Bahamas Yacht Charters

Bahamas General Information

Yacht chartering in the Bahamas

Discover turquoise waters, sparkling beaches, moderate winds and a wealth of interesting anchorages where the vivid blue of the Gulf Stream turns northward. These fantastically rich waters bring exceptional sailing to the cruising paradise of The Bahamas. Nature took time to build a sparkling arc, letting centuries of coral make the fine foundation for these low-lying islands. The attraction here is in the subtle beauty of soft sands, sheltered sailing, and surprising delights of seclusion.

Popular Sailing areas are:

Abacos Islands

The Abacos are a string of Bahamian islands located approximately 175 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida. The "mainland" is Great Abaco, third largest island in the Bahamas, with a curve of cays just a few miles offshore creating the protected Sea of Abaco, perfect for sailing or day trip power boating. Historically different from other areas in the Bahamas, the population of the Abacos descended from Loyalists during the War of Independence from the United States. These blonde-haired, blue-eyed Abaconians have given up wrecking and rum running, but still work at traditional occupations -- farming, fishing, and boat building. Small guest houses and family-run hotels, as well as private home rentals, allow for a more personal experience. Tourists can embrace the relaxed culture and feel like locals.

The Islands of the Abacos

Elbow Cay
Great Abaco
Great Guana Cay
Green Turtle Cay
Lubbers Quarters Cay
Man-o-War Cay
Treasure Cay

Exumas

Together, the Cays and Great Exuma with its wide range of resorts and hotels that range from luxury amenities to basic fishing lodges, offer an amazing variety of vacation possibilities in the The Out Islands of The Bahamas. The Exumas are a 120 mile long island chain, within the chain of the Out Islands, with the Exuma Cays scattered in a long line extending north-east toward New Providence from Great Exuma. The Cays are the most exotic of the Out Islands, a collection of tiny jewels set in the aquamarine and sapphire of the most beautiful water you've ever imagined.

Bahamas - General Information

Capital: Nassau
Population: 300,000
Entry requirements: please refer to the official Bahamas tourism site - click on the link above
Area: 700 islands of 5,380 square miles (13,900 sq km)
Currency: Bahamian $; US$1=Ba$1 Language: English but major European languages spoken at tourist centres Political status: independent nation; member of the Commonwealth
Religion: Traditional Christian denomination churches with Anglican and Roman Catholic the largest
Business: In Nassau, Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya, banks are open 9.30am-3pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am-5pm on Friday. Hours vary in the other islands. The main banks are Central Bank of The Bahamas, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank International, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank, and Royal Bank of Canada. Shops open 9am-5pm or later with early closing on one weekday afternoon. Major payment cards accepted.
Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60 cycles.
Telecommunications: the international dialling code for The Bahamas is +1 242 followed by seven digits. On the island, use the seven digits alone. Time: GMT-5

One Of The World's Great Cruising Ground

Once the home of swash buckling privateers, one of the world's great cruising areas is found in the clear, reef-protected waters of the spectacular Abacos. Easy air access from anywhere in North America makes this "the Caribbean that's close to home." And from all corners of the world visitors come to find warm sun, the most beautiful turquoise waters and hundreds of secluded beaches of soft white sand.

A Place, A Pace, And Plenty Of Space

Originally settled by the Arawak people, these laid-back islands are known for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, astonishing beaches, picturesque settlements and, above all, hospitality and genuine friendliness. One of the world's largest barrier reef systems surrounds these reef-and-cay sheltered waters, providing 100 miles of relaxed cruising in the relatively shallow safety of The Sea of Abaco.

A Chain Of Cays And Colorful Character

The central cruising area is comprised of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with a delightful string of sandy cays just to the east. Begin in the center at quaint Man-O-War Cay. The beach at Treasure Cay is one of National Geographic's Top 10! Great snorkeling and a Marine Park are the attractions at Fowl Cay. Cultural appeal is the calling card of Green Turtle Cay with its museum, sculpture gardens, and fine dining at the Green Turtle Club. Visible for miles is the historic lighthouse of Hope Town, a candy-striped sentinel on the southeastern reef. South to Pelican Cays National Park you'll be amazed by the vast collection of colorful coral and sea life. Giant starfish are scattered along the sandy bottom for miles. Sail The Abacos and you won't believe your eyes!

Florida

On the west coast of Florida, St. Petersburg offers quiet cruising with a good mix of city life. Under sail you’ll enjoy warm protected waters where dolphins play in natural harbors.

On the east coast of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Key Biscayne, the Keys, the Bahamas all offer great mix of cruising , city life, beaches, diving, and snorkeling.

Fort Lauderdale is a boating paradise, earning her well-deserved title as the "Yachting Capital of the World." With numerous marinas, resorts and shipyards, it's the perfect place to discover the yacht of your dreams. Shopping is delightful along Las Olas Boulevard, with sidewalk cafes and unique boutiques to explore for those days when you want to enjoy shoreside activities. Jazz enthusiasts might want to pop into O'Hara's where live music plays well into the night.

If an even faster pace is more your style, then Miami and sizzling South Beach couldn't possibly disappoint. Anything goes in this trendy haven! You might start with a cocktail in a retro Art Deco hotel, progress along Ocean Drive to a Cuban-inspired beat and end up with the pulsations of a top-ten dance tune at the "in-crowd's" newest club. As the paparazzi have proved, it's possible to catch a celebrity enjoying the moon over Miami.

Perhaps the Keys sound more enticing? Sprawling southward, the Florida Keys are a casual, comfortable step away from the pace of the city. Leaving from Key Biscayne in Miami, cruise toward Key Largo, the gateway to the Florida Keys. Fishing, snorkeling and diving abound as the crystalline warm waters beckon. Our charter agents can arrange for preferred dockage at Key Largo's exclusive Ocean Reef Club - where adults and children will enjoy being pampered by the amenities of this private resort.

There are numerous deserted keys further south to explore. If you have time to cruise all the way to Key West, the charms of the "Conch Republic" will have surely made their mark.

South of Key West lies the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, home of some of the best snorkeling in the world.