Everything You Need to Know About a Bahamian Yacht Charter
Are the Exuma Islands worth exploring on a yacht charter in The Bahamas?
The Exuma Islands are most certainly worth exploring during a luxury yacht vacation in The Bahamas. This stunning archipelago is the most popular cruising area during a Bahamas yacht charter, but don’t let the moniker “popular” make you think they are crowded, as they are anything but. Comprising 365 islands, islets, and cays with anchorages from an hour to seven hours apart, there is plenty of space to find privacy, even during the peak cruising season, so where you go depends on how many islands you want to visit. Once you experience a boat charter in The Bahamas, you’ll see why people come back again and again.
Why charter a motor yacht in The Bahamas?
A crewed luxury motor yacht is a great way to cruise the crystal-clear waters of The Bahamas. Motor yachts offer great interior volume and superb onboard amenities. Motor yachts are also more accessible than sailing vessels, with many boasting elevators that ensure easy access to all decks. Large motor yachts often include a large garage, enabling them to carry a tender, or in some cases, several tenders, as well as a superb selection of water toys. On larger motor yachts and superyachts, expect to find amenities such as a cinema, swimming pool, hot tub, a spa, gym, beach club, and multiple deck areas for sunbathing, relaxation, and entertaining. Superyachts may also include a helipad and submersibles. The wide range of amenities and voluminous interior spaces of a motor yacht make them a popular choice with families and large groups of friends. For the best choice of motor yacht charters in The Bahamas, contact Northrop & Johnson.
Why charter a sailing yacht in The Bahamas?
Sailing yachts offer a thrilling way to explore The Bahamas and are a great choice for those seeking an eco-friendly way to cruise. Hoist up the sails and harness the power of Mother Nature; nothing matches the thrill of sailing and the deeper connection that it fosters with the ocean and the environment. Modern luxury sailing yachts boast clever and flexible layouts and fantastic onboard amenities coupled with stunning interiors. Of course, on a crewed sailing yacht charter, you will also benefit from incredible service levels courtesy of a dedicated and highly professional, and knowledgeable crew. Contact Northrop & Johnson if you want to enjoy a luxury Bahamas sailing vacation.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in The Bahamas?
With a year-round warm climate and sun-drenched days, a yacht charter in The Bahamas can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The best weather is typically from November to April when you will enjoy wonderfully warm temperatures and a limited chance of rain. Average temperatures hover around 75.2F (25C) during these months. In the summer, there is a higher chance of rain, while higher humidity can make it feel hotter. Expect average temperatures of around 88F (31C). June to November is hurricane season in The Bahamas, and your charter specialists will keep a close eye on any hurricanes that may impact your charter. A bonus of traveling in the summer is that popular hotspots are likely to be less crowded, ensuring a more intimate experience.
What weather can I expect on a Bahamas yacht charter?
The weather in The Bahamas is generally warm and tropical, with mild variations throughout the year. The climate is influenced by its location in the Caribbean region, and it’s characterized by consistent temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season (Winter)
- The dry season typically runs from December to April.
- During this period, the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels.
- Average high temperatures range from around 75F (24C) in January to 82F (28C) in April.
- Nights can be cooler, with temperatures ranging from 60F (15C) to 70F (21C).
Wet Season (Summer)
- The wet season generally lasts from May to November.
- This period is characterized by warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and a higher chance of rainfall.
- Average high temperatures range from about 85F (29C) in May to 89F (32C) in August.
- Humidity levels can make the temperatures feel hotter, especially in the summer months.
Hurricane Season:
- The hurricane season in The Bahamas officially runs from June 1st to November 30th.
- The peak of the hurricane season is typically from August to October.
- While hurricanes are not guaranteed, The Bahamas can experience heavy rainfall and strong winds during this time.
Rainfall:
- The wettest months in The Bahamas are typically May and June, with the highest chances of rainfall.
- Rainfall is more common during the wet season, but brief and intense showers can occur year-round.
What is the water temperature in The Bahamas?
The turquoise waters around The Bahamas are warm and inviting throughout the year, making it a great destination to make the most of your private yacht’s many water toys and tenders, including jet skis, wakeboards, kayaks, inflatables, scuba and snorkeling equipment.
Water temperatures typically range from the mid-70sF (around 24C) in the winter to the mid-80sF (around 29C) in the summer months.
What’s the marine life like in The Bahamas?
