Sailboat Charter in the Bahamas

Three reasons to charter a sailboat in the Bahamas

1. Sailing made simple

The Bahamas is the ideal destination for sailors of all abilities due to its sheltered, clear waters and anchorages, and easy line-of-sight navigation. Consistent warm and gentle trade winds make it a perfect choice for families and novice sailors. Note that trade winds are slightly stronger from July to September. If it’s your first-time sailing, calm and forgiving conditions mean your charter will be stress-free and the clear sea also makes anchorage stress-free; but take caution and be careful not to damage the precious coral reef when you anchor.

2. Tropical sunshine

Don’t you hate it when you go on holiday and it rains? Luckily there is no chance of that with a sailboat charter in the Bahamas. Mother Nature is always working in your favour; with an average temperature of 28 degrees in summer and 22 degrees in winter, sunshine and +20-degree temperatures are guaranteed all year around. It’s not a myth, the sun really does shine for up to 9 hours each day! Furthermore, the pleasant water temperatures which range between 24 and 28 degrees are perfect for a dip in the sea.

3. Exquisite coral reefs

Home to 25% of the earth’s coral reef, look no further than the Bahamas for perfect diving and snorkelling conditions. With more than 60m of visibility, the waters are some of the clearest in the world so it’s no surprise that the islands are renowned for their world-class diving conditions. Plunge into these deep blue seas and discover the diverse and colourful flora and fauna… you may as well be in an aquarium!

An exemplary itinerary for a sailboat charter in the Bahamas

Day 1. Marsh Harbour to Great Guana Cay

Begin your Bahamian sailing adventure in Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island. From Marsh Harbour, head northwest towards Great Guana Cay, one of the barrier islands of Great Abaco. Moor in the marina at Settlement Harbour and round off the evening with a meal in one of Guana Cay’s excellent restaurants or a drink in one of the lively bars.

Day 2. Great Guana Cay to Green Turtle Cay

Cut through the azure shallow waters of Abaco Sound as you head west in your sailboat charter in the Bahamas from Great Guana Cay towards Green Turtle Cay. At Green Turtle Cay, you’ll find many harbours and bays where you can choose to moor while you take a stroll around the island, absorbing the unique architecture and stunning scenery. Green Turtle Cay is also famous for its excellent restaurants, so make sure to sample traditional Bahamian cuisine while you’re here.

Day 3. Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay

Point your bow southeast and make headway for Treasure Cay, located on the eastern coast of Abacos Island. Treasure Cay is described as having the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world… what more need be said? Moor in a sheltered marina offering easy access to Coco Beach, a 3-mile-long stretch of bright white sand bordered with plush greenery and wildlife.

Day 4. Treasure Cay to Man-O-War Cay

Cruise eastwards through Abaco Sound towards Man-O-War Harbour, where you can moor for the night. Man-O-War Cay’s strong maritime legacy is still present today and there are contemporary boat builders around. Make the most of the surrounding area and dive to discover the remarkable remains of the USS Adirondack, with canons and other shipwreck debris scattered along the seabed.

Day 5. Man-O-War Cay to Elbow Cay

Sail south of Man-O-War Cay until you reach the spectacular Elbow Cay, and more specifically, the stretch of marvellous Tahiti Beach. After a morning of relaxation stretched out upon the golden sand, head north in your rented sailboat and visit the charming Hope Town. The town is traditional and authentic, and you can easily spend an afternoon engaging in local life and discovering the culture and history of the town.

How to get to your sailboat charter in the Bahamas

Getting to the Bahamas has never been easier with numerous direct flights from various major US cities. There are over 20 airports scattered across the Bahamian islands. Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) and Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (Great Abaco) are both big international airports with direct flights. Notably Miami and New York City are only 1 hour and 3 hours away respectively, so you have many flight options available to you. The local time is 5 hours behind the UK, the local currency is the Bahamian dollar and credit and debit cards are widely accepted on the island.