Bahamas Yacht Charter

Home to unique marine species, from nurse sharks and flamingos to turtles and the Exuma swimming pigs!

Best time to visit

December - April

Currency

US Dollar

Language

English

Cruising style

Relaxed trade wind island-hopping

Charter types

Bareboat, Skippered and Crewed

Life's a Beach on a Bahamas Yacht Charter

A dreamy constellation of 700 sandy islands, stretching for hundreds of miles off the south-east coast of Florida, the Bahamas is a sailor’s paradise. It’s not hard to see why this Caribbean gateway is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.

Warm trade winds guarantee good sailing conditions, and the shallow-shelving, sandy shorelines are ideal for catamarans, whether bareboat, skippered or crewed.

The pristine palm-lined beaches and crystal seas are home to hundreds of unique marine species, from nurse sharks and flamingos to turtles and the Exuma swimming pigs.

The Bahamas are good for:

Scuba Diving

Award-winning beaches

World-famous swimming pigs

Tropical fish

Year-round warm weather

Barrier reefs and blue holes

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Knowledge hub

Essential information
Sailing Conditions
Travel tips

See & do

Check the following attractions before going to Bahamas

Hope Town Lighthouse

Hope Town Lighthouse

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach

Green Turtle Cay

Green Turtle Cay

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Cable Beach

Cable Beach

Salt Cay

Salt Cay

Nassau Straw Market

Nassau Straw Market

Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay

Pinks Sands Beach

Pinks Sands Beach

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Clifton Heritage National Park

Clifton Heritage National Park

Craft your perfect trip
to the Bahamas

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Popular yacht types in the Bahamas

Popular charter types in the Bahamas

Crewed

Crewed

Explore in ultimate style

helm-shirt-skipper-on-deck

Skippered

Relax and let a pro take the helm

x-46 man laughing at helm

Bareboat

Go your own way

Not sure which charter type suits you?

Learn more

Popular Yacht Types

Welcome to the brilliant Bahamas

Swirling sands and impossibly clear waters greet visitors to the beautiful Bahamas.

The Bahamas' climate makes it an excellent year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally from December to April, when temperatures are in the 28-31ºC sweet spot.

A stretch of shallow havens just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas has a natural, easy-going charm about it. And the scenery is just spectacular!

The Bahamas is known for its sheltered harbours, easy-to-challenging sailing areas, and pristine, deserted islands and the most incredible diving and snorkelling.

Stretches of mangroves are home to wildlife on sea and land.

The iconic swimming pigs and three-foot iguanas can be seen on white-sand beaches, while sea turtles, nurse sharks and colourful fish swim can also be found in the waters.

A luxury yacht charter is the ideal way to explore the Bahamas.

Why sail in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is an utterly unique sailing area, with miles of swirling sands curving their way across an impossibly turquoise sea.

  • Consistent trade winds: These winds provide reliable propulsion for sailboats, making it easy to navigate between islands.
  • Calm waters: The Bahamas is known for its calm seas, particularly in the Out Islands, which are less crowded and offer more sheltered anchorages.
  • Beautiful scenery: The Bahamas boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a visually stunning sailing destination.
  • Numerous islands and cays: With over 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas offers a wide variety of sailing experiences, from exploring secluded anchorages to visiting bustling marinas

Weather and Sailing Conditions in the Bahamas

Sailing conditions in the Bahamas are generally excellent, making it a popular destination for sailors of all levels. The archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, and benefits from consistent trade winds that blow from the northeast.

There are a few things it pays to be aware of, though:

  • Hurricane season: The Bahamas is in the hurricane belt, so it's important to be aware of the hurricane season (June to November) and plan your trip accordingly.
  • Shallow waters: Many of the islands in the Bahamas have shallow waters, so it's important to be aware of your depth and avoid running aground.
  • Strong currents: In some areas, strong currents can be present, particularly around the Exumas. It's essential to be familiar with the local conditions and navigate with caution.

When is the best time to sail in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas' climate makes it an excellent year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally from December to April, when temperatures are in the 28-31ºC (85-88ºF) sweet spot.

Similar to nearby Florida, the Bahamas are blessed with a generally temperate climate, but the weather is at it's best between December and April, with peak season running across Christmas and New Year.

This period offers comfortable temperatures, favourable trade winds and minimal rainfall, with average highs around 86ºF (29ºC).

March is our favourite time to head to the Bahamas, as it is benefits from quieter anchorages than high season a well as exceptional weather.

Luxury Yacht Charter Bahamas

A luxury yacht charter is the ultimate way to experience the Bahamas from the deck of a crewed yacht. A Bahamas crewed yacht charter offers luxury and comfort, privacy and exclusivity, a customised itinerary, a professional crew, unbeatable views and scenery, and a memorable experience that you will treasure for years to come.

We work with the best catamaran companies in the Bahamas, selecting the finest boats in The Exumas and Abacos that offer state-of-the-art amenities, professional crew, and gourmet cuisine. With spacious interiors and ample deck space, you can relax in comfort and style on your Bahamas yacht charter vacation.

The best of the Bahamas

```

  • Award-winning beaches
  • World-famous swimming pigs
  • Flamingos, sharks, turtles, iguanas
  • Year-round warm weather
  • Relaxed sailing in the consistent breeze and flat waters
  • Deserted islands, cays and pirate coves
  • Wonderful wreck diving
  • Barrier reefs and blue holes

Bahamas Itineraries

We’re here for you

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide. We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

Need some help?

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.

We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

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