Since their discovery by Christopher Columbus, the white-sand shores of the 700 islands of the Bahamas have enticed and enchanted travellers from all corners of the globe.
Away from the bustle of capital city of Nassau, you can discover some of the best beaches in the world here on a luxury yacht charter – the trick is knowing which one’s are worth a closer look. We've handpicked some of the best for your cruising pleasure below;
Top picks of the best beaches in the Bahamas:
The Exuma chain comprises of approximately 365 islands and cays, making them a yacht chartering paradise. One such secluded island is Shroud Cay, an uninhabited cay at the north-end of The Exumas, featuring a hollow tidal mangrove salt pan enclosed by rocks.
Idly meander around the small cay and you’ll have your pick of an array of pristine white-sand beaches to drop anchor for a gentle swim, and even get your crew to set up a beach picnic onshore for a postcard-perfect champagne lunch. The island is part of the Exuma National Park and all boats must abide by the 'no wake' regulations as they explore to avoid disturbing marine life – if anything, making the beaches here even more tranquil.
Stretching more than 7 miles, Great Guana Cay boasts an outstanding expanse of coral-white beach considered unsurpassed by all who have visited.
This long cay can only be reached by boat, and with little amenities onshore or inland many visitors are put off; little do they know that as soon you step onto the beaches on the Atlantic side of Guana that your feet will be enveloped in the softest sands and tickled by the crystalline waters.
Dotted with mini rock formations, the beach offers exciting exploration opportunities, or for those looking to catch the sun, miles of perfect sunbathing spots.
A great way to explore the beautiful environment and miles of Guana Cay whilst you’re at anchor is on your charter yacht's kayak, so drop-anchor, jump in and paddle the empty pristine waters. For some refreshments or a spot of lunch, you can't miss Nippers Beach Bar & Grill, a colorful confection of umbrellas and tables with a friendly Caribbean vibe.
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Nipper's Beach Bar & Grill
Restaurant
Curving south off Elbow Cay is the secluded gem Tahiti Beach. Lined with coconut trees before arcing out into the clear Caribbean waters, this stretch of powered-sand is best visited just before sunrise for breath-taking 360° sea views on an equally beautiful - and empty - beach.
As the tide ebbs, Tahiti’s white sands are revealed inch by inch, creating a spectacular sandbank that curves into the turquoise waters, leaving an abundance of shells, starfish and sand dollars to admire.
Tahiti beach is a great beach to take in the sun and sand of the Abacos and the shallow balmy waters are perfect for taking a morning dip before carrying on your day of discovery in the Bahamas. To avoid the hurricane season and to ensure your vacation is as idyllic as possible, visit between November and April - despite this the Bahamas enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
A derelict lighthouse tops the final spur of rock on Eleuthera Island, and leading back beside its left flank lies the unspoiled, aptly named, Lighthouse Beach. This long, wide pink-sand beach is extremely picturesque especially at sunset when the sun slowly drops casting a pink halo around the old lighthouse.
Anchoring your charter yacht on the west side you’ll discover this beach to yourselves, allowing you to use the large shaded areas amongst the cliffs to cool down and rest in complete privacy. For those looking to jump off your yacht for a bit of exploration, the two little islands that are situated just off the tip of the lighthouse headland are perfect snorkelling spots guaranteed to thrill.
For a salt-water swimming pool, with tepid, calm waters that run 203-metres deep, teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and marine creatures which lie too deep to be seen, Dean’s Blue Hole makes its subsequent beach the most exhilarating and mysterious beach to visit in the Bahamas.
This underwater enigma is the deepest blue hole in the world and is enclosed on 3 sides by a natural rock amphitheatre making it appear ever-more ominously enticing.
Discover the turquoise lagoon and white-washed sand beach at sunrise to miss the crowds. Swim to the coral caves and sand banks on the side of the entrance which harbour all kinds of marine life before daring to swim over the hole as your breath is taken away.
If you wish to remain securely seated on your yacht or on the beach and admire Dean’s Blue Hole over breakfast, this is a truly unforgettable beach in both appearance and experience that is unbeatable on a Bahamas charter.
Away from the Bahamas main tourist traps, the Acklin and Crooked Islands are the perfect islands to discover on your private yacht. Known as two of the more remote islands they are the Bahamas’ answer to ultimate privacy.
Acklins’ rustic landscape offers sheltered beaches and coves ideal for tucking your yacht away and dropping anchor for an unperturbed day in the Caribbean sunshine.
Crooked Island on the other hand is arguably one of the Bahamas best guarded secrets, boasting sparsely populated clearings for you to explore the natural surroundings in absolute peace. These primitive islands, having only gained access to public electricity in the late 1990s, are ideal for those looking for a truly private getaway in some of the most unspoilt waters and deserted sands.
Please note that to get close to some of the beaches featured in this article, it may be necessary to charter a yacht with a shallow draft. To help you find the most suitable yacht for your needs, as well as in planning your itinerary, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker.
Alternatively, view all luxury yachts available for charter in the Bahamas to start your journey towards relaxing at the best beaches Bahamas has to offer.
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