Welcome to the Islands of Endless Blue
The Bahamas is a world-class sailing destination where brilliant turquoise waters, incredible wildlife encounters, and spectacular fishing grounds come together to create a truly unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re stepping aboard a yacht for the first time or returning for another adventure, the Bahamas offers something for everyone — from secluded beaches to vibrant island life.
☀️ Best Time to Visit
While you can cruise these islands any time of year, the sweet spot for sailing is mid-November through early July. During this season, you’ll enjoy:
- Warm, comfortable temperatures (highs around 85°F, lows near 75°F)
- Steady trade winds of 15–20 knots for smooth sailing
- Mostly sunny skies with minimal rainfall
Booking recommendations:
- Reserve 9–12 months in advance for peak holiday weeks like Christmas and New Year.
- Reserve 6–9 months ahead for popular winter and spring dates.
- Flexible? Last-minute specials may be available.
Hurricane season runs from August to October, so most charters take a break during that period.
✈️ Getting Here
Reaching the Bahamas from the U.S. is easier than most people expect, with direct flights from many popular cities including New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston.
Main Arrival Point:
- Nassau (NAS) — Home to most charters, with a short taxi ride from the airport to the marina.
Other Options:
- Marsh Harbour (MHH) — Perfect for exploring the Abacos in the Northern Bahamas.
- Georgetown, Exuma (GGT) — Gateway to the heart of the Exumas.
All you need is a valid passport for entry, with no visa required for stays under 90 days.
🏝 Must-See Experiences
Your captain will work with you to design a custom itinerary based on your interests. Popular stops include:
- Pig Beach — Swim alongside the famous pigs of the Exumas.
- Compass Cay — Meet gentle nurse sharks in crystal-clear water.
- Bitter Guana Cay — Walk among friendly iguanas on sun-soaked beaches.
- Staniel Cay Yacht Club — Enjoy island cocktails and fresh Bahamian seafood.
- Thunderball Grotto — Snorkel in a stunning cave made famous by a James Bond film.
🌟 Why the Bahamas is Perfect for Yacht Charters
Few places in the world combine such stunning scenery with so much to see and do:
- Shallow, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving
- Unique wildlife get up close and personal
- Secluded anchorages for total privacy
- Island hopping – check out a new island everyday
⛵ Featured Yachts
To see some of the best yachts in the Bahamas, check out the fleet here.
💵 All-Inclusive Pricing
Most Catamarans in the Bahamas are offered at an all-inclusive rate, while higher-end catamarans and all power yachts are “plus expenses” meaning plus APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), which covers food, fuel, alcohol, mooring/docking fees, etc. APA ranges from 25-40% of the base charter fee depending on the yacht. You can learn more about pricing here.
All inclusive includes:
- Yacht and professional crew
- Fuel and cruising permits
- All meals, snacks, and standard bar service
- Use of water sports gear and toys
Not included:
- 14% VAT
- Transport to and from the yacht
- Premium beverages
- Shore excursions
- Crew gratuity (typically 15–20% of the charter fee)
⚓ Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Whether you want to swim with pigs, relax on untouched beaches, or island-hop through turquoise waters, our team can make it happen. We’ll help you choose the perfect yacht, design a personalized itinerary, and handle every detail.
📧 erin@sandersonyachting.com
📞 401.338.6866