8-Day Bahamas Charter Itinerary – Nassau to Nassau Sailing Guide

Book this eight-day Bahamas charter now to secure a calm, intimate sailing experience along a renowned route, Nassau to Nassau. With a seasoned crew and a superyacht-grade platform, you enjoy sunbathing on private coves, exploration of hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear water breaks that stay peaceful even in peak season. The route prioritizes smooth passages, steady trades, and ample time to savor the horizon.

Onboard, Bali-inspired decor blends relaxed luxury with seaworthy practicality. The limestone decks gleam in the sun, and expansive skylights bathe the salon in natural light. The thoughtful layout keeps cabins quiet for restful sleep, and join your crew for a sunset briefing each evening as you plan the next day’s exploration.

Stops form a readable arc: Nassau → Norman’s Cay → Staniel Cay (home to Thunderball Grotto) → Cambridge Cay → Warderick Wells in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park → back to Nassau. Distances vary; typical hops run 12–70 nautical miles: Nassau to Norman’s Cay roughly 60–70 NM (about 6–8 hours at 9–11 knots), Norman’s Cay to Staniel Cay 20–25 NM (2–4 hours), Staniel Cay to Cambridge Cay 12–15 NM (1.5–2.5 hours), Cambridge Cay to Warderick Wells 15–25 NM (2–4 hours), Warderick Wells back to Nassau 60–90 NM (6–9 hours). Each day blends a morning sail, a snorkeling slot, an island stop for fresh fare, and a sunset moment on a secluded beach.

The surrounding reefs and limestone bluffs showcase marine life and dramatic shorelines. Highlights include Allen’s Cay iguanas at low tide, Compass Cay nurse sharks, and Black Point’s sheltered harbor for provisioning. Catch-of-the-day seafood can be prepared onboard for a sunset feast, or you can ashore order grilled lobster at a seaside shack and bring it back to the boat.

Seasonal windows favor late fall through spring, when trade winds stay steady and seas stay calm. Hurricane season runs June through November, so plan flexibility around possible squalls. Provisioning is easiest in Nassau: order fresh fish, reef-friendly sunscreen, and specialty breads from the marina market; remote stops offer limited selections, so stock a few staples beforehand. The urban hub of Nassau’s marina scene also provides fueling, spa options, and shore side dining if you want a night on land before or after the voyage.

Bahamas Charter Sailing Guide

Anchor near Rose Island at first light; you’ll be greeted by clear waters as you round the bend, then sail along the Nassau coast toward a string of protected reefs and bays where the water stays fresh and inviting.

Thunderball Grotto should be your first submerged highlight; a quick splash into the cave reveals a rainbow of fish and coral along the walls, with sunlight filtering through. It’s also a james Bond favorite, offering behind-the-rock photo opportunities.

Delve into Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for breathtaking reef scenery and abundant wildlife. The waters here stay calm in the mornings, and you’ll find spots ideal for a relaxing snorkel or a longer exploration along submerged ledges.

A bali-inspired shore break adds contrast: on Stocking Island you can beach walk, grab fresh conch salad at a dockside shack, and then return to the boat with a new sense of pace. Bring a light lunch, water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a spare whistle and line kit for peace of mind.

Nearby Nassau’s urban waterfront offers a range of restaurants where crews greet you aboard with warm service after a day on the water. You’ll find shops offering fresh fruit, snacks, and ice–perfect for topping up provisions before the next leg.

The itinerary delivers activity for every level: snorkeling with a reef pattern, shallow water swims, and optional paddleboard sessions in protected coves. The combination of reef, park, and harbor spots keeps every day varied, with a splash of color and a perfect anchor for restful nights.

Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview: Nassau to Nassau

Begin Day 1 with a sunrise sail from Nassau toward Rose Island on your yacht, where calm seas greet you and a long stretch of beaches invites relaxation and sun-kissed time.

