Why Go Sailing in the Bahamas?
Just off the Florida coast, there is a turquoise piece of heaven waiting for you to discover aboard your charter yacht. The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands resting in the Atlantic Ocean. Even Christopher Columbus could not resist their beauty, as he is considered “the first tourist” of the Bahamas, after his visit to San Salvador Island in 1492. Sailors love sailing Bahamas because of its sheltered harbours, both easy and challenging sailing areas and routes, and beautiful, deserted islands.
Charter a yacht in the Bahamas and start your journey on the Abaco Islands, which are a magnet for sailors due to their gentle trade winds, pleasant anchoring and unreal-looking beaches. Bahamas sailing charter enables a wide variety of sailing boats at your disposal at Marsh Harbour, with several full-service marinas.
You can also choose to start your Bahamas sailing adventure on the Exumas, a group of islands located just 35 miles southeast of Nassau. The Exumas are divided into three major areas – The Exuma Cays, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, and they boast exclusive resorts. Decide between bareboat charter, crewed charter or cabin charter on the Bahamas and tailor your Bahamas sailing holiday to your liking!
Sailing Conditions in the Bahamas
The average temperature in the Bahamas range from 27 to 32°C in the summer and 21 to 27°C in winter. The peak sailing season and the best time to opt for a Bahamas yacht charter is from mid-December to mid-April, due to warm, gentle trade winds. In the peak season, the Bahamas are the liveliest with lots of events. The sunniest month is April. Even though the temperatures are great throughout the whole year, hurricanes may cause problems. Hurricane season on the Bahamas lasts from June to November. Keep in mind that these months are also rainy, so you would probably have less time for outdoor activities.
Boat Types in the Bahamas
Important Info for Sailing in the Bahamas
Best time to sail
December – April
Climate
Subtropical
Sailing license
Required + adequate sailing resume
Currency
Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
Spoken language
English, Bahamian Creole
Top attractions
The city of Nassau, Atlantis Paradise Island, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Harbour Island, Grand Bahama Island, Diving and Fishing on Andros Island, Treasure Cay Beach - Great Abaco Island, Lucayan National Park, Cable Beach in Nassau, Green Turtle Cay, Long Island, Blue Lagoon Island
Top Reasons to Visit the Bahamas
Embark on an adventure with a private sailboat or catamaran yacht charter in the Bahamas and discover the beauty of the Caribbean on your own terms. Visit Grand Bahama, a bustling pine-tree-covered island with underwater caves. Explore the Peterson Cay National Park, a geological wonder recognized as an Important Bird Area.
While on your rental yacht in the Bahamas, do your tan some justice by spending some time on the beautiful, secluded Gold Rock Beach in the Lucayan National Park. Roam around West End, the capital, and learn about the history of the Bahamas.
Sailing in the Bahamas offers you the opportunity to explore the Exumas. They will amaze you with its world-famous Pig Beach where you will be able to swim with pigs. Dive into the crystal-clear waters in the Thunderball Grotto made famous by the James Bond movie. The Compass Cay Marina attracts mega yachts, so you will have a spectacular sight.
Bimini is a mystical island where you can find the Fountain of Youth, a freshwater well promising a “forever young” feeling. Sail over the thought-provoking Bimini Road, an underwater rock formation that might be considered the forgotten Atlantis. Pay homage to the island’s history by visiting the Dolphin House Museum opened by a local artist.
There are many other islands to visit on your Bahamas sailing route, such as the boating capital island of Abacos, the largest island of Andros, the Berry Islands with a rich marine life… Wherever you go, there will always be something that will make your boat charter in the Bahamas unforgettable.
