Guide to Caribbean and the Bahamas
Overview:
The Caribbean and the Bahamas are among the world’s most iconic yacht‑charter regions, spanning over 7,000 islands, cays, and reefs across roughly 1.06 million square miles of ocean. In The Bahamas alone, more than 700 islands and cays line a coastline exceeding 3,500 km, featuring shallow banks, coral reefs, and deepwater channels. From the Exumas’ powder-white sandbars to the sheltered passages of the British Virgin Islands, these waters offer anchorages for both tranquil escapes and adventurous cruising. The shallows above the Great Bahama Bank are renowned for clarity, often surpassing 30 metres, revealing vivid turquoise hues visible even in NASA satellite imagery, and supporting vibrant reef ecosystems with reef fish, sea turtles, and extensive coral formations.
Beyond their natural beauty, these islands carry a rich cultural heritage. Indigenous history, colonial architecture, and centuries of maritime trade have shaped the music, cuisine, and traditions that punctuate each island. With a network of boutique marinas, luxury yacht service infrastructure, and hundreds of private anchorages, the Caribbean and the Bahamas combine exploration with comfort, offering a rare synthesis of freedom, privacy, and curated luxury that defines a Nomade Private Charter.
How does yachting in the Caribbean and the Bahamas elevate the luxury travel experience?
Chartering a private yacht in the Caribbean and the Bahamas transforms a holiday into an intimate voyage of discovery. By sea, guests access secluded bays, powder-white sandbanks, and coral-fringed cays that larger vessels cannot reach. In The Bahamas, shallow-draft waters allow catamarans and expedition yachts to anchor where others cannot.
From snorkelling over 30-metre-clear waters in the British Virgin Islands to watching the sun set behind volcanic ridges in St Vincent & the Grenadines, each nautical mile blends natural spectacle with curated luxury. Freedom, privacy, and exclusive access define the experience, while Nomade’s bespoke itineraries integrate local culture, sustainable navigation, and personalised service.
Explore these waters with Nomade Private Charters for meaningful, memorable journeys. Discover detailed itineraries on our Destinations Blog pages or contact our charter specialists to begin planning.
Signature Destinations & Routes
Embark on a curated selection of the Caribbean’s most compelling cruising grounds. Each destination offers not only scenic beauty and anchorage variety, but a distinct cultural interplay, refined infrastructure, and yacht charter readiness that align perfectly with Nomade’s “purposeful luxury at sea” ethos.
Exuma
A chain of over 365 islands and cays, Exuma is famed for turquoise shallows, powder-white sandbanks, and vibrant coral reefs. Superyachts can anchor in secluded coves, explore hidden blue holes, and snorkel among abundant marine life. A unique highlight is swimming with the famous Exuma pigs at Big Major Cay, a signature experience that blends adventure with remote island charm.
Nassau
The capital city offers luxury marinas, boutique provisioning, and vibrant cultural life, including colonial architecture, local markets, and waterfront dining. Its deepwater anchorages can accommodate larger yachts, while nearby cays provide convenient day-trip destinations, combining practicality with leisure.
Abacos
Known for sheltered passages and calm anchorages, the Abacos appeal to superyachts seeking privacy. Towns like Marsh Harbour and Hope Town offer local provisioning, yacht services, and charming colonial streets, while nearby reefs support excellent snorkeling, diving, and fishing opportunities.
Bimini
The closest Bahamian island to Florida, Bimini is renowned for pristine beaches, clear waters, and world-class sport fishing. Its easy accessibility makes it popular for short-term charters. In addition to marine activities, Bimini offers historical landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway connection, adding cultural depth to a sun-soaked itinerary.
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
With over 60 islands and cays, the BVI is renowned for “line-of-sight” sailing between sheltered bays. Consistent easterly trade winds, calm seas, and numerous anchorages make it ideal for superyachts seeking both convenience and privacy. Key hubs include Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, with popular anchorages like The Baths offering dramatic granite formations and snorkeling opportunities.
