The Bahamas

BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTER & BOAT RENTAL

138 boats available for bareboat or crewed charter
Yachts from professional fleet operators in The Bahamas
Free cancellation of reservation without obligations within 4 days

Most popular boats For rent in THE BAHAMAS

Top destinations in The Bahamas for boat rental

  • Marsh Harbour

    MARSH HARBOUR

    82 boats for charter

    from $1,902 per week

    Explore Abacos Islands from biggest yacht charter base in Marsh Harbor. Book the boat that suits best your sailing vacation in the Bahamas.
  • Nassau

    NASSAU

    58 boats for charter

    from $1,533 per week

    Explore Exumas from yacht charter base located in Nassau. Book the boat that suits best your sailing vacation needs.

Types of boats available for rent in The Bahamas

Yacht charter types available in The Bahamas

Grigory Elisseev
The content has been carefully reviewed in accordance with 12 Knots' Editorial Policy, ensuring accuracy in routes, and services.
Grigory Elisseev, Founder and CEO of 12 Knots, has led the review process. With extensive experience and deep industry expertise, he ensures all information meets our high editorial standards.
Last Updated: 21 Jun, 2025
All information on this page is regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and compliance with 12 Knots' high standards. We are committed to providing the most reliable and up-to-date information.

The Bahamas Sailing itineraries

Check out our 7- and 10-day route ideas for sailing vacation in the Bahamas. Both itineraries are carefully planned to ensure optimal distances and convenient anchorages, so you can enjoy sailing trip at a relaxed pace.

Nassau & Exuma 7 day sailing itinerary

Nassau & Exuma 7 day sailing itinerary

Duration: 7 days
Distance: 135 nm
Set sail from Nassau towards the Exumas on a journey that marries the thrill of open-water sailing with the serene beauty of sheltered cays. This itinerary is a navigator’s dream, offering challenging passages, unparalleled opportunities for anchorages in crystal-clear waters, and a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Bahamas. Ideal for sailors seeking adventure, tranquility, and the pure joy of the sea.
Marsh Harbor to Abacos - 10 days itinerary

Marsh Harbor to Abacos - 10 days itinerary

Duration: 10 days
Distance: 116 nm
Easy line-of-sight sailing. Most passages are a 1–2-hour sail. Trade winds blow between 5-20 knots. The entire cruising ground is protected by a barrier reef, which moderates sea conditions year-round. Shallow waters require to pay close attention to the tide while underway as well as entering and departing harbors.

Cost of boat rental in The Bahamas

Average yacht charter cost in The Bahamas starts from $6,209 per week. Graphic below represents fluctuation of charter prices in The Bahamas during the year, based on a sample of 50 boats ranging from 40 to 50-foot. This graphic shows months with lowest prices during the year as well high season when prices are above average. Before booking the boat at lowest rate, please check sailing conditions as usually best prices are during off season.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

€7,627

€8,894

€10,080

€10,246

€9,357

€8,085

€7,216

€5,651

€5,392

€5,765

€6,973

€7,980

Sailing conditions in The Bahamas

The best time to sail in the Bahamas is from November to April, with pleasant temperatures around 24–27 °C (75–81 °F), low rainfall, and steady easterly trade winds averaging 10–15 knots. May to August is usually warmer and more humid, with lighter winds (8–12 knots) and increased rainfall, especially in June and August. September to October is peak hurricane season and we recommend not to charter during this period due to storm risk and unstable weather conditions.