1. Day 1: Nassau to Rose Island

   • Depart Nassau aboard your luxury yacht; feel the south breeze push you toward Rose Island as the seas stay glassy.
   • Anchor in a sheltered cove for a leisurely afternoon: snorkel the reef, swim, and simply soak up island life on the deck.
   • Onboard, enjoy a Bahamian feast, then step ashore for a quick stroll and the chance to pick up a few local shops if you want a keepsake.
   • As night falls, watch a starry sky unfold and savor a private dinner under lantern light on the bow for a true relaxation moment.

2. Day 2: Rose Island to Harbour Island

   • Set course to Harbour Island; the long, turquoise arc of seas narrows into a calmer harbor as you approach Dunmore Town.
   • Dock near Pink Sands Beach and head into downtown for a brief stroll among charming shops and bahamian life.
   • Return to the yacht for a luxury lunch, then enjoy an afternoon on the pink beach or a quick tour of a renowned local restaurant.
   • The evening offers a gentle show of colors on the water; you’re welcome to linger on deck to savor the quiet afterglow.

3. Day 3: Harbour Island to Eleuthera (Gregory Town / Glass Window Bridge)

   • Cast off toward Eleuthera, where the south coast reveals some of the Bahamas’ longest beaches and striking shorelines.
   • Visit the Glass Window Bridge, where the two seas meet in a dramatic display; delve into local life in a small Eleuthera settlement and sample a simple beachside meal.
   • Anchor for the night at a private cay and enjoy a luxury sunset on the deck, with the worlds apart from the bustle of Nassau.

4. Day 4: Eleuthera to Staniel Cay (Exumas chain)

   • Cross toward Staniel Cay; the renowned turquoise waters set a perfect stage for a long sail and a change of pace.
   • In Staniel Cay, snorkel Thunderball Grotto or swim near Compass Cay’s friendly nurse sharks, then author a short shore excursion to a nearby beach.
   • Evening dining on board or ashore at a local restaurant; a bell rings to signal fresh seafood arrivals, a tiny ritual that adds charm to the night.

5. Day 5: Staniel Cay to Georgetown, Great Exuma

   • Motivate the hull for a longer sail to Georgetown; the harbor welcomes you with a handful of luxury shops and Bahamian hospitality.
   • Stroll the downtown waterfront, sample conch and lobster, and soak up life along the waterfront while listening to local tunes.
   • After lunch, cruise to Stocking Island for a quieter afternoon of relaxation and a chance to stretch legs on a remote strand.

6. Day 6: Georgetown to Cambridge / Warderick Wells (Exuma Cays Park)

   • Proceed to an Exuma Cays Park anchor spot; delve into protected reefs and clear waters ideal for snorkeling and spotting vibrant sea life.
   • Enjoy a peaceful afternoon on a secluded cay, then return to the yacht for a sunset cruise along the Exumas coast.
   • For dinner, savor a meal at a renowned restaurant back in Georgetown or on board, keeping the mood luxe and relaxed.

7. Day 7: Georgetown to Nassau via Little Bahama Bank

   • Head north across the Exuma Sound toward Nassau; the seas stay generous and the voyage offers uninterrupted views of distant horizons.
   • Make a final call on a scenic anchorage to stretch out and enjoy a long beach stroll or a quick swim before the last leg.
   • Arrive Nassau in the late afternoon and wander downtown to explore the shops and waterfront life, then toast the week with a luxurious dinner on shore.

8. Day 8: Nassau return and farewell

   • Wake near Nassau and prepare for a final morning on the water, then dock at a marina close to downtown where you can pick up last-minute souvenirs.
   • Choose a farewell lunch at a top restaurant, savoring bahamian flavors and noting the week’s highlights as you reflect on the seas you’ve crossed.
   • After, depart with memories of the welcome, the sunsets, and the luxury you enjoyed aboard your charter cruises, simply and comfortably ending your Nassau to Nassau escape.

Distance, Time, and Navigation Targets for Each Leg

Plan Leg 1 as a 9 nm hop from Nassau to Rose Island, arriving before lunch to enjoy serenity on deck and keep a clear mind. Distance: 9 nm; Time: about 1h15m at 7.5–8 knots. Navigation targets: depart Nassau Harbour, pick up the East Channel buoy, cross the Sound on a bearing of 085 degrees toward Rose Island Channel, monitor depth on the screen, and avoid shallow spots. Anchor in a sheltered cove on Rose Island to unwind, find snorkeling spots along the east shore, and share a casual dinner on deck before sunset.

