Last Updated: August 2026
A yacht charter in the Bahamas from Miami is one of the most accessible luxury travel experiences available from South Florida. The islands begin just 50 nautical miles from Miami Beach Marina, the water turns turquoise before you even clear US waters, and the pace of life changes the moment your anchor drops in the first Bahamian cay. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about chartering a yacht in the Bahamas — from how much it costs to which islands to prioritize, what is included in the price, and how to book the right vessel for your group from Miami.
What Is a Bahamas Yacht Charter?
A Bahamas yacht charter is a private boat rental — either with a professional captain and crew (crewed charter) or operated by the guests themselves (bareboat charter) — that lets you explore the 700 islands and 2,400 cays of the Bahamian archipelago at your own pace. Unlike a cruise ship or a resort, a yacht charter gives your group complete control over the itinerary, the pace, and the experience.
Most Bahamas charters from Miami are crewed charters — a USCG-licensed captain navigates the vessel and coordinates the itinerary, while a professional crew handles provisioning, meals, and on-water activities. You arrive, board, and enjoy. The captain takes care of the crossing, the customs clearance in Nassau or Bimini, the anchorage logistics, and the daily routing between islands.
Charters range from 3-day Nassau trips to 7-day multi-island Exumas voyages. Day charters to Bimini — the closest Bahamian island, 50 nautical miles from Miami — are also available for groups who want a taste of the Bahamas without a multi-day commitment.
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas?
The cost to charter a yacht for a Bahamas trip depends on four primary factors: vessel size, charter duration, crew and provisioning requirements, and the season you travel. Here is a practical breakdown for charters departing from Miami:
| Charter Type | Vessel Size | Duration | Starting Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bimini Day Charter | 43–62 ft | 1 day | From $1,999 | Captain, crew, fuel, water, ice |
| Nassau Term Charter | 62–90 ft | 3–5 days | From $13,500 | Captain, crew, fuel, APA separate |
| Exumas Expedition | 70–106 ft | 5–7 days | From $18,000 | Full crew, chef, all meals included |
| Grand Bahamas Voyage | 80–220 ft | 7+ days | Quote based | Fully all-inclusive, custom itinerary |
Understanding the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
One of the most important — and least understood — aspects of how much it costs to charter a yacht is the Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA. The APA is a separate fund (typically 25 to 35% of the base charter fee) that covers the running costs of the charter: fuel, food, beverages, marina fees, and any special requests.
At Miami Boat Charters, Bimini day charters include fuel in the all-in price. For multi-day Bahamas term charters, an APA is arranged at the planning stage — the captain manages the fund transparently, with all receipts provided, and any unused amount is returned to you at the end of the charter. Nothing is marked up.
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Bahamas cruising permit: Required for all private vessels entering Bahamian waters. Fee is coordinated by our crew.
- Bahamas VAT: 10% on charter fees within Bahamian waters.
- Crew gratuity: Industry standard is 15 to 20% of the base charter fee, paid directly to the captain and crew at the end of the trip.
- Water sports add-ons: Jet skis, flyboards, paddleboards, snorkel gear — available as add-ons on most vessels.
For a customized cost to charter a yacht based on your specific dates, group size, and preferred Bahamas itinerary, call (305) 401-2707 or visit our charter pricing page.
Best Bahamas Destinations for a Yacht Charter from Miami
The Bahamas span over 700 islands across a 600-mile archipelago — but for a charter a yacht from Miami itinerary, four destinations stand out based on proximity, marine life, and the quality of experiences available.
Bimini — Closest and Fastest
Bimini sits just 50 nautical miles east of Miami — a 2 to 3-hour crossing on a mid-size motor yacht. For guests who want the Bahamas experience without a multi-night commitment, a Bimini day charter is the practical first step. Highlights include Nixon’s Sandbar (calm, shallow anchorage), wild Atlantic spotted dolphin encounters, the Bimini Shipwreck (excellent shallow snorkeling), and the Bimini Bay Resort and Marina for shoreside dining. Bimini is also the gateway island for longer Bahamas voyages — most multi-day itineraries from Miami clear customs here before continuing southeast.
Nassau and Paradise Island
Nassau is 119 nautical miles from Miami — an overnight crossing or an 8 to 9-hour daytime passage on a faster vessel. Nassau offers the full urban Bahamian experience: Atlantis Resort and Marina (casino, waterpark, marine habitat, 21+ restaurants), Paradise Island beaches, Nassau’s historic Bay Street shopping district, and convenient access to the northern Exumas chain. A Nassau Bahamas yacht charter requires a minimum 3-day charter given the crossing time each way.
