The Bahamas: the ultimate islands guide

The Bahamas is one of the most varied island nations to visit on a yacht charter, with a vast selection of activities from which to choose across its 700 islands. Just a short flight from the US, an overnight cruise on the water from Florida or a slightly longer trip from Europe, it is understandably a firm favourite among those who have sampled what The Bahamas has to offer by yacht. From luxury resorts and excellent golf courses to secluded beaches and exciting fishing or diving spots, there truly is something for everyone. As the locals like to say, life is better in The Bahamas.

When to book your Bahamas yacht charter

The main charter season in The Bahamas is from November to April, although it's a great destination to enjoy by yacht throughout the year. In November, the thermometer reaches an average of 28C (82F), while April sees average temperatures of 27C (81F); meanwhile the sea tends to hover around 26C (79F) throughout the year.

Which Bahamas island is the least touristy?

The largest island in The Bahamas, Andros is relatively untouched and offers a multitude of adventures for those who like to stay active. With five national parks to discover, it is an ecotourism haven on land, while there is world class scuba diving, an abundance of blue holes (the highest concentration in the world) and all kinds of fishing to enjoy on the water. West Side National Park spans some 6,070km of pristine wilderness, while the North and South Marine Parks are home to over 300km of protected waters in the Andros Barrier Reef to the east of the island. Because the landmass of Andros is divided by a network of creeks, it has not been significantly developed and is best explored by sea, especially from the comfort of a luxury charter yacht.

Which Bahamas island is prettiest?

The narrow and claw-shaped Eleuthera (Greek for ‘freedom’) offers a slice of real island life and is known for its pink and white beaches dotted with charming fishing villages. You won’t find any of the modern amenities and luxury shops like on some of the more commercialised islands, but this gives Eleuthera a grounded charm. And, as a result, it’s beauty has been kept just as nature intended.

One of the most magical parts of the island that will stop even the most seasoned traveller in their tracks is The Glass Window Bridge, also known as the narrowest point on earth. Connecting North Eleuthera to the rest of the island, the bridge sits at the meeting point between the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Bight of Eleuthera – resulting in a seriously stunning scene.

What other Bahamas Islands can I explore?

Pristine reefs, unspoilt coral, and picture-perfect sandy beaches… You simply cannot go wrong with a yacht charter to The Exumas; this secluded corner of paradise is beloved by all those that cruise its waters. From the sheltered sandspits and calmer waters that lie on The Bahamas Bank to the west of the archipelago, to the more rugged Atlantic facing east, the 365 mostly uninhabited islands deliver enchanting experiences day after day.

The limestone islets are surrounded by coral reefs teeming with sea life that make for ideal snorkelling or scuba diving, and if you are a keen angler then the bone fishing and deep-sea fishing options are practically endless.

What is the island of Exuma known for?

Perhaps the most famous residents of the Bahamas (aside from Rihanna), the Major Cay pigs are a huge draw for visitors of Exuma. Accessible only by boat, swim in the crystal-clear waters with these friendly creatures – something to put a smile on the face of child and adult alike.

As home to the capital of Nassau and the most connected island in The Bahamas, New Providence is a great place to start your yacht charter. It’s a veritable melting pot of glitzy casinos, upscale resorts and duty-free shopping. But there are also plenty of quieter spots among sugar pink buildings and natural vegetation (think poinsettias and purple bougainvillea). Chartering a superyacht here won’t be a problem, with plenty of marinas able to dock larger boats, including at Lyford Cay and Albany (the latter of which also boasts a popular golf course and spa).

What is Nassau famous for?

Going back centuries, Nassau has a rich history of pirates and smugglers. In the early 1700s, it was dubbed a pirate republic, with over 1,000 pirates (including the infamous Blackbeard) outnumbering the mere hundred inhabitants of Nassau.

For those visiting in late December who want a taste of carnival, Junkanoo is an incredible festival dating back centuries. Taking place in Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, expect music, dancing and vibrant costumes that celebrate the local culture and history.

Just a short trip across a bridge on the north-east coast of New Providence, find the romantic haven of Paradise Island. This touristic hotspot is home to a number of dazzling resorts, which are best known for their casinos and fun activities.

James Bond enthusiasts might recognise the colonial style buildings and French inspired gardens of the exclusive Ocean Club, which was the setting for the early scenes in Casino Royale; with an excellent spa, five miles of powder white beaches and glamorous casino at your disposal, you can enjoy a romantic sojourn that you’ll never want to end.

What is special about Paradise Island?

Atlantis Paradise Island is home to the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, with 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of ocean water, and more than 50,000 aquatic animals. From sharks and rays to barracuda, eels and critically endangered Smalltooth sawfish, get up close with over 250 marine species.

One of the finest and longest established vacation spots in The Bahamas is Harbour Island, a stone’s throw from Eleuthera, which has an airport for those arriving by air. Known for its long pink sand beaches, the glittering blue water offers excellent flat and bluewater fishing, with spearfishing in the reefs further out.

If you can tear yourself away from Harbour Island’s peaceful beaches, you can find supermodels and celebrities rubbing shoulders with media magnates and the biggest names on Wall Street. But don’t expect high heels and haute couture; Harbour Island has a distinctly low-key charm about it. Most transportation on the island is by golf buggy and there is a relaxed, friendly ambiance wherever you go.

Is Harbour Island worth visiting?

In a word? Absolutely.

The low-key atmosphere of the island doesn’t mean those with refined tastes will be put out. Far from it, as Harbour Island has its fair share of gourmet establishments. From fine dining at Malcom 51 and Caribbean flavours at the Rock House to The Dunmore hotel’s top-notch food paired with an eclectic 60s décor, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

As the most under the radar island in The Bahamas, Long Island delivers a tranquil, slower pace that is run on ‘island time’. Pull on your hiking shoes and head for the trails that trace its famously rugged coastline, exploring caves and historical landmarks such as Columbus Point on the northern tip, where a hilltop monument marks where Christopher Columbus made his landfall after crossing the Atlantic.

Then reward your efforts by spending the rest of the day relaxing on the pristine four-mile beach at Cape Santa Maria Resort, voted as one of the top beaches in the world. Explore Hamilton’s Cave, The Bahamas’ largest known cave system, which was once inhabited by the Arawak Indians and features a fresh underwater spring, stalactites, stalagmites and native fauna including bats, lizards, frogs and crabs.

What is Long Island, Bahamas, known for?

No trip to Long Island would be complete without a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole, the second deepest in the world at a jaw-dropping 202m (662.7ft). Here you can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the stunning surroundings, perhaps watching in awe at the entrants of the annual freediving competition, Vertical Blue; top local competitors can descend to almost 60m (196.8ft) without assistance.