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It's so easy to rent a boat or charter a yacht in The Bahamas with Yachtious. Book Now!
It's so easy to rent a boat or charter a yacht in The Bahamas with Yachtious. Book Now!
SAILING IN THE BAHAMAS
DISCOVER THE VACATION PARADISE OF THE CARIBBEAN
Just 50 miles (80 km) away from the shimmering coasts of Florida, The Bahamas is the tropical island dream getaway for every yachtsman. It spans a 500-mile (805 km) stretch, creating an arc of 700 islands, mostly uninhabited, with cays and various outcroppings, making for a legendary destination.
Like gems floating atop the turquoise sea, this island chain covers over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The beaches here are beautiful with soft white and pink sands, plenty of sunshine, and no shortage of water sport activities from diving and snorkeling to fishing and lazing about the balmy shores.
This friendly destination in the Caribbean is ideal for any sailor, though, aboard a yacht charter, it is even more delightful. Choose a crewed or bare boat yacht to match your preference and get right down to enjoying one of the best island destinations in the world.
Just a short sail from Miami, The Bahamas offers so much in the way of attractions and sights. Bimini is the gateway and revered as a superlative sports fishing capital. The record-sized game fish here are well-fed thanks to the Gulf Stream. In this westernmost district, it is also known as Ernest Hemingway’s other favorite escape besides Key West, which you can also visit from your Bahamas yacht charter. Incidentally, Bimini is also the place where it is believed that the Lost City of Atlantis is located as well as the Fountain of Youth.
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BEST TIMES TO VISIT THE BAHAMAS
The peak time for visiting The Bahamas is from mid-December through mid-April. It’s also the best time to visit. Temperatures are fantastic year-round, seldom ever dipping below 60 degrees. Be aware that the area is very prone to hurricanes between June and November. These months, and May too, are particularly rainy which leaves you less sun and fun to enjoy the islands and your yacht charter. In the peak season, the beautiful weather is what attracts the most tourists. Prices will be higher than during the rainy hurricane season and crowds will be more substantial too.
QUICK FACTS
BEST FOR CRUISING: DECEMBER TO APRIL
TIME ZONE: GMT−05:00
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
YOU MIGHT ALSO HEAR BAHAMIAN ENGLISH WHICH IS A MIXTURE OF QUEEN'S DICTION AFRICAN INFLUENCE AND ISLAND DIALECT
.CURRENCY: BAHAMIAN DOLLAR
REASONS TO VISIT
DIVING AND SNORKELING
EXQUISITE CUISINE
IDYLLIC BEACHES
ISLAND-HOPPING
SHOPPING
SWIMMING PIGS
THE QUINTESSENTIAL CARIBBEAN CLIMATE
THE WATER
GETTING TO THE BAHAMAS
It surprises many people to learn that there are about 57 airports in The Bahamas. Three international airports are on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and the Exumas. Of the 57 airports, there are 24 with official ports of entry to the islands. Because it is so close to Florida, accessing The Bahamas from there means regular flights that are very inexpensive coming from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, and some of the east coast gateways.
Several airlines fly directly to airports on the larger islands, but most flights arrive in Nassau or Freeport. It is where you can connect to another plane to take you to the Out Islands. Bahamas Air has a fantastic safety record with an outstanding reputation. However, delays are regular, and flights can be canceled with little to no warning.
The top entry point for The Bahamas is Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). This airport offers direct services to the USA, Canada, the Cayman Islands, the UK, Jamaica, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, and Panama. At Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, you’ll find direct flights to the USA and Canada.
You can also rent a private jet and enjoy the freedom of choice, total comfort and flexible terms for your travel.
Always bear in mind that the airline industry is a fluid one and the services detailed here may change, sometimes from month to month. Please do not rely solely on this information for your travel plans. To keep an eye out for any new flights and to search for excellent flight deals, a website such as Tripadvisor can be a handy resource.
For traveling on the water, you’ll find many marinas, both government and private, throughout The Bahamas. Of them, 29 are official ports of entry to The Bahamas. Start your yacht charter in The Bahamas by coming in via a flight to Miami. It’s a popular port for you to set sail from. Booking a hotel first in Miami is ideal to give you time to prepare for your yacht charter and get ready to set sail.