The Exumas — The Crown Jewel
The Exumas are a 120-mile-long chain of 365 cays stretching southeast from Nassau, and they represent the most spectacular sailing ground in the Bahamas. Key stops on an Exumas yacht charter include Thunderball Cave (snorkeling through a natural cave illuminated by shafts of sunlight, featured in James Bond films), Big Major Cay (the famous swimming pigs — hand-feed them directly from the tender), Compass Cay (nurse shark encounters in waist-deep water), and Staniel Cay Yacht Club (the social hub of the Exumas). The Exumas are best explored on a 5 to 7-day itinerary from Miami or as a 3 to 4-day extension from Nassau.
The Abacos — The Sailor’s Bahamas
The Abacos in the northern Bahamas are less commonly visited from Miami but offer some of the most protected sailing waters in the Caribbean. The Sea of Abaco is a 60-mile-long sheltered lagoon surrounded by cays — ideal for leisurely cruising without the open-water passages required in the Exumas. Highlights include Hope Town (candy-striped Elbow Cay lighthouse), Green Turtle Cay, and Treasure Cay Beach. The Abacos are typically reached via Grand Bahama Island (78 nautical miles from Miami) and best visited on 7+ day itineraries.
Crewed Charter vs Bareboat Charter in the Bahamas — Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Crewed Charter | Bareboat Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Who navigates | USCG-licensed captain | You (sailing experience required) |
| Meals | Prepared by crew or private chef | Self-provisioned and prepared |
| Florida license required | No | Yes (if born after 1988) |
| Local knowledge | Captain knows the waters, customs, anchorages | Your research + charts |
| Best for | Families, groups, celebrations, first-timers | Experienced sailors, independence seekers |
| Typical starting cost | From $13,500 (3 days, all-in) | From $3,000–$5,000/week (base boat only) |
For most guests chartering a yacht in the Bahamas from Miami, a crewed charter is the clear choice. The Gulf Stream crossing between Miami and Bimini requires offshore navigation experience, and the shallow waters of the Bahamian Bank require local knowledge to navigate safely. With a crewed charter, the captain handles all of this — you arrive at each destination rested and ready to enjoy it.
What Is Included in a Bahamas Yacht Charter?
On a fully crewed Bahamas charter from Miami Boat Charters, here is exactly what is included:
- The vessel: Fully maintained, inspected, and equipped private motor yacht — your private accommodation and transport for the duration of the charter.
- USCG-licensed captain: Navigates all passages, coordinates customs clearance, plans the daily itinerary, and handles all on-water logistics.
- Professional crew: Mate and/or steward depending on vessel size. Handles provisioning, deck operations, dinghy deployments, and guest services.
- Fuel: For Bimini day charters, fuel is included in the all-in price. For multi-day Bahamas term charters, fuel is covered by the APA fund.
- Water, ice, and standard ship’s provisions: Soft drinks, water, and ice are included on all charters. Open bar and catering packages are arranged as add-ons.
- Bahamas customs coordination: The captain files all required cruising permits, customs documentation, and immigration paperwork on the vessel’s behalf.
Not typically included: Gratuity (15 to 20%), personal expenses ashore, water sports add-ons not specified at booking, Bahamas VAT on charter fees earned in Bahamian waters.
Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Bahamas from Miami
The Bahamas is a year-round destination, but the timing of your Bahamas yacht charter significantly affects the crossing conditions, pricing, and island atmosphere you experience.
Peak Season — December through April
This is the prime window for chartering a yacht in the Bahamas. Gulf Stream conditions are at their calmest, trade winds blow steady at 10 to 15 knots from the southeast, and daytime temperatures hold at a comfortable 72 to 82°F. The Exumas and Nassau are busy but not overcrowded. Book 6 to 12 weeks ahead for peak season dates — the best vessels and crew book up quickly, particularly around the winter holidays and Miami Art Basel in early December.
Shoulder Season — May to June and November
May, June, and November offer the best combination of favorable weather and reduced pricing. Fewer boats in the water means quieter anchorages in the Exumas. Water temperatures are warm (80 to 84°F) and visibility for snorkeling is excellent. Shoulder season is the preferred window for guests who want the Exumas experience without the peak-season crowds and price premium.
