A guide to your superyacht charter: The Bahamas

Enjoy the sunshine and sea breezes

Enjoying a Caribbean climate, calm trade winds and a well-developed yachting infrastructure, the 700 islands and cays that make up The Bahamas are a must-visit by boat. The popular option of bareboating makes spontaneous daytrips on the water a reality, but to immerse in the experience fully, a superyacht charter is where it’s at. Pink sandy beaches elevate an already stunning location to memorable status, as do wild swimming pigs, championship golf courses and the allure of diving with sharks.

Indulge in culinary delights 

The culinary delights of The Bahamas are a sensory journey that blends Caribbean flavours with international influences. The archipelago's cuisine is rich with fresh seafood, tropical fruits and spices, offering dishes that are both vibrant and savoury. The Bahamian specialities such as conch salad, cracked conch and rock lobster are a must-try, prepared with locally sourced ingredients reflecting the islands' maritime heritage. 

The Bahamas also offers an array of dining experiences, from casual beachside shacks to upscale restaurants helmed by world-class chefs. In Nassau and Paradise Island, gourmet dining establishments serve an eclectic mix of traditional Bahamian and contemporary fusion cuisine. With its rich culinary landscape, The Bahamas invites food lovers to explore and indulge in its unique and delicious gastronomic offerings.

Make the most of incredible on-board experiences

A yacht charter offers a unique blend of luxury, adventure and relaxation. Cruising through serene waters, passengers can enjoy unparalleled views of stunning coastlines, secluded beaches and vibrant marine life. Experience a high level of comfort and sophistication on board, with amenities such as spacious decks, gourmet dining, jacuzzis and personalised service from a dedicated crew. 

Activities range from sunbathing and swimming in refreshing crystal-clear waters to engaging in watersports like snorkelling, diving and jetskiing. Evenings bring the opportunity to dine under the stars, with exquisite cuisine prepared by your private chef on board, often featuring fresh, local ingredients. 

Situated within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic, The Bahamas’ exotic location has many top-drawer tourist attractions. Anchorages in Exuma Cays Park are gateways to kaleidoscopic marine wildlife. Feed the endangered Bahamian iguanas or catch a glimpse of the elusive hutia (the islands’ native rodent). The brave should snorkel or dive the country’s famed blue holes, where pastel-hued turquoise turns into navy as the bottom of the ocean appears to fall away. On Long Island, located a few metres from the 80-mile shoreline, the 663-foot blue hole is thought to be the deepest in the world.

Swim with the pigs in Big Major Cay

Swimming with wild pigs in The Bahamas is a rite of passage. Pig Beach near Big Major Cay in The Exumas is famed for its friendly furry hogs that live their days out on the isolated islet. It’s thought the first colony arrived in the 1990s, though exactly how remains unconfirmed. Now firmly established as permanent residents they serve as a year-round tourist attraction. Adept at swimming, the wild animals love to swim out to greet arriving boats, looking for a snack straight from the galley. Not only a memorable photo opportunity, it’s a bucket list activity that can’t be ticked off anywhere else in the world.

Visit Big Farmer's Cay Sandbar

Undeniably one of the best beaches in The Bahamas, Big Farmer's Cay Sandbar has everything you could dream of for a beach. Gently lapping waves from the warm, shallow sea merge with a mile-long sandbar made up of powder soft sand the colour of pristine porcelain. But you’ll have to time it right, for this slice of heaven located just south of the Cay only emerges at low tide. Accessible by boat, it’s a firm favourite for shelling, sunbathing or picnicking superyacht-style; barbecued conch pulled straight from the Atlantic enjoyed to a soundtrack of popping Champagne corks.

Go diving on Tiger Beach

Bahamas shark diving is not for the faint hearted. But those who dare will be richly rewarded. Tiger Beach on Grand Bahama has earned its name from being home to the beautiful yet predatory tiger shark. Identified by tiger stripes along its flank, they can grow up to 5m (16.5ft) but are now considered an endangered species. They’re not the only species of shark to accumulate here, and certified scuba divers can, along with trained dive guides, can expect to get up close and personal with Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, hammerheads and bull sharks, to name a few. For something a little less deadly, swimming with dolphins is a magical experience. The ambient waters off the Bimini coast offer up encounters with the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the bottlenose

Visit Harbour Island's Pink Beaches

The pink sand beaches in The Bahamas are a picture-postcard reminder of just how stunning this charter destination is. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is one of the most vibrant of them all, with a rich rose hue reflecting under the rays of the sun, contrasting brilliantly with the dazzling turquoise sea. Formed from the shell of microscopic coral insects, it paints a beautiful natural vista as far as the eye can see. By boat is the best way to get to pink sand beaches, either dropping anchor further out to sea and riding in by tender or heading to Harbour Islands’ dock located a convenient five minutes away. Top the experience off in style by dining under the stars at the celebrated restaurant at Rock House.

The 190-mile long Andros Barrier Reef is the world's third largest barrier reef and the third largest living organism on the planet. Awash with uninhabited cays, the area is rich in marine life and a pristine centre for eco-tourism. Turtles and birds flourish here and crowds are sparse, despite it being home to some of the most stunning beaches in The Bahamas. Private lounging under the warm summer sun is the order of the day. For the active and adventurous, the reef is another must-dive, dropping to around 2.5m (8ft) on the island side and 1,800m (6,000ft) in the Tongue of the Ocean where vibrant coral wait to be discovered.

The Atlantis in Nassau is an experience not to be missed. Located on Paradise Island, the lush, oceanside resort more than lives up to its name. With no less than six separate Atlantis resorts offering services, amenities and aquaventure, a stay at this luxurious resort is akin to stepping foot in the lost city of Atlantis itself. Dive deep into Bahamian culture by sampling rejuvenating treatments at its choice of spas. Snorkel from the shore of one of its many private beaches. Take an underwater adventure or simply sit back and drink in the beauty of the land.

The Bahamas is where island-hopping charters come into their own. Cruising from cay to cay discovering hidden gems around every corner, Burgess’ fleet of Bahamas-ready charter yachts elevate the experience to life-affirming status. With one of the largest global charter fleets in the world, our team of expert charter brokers will find a yacht that best suits your needs, tailoring the entire trip down to the finest of details.