Guide to planning a luxury catamaran charter in the Exumas

The Bahamas has seen a surge in tourism since after the pandemic, as travelers seek destinations that offer both value and authenticity. This underscores the importance of providing personalized experiences as we see a significant shift in consumer behavior, with travelers now prioritizing unique experiences more than ever while on vacation. The cookie cutter vacation of a cruise ship just isn’t as appealing as people are discovering that a sailing yacht charter in the Exumas (Bahamas) is a much better return on investment — from  authentic and immersive travel experiences to being luxuriously private and all while being eco-friendly.

”Why the Exumas?” you might ask. Picture this: over 365 islands bathed in sunshine and wrapped in a rich tapestry of history. From swashbuckling pirates to vibrant aquatic life, there’s a story waiting to be discovered around every coral reef!

Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore underwater caves, swim with colorful fish, and maybe even stumble upon some long-lost pirate treasure! And let’s not forget the thrill of sailing in these pristine waters, guided by the gentle Gulf Stream winds. It’s like stepping into your very own pirate adventure! Speaking of pirates, did you know that The Bahamas was once a favorite haunt for the likes of Blackbeard and Calico Jack? These notorious buccaneers roamed the seas, using the islands’ hidden coves and shallow waters to stash their loot. While the pirates may be gone, the spirit of adventure still hangs in the air, just waiting for you to uncover its secrets.

And let’s not forget the history! From Christopher Columbus’ first steps on San Salvador to the bustling maritime trade of the 17th and 18th centuries, The Bahamas has always been a crossroads of cultures and adventures. So, whether you’re lounging on a pristine beach or hiking through lush forests, The Exumas Bahamas is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored.

How to choose your charter catamaran

Whether you prefer soaking up the sun on spacious deck lounges, savoring gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, or unwinding in sumptuous cabins adorned with plush linens, sailing a catamaran charter provides the epitome of luxury at sea with minimal impact on the environment. Because you’ll have access to areas others don’t, you can really experience the Exumas up close. This includes exploring marine life and interacting with locals and Bahamian culture, including food, music, and shopping. This island-hopping escapade is nothing short of indulgent on a sailing catamaran.

There are a few things to consider when picking the best catamaran for your vacation. Because there are so many options and types, it’s essential to think about your travel needs and choose the option that best matches them. But it’s also important to consider what kinds of fun you’d like to have on your trip and make sure your choice aligns with your plans.

Crewed yacht charter vs bareboat charter

The most important question is whether you will be sailing the boat yourself, or do you require a captain and crew. We highly recommend a luxury crewed yacht charter for peace of mind and a journey of discovery that is unmatched. This means your catamaran rental comes with a very experienced captain and chef with local knowledge. These professionals handle all the trip details and will show you hidden gems that only the locals know about.

If you decide to sail the catamaran yourself (called a bareboat rental), there are two options, Dream Yacht Charters and The Moorings in Nassau. A bareboat rental could be a good option if you or someone in your travel group is a seasoned sailor. It allows you to plan every aspect of your trip, but also requires you to pay close attention to the shallow Bahamian waters, reefs, tides, anchoring and weather, presenting unique challenges to navigate.

Your budget will determine the size and level of luxury you choose. Typically, a fully crewed 54 ft luxury catamaran, all-inclusive (captain, chef, food, alcohol, water toys, excursions etc.) costs around thirty thousand US dollars for up to eight people. That is a mere five hundred US dollars per person per day for the most spectacularly luxurious trip of a lifetime! This option is the obvious choice.

On the other hand, a week on a 50ft bareboat catamaran (biggest size for bareboat charter) will run you between fifteen and twenty thousand US dollars depending on the season, and provisions are extra. Food and alcohol in the Bahamas are very expensive and can be up to four thousand US dollars for eight people. A captain costs a further four hundred and fifty dollars per day if you decide to hire one for a few days to get you comfortable on the boat, which we recommend for your first time in foreign waters.

What size catamaran will work best for your travel group? Crewed charter catamarans range between 45ft to 80ft. This does not necessarily mean that you can accommodate more people the bigger the catamaran, but rather that the level of luxury escalates exponentially. The typical number of people on a charter such as this is usually 6 -12 guests.

If your choice is bareboat, anything from 40ft to 50ft will accommodate six to eight people. Of course, the size of the catamaran depends on your skill level and the charter company will require extensive references from the captain.

What comfort features matter most to your group? Check on the layout of the catamaran and consult with your travel agent about the cabin and bed size (usually queen size beds), whether you will share a bathroom or have an en-suite bathroom, galley equipment available onboard, the type of entertainment, type of water toys, etc. Crewed charters in the Exumas usually include diving excursions, spear fishing, water scooters for snorkeling and all the equipment related to the activities, which is not the case for bareboats. All that will be extra.

Dining in the Exumas will primarily be onboard the boat. There are not many restaurants to choose from, but there’s something uniquely special about alfresco dining on a boat. Couple that with a mouthwatering meal prepared for you, good wine and wonderful company, it cannot get any better!

A crewed charter boat comes with a gourmet chef who will cater to your every whim. Every chef is a master at creating tantalizing dishes, ranging from local delicacies to timeless classics from the appetizers, main dishes and deserts. Every meal is a truly unforgettable dining experience.

On a bareboat you will have to do the provisioning and do all the cooking yourself. Unfortunately this boat literally is a “bare boat” and will not have spices, condiments and much in the way of galley equipment. However, it will have a BBQ and stove with basic equipment so, if you love cooking, do not let that stop you.

Craft the perfect Exumas sailing itinerary

The Exumas are a long string of 360+ islands, stretching over 100 miles from the Sail Rocks in the north to Great Exuma in the southeast. For the purposes of this guide, we focus on the northern half of the Exumas. We compiled a list of some of our favorites to get you started.

