Nassau as a starting point
Nassau has the strongest air links and a large charter market. Some yachts begin directly there, while others are based elsewhere and reposition. Starting in Nassau makes sense when the group wants an easy flight connection before moving into quieter islands.
The Exumas
The Exuma chain offers beaches, anchorages and low-density island hopping. Distances are manageable on a week-long charter, but trying to reach every famous cay creates unnecessary movement. A good route uses several long stops and skips the urge to make a photo stop at every famous name.
Shallow water
Draft matters in the Bahamas. Catamarans and shallower-draft yachts can access areas that deeper vessels cannot, but no boat can ignore charts and local knowledge. Sandbanks shift, and routes should be left to the captain.
Bahamas weather through the year
Winter and spring are popular because temperatures are comfortable and tropical-storm risk is lower. Cold fronts can still bring strong winds. Summer is warmer and quieter but overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season.
Provisioning and remote areas
Once the yacht leaves Nassau, shopping options can become limited. Crewed yachts provision before departure based on guest preferences. Special foods and premium drinks should be requested early.
One week versus ten days
Seven days is enough for a satisfying Exumas charter if the yacht starts in the right place. Ten days or more gives more flexibility for weather and longer stops. If most of the holiday would be spent repositioning from Florida, consider flying directly to the Bahamas.
Draft can be more important than yacht length
The Bahamas are one of the places where a glamorous deep-draft yacht can be less flexible than a shallower boat. Some banks, cuts and anchorages limit where deeper vessels can safely go. If the group has specific cays or beaches in mind, ask the broker whether the yacht’s draft is suitable before booking. Catamarans are popular partly for this reason, though larger motor yachts with experienced captains still cruise the islands successfully. The captain may anchor farther out and use a tender for the final approach. That can work perfectly, but it changes how spontaneous beach access feels. Choose the yacht around the intended islands. The biggest option does not always give the most freedom.
Nassau is not the only possible base
Depending on the yacht and itinerary, charters may start farther into the islands, not in Nassau. That can save many hours of repositioning if the group mainly wants the Exumas. The trade-off is more complicated air access. Ask the broker to compare the total travel day, not only the charter route. Sometimes an extra short flight creates a much better week because the yacht begins where the interesting cruising starts.
Tenders are especially important here
Many beautiful beaches and shallow areas are reached by tender after the yacht anchors farther out. Ask what tender the yacht carries and whether it is comfortable for the whole group. A good tender can make a deep-draft yacht far more practical in the islands.
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