Book a Bahamas catamaran charter this year for a flexible, family-friendly vacation that adapts to any group size. The routes are specific, and the pace is yours to set, which means you wake to sunrise over turquoise water and end with stargazing on the deck. This is a great way to blend adventure with relaxation, without rigid timetables.
Choose from captains with detailed profiles you can review before you sail. Their guida helps pick a route, wind window, and provisioning preferences. Some outfits include voluntary skippers for first-time groups. They adapt to conditions to keep you comfortable. The Bahamas offers the largest network of marinas in the Caribbean, with docks, fuel, and groceries at every stop.
Our fleets cater to every taste: families chase coral reefs and cookies from island bakeries, couples seek quiet coves, and groups of friends chase sunset sails. A bella charter adds a playful vibe with wide decks and stable motion, ideal for mixed sailing experience. You can even plan a shore stop where locals welcome you with fresh seafood and rhythms.
Provisioning is straightforward: you pre-order groceries and the crew sources fresh fruit, seafood, and local specialties from markets on Nassau, Staniel Cay, and Abaco. Outside main hubs, locals point you to hidden coves and pristine sandbanks, where abundance of marine life makes every swim memorable. The world-class snorkeling and fishing spots around Exuma are a highlight for many travelers.
For safety and comfort, use a trusted checker to verify safety gear and life jackets, then review the vessel’s layout and weather holds. The largest fleets can offer a skippered or bareboat option, with flexible offers for provisioning and equipment. Plan ahead for the year’s peak months–November through April–and book early to secure your preferred boat and dates.
In short, a Bahamas catamaran charter suits solo travelers seeking independence, families needing room to grow, and groups chasing a mix of sailing, snorkeling, and beach days. With friendly crews, steady motor performance, and easy marinas access, this option scales from intimate coves to full-day adventures on a living blue canvas.
Charter Planning Essentials and How to Start Your Booking
Reserve your preferred boats now with a refundable deposit to lock in dates and avoid miss out as peak weeks sell quickly. Request a flexible date window to keep options open and negotiate provisioning or add-ons before you commit, especially during busy times.
Define group size and comfort needs, then choose a catamaran with enough cabins and deck space for exumas routes; a 4–6 cabin craft often balances crew size and price. Favor vessels with easy access to beautiful white beaches and reefs for fantastic snorkeling, and confirm the plan covers exumas experiences in the southeast Bahamas.
Decide between a crewed charter and bareboat; bahamians hospitality adds value, and a crewed option helps you bond with the captain and guide. Ask for a ponant service level and port-of-call options, and specify if you want anonymous quotes from brokers to compare prices without sharing personal details, most brokers offering itemized plans.
Create a practical itinerary: start with exumas highlights, then loop toward the southeast shoals, with day stops at coves, sandbars, and protected reefs. Build in snorkel mornings, beaches, and on-shore dining with bahamians. Leave a couple of times for weather or reef currents to avoid conditions that could adversely affect plans, and account for relentless sun and steady winds.
Budget and provisioning: estimate fuel, marina fees, and optional guides; consider additional provisioning needs and one-off charges; check if provisioning is included or available free at certain marinas. Collect quotes via email and retrieve invoices for detailed comparison; confirm a security bond and cancellation policy to avoid surprises, and aim for excellent value.
Booking steps: contact multiple brokers by email with your dates, group size, and route preferences; retrieved quotes let you compare value; reserve your pick and sign a contract; store your confirmation along with the deposit receipt and a bond; plan to receive your final itinerary and packing list before departure. Use a single point of contact to simplify communications and avoid anonymous back-and-forth; if nothing else fits, start with the top option and tailor it, as you have been comparing options. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the boat name, skipper, and dock details.
