When visiting the Caribbean Sea, you will likely make the difficult choice between cruising in the Bahamas or the Caribbean Islands. But which is better when looking at the Bahamas vs Caribbean? We at 212 Yachts are here to help you decide on your perfect destination when choosing your tropical yacht charter.
Bahamas Yacht Charter – What to Expect
When you are on a Bahamas yacht charter you will be met by calm waters and quieter crowds. Perfect for you seeking a serene escape and private luxury. The easily accessible and calm island hopping experience, soft sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters provides both an idyllic and exclusive experience.
Top Charter Destinations in the Bahamas
Here are the top charter destinations for the Bahamas:
- Exumas: This untouched beauty offers you the perfect yacht charter itinerary. From swimming with pigs in the crystal clear waters to sunbathing at secluded beaches. An Exuma yacht charter is the perfect luxury yachting getaway.
- Nassau: The capital and main hub of the Bahamas shows you a more modern and rich Bahamian culture. The state-of-the-art marinas and easy access to Paradise Island create a perfect centre for your excursions.
- Harbour Island: Known for its pink sand beaches and laid-back vibe, Harbour Island is a favourite among yacht charterers and celebrities. The ideal location for chic boutiques and gourmet dining serves as a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Abacos: Here you will find picturesque colonial villages amongst the still waters. Abacos is a sailing heaven with relaxed Island hopping, perfect for the Bahamas charter of your dreams.
Experiences Unique to the Bahamas
Here are some of the best activities and sights to see when luxury yacht chartering in the Bahamas:
- Swimming with pigs: While taking a break from Island hopping between the many beautiful Islands in the Bahamas, you can take a stop at Exumas and Swim with pigs. Located on the Big Major Cay you can go from feeding the pigs to enjoying the turquoise waters and the soft white sand beach.
- Thunderball Grotto: This underwater cave system is a natural wonder made famous by the James Bond movies. Offering a unique snorkeling experience you can, at low tide, swim though hidden entrances to spectacular open air caverns. The grotto is only accessible by boat and is a must visit for the adventurous luxury yachting in the Bahamas.
- White-sand cays: The epitome of Bahamian paradise is at the white sand cays. These secluded gems are often only accessible by boat making them perfect for a private and relaxed yachting charter. Some examples of white sand cays in the Bahamas are:
- Sandy Cay
- Shroud Cay
- Little Pipe Cay
- Private beach picnics: A private beach picnic in the Bahamas is the ultimate luxury experience. The secluded white sand beaches offer the opportunity to taste Bahamas food and drinks you must try, and are only accessible by boat. Every detail can be customised which is ideal for a truly exclusive and memorable Bahamas yacht charter.
Best Time to Charter in the Bahamas
The best time to yacht charter in the Bahamas is from December to April. This is during the dry season where the weather is dry and warm, spanning between 25–28°C / 77–82°F. This is ideal for calm seas and sunny skies.
Bahamas vs Caribbean Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your preferences for your yacht charter both offer an unmatched experience:
Bahamas: Best for relaxed cruising and quick getaways.
Caribbean: Ideal when looking for dynamic charters and cultural travel.
The main difference is the Bahamas offers a more easy and quiet cruising experience with lots of secluded beach options, whilst the Caribbean delivers a more diverse, cultural experience with vibrant local life and island hopping adventures.
The best time to charter in the Bahamas is between December and April (dry season) offering ideal yacht chartering conditions.
The best islands to visit when yacht chartering in the Caribbean are St. Barts, Antigua, The Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands
Yes! At 212 Yachts we help you with any and all of your luxury yacht charter needs. Through our expertise and local knowledge we will help tailor your perfect yacht charter whether that is in the Bahamas, Caribbean or both.
Caribbean Yacht Charter – What Sets It Apart
A Caribbean Yacht Charter will offer you a rich blend of cultural and culinary experiences, contrary to the relaxed island vibes of the Bahamas. The Caribbean has a variety of islands each with their own unique history and identity. From the rhythmic reggae in Jamaica to the French-Caribbean fusion cuisine in Matrinique, this is an immersive escape for those looking for the perfect Caribbean yacht itinerary.
