The Bahamas remains one of the most popular yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean for a good reason. Home to more than 700 islands and cays surrounded by some of the most beautiful, sparkling waters, it is the dream tropical summer hotspot. The ideal region to explore via a charter, a yacht charter to the Bahamas makes for the best getaway. Here we share our list of the top islands in the Bahamas to cruise to this summer.
For those who enjoy sailing and swimming, then the Abacos would be the perfect island chain to explore. Many of the islands within this small archipelago have pristine beaches and hidden coves, which are perfect for unwinding under the sun. The former home of pirates and native Arawak, the reef-protected waters are suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving. Key dive sites include Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, with underwater caves and colourful coral reefs. Major islands worth visiting include Great and Little Abaco, while the beach at Treasure Cay is one of National Geographic’s top ten beaches to visit.
One of the most popular island chains in all of the Bahamas remains the Exuma Islands. A group of some 365 islands and cays spanning more than 190 kilometres, most of these islands remain uninhabited, secluded and untouched. The two main islands are Great Exuma and Little Exumas, which offer a range of watersport activities, such as world-class sportfishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. In addition, Staniel Cay is renowned for its locals – the swimming pigs. More than 20 pigs live on this cay and enjoy swimming with visitors, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks for them.
Glistening, crystal clear waters teeming with scores of tropical fish are part of what makes the Berry Islands so appealing. Consisting of about 30 different islands in addition to a hundred or so small cays, this archipelago’s nickname is ‘The Fish Bowl of the Bahamas. The main draw is deep sea, big game fishing, with everything from tuna to yellowtail snappers and groupers living in these waters. Great Harbour Cay is the largest of the Berry Islands and a good point to big a day of fishing, while Little Whale Cay and Great Stirrup Cay are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Seemingly endless stretches of pristine pink and white sand beaches, quiet colonial villages and acres of pineapple plantations are what make the island of Eleuthera one of the most serene and stunningly refined islands in the Bahamas. The ideal destination to relax in complete luxury and seclusion, it remains a must-see yachting hotspot. In addition, the nearby Harbour Island is known for its spectacular Georgian architecture that faces beautiful beaches of pink coral sand lined with cafes and restaurants.
