The Bahamas Yacht charters

Anyone who has ever seen the crystal clear waters, pristine sands, and colorful culture of the Bahamas understands why it is the sailing capital of the world. An archipelago of 29 islands and 661 cays, The Bahamas are a sailor’s dream. They offer calm waters, secluded bays, incredible wildlife, and endless places to enjoy with the family or loved ones.

Check our website if you’re ready to explore everything the Bahamas has to offer from the board of a sailing yacht or catamaran. We offer customized charters and personal customer service throughout your vacation planning and experience. 12 Knots believes that every sailor should visit the Bahamas at least once (if not more), and we’re here to ensure you experience everything you’ve ever wanted in the Bahamas.

Once you set sails, there are plenty of options to explore, shop, eat, and have fun. The Bahamas are known for their pristine waters and coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving apart of sailing. You’ll be able to experience wildlife like you’ve never seen: stingrays, sea turtles, sportfish, dolphins, sharks and many other creatures are native species to the Caribbean. Most islands offer great inshore and offshore snorkeling spots than you can easily reach during your yacht charter in the Bahamas.

While at anchorage or on a mooring you can get ashore and enjoy shopping, seafood, and plenty of family-friendly activities. If you want to do some other activities apart of sailing and sail trimming you may explore the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island which is a great place to stop for a day hike. This is the famous location of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies that offers sailors and their crew an unforgettable experience.

The island of Eleuthera hosts several natural wonders including The Glass Window Bridge and Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. These are both beautiful spots for a leisurely nature hike or for photo opportunities. Other islands such as New Providence (the main yacht charter base in the Bahamas) and Paradise are known for their shopping, distilleries, and resort experiences.

The Bahamas are one of the most coveted areas of the world for many sailors. The area is characterized by warm weather, mild waters, and strong trade winds throughout the year. This makes it an ideal sailing location no matter when you go.

While The Bahamas are a suitable for sailing vacation at any time, the best time to charter a yacht or to rent a boat is during the winter and early spring months. The highest wind speeds occur from November to January, with an average of 15 to 20 knots. This time of the year could be a good chance for the experienced sailors to tailor their skills but definitely not ideal for the novice skippers. These months also have the lowest average temperatures, with lows of 63℉ in January and highs of only 82℉ in November.

The lowest average rainfall occurs in January and February with an average of 70mm, as opposed to over 200mm in the summer months. This time offers the best sailing conditions in terms of temperature and wind speed. However, yacht charter in the Bahamas can be very good during spring and summer months with lower price for the boats and better selection of yachts for rent.

The sailing season in the Bahamas is much longer than anywhere else in the Caribbean. You can sail almost any time of the year because the northeastern trade winds are never too strong, the waves are not too big and the temperatures are very mild. However, most sailors charter boats between October and February to meet the best sailing conditions.

The winter is the best time of year to schedule a sailing adventure. Humidity and heat are much milder than in the summer and even though prices for yacht charters are higher it is worth booking a boat during this time.

If you are looking for the lowest prices on boat rentals in the Bahamas check October and November. The hurricane season also ends around November, so late October is typically safe to plan your trip.

Considering yacht charter in December be prepared to pay a higher price. The last two weeks of December are the most expensive while if you flexible with dates you may reduce costs of the yacht charter simply shifting your sailing vacation to the beginning of January. Another benefit is that it will be less crowded and more boats available for rent.

Spring in the Bahamas is an ideal time for the beginner sailors, the winds are much more mild and the waters begin to warm up for swimming. However, it is almost certain you will have an enjoyable sailing experience no matter what time of the year you decide to charter a boat.

The Bahamas are very beginner-friendly because of the year-round favorable sailing conditions. The islands are relatively close together, so you don’t need to plan long stretches of sailing if you do not wish. Line of sight navigation is typically manageable in the islands nearby Nassau though you should be aware of shallow waters and coral reefs.

The trade winds are strong enough for easy sailing without making conditions too tough for novice sailors. However, if you are a complete beginner, a crewed charter or professional skipper on board may be a good option. This will allow a hassle-free sailing experience where you can learn and improve your sailing skills without the responsibility of a bareboat charter.

There are two major harbors where you can charter a boat: one is in Palm Cay One Marina, Nassau and the other is in Marsh Harbor, Great Abaco. Once you arrive, the base manager will meet you in the marina to complete check-in procedure of the chartered boat and make all necessary preparations for a nice sailing vacation. We recommend to fly in a day or two before to get some rest in one of the Bahamas’ many luxury resorts and get prepared for your sailing trip. 

The Bahamas offers all types of sailing charters, from short term island-hopping rentals, usually available for several days, to long term charters - one week and more. Because of this here you will find all kinds of sailing yachts and catamarans of every size. Typically price will depend on the duration of the charter, the longer you rent the better price you get. Some of our boat rentals include:

• Sailing yacht charters
• Motor yacht charters
• Catamaran charters
• Gulet charters
• Trimaran charters
• Houseboat charters

The Bahamas are very close to the Florida coastline — so close that you can make it on a day’s sailing trip or an overnight sail. However, the easiest way to reach Nassau is by plane from South Florida. Plan to land in Nassau a day or two before your trip so you can visit the marina and get acquainted with your chartered boat.

Visitors of the Bahamas must only bring a passport with two blank pages for entry, as well as proof of anticipated departure. A tourist visa is not required if traveling through the Bahamas for 90 days or less. Medical services are available on major islands such as New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, but not on some smaller islands. Be prepared for minor medical treatment on your charter, and check with your insurance company to ensure they cover overseas treatments.

No matter your desires or the length of your trip, there is something for you in the Bahamas. 12 Knots will work closely with you to plan a sailing vacation both you and your family can enjoy. Your bareboat sailing experience or crewed charter will be something you’ll never forget. The sun, sand, waters, and memories are worth the wait. Contact us or browse the charter options below for more information.