What should we bring?
Sun protection, a hat, a towel if you want your own, and soft bags rather than hard cases if you are staying aboard. Most yachts ask you to remove shoes on deck. Snorkeling equipment is normally already on board.
Explore, Questions
Bahamas Yacht Charter FAQ
The questions we are actually asked, answered the way we answer them on the phone.
Booking and Cost
How much does a private yacht charter cost?
It varies more than most people expect, because it depends on the vessel rather than the number of guests. A half day on a smaller yacht is a very different figure from a week on a large catamaran with full crew. Rather than publish rates that go out of date, we quote against your actual dates and group size. What we can say is that the cost per person drops sharply as the group grows, because you are chartering the boat, not a seat.
Is it cheaper to book more people?
Per person, yes, up to the vessel's capacity. The charter rate is for the yacht. A group of ten on a yacht that comfortably takes ten will pay far less each than a couple on the same vessel.
How far in advance should we book?
For a day charter in low season, a couple of weeks is often enough. For anything in the December to April period, or any multi day charter, several months is realistic. Week long charters on the larger vessels are frequently booked six months or more ahead.
Do you take deposits?
Yes. Terms depend on the vessel and the length of charter, and we set them out in writing before anything is committed. We do not ask for payment details until you have seen the full terms.
The Yacht and Crew
Are charters private?
Yes, always. Every charter we arrange is for your group alone. We do not run shared or scheduled departures.
Do we get a captain and crew?
Yachts are generally fully crewed. At minimum that is a licensed captain, and usually a first mate as well. Larger vessels carry additional crew including bartenders and servers.
Can we drive the boat ourselves?
No. Our charters are crewed, and the captain has responsibility for the vessel. Guests are welcome at the helm to look, and captains are usually happy to explain what they are doing, but they do not hand over control.
Is food included?
On most yachts of around forty five feet and larger, and on the larger catamarans, a chef is generally available and meals are prepared aboard. On smaller vessels the arrangement varies. We confirm exactly what applies to the yacht you are considering rather than giving a blanket answer.
What about drinks?
A premium open bar with cocktails, along with appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, is commonly included. As with food, this depends on the vessel.
Do the yachts have jet skis and water toys?
Water toys vary from yacht to yacht, and snorkeling equipment is carried on most. Jet skis are not aboard every vessel. Where they are available they may be included or offered at additional cost. We will tell you exactly what is on a specific yacht if you ask, and we will not claim a vessel carries something it does not.
On the Day
Practical Questions
Where do we meet the yacht?
At a marina in Nassau or on Paradise Island, depending on where the vessel is berthed. We confirm the exact meeting point once the yacht is booked. Most hotels are fifteen to twenty five minutes away.
Weather, Comfort and Safety
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain decides, and comfort and safety come before the itinerary. In most cases a poor forecast means a changed route to sheltered water rather than a cancellation. If conditions genuinely prevent a charter going out, we discuss rescheduling or refund according to the terms agreed at booking.
Will we get seasick?
Most guests do not, on most days. Short runs in sheltered water near Nassau are usually comfortable. Longer crossings to the Exumas in a strong north east wind are where people struggle. If anyone in your group is prone to it, tell us in advance: it affects which vessel we recommend, and a large catamaran is considerably more stable than a smaller monohull.
Are children welcome?
Yes, and a lot of our charters are families. Crew are used to children aboard. Tell us ages when you enquire, because it changes which yacht suits you and how the captain plans the swim stops.
What if someone cannot swim?
That is fine and more common than you would think. Flotation aids are usually available, crew will pick shallow protected stops, and there is no obligation for anyone to get in the water.
Destinations
Can we see the swimming pigs on a day charter?
Only on a fast vessel, and it will be a very long day mostly spent travelling. Big Major Cay is around seventy five miles from Nassau. Our swimming pigs page sets out the real distances, and we generally suggest a three day charter instead.
Where do day charters from Nassau go?
Rose Island, Green Cay and the sandbars, with reef stops along the way. The Nassau guide covers each of these.
When is the best time of year?
December to April is the driest and busiest. May and June often have the calmest water of the year and fewer boats. September and October are the least predictable. Wind matters more than rain for how a charter feels.
Availability and Pricing
Yachts are privately owned and availability changes constantly. Vessels are sold, moved between Miami and Nassau, operate seasonally, or become unavailable for the owner's own use. Rates change with season, fuel costs, demand, operating costs and market conditions.
No listing on this website is a guarantee of availability. Contact us for current options on your dates.
More Questions
Further Charter Questions
Additional questions that come up once the basics are settled.
Can we charter for just a few hours?
Yes. Half day charters of around four to five hours are among our most common bookings and suit a swim, a snorkel stop and lunch on board.
Do you run scheduled or shared trips?
No. Every charter we arrange is private to your group. If you have been quoted a per person price elsewhere, that is a different kind of product.
Can we drive the yacht?
No. Our charters are crewed and the captain holds responsibility for the vessel. You are welcome at the helm to watch, and captains are usually happy to explain what they are doing.
Can we bring our own food or alcohol?
Ask us for the specific vessel. Where a chef and open bar are included it is rarely necessary, but special requests such as a particular bottle for a celebration can usually be arranged.
Can we bring a cake or decorations for a celebration?
Usually yes. Tell us in advance so the crew can plan for it rather than being handed a box on the dock.
Are gratuities included?
Tipping is customary but discretionary and is not normally built into the rate. Ask us what is typical for the vessel and we will tell you plainly.
Are taxes and fees included in the quote?
We set out exactly what is included in writing before you commit. If something is charged separately, it will be on the quote rather than appearing later.
Are extra guests charged?
On some charters yes, once you pass a certain number. It depends on the vessel and the booking, and we will make it clear at the quote stage.
What should we wear?
Swimwear, something light over it, and soft soled shoes or none at all. Most yachts ask that shoes come off on deck. There is no dress code on a private charter.
Is sunscreen recommended?
Strongly. The breeze under way hides how strong the sun is and the water reflects it back at you. Reef safe sunscreen is better for the reefs, and applying it before boarding helps protect the upholstery.
Can we smoke on board?
Policies vary by vessel and are usually restricted to open deck areas if permitted at all. Ask us about a specific yacht.
Are pets allowed?
Rarely, and it depends entirely on the vessel and owner. Ask before assuming.
What if someone gets seasick?
Take something before boarding rather than after symptoms start, stay on deck and look at the horizon. Tell us in advance and it will shape which vessel we recommend, since a large catamaran is far more stable.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes on the vessels we charter. Facilities vary in size and number with the yacht.
What is your cancellation policy?
It depends on the vessel and length of charter, and it is set out in writing at the quote stage rather than buried in small print.
Still Have a Question?
If your question is not here, it is probably a good one. Send it over and you will get a straight answer rather than a sales reply.
We would rather talk you out of the wrong charter than sell you a disappointing one.
Most enquiries are answered the same day.