Matching the Right Catamaran to Your Group Size
For groups of 6 to 8 travelers, pick a 40–45 ft catamaran with 4 cabins and ensuite heads; this size delivers the finest balance of space and privacy while keeping crew and prices manageable. The layout, with broad decks and a shaded lounge, is created to put your group at ease, and the overall setup is great for shared meals, quiet chats, or sunset movies on deck. In the Bahamas, these vessels let you move across calm coves and anchor near a golden shoreline, while a black-sand beach or guana sightings add simple thrills to a quiet evening. If you want to explore a grotto or a hidden park, the crew can guide you to spots that feel remote and rewarding.
For small groups of 4–5, a 38–40 ft catamaran with 3 cabins stays nimble, trims costs, and still offers privacy. For larger groups of 9–12, target a 50–60 ft catamaran with 5 or 6 cabins and a dedicated crew, so everyone has a personal retreat while the group can share adventures across multiple anchors. This approach, created to fit your party, keeps the plan flexible and avoids crowding during snorkelling sessions and island visits. Also consider whether you want full crew service or a more self guided setup.
Review cabin layouts: some boats place two cabins back-to-back with a shared head; others offer private en suites in every cabin. If quiet evenings matter, choose a vessel with a private aft deck or a dedicated lounge area. The dakota layout offers a unique balance of social and private spaces, with a generous salon and a forward cockpit–perfect for meals with a view. For families, ensure kid-friendly gear and safety briefings are clear, and check that snorkelling gear sizes fit the group. Throughout the choice, remember to compare the outdoor spaces, water toys, and docking procedures so your crew stays relaxed.
Always verify cabin count, head layouts, water toys, and provisioning options. The knowledge you gain from your broker helps you avoid surprises. If you would rather tailor every detail, pick a vessel that allows menu customization, flexible dining, and quick access to snorkelling. Your group would benefit from a crew that speaks to your interests and can adjust itineraries on the fly, so you can plan adventures for yourself and enjoy relentless days across golden sunsets and tranquil grotto stops.
Top 5 Itinerary Ideas for 3–7 Days
Start with a 4-day Nassau-to-Exumas loop, staying at premier marinas, with two overnight stops for sandy breaks and calm seas. From Nassau you reach a black-sand cay on day three, where you can bond with locals and sample national flavors ashore. This route is amazing for profiles ranging from families to couples, and youre going to find the same welcoming pace as you go. Use a weather checker to time crossings, and choose seating and a functional deck layout that keeps everyone comfortable as you bond at sunset.
1) Classic Exumas Loop (3–4 days): Begin in Nassau and push to the Exumas Cays, with two overnight stays at premier marinas. The third overnight lands at Black Point, then you return to Nassau. Highlights include Thunderball Grotto, pristine sandbars, and the Exuma Cays National Park known for crystal water. The rhythm is relaxed, so you can switch between snorkeling, beach breaks, and sunset bonding with your crew.
2) Abaco Family Break (4–5 days): Start in Marsh Harbour and work north to Hope Town, then to Green Turtle Cay. Keep hops short for younger sailors and stay in marinas with kid-friendly seating areas and easy shore access. Overnight options in Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay provide protected harbors for peaceful nights. Consenting family members can join optional shore trips, while parents enjoy a clear schedule that reduces stress and strengthens bonds.
3) Eleuthera & Harbour Island Run (4–5 days): Fly a route from Nassau to Eleuthera, then glide to Harbour Island for Pink Sands Beach and the island’s iconic bridge. Overnight in calm harbors, with midday stops at coves ideal for swimming and picnics. This leg attracts national curiosity and offers amazing scenery, with simple ferry connections for guests who want a lighter day ashore. Youre in control of how long you linger at each stop, and the checker helps keep moments smooth.
4) Berry Islands & Grand Bahama Loop (4–6 days): From Nassau head north to the Berry Islands for secluded beaches, then continue to Grand Bahama for broader dining and shopping options. Overnight at premier marinas in the Berry Islands before moving to a larger harbor on Grand Bahama. Highlights include quiet coves, reef snorkeling, and abundant wildlife. This option suits travelers seeking a longer, varied break with additional anchorages to choose from.
