No crew? No compromises. Plan your next vacation in paradise aboard a bareboat charter. From the Abacos to the Exumas, this complete Bahamas bareboat charter guide covers routes, weather, provisioning, anchorages, and must-see islands.
By Zuzana Prochazka
In this article:
- What Experience Do You Need for a Bareboat Charter?
- Best Stops on an Abacos Charter
- Best Stops on an Exumas Charter
- Getting There & Where to Stay
- Bahamas Charter Weather & Hurricane Season Tips
- Provisioning & Anchoring in the Bahamas
- Best Charter Companies
- How to Save Money on a Bahamas Yacht Charter
- Legal & Insurance Requirements
The Bahamas aren’t so much a place as a collection of places. This island nation is made up of 2,400 isles and cays scattered along a 600-mile archipelago that runs northwest to southeast along the eastern coast of South Florida. This watery paradise encompasses the world’s third-longest barrier reef and has water so clear, divers often find 200-foot visibility. The Spanish called the Bahamas “baja mar,” meaning shallow sea. This is where Columbus made his first North American landfall and where numerous treasure-laden galleons foundered.
Today, the islands are a major boating destination with sugary beaches, dancing palm trees, lush mangroves, and curly-tailed lizards skittering here and there. The colors of the water in these islands defy description and taunt the imagination. A boating vacation here is an immersive delight and an intimate way to explore remote beaches and meet friendly locals.
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What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter allows travelers to rent and captain their own yacht without a professional crew. In the Bahamas, bareboat charters are especially popular in the Abacos and Exumas, where boaters can explore remote beaches, anchor in protected coves, snorkel coral reefs, and island-hop at their own pace.
Why the Bahamas Is Perfect for a Bareboat Charter
The best way to experience the islands’ nooks and crannies is by boat, absorbing the yachtie lifestyle. If you don’t have a boat of your own, the next best thing is to charter one. You’ll first need to pick a destination though, since the Bahamas divide into three major groups: the Sea of Abaco, Exuma, and the Berry Islands. Only the first two have charter bases with major outfits.
Bahamas Bareboat Charter Quick Facts
- Best Time to Go: April-May
- Beginner-Friendly Area: Sea of Abaco
- Advanced Cruising: Exumas
- Typical Charter Length: 7-10 days
- Best Boat Type: Catamaran
- Passport Required: Yes
- Average Water Visibility: Up to 200 feet
Abacos vs. Exumas: Which Charter Destination Is Right for You?
The Sea of Abaco is a compact and sheltered boomerang-shaped swath of turquoise-colored water roughly 60 miles long and five miles wide. It’s easy to visit in a short time and requires only basic boating skills. By contrast, the far-flung Exuma chain extends in a southeasterly direction down from Nassau on New Providence Island to Georgetown on Great Exuma. It covers hundreds of miles, necessitating fairly advanced cruising abilities.
What Experience Do You Need for a Bareboat Charter?
Although there are different kinds of charter, the vast majority of boaters enjoy a bareboat experience where you are the captain of a rented vessel. This comes with a high level of privacy and independence, but also with some stress and all the responsibilities, including navigating, keeping onboard systems running, and learning to troubleshoot in a hurry. Bareboat charter is exciting for both new boaters and old salts because there’s no better way to appreciate an island destination like the Bahamas than from the deck of a yacht.
Although the vast majority of charter boats are sailboats, boaters of all stripes— both blowboaters and stinkpotters—can set out on a bareboat charter. The point is to explore islands, toast sunsets, and swim in warm waters, so book a sailboat and just leave the canvas on the boom. The truth is, most sailors do the same thing, spending 70% of their charter running solely with the engine.
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To qualify for a bareboat charter, a base level of experience is required as are certifications, which vary by location with some areas more stringent than others.
The Bahamas are lenient so long as you can prove a level of education and experience on your boating résumé. Bareboat charter credentials can be obtained by powerboaters at NauticalEd (for Power), the International Certificate of Competence (ICC for Power), or the US Powerboating Small Powerboat Certificate.
You’ll also need a strong résumé of experience on similarly sized vessels. If you have no experience or certifications, a crewed charter with an assigned captain takes the stress out of your vacation and adds insider tips on the best snorkel spots, top restaurants, and safe anchorages. All this comes at a price, of course, so if you can go bareboat, definitely do so.
Best Places to Visit in the Abacos
Sea of Abaco, Marsh Harbour, Great Guana Cay
Since we’re discussing two disparate cruising grounds, let’s address them separately starting with the Sea of Abaco. “Tan Your Toes in the Abacos” is the tagline of the local Kalik brand of beer, and it sums up the region’s appeal. All major charter bases are centered around Marsh Harbour, which is just across from Great Guana Cay, the longest island in the Sea that forms a barrier against the Atlantic. Head for Guana and the world-famous Nippers beach bar with its fun pool and “chicken in da bag” Fridays.
Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay
From Great Guana you can go north to Green Turtle Cay at the top of the Sea or head south to Man-O-War Cay, which is 2.5 miles long and has a mooring field protected by mangroves. The entrance into the lagoon is narrow but well-marked. Names like Albury, Archer, and Lowe repeat on local business signs, reflecting the families who’ve been here since the settlement was established in the 1700s. The community is renowned for its boatbuilding expertise, which has been strong here since the 1880s.
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Hope Town
Four miles south is Hope Town, settled in 1785 by British Loyalists who were so called because they were loyal to the crown of England after the U.S. War of Independence. Here, you’ll find a small marina and a large mooring field with a view of Hope Town’s iconic 130-year-old candy-striped lighthouse, which is one of only a few kerosene-fueled lighthouses still in operation in the world. A trek up the 200-plus steps inside is a must, if only for the fantastic vista from the top.
Little Harbour
Continuing down the protected Sea, Little Harbour sits farther south on a pointy outcropping of Great Abaco Island. Inside are plenty of moorings, and you may see dolphins, turtles, and rays swimming around the boat. You can snorkel with them and then tuck into some conch salad at Pete’s Pub and Gallery.
Elbow Cay
The Sea is shallow with unexpected coral flats popping up, but it’s an easy and compact place to explore even for new charterers. In a week, you can crisscross it a few times, or you just kick back, anchor off lovely Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, and raise a Kalik to the sunset.
Best Stops on an Exumas Yacht Charter
By contrast, the Exumas are spread out and a bit more challenging to navigate. The cays form a 130-mile crescent with 365 isles and cays. Exploring these islands on charter is an out-and-back affair with much to see and do but also a lot of water to cover. It’s best to set a few waypoints on the way south and then pick up the skipped destinations on the way back north.
Yellow Bank is a strip of shallows you must cross about midway between Nassau and the start of the primary cruising grounds. The water is skinny, and you’ll probably hold your breath all the way across. Post a good lookout for the many coral heads that reach up to grab a keel.
Allen Cay
The first stop is usually Allen Cay, famous for its iguanas that aren’t shy when they see a dinghy pull up on the beach. They expect it to be laden with fruit treats and can be quite demanding. The anchorage is small with a lot of current, so take care when dropping the hook or swimming here.
Shroud Cay
Shroud Cay at the top of the Land and Sea Park is an absolute must with its tidal creeks, one of which allows motorized traffic. Take the dinghy through the mangrove-lined lane filled with turtles and rays all the way back to Driftwood Beach. Here, there’s a Disneyland-esque swim where you wade in and catch a wonderful drift ride toward Exuma Sound on the east side of the chain. You drift in one direction, then get out and run back along the beach for another ride. The sand here is as fine as powdered sugar and compacts so tightly, it feels like cement. The colors of the water as they swirl between the sandbars will give your camera a workout.
Exuma Cay
Next on a southerly route is the protected 176-square-mile Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park with 15 major cays and a headquarters at Warderick Wells. You must take a mooring at Warderick because anchoring isn’t allowed, and these aren’t cheap, but the views are well worth it. Hike up a short hill to Boo Boo Beach, a pile of driftwood inscribed with boat names. It’s a cruisers’ shrine that keeps a silent record of all who pass, until the next hurricane sweeps it clean off the island.
Big Major Cay
Other highlights include the world-famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Their number varies, but about 50 jostle for whatever food arrives via dinghy. Nearby is Thunderball Grotto, a cave made famous by a James Bond movie. You can swim inside, and it’s best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. If sharks are your thing, visit Staniel Cay Yacht Club where nurse sharks circle the docks expecting a handout.
O’Brien’s Cay, Norman’s Cay
At this point, you’ll be about halfway down the Exuma chain and at the turning point of a weeklong charter. Pick up the special spots you missed on your return. The “aquarium” on O’Brien’s Cay is a small rocky cove where you can swim with fish that crowd around you. They’re carb freaks, so bring bread and oatmeal. You’ll need to thread the needle between a coral outcropping and some rocks to get here, but persevere; it’s worth it. Also check out Norman’s Cay with its sunken airplane for some great snorkeling. In the 1980s, a pilot for Carlos Lehder of the Medellin drug cartel ditched his plane here rather than be caught by the DEA. The fuselage is cracked open and just below the surface. It’ll keep you entertained for hours.
