Choosing a charter around the islands of the Bahamas is purely magical. Drop anchor and explore The Berry Islands.
Within a mere 50 miles of Florida’s coastline lies the entrance to the Bahamas, a 700-mile long archipelago of pure crystal waters considered a yachtsman’s paradise.
The extensive chains of islands, cays (pronounced keys), and reefs offer unlimited itineraries to the yacht vacationer. We tend to break up the 5,400 square miles of pristine white or pale pink beaches into five separate charter destinations
Florida to the Bimini Islands and up to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)
Embarking in either Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach, Bimini is just 50 miles away offering excellent fishing, diving, and marinas. There’s a whole chain of islands to explore (most uninhabited). Go north to Grand Bahama Island for gambling and nightlife.
Enjoy a round of golf on the island of Abacos
The Abacos (from Walker’s Cay to Hope Town)
If you’re a sport-fishing enthusiast, Walker’s Cay is one of the capitals. This is the most Northern Island of the Abacos, which are well protected, offering great anchorages and amenities. Golf in Green Turtle or Treasure Cay, enjoy the quiet of a private island with a super marina at Spanish Cay, try a famous ‘Guana Grabber’ at the bar in Guana Cay, visit the colorful streets of Hope Town with quaint homes, or simply explore the marine life abundant throughout this varied island chain. The Abacos are also considered the best cruising ground for sailing. Several bareboat operators are located in Marsh Harbour.
The Berry Islands are some of most unspoiled islands to cruise
The Berry Islands (Chubb Cay to Great Harbour Cay)
The Berry Islands are little travelled, but well worth the trip. Several islands are home to private estates with small airstrips for accessibility. Lobster and conch can be found everywhere. Great Harbour Cay is the largest island, offering some scheduled flights in from Fort Lauderdale. Many yachts and sailing vessels are based here year-round. The eastern side of the islands offers superb scuba diving, while the western side extends for miles known locally as ‘The Flats’. There are good anchorages at Little Harbour, Hoffman’s and Chubb Cays. Marinas are found in Great Harbour, Fraser’s Hog, and Chubb with fuel, provisioning, and a restaurant or two. The Berry’s are for the yachtsman who wants a little privacy. Nassau is only about 40 miles to the south if you need some excitement
The Atlantis Resort & Casino
Nassau, Eleuthera (Spanish Wells), and Harbour Island
The most popular of the Bahama Islands is Paradise Island, just off the coast of New Providence Island, better known as Nassau. There’s duty-free shopping galore, plus casinos, hotels, restaurants, golf… The Atlantis Resort & Casino is a beautiful beginning from which to start a charter. Spend one to two nights enjoying the island and nightlife, then board your yacht at Hurricane Hole Marina to explore your surroundings by water. Travel to Eleuthera, about 35 miles away to find the original capital of the Bahamas, Spanish Wells. This fabulous town is full of history. There’s excellent marine life, diving, fishing, and anchorages to enjoy. A must is Harbour Island with its charming houses and friendly people awaiting your arrival. Head back to Nassau to catch one of many international flights.
A private paradise in the Exumas
Nassau and the Exumas (Highbourne to George Town)
Again, Paradise Island or Nassau is a great start to a charter. The flights are easy and convenient, the marinas excellent, the provisioning plentiful. One of the favorite cruising grounds for most vacationers and captains is the Exumas. Only a couple hours south, you’ll enter the chain of islands with white sand beaches for miles. Small islands offer great anchorages and a few marinas along the way to George Town. The Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park located in the northern Exumas, is a wonderland of exotic marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited, except for Highbourne, Staniel, and Stocking Island. Several of the islands are home to private estates. Great Exuma has excellent anchorages and is accessible from Nassau and Florida with domestic and international airlines.