Leg 2: Rose Island to normans Cay – Distance: 60 nm; Time: ~7.5h. Navigation targets: depart Rose Island, ride the Exuma Sound on a course toward normans Cay, watch for lobster pots near the flats, keep a steady screen for depth and traffic, and use daylight to set up the next morning swim. If seas cooperate, you’ll reach normans Cay by late afternoon and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. This week-long loop is arranged to maximize sheltered bays and snorkeling spots. If a tropical shower falls, you can ride it out in a lee and resume once it passes.

Leg 3: normans Cay to manjack Cay – Distance: 22 nm; Time: ~3h. Navigation targets: depart normans Cay, steer a course toward manjack Cay (watch the reef edges on the north side), cross the deeper Exuma Sound, reach the lee of manjack Cay by early afternoon, anchor in the protected cove. Snorkel around the mangroves and look for rays on the flats; mind the bluffs along the southern shore which create a dramatic backdrop.

Leg 4: manjack Cay to pablo – Distance: 18 nm; Time: ~2h15m. Navigation targets: depart manjack Cay, set course for pablo Cay, stay on the screen for traffic and depth, avoid reef gaps, and monitor wind shifts. Drop anchor in a shallow nook near pablo, with a calm water surface and clear spots for snorkeling.

Leg 5: pablo to bluffs – Distance: 12 nm; Time: ~1h40m. Navigation targets: depart pablo, track toward bluffs with a heading that stays clear of bank edges, pass small shoals, and watch for wind chop. When you reach bluffs, explore coves surrounded by dramatic rock faces and enjoy a serene dip. Look for rays again in the shallows.

Leg 6: bluffs to cambridge Cay – Distance: 9 nm; Time: ~1h15m. Navigation targets: depart bluffs, cross to cambridge Cay along the northeast route, check depth and fuel, anchor on the east side, plan a dinner on deck with a stunning sunset, and take in serenity as you’re surrounded by blue water and reef life.

Leg 7: cambridge Cay to Nassau – Distance: 110 nm; Time: ~14h. Navigation targets: depart cambridge Cay, ride the current toward Nassau, monitor weather and wind, adjust speed to stay comfortable whether seas are calm or a bit breezy, switch to engine if necessary, and keep a steady course to the capital. Disembarkation back in Nassau marks the end of the week-long charter; plan a welcome home toast, then return home after a night in town, with a final dinner on board or ashore before the homecoming.

Anchorages and Moorings by Night

Recommendation: Anchor 6 miles east of Nassau, off Rose Island, in 8-12 ft of sandy bottom, sheltered by a reef. youre in a natural, protected cradle ideal for a catamaran, with easy paddleboard access and a quick shore visit at night. The screen on your chartplotter should show safe depths and nearby mooring options; watch for seaplane traffic crossing the harbor at dawn.

Night 2 centers on the lee of Athol Island, about 6-8 miles north of the first stop. Anchor in 9-15 ft of mixed sand and patch reef, well inside a calm swell. If a private operator offers temporary moorings, they’re a solid option; otherwise, keep an anchor ready and use a stern line to reduce movement while you explore the coastline in the evening air.

Night 3 reaches a lucayan coast cove 8-12 miles east of the prior stop. Anchor depth ranges 10-16 ft; choose a sandy berth with gentle bottom to maximize holding power. Within within a short paddleboard or tender ride, you can slip ashore for a natural walk and to take in the stunning starry sky, mindful of reef edges and shallow areas that frame the shorelines.

Night 4 offers a sheltered westward option, about 4-9 miles from the previous position, near a protected bay along Nassau’s western shore. Anchor in 8-14 ft, or explore a small private mooring field if a local operator permits. This keeps you within quick reach of town for late-night provisions or a quick screen check of weather and winds before sleep.

