Sailing boat charter in Bahamas

Sailboat Rental in the Bahamas 

Could anything be more romantic than a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? Gliding along the aqua blue water and witnessing the sensational Schooner Cay with your own eyes and perhaps even anchoring for an alfresco breakfast in paradise. Of course, sailboats aren’t just for loved-up couples sailing into the sunset together, but also for families wishing to spend some quality time together, away from the burdens of civilisation or stress.  You could even go with a group of friends to celebrate, or simply enjoy the beauty that this incredible earth has to offer us.  

All in all, we love the Bahamas and its quirky tropical delights and heavenly scenery, and we know you will, too.  Flexible date change or cancellation is available up to 15 days before check-in on selected vessels, so be sure to check with the individual boat owners what the conditions are for your chosen boat. 
 

How much does a Bahamas sailing trip in a sailboat cost? 

The cost of sailboat rental in the Bahamas varies greatly depending on a variety of different factors.  The size, capacity, and make of the boat can all affect the price, along with the season when you want to travel, the duration of your trip, and whether or not you want to travel with a skipper. 

As a rough guide though, a sailboat charter in the Bahamas in high season will cost at least €3659 per week in high season, whereas to rent a sailboat in the Bahamas in low season, you will be looking to pay at least €2274 per week. 

Can you find bareboat rentals in the Bahamas or do you have to rent a sailboat with a skipper? 

Yes, you can find either bareboat rentals in the Bahamas or charters with a skipper.  However, keep in mind that to rent without a skipper, you will need to be in possession of the appropriate boating licence. 

Bareboat rentals in the Bahamas are perfect for anyone who wants a little more adventure and the freedom to be as spontaneous as they please.  If you would prefer a more relaxing holiday, however, you should hire a boat with a skipper, who can take you to all the best places in this idyllic island nation. 

Which sailing areas and marinas can you visit with a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? 

Although around half of our sailboat rentals are based in Nassau, there are many other locations where you can choose to start your boat charter. 

Some of these other locations include: 

• Palm Cay Marina 
• Albany Marina 
• Harbour View Marina Marsh Harbour 
• George Town 
• Great Exuma 
• Abaco Island 

There are also usually free buoys available, which can help avoid the costly fees of marinas in the north of the Bahamas. 

Thanks to the beautifully transparent sea here, anchoring is easy and also means you have no excuse to not see the coral reef! Please remember to respect the wondrous sea life that the Bahamas are blessed with and to anchor carefully.  
 

What weather and sailing conditions should you expect during a sailboat charter in the Bahamas? 

The climate is perfect for a sailboat rental in the Bahamas all year round, with temperatures that stay consistently above 20ºC.  

The seasons are generally divided into two with the dry season lasting from December to April and the wet season featuring a hurricane season from July to September.  

Water temperatures average between 24ºC and 28ºC, meaning swimming with the stingrays is pleasant all year round.  

The trade winds in the Bahamas, also referred to as the Alizé, are gentle winds that blow throughout the year. From July to September, winds grow stronger with the rain and this area is susceptible to hurricanes, making the conditions less favourable for a Bahamas sailing vacation. 

When is the best time for a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? 

The best time to go sailing in the Bahamas depends on the sort of holiday you’re after.  In general, it is best to go during the peak season, though, as the weather conditions will generally be more favourable for your Bahamas sailing trip.  The only drawback of going in this time period is that there will likely be lots of people. 

For this reason, it might be better to book your sailboat rental in the Bahamas during the shoulder season.  If you go from October to November or from March to May, you should manage to avoid the crowds, while still taking advantage of the fantastic weather. 

The only time we would recommend that you avoid going sailing in the Bahamas is from July until September, during the hurricane season.  Although hurricanes don’t always hit the Bahamas, the weather during these months is likely to be unpredictable and there may be days when you are unable to sail, due to the dangerous conditions.  In order to avoid such disruptions to your holiday, we would avoid these months completely.  However, if you have to go then, make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast and ideally rent a boat with a skipper who knows the surrounding seas very well.  

What to do during a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? 

There are a plethora of amazing things you can do during a sailboat charter in the Bahamas.  Of course, many people come primarily for the beaches, but there are many more things you can do here, than just relaxing and sunbathing on the beach. 

You can try out a variety of different water sports, such as jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking.  These are all fairly standard things that you should have the opportunity to do on many of the Caribbean islands.  What makes the Bahamas stand out are the more unique experiences available to you. 

The Bahamas has a plethora of unique diving and snorkelling opportunities available to you.  One such opportunity comes in the form of the Ocean Atlas statue, the tallest underwater statue in the world.  In fact, this statue is so big it had to be assembled underwater.  You can also feed the sharks, provided you go with a trained professional.  Everyone who has participated in this experience has agreed that it is truly spectacular and the sort of thing you really can’t experience anywhere else. 

The Bahamas is also one of the only places you can go swimming with dolphins in the wild.  This is a very different experience than swimming with dolphins in captivity and much more special. 
You also have to try your hand at a spot of fishing when you rent a sailboat in the Bahamas.  This is a perfect activity for the whole year, but you will catch different species depending on when you go.  During the winter, you might catch a barracuda, a grouper, or maybe even a blue marlin, a prized catch for any fisherman.  In the summer, the list of potential catches is no less impressive, with amberjack, snappers, and blackfin tuna at the top of the list. 

How to get to your sailboat rental in the Bahamas 

The Bahamas have over 20 airports spread across their many islands. Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau and Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco are both big international airport with direct flights, as well as connections to Miami, where you can find even more destination connections.   

If you have a little more time and are feeling adventurous, you could even start your Bahamas sailing vacation a little earlier, and fly to Miami, the Florida Keys, or Cuba before setting sail for the Bahamas.