Enjoying a Caribbean climate, calm trade winds and a well-developed yachting infrastructure, the 700 islands and cays that make up The Bahamas are a must-visit by boat. The popular option of bareboating makes spontaneous daytrips on the water a reality, but to immerse in the experience fully, a superyacht charter is where it’s at. Pink sandy beaches elevate an already stunning location to memorable status, as do wild swimming pigs, championship golf courses and the allure of diving with sharks.

Situated within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic, The Bahamas’ exotic location has many top draw tourist attractions. Anchorages in Exuma Cays Park are gateways to kaleidoscopic marine wildlife. Feed the endangered Bahamian iguanas or catch a glimpse of the elusive hutia (the islands’ native rodent). The brave should snorkel or dive the country’s famed blue holes, where pastel-hued turquoise turns into navy as the bottom of the ocean appears to fall away. On Long Island, located a few metres from the 80-mile shoreline, the 663-foot blue hole is thought to be the deepest in the world.

Swimming with wild pigs in The Bahamas is a rite of passage. Pig Beach near Big Major Cay in The Exumas is famed for its friendly furry hogs that live their days out on the isolated islet. It’s thought the first colony arrived in the 1990s, though exactly how remains unconfirmed. Now firmly established as permanent residents they serve as a year-round tourist attraction. Adept at swimming, the wild animals love to swim out to greet arriving boats, looking for a snack straight from the galley. Not only a memorable photo opportunity it’s a bucket list activity that can’t be ticked off anywhere else in the world.

Undeniably one of the best beaches in Bahamas, Big Farmer's Cay Sandbar has everything you could dream of for a beach. Gently lapping waves from the warm, shallow sea merge with a mile-long sandbar made up of powder soft sand the colour of pristine porcelain. But you’ll have to time it right, for this slice of heaven located just south of the Cay only emerges at low tide. Accessible by boat, it’s a firm favourite for shelling, sunbathing or picnicking superyacht style; barbecued conch pulled straight from the Atlantic enjoyed to a soundtrack of popping Champagne corks.

Bahamas shark diving is not for the faint hearted. But those who dare will be richly rewarded. Tiger Beach on Grand Bahama has earned its name from being home to the beautiful yet predatory tiger shark. Identified by tiger stripes along its flank, they can grow up to 16.5ft but are now considered an endangered species. They’re not the only species of shark to accumulate here, and certified scuba divers can, along with trained dive guides, can expect to get up close and personal with Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, hammerheads and bull sharks, to name a few. For something a little less deadly, swimming with dolphins is a magical experience. The ambient waters off the Bimini coast offer up encounters with the Atlantic Spotted dolphin and the Bottlenose.

Explore the Andros Barrier Reef

The 190-mile long Andros Barrier Reef is the world's third largest barrier reef and the third largest living organism on the planet. Awash with uninhabited cays, the area is rich in marine life and a pristine centre for eco-tourism. Turtles and birds flourish here and crowds are sparse, despite it being home to some of the most stunning beaches in The Bahamas. Private lounging under the warm summer sun is the order of the day. For the active and adventurous, the reef is another must-dive, dropping to around eight feet on the island side and 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean where vibrant coral wait to be discovered.

Discover Nassau’s Atlantis

The Atlantis in Nassau is an experience not to be missed. Located on Paradise Island, the lush, oceanside resort more than lives up to its name. With no less than six separate Atlantis resorts offering services, amenities and aquaventure, a stay at this luxurious resort is akin to stepping foot in the lost city of Atlantis itself. Dive deep into the Bahamian culture by sampling rejuvenating treatments at its choice of spas. Snorkel from the shore of one of its many private beaches. Take an underwater adventure, or simply sit back and drink in the beauty of the land.