What makes the Bahamas & the Caribbean a top choice for yacht charters?

The Bahamas and the Caribbean are unrivaled yacht charter destinations. With thousands of islands, you can explore a new paradise everyday. The Bahamas alone boasts the clearest waters on Earth, with visibility reaching up to 200 feet, as confirmed by NASA who have even photographed it from space. Whether snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply anchoring in a secluded bay, the crystal-clear waters create an immersive and cinematic yachting adventure.

This region also has the largest concentration of blue holes in the world, including the famed Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, which plunges 202 meters (663 feet) deep, making it one of the deepest known underwater sinkholes according to National Geographics. In fact,Resource Watch said that 9–10% of the world's coral reefs are located in the Caribbean region, contributing to a diverse and vibrant underwater landscape that is perfect as dive sites.

Additionally Royal Rum Society stated that the Caribbean is the birthplace of rum, with Barbados credited for producing the world’s first distilled rum in the 1600s, a legacy that continues today. This means yacht guests can enjoy exclusive tastings at historic distilleries while indulging in the region’s legendary rum culture. For travelers seeking unique experiences, the Caribbean is also home to Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet, glowing neon blue due to its high concentration of microscopic plankton (Guinness World Records).

From mysterious underwater formations like the Bimini Road, believed by some to be remnants of Atlantis (Discovery UK), to the only place where you can swim with wild pigs in the Exumas, the Bahamas and the Caribbean are filled with wonders that cannot be found anywhere else.

 

Which yachts are ideal for chartering in the Bahamas & the Caribbean?

The ideal yacht for you depends on your travel style, with each type offering its own perks and things to keep in mind.

Catamarans are excellent for families and groups due to their stability and spaciousness. Their shallow draft makes them ideal for exploring the region’s shallow waters, sandbars, and secluded cays, such as the Exumas. Meanwhile, Motor Yachts offer luxury, speed, and access to multiple destinations efficiently. They are perfect for those who want to island-hop in comfort while enjoying high-end amenities. Sailing Yachts provide an authentic sailing experience and are the best eco-friendly option, as they utilize wind power to travel. Lastly, Power Catamarans combine the stability of catamarans with the efficiency of motor yachts. They are more fuel-efficient than traditional motor yachts while offering a comfortable ride.

 

What are some of the best yachting destinations in the Bahamas & the Caribbean?

Bahamas

• Exumas: The Exumas are home to some of the most iconic sights in the Bahamas. Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, is famous for its swimming pigs. Thunderball Grotto, a cave featured in James Bond: Thunderball, is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, established in 1958, was the first national marine park in the world and remains a no-take zone to protect its incredible marine life.
• Nassau & Paradise Island: The capital of the Bahamas that is known to be home to Atlantis Resort, which features one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world. Nassau’s historic forts, such as Fort Fincastle, were built to protect the city from pirates, and the Queen’s Staircase, carved out of limestone by slaves in the 18th century, is one of its most famous landmarks.
• Harbour Island: Harbour Island is famous for its pink sand beaches, which get their unique color from microscopic coral insects called foraminifera. This charming island is a favorite among celebrities and luxury travelers.
• The Abacos: The Abacos are considered the sailing capital of the Bahamas. Hope Town’s candy-striped lighthouse, built in 1863, is one of the last manually operated lighthouses in the world. The Abacos are also home to the rare Abaco Parrot, which is unique because it nests in the ground instead of in trees.
• Bimini: Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida, making it a popular first stop for yachts. The island is famous for world-class sport fishing, particularly for great hammerhead sharks and blue marlin. Ernest Hemingway, who lived here in the 1930s, often fished in these waters and wrote about them in his novel Islands in the Stream. The Bimini Road, a submerged rock formation, is rumored to be part of the lost city of Atlantis.

Caribbean

• St. Barts: Known as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, St. Barts is a favorite among the yachting elite. Gustavia Harbor is lined with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants, while Shell Beach and Colombier Beach provide a more secluded retreat. St. Barts hosts one of the most exclusive New Year’s Eve yacht parties in the world, with some of the biggest superyachts gathering for fireworks and celebrations.

• The British Virgin Islands: The BVI is known for its perfect sailing conditions, hidden bays, and lively beach bars. The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a geological wonder of massive granite boulders, were formed over 70 million years ago. Jost Van Dyke is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, where the famous Painkiller cocktail was invented. Norman Island, rumored to be the real-life inspiration for Treasure Island, is known for its sea caves and pirate history.

• St. Lucia: St. Lucia’s twin Pitons, rising dramatically from the sea, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, where visitors can take a natural mud bath. Marigot Bay, once a hiding spot for pirate ships, was described by novelist James Michener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.”

• The Grenadines: The Grenadines are an unspoiled Caribbean destination perfect for a secluded yacht escape. Tobago Cays Marine Park is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, offering some of the most pristine coral reefs in the region. Mustique, a private island known for its exclusive villas, was a favorite retreat of Princess Margaret.

• Antigua & Barbuda: Antigua is famous for having a beach for every day of the year. It hosts Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world’s top yachting regattas. Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once a British naval base and is now a vibrant hub for yachts and history lovers. Barbuda, known for its pink sand beaches, is also home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere.

• The Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean. Samana Bay is world-renowned for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate here from December to March. The country is also home to Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean and one of the few places where American crocodiles and flamingos coexist.

   

Where are the best marinas for yachting in the Bahamas & the Caribbean?

Bahamas

1. Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina

• Location: Paradise Island
• Features: accommodates superyachts with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 240-foot-wide turning basin and various dock sizes.

2. Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina

• Location: Marsh Harbour
• Features: One of the largest marinas in the Bahamas, offering full services to yachts.

3. Romora Bay Resort & Marina

• Location: Harbour Island
• Features: Caters to both sportfish and superyacht clientele, accommodating vessels up to 58 meters.

4. Emerald Bay Marina

• Location: Great Exuma

• Features: Full-service boatyard, fuel, water, electricity, and access to Sandals Emerald Bay Resort's amenities, including a golf course and spa.

   

Caribbean

1. Marina Casa de Campo

• Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic​
• Features: Inspired by Mediterranean coastal villages, offering a charming ambiance.​ Part of a larger resort and villa complex.

2. Jolly Harbour Marina

• Location: Antigua
• Features: Full-service marina accommodating various vessel sizes. Ideal base for exploring Antigua and nearby islands.

3. American Yacht Harbor

• Location: Vessup Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Features: 105 fixed slips for boats up to 110 feet. Fueling, provisioning, laundry, and access to nine restaurants and various shops.

4. Leverick Bay Resort and Marina

• Location: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

• Features: 36 moorings and 15 concrete slips with facilities for 110V and 220V electric power.​

   

The Bahamas and the Caribbean yachting seasons at a glance

 

Why should you choose the Bahamas & the Caribbean for your next yachting experience?

From swimming with pigs in the Exumas to sipping cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar, every stop in the Bahamas & the Caribbean brings a new and unforgettable moment. The region is also rich in history, Norman Island is said to have inspired Treasure Island, while the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau was carved by hand from limestone in the 18th century. With over 365 beaches in Antigua alone, you could visit a different one every day for a year. Whether you're exploring sunken pirate caves, spotting humpback whales in Samana Bay, or dancing under the stars in St. Barts, the Bahamas and the Caribbean promise a yachting journey like no other.

For more insights on other yacht charter destinations, explore our detailed destination guides or browse the finest Luxury Charter Yachts available now.