Boasting over 700 islands, cays and islets in an area of more than 8,000 square miles, the Bahamas offers an unparalleled destination for you and your family and friends to explore. Meet the generous Bahamian people, always willing and more than eager to familiarize you with their colorful home. Discover the gorgeous sea life, from the majestic spotted eagle rays, which appear to “fly” effortlessly through the water, to the coral reef below, dotted with sea fans and tropical fish in more colors than you can imagine.
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and coined “Baja Mar,” or “shallow water” in English, the Bahamas have the most exquisite turquoise water you will ever see; the average depth in many areas is less than 30 feet, allowing the sun to reflect off the sand, creating a beautiful blue unlike anywhere in the world.
Centrally located in the heart of the Bahamas is New Providence and Paradise Island, where you will find the bustling city of Nassau, along with the luxurious, five-star Atlantis Resort. From here, you can choose which out islands you would like to explore; the northern, more populated Abaco islands; the centrally located and more private Exumas; or Harbour Island and Eleuthera for their pink sand beaches and exceptional dining. More adventurous spirits can venture to Rum, Crooked or Long Island and experience world-class scuba diving and fishing. Wherever you choose, The Bahamas is a truly beautiful and varied island nation, with each cay (pronounced “key”) offering its own flavor of fun. It might sound cliche, but it really is better in The Bahamas!
Start your Bahamian adventure by boarding in Nassau at the enchanting Atlantis Resort Marina. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the waterpark, touring the aquarium or snorkeling off the beach. At night, dine onboard before heading to the casino, comedy club or one of the many other nightlife options available at the famous resort. Or kick back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Marina Village.
From Atlantis, enjoy the beautiful two- to three-hour cruise down island over only a few feet of crystal clear water, allowing you to see straight down to the ocean floor. While underway, enjoy a tropical lunch of Caribbean spiny lobster prepared fresh by your yacht chef. After arriving at Highborne Cay, take a short ten-minute tender ride to Allan’s Cay, where you can feed the pink iguanas, and if you’re lucky, even make them dance. Late in the afternoon enjoy shelling on nearby Lobster Cay.
Island hop south to Shroud Cay, launch the paddleboards and explore the island’s mangrove ecosystem in a completely serene environment. Look for young sea life, which thrives in the protected environment. Next, hop on the jet skis and explore nearby Norman’s Cay where you can snorkel a sunken DC-3 plane that crashed just after takeoff in the late 1970s. Today it is home to several beautiful species of tropical fish. Spend the night at anchor and watch as the sky lights up with stars.
After a morning swim, pick-up anchor and head to Bell Island where your Captain and crew effortlessly pick up a mooring ball. Spend the afternoon relaxing, or head for the nearby Sea Aquarium, located just off famed “pirate” Johnny Depp’s own private island, where you can snorkel for hours and feed the fish right out of your hand. You won’t know who’s more curious to check who out, you or the fish! At night, watch the ocean floor light up when the Captain turns on the underwater lights, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a green sea turtle as it swims effortlessly by.
While your Captain moves the yacht from Bell Island to the Sampson Cay Marina, explore on the jet-skis with your First Mate leading you on an adventure tour through the central Exumas. You can snorkel the reefs, feed nurse sharks and walk along deserted beaches. The beauty of the islands will take your breath away. After meeting up with the yacht in the late afternoon, enjoy lunch while reminiscing about your day’s activities.
Located in the heart of the Exumas, at Sampson Cay the ocean is your playground. You can ride around on jet skis, exploring every nook and cranny, or go offshore fishing for beautiful mahi mahi and tuna in nearby Exuma Sound. Don’t forget to feed the famous swimming pigs in the nearby anchorage at Big Majors!
After a short morning cruise to Warderick Wells, spend the day moored at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park headquarters. An easy hour-long walk brings you to the infamous “blow holes,” where the ocean’s waves cause air to shoot up through the limestone — similar to a whale blowing air through its own blowhole. Visit the gift shop and flip through exciting literature about the sea life and people of the Bahamas. Make sure to grab your own copy of “Wind From The Carolinas,” a historical fiction novel that chronicles the life of a family living in the islands during the 19th century.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Exumas and cruise back to Nassau. Watch for dolphins, eagle rays and sea turtles, which constantly play at the sea’s surface. As your yacht charter vacation comes to an end, don’t despair. You can always return to the islands, your heart growing fonder of the beautiful water every time. We hope you had a wonderful charter, and we can’t wait to see you again!