St Kitts & Nevis
These volcanic islands combine steep slopes, lush rainforest, and centuries of colonial heritage. St Kitts is known for its natural bays and sheltered anchorages, while Nevis provides intimate harbors, calm waters, and access to local culture.
St Vincent & the Grenadines
A largely undeveloped chain of 32 islands, this archipelago features pristine reefs, vibrant local culture, and remote anchorages. Popular destinations like Bequia, Mustique, and Canouan are celebrated for exclusivity and natural beauty, providing a contrast to the more frequented northern Caribbean hubs.
St Barthélemy (St Barts)
A French-Caribbean island synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. Gustavia Harbour accommodates large superyachts with full-service marinas, while smaller coves such as Colombier Beach offer private moorings.
US Virgin Islands (USVI)
Comprising St Thomas, St John, and St Croix, the USVI is famed for reliable anchorages, vibrant marine parks, and well-equipped marinas. Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas serves as a main hub for provisioning and yacht services. At the same time, St. John offers protected bays, quiet beaches, and access to the Virgin Islands National Park, making it ideal for nature-focused charters.
Best and Recommended Anchorages & Marinas
Each offers a distinct combination of services, ambiance and access — ideal for discerning yacht charters seeking both performance and elegance.
- Jolly Harbour Marina (Antigua) – Situated on Antigua’s west coast, this full‑service boatyard and marina facility includes a modern haul‑out for vessels up to 70 tons. It offers marina moorings (155 berths) and 24‑hour security, enabling both leisure and maintenance‑oriented visits.
- Falmouth Harbour Marina & English Harbour (Antigua) – Nestled in the historic harbour once frequented by Nelson, this marina caters to superyachts (up to 330 ft, draft up to 20 ft) and stands within walking distance of colonial architecture, heritage sites, and lively waterfront dining.
- Leverick Bay Marina (Virgin Gorda, BVI) – Sheltered North Sound marina providing easy access to nearby anchorages and day-sail destinations.
- Maho Bay (St John, USVI) – While not a full‑service marina, this anchorage on St John’s north shore offers tranquil turquoise waters, sugar‑white sand, and easy snorkelling access.
- Bequia Marina (Port Elizabeth, Bequia) – A boutique marina in Admiralty Bay, Bequia, offering fresh water, ice, fuel, and mooring services, all within walking distance of Port Elizabeth’s local restaurants and craft shops.
- Marigot Bay & Soufrière Bay (St Lucia) – Deepwater harbours framed by the Pitons, combining natural beauty with safe, well-equipped moorings.
- Atlantis Marina (Paradise Island, The Bahamas) – With direct access from Nassau Harbour, 63 mega‑yacht slips and full luxury‑resort connectivity, this marina offers premium service for high‑end charters with immediate connection to upscale amenities and seamless logistics.
- Highbourne Cay Marina (Exuma Cays, The Bahamas) – Located in a naturally sheltered harbour, this marina is highly regarded among seasoned yachtsmen, offering docks for yachts up to 180 ft (draft up to 8 ft) in the pristine Exuma chain.
The Essence of the Caribbean and the Bahamas
The Caribbean and The Bahamas provide an unparalleled setting for purposeful, refined travel, where every moment at sea is shaped by natural beauty and cultural depth. Onboard your private yacht, guests chart turquoise waters, explore coral-fringed cays and anchor in secluded bays that are inaccessible to most travellers, crafting a private sense of freedom and exclusivity. Each island offers a dialogue between heritage, cuisine, local traditions and marine landscapes, allowing journeys that are both enriching and restorative. With Nomade Private Charters, every itinerary is curated to combine seamless luxury, expert guidance and meaningful encounters, ensuring each passage is intentional and every day aboard is profoundly memorable.
Connect with Nomade to design your bespoke Caribbean voyage or explore the selection of available yachts for charter in the region.