Summer — July through September
Summer charters are possible but require more flexibility. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and hurricane season (June through November) means departure windows need to be planned around weather systems. Most summer charters from Miami to the Bahamas depart in the early morning to clear the Gulf Stream before afternoon weather builds. The advantage: water temperatures are at their warmest, marine life encounters (particularly dolphin sightings near Bimini) are at their peak frequency.
How to Book a Bahamas Yacht Charter from Miami
The process of chartering a yacht in Miami for a Bahamas voyage involves four steps:
Step 1 — Confirm your group details: Guest count, ages, and any specific requirements (dietary restrictions, mobility needs, children’s ages for life jacket sizing). This determines which vessels are appropriate.
Step 2 — Choose your itinerary: Bimini day trip, Nassau 3-day, Exumas 5 to 7-day, or a custom multi-island route. Our team recommends itineraries based on your group’s energy level, interests, and available time.
Step 3 — Select your vessel: From 43-foot day yachts to 220-foot mega yachts, the vessel is matched to your group size, budget, and itinerary requirements. For the Gulf Stream crossing, vessels of 55 feet or larger with stabilizers are recommended.
Step 4 — Confirm the charter agreement and deposit: A standard charter agreement and a 50% deposit secures your dates and vessel. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days before departure.
To start planning, call our team at (305) 401-2707 or email info@miamiboatcharters.com. Our team has arranged Bahamas charters since 2000 and can recommend the right vessel, itinerary, and timing for your specific group.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bahamas Yacht Chartering Guide
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Bahamas?
The cost to charter a yacht for a Bahamas trip from Miami starts at $1,999 all-in for a Bimini day charter and from $13,500 for a 3-day Nassau term charter. Multi-day Exumas itineraries typically range from $18,000 to $45,000+ depending on vessel size and duration. Additional costs include crew gratuity (15 to 20%), APA fund for provisions, and Bahamas VAT (10% on charter fees in Bahamian waters).
How do I charter a yacht in Miami for a Bahamas trip?
Contact Miami Boat Charters at (305) 401-2707 or use the booking form on our website. Our team confirms your group details, recommends the right vessel and itinerary, and handles the charter agreement and customs documentation. For peak season dates (December through April), booking 6 to 12 weeks ahead is recommended to secure the right vessel.
Can I charter a yacht from Miami to the Bahamas for just one day?
Yes — a Bimini day charter departs Miami Beach Marina in the morning, completes the 50-nautical-mile crossing in 2 to 3 hours, and returns to Miami by early evening. This gives your group approximately 4 to 6 hours in Bimini for swimming, snorkeling, and island exploration. Nassau and the Exumas require multi-day charters given the longer crossing distance.
What is the best Bahamas island to visit on a yacht charter from Miami?
Bimini is the best choice for a day charter — closest, fastest, and most accessible from Miami. For multi-day charters, the Exumas are the premier destination — Thunderball Cave, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and the nurse shark encounters at Compass Cay are among the most memorable wildlife experiences available anywhere in the Caribbean.
Do I need a passport to charter a yacht to the Bahamas?
Yes. All guests must carry a valid US passport — passport cards are not accepted for Bahamian entry. The charter captain handles vessel-side customs documentation and coordinates clearance at the first port of entry. Most private yacht arrivals in Bimini or Nassau clear customs within 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in the Bahamas?
December through April is peak season — calmest Gulf Stream crossing conditions, steady trade winds, and comfortable temperatures (72 to 82°F). November and May offer excellent weather at reduced demand. Summer months require more flexibility around afternoon weather patterns and hurricane season activity.
Start Planning Your Bahamas Yacht Charter from Miami
The Bahamas offer more variety, more proximity to Miami, and more extraordinary natural experiences than almost any other yacht charter destination in the Caribbean region. Whether you are planning a Bimini day trip, a 5-day Exumas exploration, or a multi-island grand voyage, Miami Boat Charters has the fleet, the captains, and the planning expertise to make it happen.
Our USCG-licensed captains have navigated the Miami to Bahamas route hundreds of times since 2000. They know the crossing windows, the best anchorages, the customs procedures, and the exact coordinates of experiences — Thunderball Cave, the swimming pigs, the nurse sharks — that charter guests consistently describe as the highlights of a lifetime.
Call (305) 401-2707 or email info@miamiboatcharters.com to begin planning your Bahamas yacht charter from Miami. Our team responds within 24 hours on all inquiries.