The Bahamas - an ultimate islands guide

If you are looking for things to do in The Bahamas with family, you simply cannot go wrong with a yacht charter to The Exumas; this secluded corner of paradise is beloved by all those that cruise its waters. From the sheltered sandspits and calmer waters that lie on The Bahamas Bank to the west of the archipelago, to the more rugged Atlantic facing east, the 365 mostly uninhabited islands deliver enchanting experiences day after day. The limestone islets are surrounded by coral reefs teeming with sea life that make for ideal snorkelling or scuba diving, and if you are a keen angler then the bone fishing and deep sea fishing options are practically endless.

Stop at Staniel Cay to snorkel in Thunderball Grotto, meet the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, and sample a frozen pina colada and plate of conch salad at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, one of Jimmy Buffet’s favourite watering holes. Enjoy a day of activities on a remote island, from family beach Olympics to treasure hunts, then watch the sun drop past the horizon while your charter yacht crew prepares a feast of freshly grilled seafood accompanied by refreshing cocktails for dinner.

Yacht to charter FAITH

Sleeps 12 in 7 cabins

Rate from USD 1,500,000 per week

FAITH is one of the most spectacular yachts to have joined the charter fleet in recent years. This 96.6m (316.8ft) Feadship has set a new standard in terms of her features, quality of service and overall guest experience. Her large, glass bottomed swimming pool and outstanding beach club beneath it are a water lover’s dream, with an array of watertoys on hand. Active guests will marvel at the flexible games deck’s multiple set ups and the inspiring views from the sun deck’s indoor gym. Then slow the pace with a little indulgence in FAITH’s excellent wellness centre, which includes a massage room, a large hammam and a unique snow room. If only the best will do, a charter on FAITH is the perfect choice for a cruise through The Bahamas.

As home to the capital of Nassau and the most connected island in The Bahamas, New Providence is a great place to start your yacht charter. Here you will find sugar pink buildings, upscale resorts and a number of marinas able to dock superyachts, including at Lyford Cay and Albany, the latter of which also boasts a popular golf course and spa. 

If you are visiting in late December, Junkanoo is an unmissable carnival that takes place in Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Dating back centuries, the festivities include music, dancing and vibrant costumes that celebrate the local culture and history. Another must-see are the flamingos Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Yacht to charter DOUBLE DOWN

Sleeps 12 in 9 cabins

Rate from USD 420 per week

This recently refreshed and elegant 65.2m (214ft) Italian motor yacht features a private cinema seating 14 that doubles as a massage room, a dedicated gym and nine luxury guest cabins. Captain John Panakis leads a talented crew of 18 who are well practised in delivering exceptional guest experiences. With a wide selection of tenders and toys, DOUBLE DOWN is a perfect base from which to enjoy a memorable yacht charter in The Bahamas.

Just a short trip across a bridge on the north-east coast of New Providence, find the romantic haven of Paradise Island. This touristic hotspot is home to a number of dazzling resorts, which are best known for their casinos and fun activities. Atlantis Bahamas hotel and casino complex has a world-renowned water park offering various rides alongside an aquarium and other chances to get familiar with the native sea life.

James Bond enthusiasts might recognise the colonial style buildings and French inspired gardens of the exclusive Ocean Club, which was the setting for the early scenes in Casino Royale; with an excellent spa, five miles of powder white beaches and glamorous casino at your disposal, you can enjoy a romantic sojourn that you’ll never want to end.

 Yacht to charter TITANIA

Sleeps 12 in 7 cabins

Rate from USD 565,000 per week

This legendary, world-exploring 73m (239.5ft) superyacht delivers all the essentials for a luxury charter experience. Say hello to vast social spaces both inside and outside, top-tier amenities and sumptuous accommodation that includes two generous master suites, a VIP cabin and four doubles. Her beautiful beach club at sea level and jacuzzi with swim up bar are complemented by excellent wellness facilities including a sauna, massage room and beauty salon. Expect to make memories that will last a lifetime on TITANIA, especially when cruising the inimitable waters of The Bahamas.

One of the finest and longest established vacation spots in The Bahamas is Harbour Island, a stone’s throw from Eleuthra, which has an airport for those arriving by air. On Harbour Island you will find supermodels and celebrities rubbing shoulders with media magnates and the biggest names on Wall Street. But don’t expect high heels and haute couture; Harbour Island has a distinctly low key charm about it. Most transportation on the island is by golf buggy and there is a relaxed, friendly ambiance wherever you go. That being said, Harbour Island does have its fair share of gourmet establishments that cater to those with refined tastes.

