The Caribbean is home to some of the most exquisite waters, perfect for sailing, taking your powerboat out or chartering a yachting adventure. There are a variety of yacht charter companies within the Bahamas that offer you the opportunity to embark on a crewed expedition either to the surrounding cays or just within the harbor.
Depending on your interests and the amount of time you want to spend, you will be able to see the Exumas and many other Bahamian islands in a whole new way. With more than 700 islands and 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean to cover, the Bahamas offers some of the best waters for yachting and exploring. From sunset trips to weeklong adventures, chartering a yacht in the Bahamas is the ultimate adventure.
If you are looking to set sail from somewhere close to your Grand Isle villa, there are a few options for chartering. In fact, Emerald Bay Marina is but a stone’s throw from the resort.
Bahamas Bareboat Charters is a good place to start. This company specializes in Exuma and Eleuthera, and the charter often comes with a crew. Having an expert sailor or two on board can make all the difference in the world.
Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable trips.
POPULAR YACHT CHARTER DESTINATIONS IN THE EXUMA CAYS
Chartering a yacht in the Bahamas will allow you to lazily peruse the Caribbean waters, stopping at some of the most incredible natural wonders and isolated islands along the way.
The Exumas are a 365-island chain, all in a row. This natural marvel makes it a hotbed for yachting and everyday boating alike. The chain also boasts some of the most exotic waters, wildlife and sea life in this hemisphere. If you really want to get the full Exuma experience via chartered yacht, it is recommended you embark on a weeklong trip. This option will make it so you don’t miss out on anything, from blue holes to Norman’s Cay.
NORMAN’S CAY
Home to spectacular beaches, lagoons, flats, and incredible snorkeling waters, Norman’s Cay is on the Exuma Sound and boasts great fishing. Explore the wreckage of an old drug plane or scuba dive to the Octopus Garden or Hammerhead Gulch.
EXUMA CAYS LAND AND SEA PARK
If you want to spot plenty of wildlife, pull into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, located near the northern tip of the island chain. Established in the 1950s, it was the first of its kind in the world, and to this day it remains an impressive sanctuary.
THUNDER BALL GROTTO
Made famous by the 1960s James Bond film, Thunderball, this stop is wonderful for snorkeling.
BLUE HOLES
There are many blue holes throughout the Bahamas. Blue holes are underwater sinkholes, or vertical caves, and they are home to some of the bluest waters and exceptionally colored tropical fish. Admire from the comfort of the yacht, or hop in for a swim!
SHROUD CAY
A naturalist’s paradise, Shroud Cay is a largely uninhabited island that is an ideal place for exploring. Trade the comfort of your chartered yacht for a paddleboard or dinghy as you maneuver through the mangroves and rivers.
COMPASS CAY
Just south of the ancient Lucayan burial grounds of Rocky Dundas, Compass Cay is another stop perfect for exploration. Relax in the island’s natural whirlpool – Rachel’s Bubble Bath – which changes with the tides.
The options are endless for chartering a yacht in the Bahamas, especially if you are looking at the Exumas. Snorkeling, scuba diving, island exploration and fishing are among the many things you will have the opportunity to take part in during one of these one-of-a-kind trips.
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