings you to Big Major Cay, where the swimming pigs wade out to meet approaching boats. The pigs are fed by visitors, so expect a enthusiastic greeting.
Staniel Cay is the hub of the central Exumas. Tie up at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club marina for lunch or dinner — the rum punch and conch fritters are a local institution. Afternoon snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system featured in the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball and Tom Hanks’ Splash, is a must. The grotto is best entered at slack tide when the water is calmest.
Thunderball Grotto can get crowded midday in high season (December–April). Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer people and better light inside the cave.
Day 5: Bitter Guana Cay to Black Point (10 nm)
Bitter Guana Cay is a long, uninhabited sandbar that emerges at low tide — perfect for a beach barbecue or a game of catch on the sand. From there, head to Black Point, a settlement on Great Guana Cay with around 300 residents. The local vendors serve fresh conch salad on the dock, and it’s one of the few places on the route where you can interact with Bahamian culture beyond the yacht. Stock up on fresh bread and fruit if you’re provisioning for the next day.
This is a good night for a quiet anchorage; Black Point offers protection from the prevailing easterly winds.
Day 6: Cambridge Cay to Pipe Creek (6 nm)
Many cruisers consider this the most beautiful stretch of the Exumas. Cambridge Cay sits within the park, with a short hike to a scenic overlook. Pipe Creek is a maze of tiny cays and sandbars — you can spend the day paddling between them, snorkeling coral heads, and anchoring for a beach lunch. The Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s third-largest at 190 miles, lies west across the Tongue of the Ocean, but you won’t cross it on this route — it’s a destination for a future charter.
This is a good day for water toys: paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats are standard on most charter yachts. If your yacht has a jet ski or seabob, Pipe Creek’s calm, shallow water is the ideal place to use them.
Day 7: Return to Nassau (55 nm, 5–6 hours)
The final leg is a straight run north to Nassau. Depending on your departure time, you can stop at Rose Island or the sandbars off Paradise Island for a last swim. Arrive back at Nassau Yacht Haven or Palm Cay by late afternoon to clear out and catch your flight home. The distance is manageable in a half-day cruise on a motor yacht; on a sailing catamaran it’s a full day, so plan your flight accordingly.
Planning Your Charter: Costs, Timing, and Choices
Chartering a yacht in the Bahamas involves more than just picking a boat. The table below gives a snapshot of typical weekly rates, but the real total includes taxes, gratuity, and the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) on plus-expenses charters.
| Yacht Type | Size Range | Median Weekly Rate | Typical Terms | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran | Under 60 ft | $26,000 | All-inclusive (90% of fleet) | Meals, drinks, water toys, crew |
| Catamaran | 60–79 ft | $49,500 | All-inclusive (38% of fleet) | Meals, drinks, water toys, crew |
| Motor Yacht | 60–79 ft | $45,000 | Plus expenses (APA 30–35%) | Base charter only; APA covers fuel, dockage, food |
| Motor Yacht | 80–99 ft | $65,000 | Plus expenses (APA 30–35%) | Base charter only; APA covers fuel, dockage, food |
| Motor Yacht | 100–129 ft | $80,500 | Plus expenses (APA 30–35%) | Base charter only; APA covers fuel, dockage, food |
Source: Vital Charters rate analysis, September 2026, based on 156 motor yachts and 34 catamarans in the Bahamas fleet.
On top of the base rate, you’ll pay 14% taxes (10% VAT + 4% charter tax, collected together since January 2026). Crew gratuity of 15–20% of the charter fee is customary. For an all-inclusive catamaran at $26,000/week, the total including tax and 15% gratuity comes to roughly $33,500. For a plus-expenses motor yacht at $60,000/week, add $21,000 APA, $8,400 tax, and $9,000–$12,000 gratuity — total around $98,400–$101,400.
Catamaran vs. Motor Yacht
Catamarans make up 61% of Caribbean and Bahamas charter listings. Their shallow draft (3–5 feet) is a major advantage in the Bahamas, where the Great Bahama Bank averages only 10–15 feet deep. Motor yachts draw 6–10 feet or more, limiting access to some shallow anchorages and sandbars. Motor yachts cruise at 15–20 knots, covering ground in half the time of a catamaran, and offer larger salons and heavier stabilization. For first-time Bahamas charterers, a crewed catamaran in the 45–55 foot range is often recommended for its shallow-draft access, stability, and flybridge lounge.