Temperature by month

Average air High and Low temperature during the year

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max t° 25 °C 25 °C 26 °C 27 °C 28 °C 30 °C 31 °C 31 °C 31 °C 29 °C 27 °C 25 °C
Min t° 17 °C 18 °C 18 °C 20 °C 22 °C 24 °C 25 °C 25 °C 24 °C 23 °C 21 °C 18 °C
Max t° 77 °F 77 °F 79 °F 81 °F 84 °F 87 °F 89 °F 89 °F 88 °F 85 °F 82 °F 78 °F
Min t° 64 °F 65 °F 66 °F 69 °F 72 °F 76 °F 77 °F 77 °F 76 °F 74 °F 71 °F 66 °F

Rainy days by month

Average number of days with precipitation during the year.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainy Days 10 8 9 9 12 17 17 19 19 15 11 9

Sailing in the Bahamas

The Bahamas has one of the highest concentrations of small navigable islands and cays in the world—comprising 700 islands and over 2,400 cays spread across a relatively compact area of 500 nautical miles. This makes it one of the top destinations for sailing in the Atlantic. With sheltered bays, shallow turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine, the Bahamas is a paradise for both snorkeling and sailing.


Apart from natural beauty and abundant marine life, its historic colonial towns offer a glimpse into the past, dating back to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492.

Why Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas

Easy Access from North America: The Bahamas are just a short flight from major U.S. cities like Miami, Atlanta, and New York. Nassau and Marsh Harbour (Abacos) are the main charter hubs with international airport connections.

  • Itineraries with Line-of-sight navigation. Vast number of islands and cays allow flexible itineraries—from short hops between the Abacos to longer routes down the Exumas. Numerous protected anchorages and natural harbors make it easy to explore at your own pace.
  • Enjoy fishing—but only from the boat. According to local regulations, non-resident tourists are allowed to fish only from a boat. Shore fishing is prohibited for non-residents. A fishing permit is typically included in the cruising permit issued during boat check-in.
  • Snorkeling Paradise: The Bahamas offers world-class snorkeling in shallow, clear waters, with extensive reef systems and sandbanks perfect for spotting marine life.
  • Unique Attractions: Iconic stops include swimming pigs, blue holes, and marine parks that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

Boats for Rent in the Bahamas

Due to shallow waters, the charter fleet in the Bahamas mainly dominated by sailing catamarans (90%) and power boats (10%). The majority of yachts are based in: Nassau – Palm Cay Marina and Marsh Harbour (Abacos) – Conch Inn Marina. Very few boats can be found at other bases in the Exumas.


Charter periods usually start from 3 days, but our recommendation is to do at least 7-day rentals to fully explore the local sailing grounds - especially from Nassau, where the closest cay is 30 nm (about 8 hours) away from the marina.


Boat Type Capacity Price Range Weekly Fleet Age in the Bahamas

Sailing catamaran 6–12 people From $1,900 54% of the boats are ≤ 3 years old

Power catamaran 6–9 people From $5,400 56% of catamarans are ≤ 3 years old


Boat type

Capacity

Price range weekly

Fleet age in BVI

Sailing catamarans 

6-12 people

From $1,900

54% of the boats are ≤ 3 years old

Power boats 

6-9 people

From $5,400

56% are ≤ 3 years old

Sailing Requirements in the Bahamas

In most cases, a sailing license is not required for bareboat charters in the Bahamas, but previous sailing experience on boats of similar size and type is required. Charter companies check the skipper's sailing resume and may request a practical demonstration of basic skills such as anchoring, reefing, or docking.


Starting from October 2024, some fleet operators require a valid sailing certificate for bareboat charter. RYA, IYT Day Skipper, or ASA 103/104 should be sufficient.


Suggested Sailing Itineraries in the Bahamas

The best time to explore the region is from November to late April.


For families and novice sailors, we recommend The Abacos: easy line-of-sight navigation, protected waters, and short passages.


For those with sufficient sailing experience and at least 7 to 10 days of vacation, The Exumas could be the right choice, with remote anchorages, marine parks, and uninhabited cays.

Suggested Sailing Itineraries in the Bahamas

The ideal time to sail in the Bahamas is November through April.

  • The Abacos sailing area is the best for families and novice sailors. It offers easy, protected sailing with line-of-sight navigation and short passages.
  • The Exumas we recommend for experienced sailors with at least 7 to 10 days of vacation. This chain features stronger winds, remote cays, national parks, and snorkel-perfect reefs, including famous stops like Staniel Cay, Warderick Wells, and Norman’s Cay.
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