Top Charter Destinations in the Caribbean
The multitude of options available when deciding on your Caribbean yacht destination, make it difficult to choose where to go. So where should you yacht charter in the Caribbean? Here are some of our recommendations:
- Saint Bartélemy (or Saint Barts): A crowd pleaser when it comes to luxury traveling. In St Barts you will find upscale beach clubs, designer boutiques and world class dining. The ideal place for being encompassed by nature’s rugged hills and bays while still enjoying a luxurious experience.
- Antigua: Known to be a sailors paradise, Antigua will offer you the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean. Alongside rich history at the UNESCO world heritage site “Nelson’s Dockyard’ and lively local culture in the markets.
- The Genadines: The Grenadines is for you looking for a more remote and authentic yacht charter experience. Here you will find a strand of Islands with untouched beauty and a relaxed pace. Perfect for snorkeling, diving and serene anchorages.
- British Virgin Islands: A favourite amongst both seasoned yacht charterers and those on a first time yacht charter. Their calm seas and short distance between islands make for a stress-free cruising experience.
Signature Experiences in the Caribbean
A Caribbean yacht charter does not only concern sailing but also immersing yourself in the culture of the region. Here are some examples of yacht charter activities and experiences which will enhance your Caribbean yacht charter:
- Carnivals: A high energy, music and dance festival is sure to reveal the infectious soul of the Caribbean. Some include masquerade costumes or steelpan bands celebrating Afro-Caribbean heritage.
- Luxury dining: The rising star of luxury dining is found in the Caribbean. The mix of Michelin starred restaurants and authentic island flavours both give you an immersive luxury experience.
- Rainforest hikes: When adventuring seaside on your luxury yacht, why not take the adventure inland as well? With Islands like St. Lucia and Dominica, you can hike through the rainforest to mesmerising waterfalls and volcanic peaks.
- Reef diving: Below the surface of the Caribbean you will find a whole new world. The vibrant reefs of places such as the Grenadines or the Cayman Islands are a highlight for any Caribbean charter.
Best Time to Charter in the Caribbean – Bahamas vs Caribbean
When is the best time to charter in the Caribbean?
- Northern Caribbean: Best to charter from December to April when winds are steady and temperatures mild (26–28°C / 78–82°F).
- Southern Caribbean: Here the charter season is between May to October with calmer seas and lower charter traffic with temperatures reaching 30°C/86°F.
- Hurricane Season: Beware of the Caribbean hurricane season which is between June and November, peaking in August and September.
Bahamas vs Caribbean – A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a side-by-side comparison when deciding between the Bahamas vs Caribbean:
| Feature | Bahamas | Caribbean |
| Weather | Subtropical: Prone to storms June to October | Tropical: Less affected by hurricanes |
| Travel Time from US/Europe | 1–2 hours from Florida OR 8–9 hrs from Europe | 3–4 hrs from Miami OR 8–10 hrs from Europe |
| Cruising Style | Flat waters with short hops between islands. Ideal for casual cruising. | Greater variety. Remote hideaways to lively cultural hubs. |
| Marina Services | Well developed in Nassau but limited in outer islands | More established marinas across multiple islands |
| Charter Flexibility | Easy one-week itinerary | Wider choice of one way or multi island routes. |
| Vibe | Laid back, beach focused with low key luxury. | Diverse with rich culture, food and festivals but also relaxing remote options. |
Can You Do Both in One Season?
Yes, you can charter both the Bahamas and the Caribbean in one yachting season. Both offer similar peak charter seasons which makes it easy to charter both. You can, for example, start your season escaping the winter weather in the Caribbean and follow up in the Bahamas for late spring.
Keep in mind that yacht availability varies by demand and season, so early booking a private yacht holiday is favourable.
Bahamas vs Caribbean – Why Plan with 212 Yachts?
When choosing Bahamas vs Caribbean, 212 Yachts is here to help plan your ideal luxury yacht charter. With our unmatched expertise and insider knowledge, we are committed to creating a tailor-made experience for you. Contact us today, and we will start planning your next Caribbean or Bahamas yacht charter together.