Crewed Yacht Charter in the Bahamas
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Contrary to popular thought, the Bahamas is an excellent charter location in Spring, Summer and Fall, and not necessarily in the dead of Winter. Unbeknownst to many, it can snow in Nassau in the Winter. Perhaps only once every 30 years and perhaps there is never any accumulation, however the weather can dip low enough for snow to fall. Cold weather in the Bahamas in the Winter is usually part of a winter storm that might blow through in several days, and then the weather returns to warm and sunny. So you can still consider chartering in the Bahamas and take your chances that a storm will not blow through, or if a storm does, take solace in the fact that it probably will not last for your whole week of charter.
April and May are excellent charter times in the Bahamas, with days of bright sunny weather and clear warm waters. June through November can be excellent charter times as well, although the occasional hurricane can come through, so you should be sure to consider the purchase of Trip Cancellation Insurance for that time period.
Most charter in the Bahamas starts out of Nassau. For a first charter, heading down to the Exumas is an excellent destination.
Following is a suggested charter itinerary for a charter to the Exumas out of Nassau:
The Exuma Islands – 7 Days
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The Exuma Islands
7 Days
Join your yacht in the capital city of Nassau to cruise 34 miles to another world. There are more than 700 islands in The Bahamas, with the Exuma chain reaching 120 miles. Arrive at the Allan’s Cay group of islands to explore nearby beaches and to meet the large population of protected native iguanas on Leaf Cay or Southwest Allans Cay, which always comes out to greet visitors. Good snorkeling and fishing surround this collection of some 13 small islands and reefs.
In the morning cruise to uninhabited Hawksbill Cay, one of the prettiest cays in the Land and Sea Park. Walk along the beautiful expanse of beaches and climb the large hill for a panoramic view of the anchorage. In the afternoon hike the trails to explore ruins of Loyalist plantations dating from 1783 and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Hawksbill Cay beach
After breakfast, cruise to Warderick Wells, headquarters of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, where you will be greeted by an amazing display of water colors and sand banks upon approach. Snorkeling is excellent on nearby reefs. On shore, check out the sperm whale skeleton on the beach and enjoy the park’s four miles of walking trails. Legend has it a ship carrying missionaries once wrecked off this island and the locals swear on moonlit nights a ghostly congregation can be heard singing hymns. Listen for them as you dine al fresco.
Enjoy a lazy tropical breakfast before cruising to Staniel Cay where you can visit its quaint settlement of brightly colored houses. Snorkelers will enjoy exploring Thunderball Cave, the site of the movies ‘Splash’ and ‘Thunderball’. Have dinner on board or ashore at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
Thunderball Cave
Cruise to the eight-mile-long Pipe Creek, an area generally deserted as many yachts avoid its tricky shifting shoals and endless coral heads. This is a water sport paradise providing endless fishing, exploring and snorkeling opportunities.
Enjoy breakfast before cruising north to Shroud Cay. After anchoring, take the dingy through unspoiled mangrove creeks for a private lunch on a spectacular unspoiled ocean beach. Hike along the trails to see a variety of birds and wildlife.
Disembark in Nassau.
Star Fish in the Exumas, Bahamas