Night 5 invites a longer stay in a calm, windswept pocket. Anchor 5-10 miles from the last stop, in 7-12 ft of sand with a clean swing radius. Those waters provide rich scenery for exploring at night, including coral colonies just off the shoal and a gentle quiet that makes the time feel endless and safe for a quiet paddleboard session after dark.

Wildlife note: in deeper channels beyond the lucayan coastline, occasional sightings of whale and sperm whale are possible, especially during certain seasonal windows. If you observe a distant splash or tail, maintain a wide berth and reduce speed so you stay clear of paths and avoid disturbing those creatures. This is a reminder that the Bahamas host Wonders beyond the beach–rich, natural experiences that thrive within a well-planned night plan for a catamaran, and that make every anchor and mooring feel like a well-earned rest time.

Provisioning, Water, and Waste Management Checklist

Carry a 300-liter reserve of potable water for an 8-day Nassau-to-Nassau charter, and plan to top up to 420–450 liters if you expect long sails or days of sunbathing in open waters.

Provisioning starts with renowned local markets near bustling Nassau docks. Work with deans at the stalls to secure steady supplies and avoid last-minute runs. Mind the exotic fruits (mango, papaya, starfruit when in season) and delicious vegetables, then coordinate with crew–james and pablo–to assemble a menu that suits both quick bites and long dinners on the private yacht. The lucayan surroundings and the colonial-era charm of Nassau offer fresh catches and island specialties, so keep a flexible list that can adapt to market winds. If time allows, plan a shore excursion near Lucayan National Park to stretch legs and check markets ashore. When you see large crates of seafood and herbs, greet vendors warmly and confirm delivery times. The market scene offers diverse options, supporting sunbathing days and long cruises aboard a yacht.

Water management starts with a check of the yacht’s watermaker and filtration, with spare filters on hand. Set daily use targets: about 3.5–4 liters of drinking water per person, plus 2–3 liters per person for cooking and coffee, then track usage with a simple log kept by james. Refill at marinas when possible, store water in large, food-grade containers, and keep a discreet reserve for emergencies. On long sails, consider a structured routine to minimize withdrawals and maximize efficiency.

Waste management keeps the boat tidy and compliant. Separate recyclables, organics, and general waste, store in sealed bins, and carry extra liners. Use only approved disposal channels at each stop, never discharge overboard, and favor biodegradable cleaning products to reduce impact on the surroundings. At Nassau’s private docks or bustling marinas, staff greeted by friendly crews offer guidance, and you can drop off waste with dock attendants who understand the routine. The approach fits the lucayan surroundings, the national conservation ethos, and the pride of shows and cruises that keep the waters pristine for all visitors, both large crews and small parties.

Final checks: label everything clearly, review the inventory with all hands, and rehearse the routine before departure. Maintain a simple, calm rhythm on board–warmly communicate changes, respect guests’ needs, and keep provisioning, water, and waste management aligned with the yacht’s long, well-graced schedule. This groundwork supports exotic itineraries and ensures both guests and crew enjoy a smooth Nassau-to-Nassau experience.

Onboard Safety, Drills, and Emergency Procedures

Conduct a safety briefing within 15 minutes of departure and confirm roles for captain, mate, and crew. Ensure every person wears a life jacket on deck, and keep a prepared list of emergency contacts like a quick reference for guests being new to sailing. Maintain availability of VHF channel 16 and MF, and ensure EPIRBs are tested. Post laminated procedures at the chart table for easy reference by snorkelers and guests alike on the yacht, and consider museum-quality signage to reinforce steps.

Next, run a controlled MOB drill in a sheltered area if wind allows, using a buoy and a crew member to be recovered. Assign one person to lead the recovery and another to observe wind and current. Practice near north and highbourne sheltered coves so weather stays calm; use a long throw to place the marker and aim to recover within 1-2 minutes. Log the result for the next drill and note any small issues that arise.