5) Bimini & Cuba-Inspired Shore Day (5–7 days): Start in Nassau, cruise to Bimini for easy day sails, then return with a Cuban-flavored shore day that features coffee tastings and island rhythms. Overnight stays balance between Bimini’s small-marina charm and quick hops back to the mainland. The proximity to Cuba adds a national flavor to meals ashore and memorable conversations with local profiles, making this option ideal for social groups and curious explorers alike.
Itinerary | Days | Route (highlights) | Highlights | Overnight options |
---|---|---|---|---|
1) Classic Exumas Loop | 3–4 | Nassau → Exumas Cays → Black Point → Nassau | Thunderball Grotto, sandbars, Exuma Cays National Park | 2 overnights at premier marinas; 3rd overnight at Black Point |
2) Abaco Family Break | 4–5 | Marsh Harbour → Hope Town → Green Turtle Cay | Calm bays, kid-friendly snorkeling, shallow waters | 2–3 overnights in marina harbors |
3) Eleuthera & Harbour Island Run | 4–5 | Nassau → Eleuthera → Harbour Island | Pink Sands Beach, Glass Window Bridge, quiet coves | 2–3 overnights |
4) Berry Islands & Grand Bahama Loop | 4–6 | Nassau → Berry Islands → Grand Bahama | Remote beaches, reef snorkeling, premier marinas | 2–3 overnights |
5) Bimini & Cuba-Inspired Shore Day | 5–7 | Nassau → Bimini → Nassau | Cuban-influenced dining, coffee tastings, close harbor exploration | 2–3 overnights |
What’s Included in a Standard Charter Package
Book a crewed, all-inclusive standard charter with captain, chef, and steward to start your Bahamas getaway without planning headaches. This setup keeps you focused on relaxing, exploring, and sharing moments with your group as you glide between turquoise spots along the ocean reef.
The vessel arrives with safety gear, life jackets, and a comfortable layout for up to eight guests. The same crew handles navigation, meals, and provisioning, so you indulge from day one. Provisioning covers fresh Bahamian groceries for the first leg, with beverages and snacks that match your preferences, keeping your spend predictable. Fuel, water, and standard port charges for typical routes are included, and records show guests value these all‑inclusive terms for saving time between reefs and beaches.
Key inclusions also cover the engines’ hours, air conditioning, generator, and a reliable dinghy with an outboard, along with snorkeling gear, masks, fins, life jackets, and safety equipment. You also receive two stand‑up paddleboards and kayaks for exploring shallow coves and spots off the main routes. The galley is stocked with chef‑prepared meals and daily housekeeping, plus a Wi‑Fi package so you can share the depth of your day with friends, if you choose. Linen and towels are refreshed, and the captain helps you manage the schedule to fit your destination dreams. Look for virgin beaches and calm bays to enhance the experience.
Inclusions extend to marina coordination and cruising permits for standard routes around the Bahamas, with flexibility to adjust to your preferred destinations such as Abacos, Exumas, and Nassau. You’ll find the largest archipelago in the Caribbean hosting a range of signature spots; if you want something different, some itineraries offer extensions toward nearby Cuba or the Caicos. For a spring getaway or a mellow fall plan, you can follow a statistical budget that prioritizes what matters most–the ocean, the sun, and time with your ohana. You can start with the same‑day plan and tweak as you sail; worldwide standards ensure safety and comfort while you explore depth of coastline and hidden coves.
Cost Breakdown and Transparent Pricing Options
Book the all-inclusive offering to lock in total costs and avoid hidden charges that complicate planning.
Here is a clear, data-driven breakdown of pricing and inclusions, plus options that honor your pur poses and travel style.
- Base charter rate and duration: Starting from $8,900 for a 4-night crewed charter aboard a spacious catamaran, accommodating up to 6 guests. A 7-night program starts from $14,500 and varies by vessel size and season. The starting figure reflects the boat’s carrying capacity and the level of service you receive across the Bahamas, with routes through Nassau town and distant acklins.
