3 min read
Chartering a boat in The Bahamas: crewed, bareboat or a day with a captain
How boat charters work in The Bahamas: crewed yachts, bareboat sailing and captained day boats, where each works best, what is included and what operators ask.
Nassau boat charters: private boat days, sportfishing and sails from New Providence
Nassau's marinas and harbour are the busiest charter departure point in The Bahamas. Within an hour of the city are beaches, reefs and sandbars; within a long day, the Exuma Cays. Charters range from a four-hour private boat to a sportfishing day or a sunset sail.
Private boat days
Captained boats leave Nassau Harbour and the Paradise Island marinas for Rose Island's beaches, the sandbars off the eastern end of New Providence and the reefs along the south coast. Half days and full days are common; snorkel gear, ice and a cooler are usually included and lunch can be arranged. Larger groups charter catamarans with shade and a bar.
Sportfishing and sails
The drop-off into the Tongue of the Ocean is close enough that sportfishing charters reach deep water within minutes; wahoo, mahi and tuna are the targets. Sailing catamarans run day and sunset cruises round Paradise Island, and private sails can be chartered for groups.
To the Exumas
Fast powerboats run private and shared long day trips to the swimming pigs and the northern Exuma Cays from Nassau. Expect an early start, two to three hours each way and a long, memorable day; for more time in the cays, charter from Great Exuma instead.
Durations, group sizes and inclusions
Half-day charters run around four hours and full days around eight. Boats range from six-passenger centre consoles to catamarans carrying forty or more, so quote your group size first. Most include a captain, fuel for the agreed route, snorkel gear, ice and a cooler; lunch, drinks and water toys are added by arrangement. Departures are from marinas in Nassau Harbour and on Paradise Island, and many operators collect guests from Cable Beach hotels by road. Ask for weather and cancellation terms in writing, and for the operator's licence.
What we can arrange
Private boat to Rose Island
Half or full day of beaches and snorkelling near the city.
Sportfishing charter
Deep water minutes from the harbour.
Catamaran or sunset sail
Group sails round Paradise Island.
Exuma Cays by powerboat
Long day trip to the swimming pigs from Nassau.
About this place
Ready to plan it?
Send your dates, group and what you have in mind. We check availability with verified local operators and reply with real options, free of charge.
Common questions
How much does a private boat charter in Nassau cost?
Prices depend on boat size, duration and inclusions and are quoted by each operator. Send a request with your dates and group size and we will return specific options.
Can I charter a boat from Nassau to the swimming pigs?
Yes, as a private or shared long day trip by powerboat, or by flying to Staniel Cay and boating from there.
Guides
3 min read
How to visit the swimming pigs of Exuma
Where the swimming pigs are, how to reach Big Major Cay from Great Exuma, Staniel Cay or Nassau, what a day trip includes, and how to behave around the animals.