The most popular option is to explore the northern Exumas, returning from Staniel Cay back to Palm Cay (recommended for bareboat & crewed yacht charters). There is so much to explore that you won’t miss out by missing the southern Exumas. Another popular option for crewed yachts is to start & finish in Staniel Cay which negates having to sail 35nm the first day to get to the Exumas from Palm Cay (Nassau) and gives you more time in the islands to explore. A one-way sail from Palm Cay marina to Staniel Cay is great but you will have to pay a relocation fee for the boat, which is a good option if you are pressed for time or want to spend more time in a particular area.

Some of the highlights include snorkeling with the Green turtles near Green Turtle Cay, better known as the “Turtle Island”. Footprints Beach Bar is perfect to get into the island vibe for some beach games, lunch, and cocktails. At Shroud Cay a gentle drift along the mangrove rivers on the boat tender is such a highlight where you will be sighting countless green turtles, occasional rays, and small sharks. From the beach, you catch a thrilling ride on the natural lazy river out into the shallows in the Ocean.

Hawksbill Cay has the most incredible beaches and sand dunes you have ever seen, while Warderick Wells Cay in the Exumas Land and Sea Park is one of the most beautiful and incredible anchorages imaginable. The nearby reefs are filled with beautiful fish, lobster, stingray, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and so much more. Nearby Boo Boo Hill, so named because it is believed to be haunted as a ship sunk on the reef and all perished on board. Tradition has it that leaving an offering to King Neptune and the sea gods at the top of the hill will incur good sailing and safe passage. Generally Yachtsmen are a superstitious bunch so they all leave some memento for good luck.

A sail to Big Majors Cay to feed the famous swimming pigs is a must-do of course and a visit to Thunderball Grotto, the famous caves featured in James Bond movies, is highly recommended. Snorkeling in this magnificent inner cathedral with a skylight that fills the grotto with brilliant light, alive with colorful coral fish is spectacular. A meal of fresh stone crab or lobster and an exotic rum cocktail at the famous Staniel Cay Yacht Club is great to soak up the local island atmosphere.While there, pick up some of Laraine’s famous coconut bread for French Toast the next morning! It is mouth watering good!

Swim with the famous nurse sharks on Compass Cay. These docile nurse sharks are friendly and used to human interaction, making it a safe and unforgettable experience.It is such a thrill for every visitor. Visit Rachel’s Bubble Baths also on Compass Cay. The serene pool is separated from the ocean by a rocky outcrop, but at mid to high tide the waves get high enough to crash over the rocks and into the lagoon, creating bubbles of white foam much like a natural Jacuzzi.

Snorkeling at the “The Aquarium” on O’Brien’s Cay feeding the fish, literally feels like you have been placed in the middle of an aquarium with thousands of coral fish. It is the most spectacular sight underwater!

Normans Island has a documented history of pirate booty being stowed on the island but is better known for the sunken drug smugglers plane, commonly referred to as Pablo Escobar’s Plane. After a close up encounter with the prehistoric looking Rock Iguanas on Allan’s Cay, a lovely dinner and bonfire on the beach is the perfect ending to a spectacular day watching the sunset with your favorite campfire cocktail.

When to sail in the Exumas

Our favorite time of year to sail in the Bahamas is April-May. The consistent trade winds blow out of the east to southeast, allowing for more settled cruising conditions and the days are longer, giving you more time for fun on the water. Although early tropical activity can occur, it is far less likely. November to December can also be a good time to go – the weather is often pleasant. Keep in mind that cold fronts do sweep down from the west but seldom lasts long. The summer months (June-September) are good, but it can be very hot/humid, the winds are light, and there is always the risk of tropical activity and trip disruption, and most crewed boats leave to get out of the hurricane belt.

Pack essentials for your catamaran charter

Some factors to keep in mind when preparing for your vacation onboard a catamaran, include the seasonal conditions, your itinerary, and the length of your visit. The Bahamas are balmy, so bringing lightweight and breathable clothes, including a swimsuit (or two!) is important. A UV-swimshirt is vital while snorkeling and a big brimmed hat will save you from getting sunburned. On cool evenings, a light jacket or cover-up is helpful. Evening dinners onboard can be smart casual depending on your preference but mostly the vibe is very casual! Sundresses, shorts and t-shirts, swimsuits and sarongs are the order of the day!

Water shoes are nice to have if you plan to spend a lot of time in the ocean. Sporty sandals are a good option if you’ll be doing a lot of on-land adventures. Pack some deck shoes or any shoes with non-slip soles to move around the catamaran but mostly we all go barefoot. You’ll often be wet on your trip, so protecting your valuables in a dry bag, including your phone, is recommended. Crewed charter catamarans will have an extensive medical pack on board and the crew is well trained in first aid and CPR. In addition to your own medications, it’s a great idea to pack extra sunscreen, insect repellent, some aloe for sunburns, and Dramamine if you tend to get seasick.

No matter what, don’t forget to pack a camera so you can document your adventures and share them with your loved ones!

Make the most of your catamaran charter

So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to book a Catamaran Charter in The Exumas, Bahamas? The Exumas is a gorgeous and exciting destination and exploring on a catamaran charter will make your trip all the more exciting. Be sure to keep this guide handy to help you select the best catamaran for your travel needs; to plan a detailed and exciting itinerary, pay attention to local regulations and the weather.

Estelle Cockcroft

Estelle Cockcroft is Co-Founder of Catamaran Guru. Catamaran Guru is a comprehensive resource for catamaran enthusiasts seeking expert advice on purchasing, owning and chartering catamarans. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please <a