Getting There & Luxury Stays
Lots of flights depart for the Bahamas from East Coast airports, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte and others. For the Abacos, it’s a short hop to Marsh Harbour, and for the Exumas, choose Nassau.
Ideally, you’ll have a few days before or after your posh charter to relax in landside luxury. Five-star establishments near Nassau that can extend your exclusive vacation include:
Bahamas Charter Weather and Hurricane Season Tips
Hurricane season is a real thing in these islands. Technically stretching from June 1 to November 30, this is the season when major storms are most likely. However, summer can be a great time to visit with smaller crowds and better pricing, so the whole five months need not be avoided. July should be fair game, but August and September are a no-go, unless you like to gamble. The best time to visit is April to May. December through March can be chilly, with temps in the 60s and 70s.
Once in the islands, watch the weather. The charter companies supply an initial forecast, but try to get updates every two to three days with weather apps when you have coverage. Winds are usually 15 to 20 knots but can reach 40 knots. Before untying the dock lines, check for a weather condition known as “the Rage,” which sends a pounding swell from the Atlantic Ocean into the Abacos and makes everything uncomfortable. Connectivity is fairly good in the Abacos and can be sketchy in the Exumas. Wi-Fi can be hard to come by, but full-time cruisers are a great resource for weather information and other local knowledge.
Provisioning and Anchoring in the Bahamas
Most everything must be shipped into the Bahamas, and it only gets pricier and harder to find once you leave Nassau or Marsh Harbour. Provision well before departing the base because there are few stores in the Exumas until Staniel Cay. Stores are more accessible in the Abacos, including in Hope Town and Man-O-War Cay. Restaurants are plentiful in both locations.
Anchoring in the Bahamas is easy, usually in 10 to 15 feet of water and primarily in sand. It gets tricker with a coral bottom where an anchor can’t dig in or if there’s wind and a changing current. It’s best to stick with anchorages recommended by the base or a cruising guide.
When entering a cove or harbor, do so early in the day to have the sun high in the sky. This kind of light angle provides good color contrast, which shows coral heads. Have a good pair of eyes scoping the water ahead for shoals that may not be charted.
What to Pack for a Bahamas Sailing Vacation
Both the Abacos and the Exumas are fairly mellow in the evening and aren’t known for their boisterous nightlife like the British Virgin Islands. Exceptions include festivals and events like junkanoos and sailing regattas, when the islands come to life.
Key things to pack are sunscreen (it’s really toasty out here), a few swimsuits, and cameras to capture everything above and below the surface. The Bahamas are an undeniable destination for anyone seeking an exceptional water-borne adventure, so book a luxury bareboat charter and get ready to tan those toes.
Best Charter Companies in the Bahamas
You can use a charter broker, but I prefer to book directly with the major charter companies, which typically offer excellent service and knowledgeable agents.
The Moorings
Nassau, Exuma & Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Moorings.com
88-788-0662
*Powercats available
Sunsail
Marsh Harbour, Abaco only
Sunsail.com
877-772-3502
Dream Yacht Charter
Nassau, Exuma & Marsh Harbour, Abaco
DreamYachtCharter.com
855-650-8902
Navigare Yachting
Marsh Harbour, Abaco only
Navigare-Yachting.com
866-9639178
Cruise Abaco
Marsh Harbour, Abaco only
CruiseAbaco.com
321-830-9412
How to Save Money on a Bahamas Yacht Charter
Charter companies are always offering discounts. Sometimes these are by season/timing, sometimes they’re by the length of the charter (one/two weeks), and sometimes they’re by the type of boat, like monohull/catamaran. Last-minute offers can be lucrative because they’re trying to move perishable inventory just like hotels. The problem with those offers is that you must be able to travel at the drop of a hat and pay for short-notice airfare. If that’s in your wheelhouse, check their websites often and sign up for e-newsletters that will deliver these offers to your email box.
You can also call the charter company directly and ask about deals. Some offer military appreciation rates or extra days added, like 10 days for the price of seven. End-of-year holidays fill up quickly so book early. For most charters, give yourself four to six months lead time to reserve the boat of your choice and meet the necessary requirements. For the Bahamas, a catamaran with a shallower draft is the best choice.
Legal and Insurance Requirements for Bareboat Charters
Most legal issues center around signing the contract (which is standard) and insurance. Each company has its own version of insurance requirements, so ask the booking agent. The yacht damage waiver covers insurance for what you break during the charter. It isn’t optional and it’s in addition to the initial quoted cost of the boat. Other insurance may be required if you plan to race the yacht in a regatta, but that’s mainly for sailors.
You’ll need a passport to enter the Bahamas. For practical information on entry requirements, visit bahamas.com/boating-faqs.