No matter your yachting budget, you’ll love the luxurious joy of sailing aboard a yacht, sailboat, or even a bare boat that gives you a vacation home on the water. With a crew ready to serve you, you can relax and let the tropical vibes of The Bahamas call your name.
EXPLORE OTHER CHARTER AREAS WITHIN THE CARIBBEAN
WHERE TO STAY IN THE BAHAMAS
There are a number of accommodations to choose from when visiting The Bahamas aboard your yacht charter. It depends what type of vacationer you are as to which one is best for you.
Small Hotels and Guesthouses
With many hotels, you can find one that suits your needs. They run from every end of the spectrum to fit budgets at low costs all the way up to purely immaculate luxury. Larger resort hotels will always have air conditioning. Smaller hotels usually don’t, particularly in the Out Islands. They use fans instead. If you can’t stand to sweat it out, make sure you confirm well in advance of your booking that the accommodations you’re choosing have air conditioning.
Condos and Villa Complexes
Non-standard lodgings are also available, like condos and villa complexes. These are best for families and larger groups. There are a variety of them from villas to vacation homes to beachfront cabanas. They usually provide easy access to the beach and are right on the water. Be sure to check about air conditioning though!
Camping and Eco-Tourism
If you love nature, try a dive resort or fishing lodge. You can also stay aboard your yacht charter to explore those outer islands if you’re craving a natural trip that keeps you isolated from the hoards of tourists.
Individual Villas
You can rent a single villa as another popular option. There are many to choose from, all with unique styles.
All-Inclusive Accommodations
Want to have it all without worrying about anything except enjoying yourself? Then big resorts like Atlantis and Sandals are an excellent choice. They give you all the amenities for one flat price.
Each resort includes different things so make sure you understand what’s included first, so you don’t get a bill for extras when you depart. Many people love this option because they get everything they want without having to tally up expenses at the end of their stay.
WINING AND DINING IN THE BAHAMAS
Bahamian food is genuinely soulful. It’s eclectic to combine the styles of southern American cuisine like cornbread, peas, and rice along with Caribbean styles such as spicy seafood. Being a cluster of islands, The Bahamas is rich with seafood in its cuisine, and conch is one of the most popular options. It’s incredible served fresh, uncooked with lime juice and spices. It’s equally amazing served fried, steamed, stewed, on salads or in soups like conch chowder. Don’t miss conch fritters either!
Here are some more Bahamian dishes you should taste when you arrive at The Bahamas on board your yacht charter.
Cracked Conch
Also known as fried conch, it’s pounded, breaded and resembles a veal cutlet. It’s served in different ways too, with sauce variations like curry or Creole.
Conch Salad
This ceviche-style dish serves uncooked conch doused in a spicy pepper and citrus sauce. For good measure, you’ll find it mixed with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and green peppers.
Rock Lobsters
These spiny yet delicious lobsters are one of the Caribbean’s biggest exports. They are often steamed or boiled, thrown on salads, in saucy Creole concoctions or in patties too.
Bahamian Stew Fish
Made with a dark roux that features tomato, celery, onion and spices, fish like grouper or snapper is pan-fried and topped with this tasty delight.
Johnnycakes
Known as the unofficial bread of The Bahamas, johnnycakes are pan-cooked bits of cornbread. They are usually eaten alongside stews and curries.
Pigeon Peas and Rice
This side is classic Bahamian. It’s made with pigeon peas, the bean of choice of the Caribbean, along with pork, celery, rice, and tomatoes, seasoned with thyme.
Baked Crab
Locals love this crab dish with bread crumbs, seasoning, and egg baked into the crab’s shell.
Souse
Pronounced as “sowse,” is a famous stew brimming with onions, celery, potatoes, peppers, carrots, lime juice and bay leaves along with the meat. Meats vary and can be anything from chicken to pork or oxtail to sheep’s tongue, even pig’s feet. It’s probably best to not know what’s in there and taste it. You won’t be sorry!
Guava Duff
This sweet pastry filled with guava is often served with rum custard sauce. It’s one of the best things you’ll ever try!
The Yellow Bird
And of course, no trip to The Bahamas would be complete without the national alcoholic drink of The Bahamas. This local favorite consists of orange juice, pineapple juice, rum, apricot brandy, banana liqueur, and Galliano. This punch is fun to enjoy aboard your yacht charter or with your toes in the sand. If you’d prefer, you can go for the local beer, Kalik, which is light and wheaty.