Best Time to Charter
High season runs December through April, when air temperatures are in the mid-70s, water temperatures 75–78°F, and trade winds 10–15 knots. Rain is rare. Book 6–12 months in advance for high season; Christmas and New Year’s weeks often require 12–18 months. Shoulder season (May–June, November) offers water past 80°F and fewer crowds, with identical rates for many catamarans ($24,000 for a three-cabin, $42,000 for a four-cabin year-round). Summer (July–October) is cheaper but carries hurricane risk — the statistical peak of Atlantic hurricane season is September 10. Many experienced charterers prefer summer for empty anchorages and warm, glassy water.
What’s Included in a Crewed Charter
All-inclusive catamarans include a professional crew (captain, chef, and mate if needed), all meals and drinks (custom menu, dietary restrictions accommodated), and water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and floating mats. Larger yachts may add jet skis, seabobs, and wakeboards. On plus-expenses motor yachts, the APA covers fuel, dockage, food and drink, and park fees — any unspent APA is refunded. Not included: flights, pre/post-charter hotel nights, crew gratuity, and special excursions like guided bonefishing or spa services.
Most crewed yachts price by the week. Shorter charters (3–5 days) are usually quoted as a proportion of the weekly rate rather than a simple fraction. The easiest way to find a shorter booking is in shoulder months.
Before You Go: Practical Questions
Do I need sailing experience to charter a crewed yacht?
No. A crewed charter comes with a professional captain who handles all navigation, anchoring, and docking. You’re free to relax, swim, and explore. If you want to bareboat (skipper yourself), charter companies require documented sailing experience or a recognized certification, and they review your sailing résumé before handing over the keys.
How do I get to the charter yacht?
Most charters begin in Nassau. Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) receives roughly 12 daily direct flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale combined, via American Airlines, JetBlue, and Bahamasair. The flight from Miami takes about one hour. From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to Nassau Yacht Haven or Palm Cay Marina. Alternatively, some charters start in Marsh Harbour (Abaco) or Staniel Cay, reachable via small charter flights from Nassau or direct from Fort Lauderdale.
What should I pack?
Pack light in a soft duffel bag — yacht cabins have limited storage. Essentials: swimsuits, quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a light windbreaker, and soft-soled shoes for deck walking. Most yachts provide snorkel gear, but you may prefer to bring your own mask and fins for fit.
Is the Exumas itinerary suitable for young children?
Yes. The waters are calm and shallow, the swimming pigs and nurse sharks are gentle and safe, and the pace is flexible. Many charter yachts are equipped with kid-friendly configurations, including flexible cabin layouts. The calmest conditions are from December through April, but summer also works well if you watch the weather.
Getting the Most Out of Your Charter
A crewed yacht charter in the Bahamas is about trading the predictable for the personal. Instead of queuing for a table at a beach club, you anchor off a sandbar and your chef serves grilled snapper on a floating mat. Instead of a hotel room with a view, you wake up in a different cove every morning, the only sound being the bow line creaking against a mooring buoy. The research is clear: the Exumas offer the best combination of shallow-draft access, diverse attractions, and calm conditions for a first Bahamas charter. And the 7-day loop above gives you the iconic experiences — the pigs, the grotto, the iguanas, the park — without feeling rushed.
If you want to extend beyond the Exumas, consider adding a side trip to the Abacos (Hope Town’s candy-striped lighthouse and the Sea of Abaco’s protected waters) or Eleuthera (the Glass Window Bridge and pink-sand beaches). Both are reachable from Nassau with an extra day or two. For a truly off-the-grid experience, the Berry Islands — often called the “Fish Bowl of the Bahamas” — offer 30 islands with no resorts and some of the best fishing in the country.
For more on what to do once you’re anchored, check out our guide to swimming with nurse sharks in the Exumas and our tips for capturing the Bahamas’ beauty on camera.
References
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “The Bahamas Achieves Unprecedented Tourism Success with Record-Breaking 12.5 Million Visitors.” Bahamas.com, 2025. ↗
The Bahamas National Trust. “Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.” BNT.bs. ↗
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Atlantic Hurricane Season Climatology.” NHC.NOAA.gov. ↗
Vital Charters. “Bahamas Yacht Charter Rate Analysis.” VitalCharters.com, September 2026. ↗
If you’re still deciding between destinations, our guide to Harbour Island’s pink-sand beaches and our rundown of deep-sea fishing charters can help you tailor the trip to your crew. And for stargazing after a day on the water, don’t miss our guide to the Bahamas night sky.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
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