Fire and flood drills: rehearse shutting down nonessential electrical devices, closing cabin doors, and testing the bilge pump. Assign one person to handle radio calls and a second to coordinate the crew; the nurse can provide basic triage if needed. Confirm that the anchor is ready and that the crew knows the location of firefighting equipment and life-raft readiness, ensuring readiness like a well-rehearsed routine on a calm evening.

Medical readiness: If a nurse is on board, she leads triage with the captain. Keep a fully stocked first-aid kit and a medical manual within easy reach. If evacuation becomes necessary, identify the nearest hospital and the route to shore using Columbus charts. Use the drill log to note any miss of steps and adjust the next practice accordingly for improved response.

Water activities safety: In the beautiful aquamarine-blue waters, keep snorkelers within hearing distance and at a safe distance from the yacht’s stern wake. Assign a dedicated observer to lead the snorkelers and watch for fatigue or distress. Choose sheltered bays and avoid strong currents near villages along the coast. After relaxing swims, rinse gear and return to the yacht, noting availability of equipment and readiness to resume, with a short hike on shore between anchors to stretch and enjoy the scenery.

Customs, Immigration, and Permits for Bahamian Waters

Plan ahead: file crew manifests 24–48 hours before entry into nassau and submit yacht details through the Bahamas pre-clearance system. Bring copies of every passport, the vessel registration, and a current crew list; keep originals in a waterproof folder on board. The officers handling Immigration and Customs deliver a remarkable turn-around when paperwork is complete and responses are clear behind the scenes.

Nassau serves as the gateway where clearance begins and your Bahamian life on the water takes shape; around the harbor you’ll find a kaleidoscope of dining, shopping, and marina options.

Dont forget to carry a full provisioning list and copies of all documents. Make sure each person on board has a valid passport and that the yacht’s papers reflect the current flag and registration.

• Immigration in Nassau: Upon arrival, proceed to the Immigration desk with every person’s passport and the completed crew list. You may be asked for basic ship data (name, flag, call sign) and your planned duration in Bahamian waters. Have a concise plan for where you’ll go next and an approximate return date.
• Customs declaration: Declare all personal items, electronics, and any alcohol or tobacco you’re bringing for shore use. A provisioning list speeds checks; if you’ll resupply at other ports between nassau and andros, note that you’ll re-clear at the new port. Keep a separate stores list to avoid delays.
• Cruising Permit and permits: A Cruising Permit is typically required for private yachts to travel within Bahamian waters. Obtain it at your first port of entry and display it while you’re in Bahamian waters. For movements between Nassau, Andros, and other islands, confirm whether extensions are needed for your stay and yacht size.
• Provisions and on-board life: You may bring provisions; declare new items and any large quantities of beverages. If you plan a dinner ashore or a special event, coordinate with the local marina or a licensed venue to avoid confusion at clearance. Nassau nightlife offers a kaleidoscope of options after sunset; choose respectful anchors and keep noise within limits.
• Anchor and zones: If clearance is pending, you can anchor in designated safe zones. Before you drop, verify depth and avoid shallow reefs. When you’re cleared, you’ll be directed to a mooring or stern-to in a protected area; use the harbor bell to acknowledge entry if required by the staff.
• Between ports: The route between nassau and andros presents stunning scenery and quiet anchorages. Always have a current crew list and passports for everyone, and be prepared for re-clearance when you enter a new port. For united states travelers, ensure passport validity and any visa requirements; keep a clear plan for who stays on the yacht and who goes ashore.
• Hours and after-hours: Customs and Immigration operate mainly during business hours, with on-call contacts for overnight arrivals. If you arrive after hours, contact the harbor authority to arrange late-night clearance. Also, check for any changes to port-specific procedures before your next leg.
• Afterward and return: After clearance, return to your yacht and continue your trip. If you head back to nassau for provisioning, you’ll re-enter through Immigration and Customs with the same documentation. The options around andros and the Exumas let you extend your itinerary with confidence, knowing officials are prepared to assist you.

nassau is the gateway where clearance begins and your Bahamas life on the water continues; from here you can explore around a range of ports and islands. Also, verify the latest hours and port-specific requirements with your agent before each leg to keep your schedule smooth.