- Inclusions and crew profiles: The price includes captain, chef, and steward, as well as provisioning up to a weekly budget of about $600. You gain onboard safety gear and access to onboard technologies for navigation and communications. Crew profiles help you match personalities to your itinerary.
- Fuel, ports, and taxes: Fuel is billed at a transparent per-mile rate; island port fees, marina charges, and local taxes are itemized on the final invoice. This clarity helps you forecast costs from the first day on the water to the last ashore in a black-sand setting.
- Insurance and cancellation: Bahamas VAT and cruising insurance are included in transparency; cancellation terms protect your investment, with flexible windows to stay aligned with your plans.
- Upgrades and add-ons: indulge in private chef experiences, gourmet menus, and guided snorkeling sessions. Add aquatic toys, stand-up paddleboards, and optional scuba trips. You can tailor itineraries toward acklins and other islands, adding an avenue of experiences for pur poses of relaxation and exploration.
- Availability and spots: Vessel calendars show current occupancy; demand is relentless in peak seasons, so reserve dates early to secure the best match for your party.
- Pricing options: All-inclusive plans lock in crew, provisioning, fuel, port fees, and taxes with no hidden charges you can always count on, for pur poses of relaxation. Pay-as-you-go options let you adjust provisioning and activities while keeping final invoices clear and simple.
- Ambience and wildlife: Sails blowing in trade winds create a dynamic mood, and since 2018 you may spot a distant loon on calm bays at dawn, adding a memorable moment to your voyage.
- Destinations and routes: Our itineraries cover Nassau town and multiple islands across the Bahamas, including acklins, Andros, and Exumas. You choose an avenue of experiences that blends serene beaches, black reefs, and cultural stops.
- Competitive offering and comparison: Our offering sits apart from ponant-style luxury charters thanks to straightforward pricing, flexible routing, and a broader array of routes suited to different budgets. The goal is to deliver consistent value from the first day to the last.
- Payments and deposits: A 20% deposit secures your booking; final payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Changes are accommodated with minimal fees whenever possible, and cancellation terms remain clear to protect your plan.
How to Contact and Reserve Your Yacht
Call our charter desk now to lock in your Bahamas yacht for your dates, or use the online booking form for a same-day reply.
To speed things, have these details ready: embarkation port, preferred dates, group size (small), their needs for meals or activities, vessel type (catamaran or motor boats), and any inclusions you want with your booking. We handle them with care and tailor options to their preferences, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
The following steps ensure a smooth process: first, we confirm availability; then we tailor an itinerary with their budget and cruising style; then you sign the digital contract and submit the booking payment; finally you receive confirmation and documents.
Privacy matters. privacy policy protects your information, and we never share personal details with third parties without explicit consent. For sensitive data, use secure channels and opt to keep certain communications private.
Packages consisting of captain, crew, meals, snorkeling gear, and optional equipment like kayaks or dive gear give you a complete setup. You may choose to cruise privately or with a small group aboard a shared itinerary; the pace can be relaxed or scheduled to match reefs and marine conditions. The length of your charter is flexible, ranging from a short escape to a longer venture, with a clear deposit and contract terms.
Explore uninhabited cays and pristine reefs, or cruise between bays along a Bahamas avenue of blue water. Our itineraries deliver safe routes and guarantee privacy, with a professional crew guiding you through the best marine spots and moments of relaxation as winds blow across the deck. Savor vita on deck during sunset.
Don’t wait: reserve your yacht and lock in your dates. Tell us the boat and date range, and we will send the contract and secure payment link. We aim to reply within a few hours during business hours, ensuring an extremely fast turnaround for last-minute plans.
Once booked, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary, captain and crew contacts, and port instructions. You can adjust the route before cruising to suit your pace, keeping your privacy intact and ensuring your group’s comfort throughout the voyage.