Marine life abounds in The Bahamas with unspoiled reefs. Every island group has countless snorkeling and diving sites beckoning you to explore the underwater world. Marine life you can expect to see on a Bahamas yacht charter holiday include:
- Sea turtles
- Conch
- Spotted dolphins
- Starfish
- Barracuda
- Bahamian rock lobster
- Blue marlin
- Nurse sharks
- Rays
- Lionfish
- Eels
- Nassau Grouper
- Blue Tang
- Bonefish
- Mahi
Is The Bahamas a good spot for fishing?
Yes, The Bahamas offer world-class fishing opportunities. From offshore deep-sea fishing and sports fishing to inshore fishing, The Bahamas is ideally suited for all types of fishing. A note; lobster season in The Bahamas typically runs from August 1 to March 31 (although the exact date can vary slightly from year to year.) It’s a great time to fish for these tasty crustaceans! Don’t forget to pass your fresh catch of the day to your yacht’s private chef, who will prepare an incredible feast.
If you want to enjoy a fishing experience in The Bahamas, then Northrop & Johnson can help. We boast a wonderful collection of superyacht charters, including sport fishers and yachts with fantastic fishing equipment. Our yachts are crewed by experienced captains who will be able to take you to the best fishing destinations in The Bahamas.
What are some of the best beaches in The Bahamas?
Beach lovers will be in paradise on a Bahamas yacht charter. From the uninhabited, pristine beaches of the Exumas to the pink sand beaches of Eleuthera and the luxury resort beaches of Nassau, there is a beach for every type of person in The Bahamas. Beaches in The Bahamas are typically fringed by palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters. Many are ideal for families too, with shallow and calm waters that are ideal for swimming.
Some of the best beaches in The Bahamas include:
- Surfer’s Beach
- Junkanoo Beach
- Pink Sands Beach
- Gaulding Cay Beach
- Long Bay Beach
Where will I board my yacht on a Bahamas superyacht charter?
Most private yacht charters in The Bahamas start and end in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. Nassau offers a wealth of attractions to explore, so it’s well worth setting aside a day at the start or end of your luxury yacht charter experience to explore this destination. Paradise Islands is a must-visit, home to the iconic Atlantis resort boasting gourmet restaurants, a lavish spa, a casino, a golf course, and the Aquaventure water park, which will delight youngsters as well as adults who are young at heart.
What airports are there in The Bahamas?
The primary airport in The Bahamas is Nassau International Airport (NAS), which is also known as Lynden Pindling International Airport. The NAS airport accommodates international commercial flights from across the globe as well as private jets, with a dedicated private jet terminal offering clients the utmost discretion and exclusivity. Many individuals embarking on a Bahamas yacht charter will fly into NAS. Other smaller airports in The Bahamas include:
- Governors Harbour Airport
- South Bimini Airport
- North Eleuthera Airport
- Exuma International Airport
- Inagua International Airport
- Treasure Cay International Airport
When you book a luxury yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, you will enjoy a shore-to-deck service, which means we will help manage your travel arrangements to and from your yacht charter. Contact our team today and start your yacht charter vacation in The Bahamas.
What is the capital of The Bahamas?
Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas and is an ideal place to begin your Bahamas yacht charter. This vibrant capital city offers an abundance of gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses, shopping, and the famed Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Nassau is a great place to spend a day or two before cruising onto other islands during your luxury yacht charter.
What is the currency in The Bahamas?
The currency in The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). However, U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1 BSD to 1 USD.
What is the official language of The Bahamas?
The official language of The Bahamas is English, with many people speaking an English-based Creole language, called Bahamian English or Bahamian Creole. Much of the terminology in The Bahamas is derived from British English, West African languages, and Spanish due to the nation’s colonial past. Additionally, Haitian Creole is spoken by around 25% of the population.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in The Bahamas?
The cost of a Bahamas yacht charter holiday will depend on several factors, including your choice of vessel, cruising itinerary, length of charter, and desired experiences. Expect to pay a minimum of U.S. $50,000 per week for a luxury yacht charter in The Bahamas. Contact Northrop & Johnson’s charter specialists; we boast an enviable selection of yachts to charter from U.S. $50,000 per week to more than $1 million.
Why charter a superyacht in The Bahamas with Northrop & Johnson?
When you choose to book a Bahamas yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, you will enjoy a service that is second-to-none. As a global yacht brokerage and recognized industry leader, we excel at creating extraordinary yachting experiences that surpass all expectations at every opportunity. We will listen to your needs, provide a handpicked selection of yachts for you to choose from, and then craft an incredible charter itinerary. For our international team, no request is too big or small. We are experts in Bahamas yacht charters, ensuring an incredible vacation on the water. Contact our team of luxury charter brokers today.