The spectacular Atlantic facing coastal views at the Pink Sands Resort are matched by its cuisine, which it defines as ‘island inspired with an eye on wellness and flavour’; be sure to make a reservation at Malcolm 51, its inspiring fine-dining restaurant. For a special evening, enjoy a dinner of Caribbean flavours at the Rock House, which has tables looking across the water to the west of the island. The Landing serves up modern European plates in a setting that combines contemporary cool with an island twist. And the Clubhouse at The Dunmore hotel is the place to see and be seen; its top notch food is complemented by an eclectic 60s decor that feels both homely and elegant.

Yacht to charter ATTITUDE

Sleeps 10 in 5 cabins

Rate from USD 140,000 per week

This perennial charter hit will be sure to deliver your dream experience while touring the islands of The Bahamas. Presented in immaculate condition, 5.7m (150ft) ATTITUDE offers the perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living. Take to the sun deck for a morning of relaxation, making the most of the sun loungers and jacuzzi. Then after an activity packed day, enjoy an atmospheric dinner created by the talented and passionate crew, who are adept at delivering the consummate charter experience.

As the most under the radar island in The Bahamas, Long Island delivers a tranquil, slower pace that is run on ‘island time’. Pull on your hiking shoes and head for the trails that trace its famously rugged coastline, exploring caves and historical landmarks such as Columbus Point on the northern tip, where a hilltop monument marks where Christopher Columbus made his landfall after crossing the Atlantic.

Then reward your efforts by spending the rest of the day relaxing on the pristine four-mile beach at Cape Santa Maria Resort, voted as one of the top beaches in the world. Explore Hamilton’s Cave, The Bahamas’ largest known cave system, which was once inhabited by the Arawak Indians and features a fresh underwater spring, stalactites, stalagmites and native fauna including bats, lizards, frogs and crabs.

No trip to Long Island would be complete without a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole, the second deepest in the world at an jaw-dropping 202m (662.7ft). Here you can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the stunning surroundings, perhaps watching in awe at the entrants of the annual freediving competition, Vertical Blue; top local competitors can descend to almost 60m (196.8ft) without assistance. Even if your aquatic aspirations are less daring, you can enjoy the famously sublime visibility of the Bahamian waters and explore the blue hole’s coral reef edges.

Yacht to charter SIREN

Sleeps12 in 6 cabins

Rate from USD 490 per week

For a modern take on luxury, SIREN delivers in spades. A masterclass in pared back sophistication, she offers a vast selection of exterior spaces for relaxation and entertainment, including an outdoor cinema for atmospheric night time screenings. Take to the beach club gym for a rejuvenating workout or relaxing massage while the water laps at the swim platform nearby. Alternatively, enjoy a lazy afternoon with all the family in the luxurious indoor movie theatre with its three double daybeds. Outside, the sheltered bridge deck makes for an al fresco dining experience to remember both day and night. While up on the sun deck, recline on one of the many sun pads or take a refreshing dip in the bubbling jacuzzi. Among the six cabins for 12 guests on board SIREN is the airy and spacious master suite, which boasts full length windows, a large fold down balcony and its own office.

The largest island in The Bahamas, Andros is relatively untouched and offers a multitude of adventures for those who like to stay active. With five national parks to discover, it is an ecotourism haven on land, while there is world class scuba diving, an abundance of blue holes and all kinds of fishing to enjoy on the water. West Side National Park spans some 6070km of pristine wilderness, while the North and South Marine Parks are home to over 300km of protected waters in the Andros Barrier Reef to the east of the island. Because the landmass of Andros is divided by a network of creeks, it has not been significantly developed and is best explored by sea, especially from the comfort of a luxury charter yacht.

Andros is home to the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. With over 180 of these marine sinkholes to explore in the Blue Holes National Park, why not combine a trip to Captain Bill’s Blue Hole with a visit with an interpretative birding trail to take in the wonders of the sea and the sky on the same day. An unmissable highlight of a yacht charter to Andros is a visit to the Tongue of the Ocean, a vertiginous drop-off found at the edge of the teeming Andros Barrier Reef. Although it makes for a great scuba spot in the day, the thrill-seekers among your group might also be keen to try a night dive over the ‘wall’, which plunges from around 20m to 1,820m from the water’s surface, and is home to a vast array of sea life. With the torches turned off, a new world of bioluminescent marine plankton is revealed that will leave you awestruck.

Yacht to charter LADY MICHELLE

Sleeps 12 in 6 cabins

Rate from USD 275,000 per week

With her crew’s excellent reputation, this 55m (180.4ft) pristine superyacht is a reliable choice for anyone looking to charter a yacht in The Bahamas. Of particular note is the split-level Owner’s suite on the main deck, which features a his and hers bathroom, an observation lounge and study. Keen water sports enthusiasts will be well looked after by her experienced crew, while those looking for a little R&R will be drawn to the inviting sun deck. For added reassurance, LADY MICHELLE’s zero speed stabilizers will deliver a comfortable stay on board.