The Bahamas
A Vast Island Cruising Ground at Florida's Doorstep
Cruising The Bahamas by Superyacht
Stretching southeast from Florida, The Bahamas comprises around 700 islands and 2,400 cays, only about 30 of which are inhabited. Its beauty lies in the contrast between luminous shallow banks, white and pink-sand shores, intricate tidal creeks and the deep blue Atlantic beyond. Together with the separately governed Turks and Caicos Islands, it forms the Lucayan Archipelago and an important part of the wider Caribbean charter circuit. Sophisticated resorts, protected marine areas and secluded anchorages are complemented by Bahamian culture, private-island stays, sportfishing, scuba diving and watersports.
Destination Highlights
- Extensive Island-Hopping
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Private-Island Escapes
- Sportfishing & Scuba Diving
- Florida Proximity
- Large-Yacht Berthing
Proximity to South Florida makes The Bahamas highly accessible, with Bimini—around 50 nautical miles offshore—providing a convenient first port of entry and overnight stop for yachts within its berth and draught limits. Facilities in Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama support provisioning, crew logistics and owner or guest changeovers, while regional and private aviation enables transfers closer to the principal cruising grounds.
Beyond these hubs, yachts should plan for greater self-sufficiency. Shallow banks, tidal cuts, currents, changing depths and visibility make careful route planning, suitable charts and local knowledge particularly important for large or deep-draught yachts.
The Bahamas works as a complete charter destination or as part of a wider itinerary linking Florida with the Turks and Caicos Islands or Greater Antilles. The Turks and Caicos share the Lucayan Archipelago but form a separate jurisdiction with their own clearance requirements. The Association of Bahamas Marinas organises the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show in Nassau in February.
International Access
Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau is the principal gateway, supported by international and domestic airports serving Grand Bahama, the Abacos, Eleuthera and the Exumas. Private aviation and FBO services are available at several key gateways. The official tourism authority currently describes a network of 20 international airports.
Yachting Infrastructure
Nassau and Paradise Island provide the strongest concentration of superyacht marina berthing, while Grand Bahama is the principal repair and refit centre, with floating dry-dock and travelift haul-out. Yacht agents, provisioning, fuel, bunkering, technical services and skilled trades are available, although coverage is more limited in the Out Islands.
- Max berthing: marina berth up to 152 m LOA and about 6,1 m draft
- Max haul-out: floating dry dock up to 1,200 tonnes in Freeport, Grand Bahama
- 2nd Max haul-out: marine travelift up to 150 tonnes, internal clearance 10,25 min Freeport, Grand Bahama
See Recommended Superyacht Services below for specific marinas, haul-out facilities, and skilled trades in The Bahamas.
Recommended Superyacht Services
in The Bahamas
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