The Bahamas is a magical destination for any superyacht charter. There are many attractions on dry land, but it’s the spectacular underwater world that really sets the Bahamas apart from other destinations. A Bahamas superyacht charter itinerary offers the perfect opportunity for guests to enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters and take full advantage of the yacht toys you have onboard.
In this month’s blog, we’re diving into all the best spots in the Bahamas to drop anchor and set up your collection of superyacht toys, yacht inflatables, and other equipment. We also have a few bonus tips for the best anchorages and secret beaches.
Norman Cay
The beautiful and idyllic island of Norman Cay may only be a few hundred acres in size, but it has plenty to offer and is definitely worthy of a spot on any Bahamas itinerary. The waters here are the perfect spot for setting out the yacht’s collection of sea toys and letting charter guests explore the island via jet ski, paddle board or kayak.
One of Norman Cay’s biggest highlights is the sunken drug runner plane. What makes this accessible wreck even better is that it can be explored by both scuba divers and snorkelers, as it sits no deeper than 10 feet below the surface. Get your guests kitted and head down to explore. You’ll spot a variety of fish and coral species that have built habitats all over the wreck.
Shroud Cay
Shroud Cay marks the entrance to the Exuma Land and Sea Park, and this untouched and uninhabited island is the ideal location to enjoy a day at anchor. The waters surrounding the Cay are amongst the bluest in the world. If you’re lucky enough to have a glass bottom kayak onboard, now is the time to use it. An inflatable toy docking solution will come in extremely handy here, as guests will be keen to try out all the toys onboard, as will a yacht slide so they can plunge down into the inviting waters below.
The Mangrove salt marsh makes the area a paradise for snorkelling, with a plethora of fish of every colour, lobster, sea turtles, and conch, all easy to spot. Catch the tide and take on Shroud Cay’s famous Mangrove Run, a natural lazy river to be taken on by jet ski, tender, kayak, or stand-up paddle board. Look out for baby turtles and sharks playing amongst the mangroves as you float on by.
Warderick Wells
Guests who love the water will fall in love with Warderick Wells. The underwater world here is nothing short of spectacular, and guests will love to explore with scuba- or snorkelling gear. The first port of call is the skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale that welcomes visitors to the Land and Sea Park, a protected aquatic environment.
Next, it’s time to take the plunge from the tender and check out one of the rarest and oldest life forms on earth, Stromatolites. These so-called rocks lying on the ocean floor are actually living species and are heavily protected by the Bahamas National Trust. Nearby there’s a spectacular display of coral reefs that offer a home to a bounty of local wildlife. Spend time exploring the reefs, and you’ll likely spot turtles, lobsters and countless brightly coloured fish.
Nearby Danger Cay is the ideal spot for swimming with sharks. Unlike its name suggests, the nurse sharks here are not considered dangerous but will give your charter guests the thrill of a lifetime. In the North mooring field, at Buouy 19, you’ll find a sunken sailboat that makes an interesting dive site for keen explorers.
End the day on one of the emerging low-tide sandbanks. M/Y SEA AXIS‘ guests never fail to be blown away by Warderick Wells’s sandbars, as it makes a great spot for setting up beach equipment and superyacht Beach Furniture for sundowner cocktails and snacks.
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is a must-visit for any Bahamas superyacht charter. Home to the famous swimming pigs, your superyacht guests will remember this experience for years to come. Take a tender ride to shore and watch as the pigs swim right up to you and continue to swim and play with guests in the water.
The nearby waters are an ideal anchor spot for water sports. For a fun-filled afternoon, set up your inflatable Sea Pool, Yacht Slide, Climbing Wall, and any other yacht toys that will get guests in the water to enjoy the incredible spot and warm waters.
Nearby is the famous Thunderball Grotto, an impressive underwater cave system which appeared in the Bond movie Thunderball. Explore the brilliantly coloured coral reefs and the exotic marine life that thrives here. The hidden entrance can be accessed at low tide, and the caves explored with snorkelling equipment. At high tide, scuba equipment will be necessary.
Musha Cay, David Copperfeilds famous private island, is just a short cruise away. At low tide, a magnificent mile-long sandbar appears, creating the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll. Have guests take out the snorkelling equipment and discover the sunken sculpture of a mermaid playing a Steinway concert grand piano named the Musician.
Cambridge Cay
Cambridge Cay lies in the very centre of the Exumas Land and Sea Park. With its surrounding water the colour of a rare gemstone and its partially submerged cave system, the island definitely deserves a spot on any Bahamas yacht charter itinerary. The cave system, known as the Rocky Dundas, are ancient caves only accessible by diving under a ledge leading into an immense cavern. Explorers will marvel at the hanging Stalactites, formed over thousands of years from the rich algae-covered ground.
It’s also a great spot to set up all the sea toys and yacht inflatables. Captain Nicholas of Motoryacht SEA AXIS’ tips this area as one of his favourite spots to set up toys.
Compass Cay
A short trip from Cambridge Cay is Compass Cay which boasts a natural aquarium that will delight any snorkeler. It’s also home to a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that’s been voted one of the best beaches in the Bahamas.
On the northern end of the island, Rachel’s Bubblebath is a must-visit when in the area. This natural phenomenon promises fun for guests of all ages. A thin wall of rock separates this calm lagoon from the sea. With rough seas or high tides, the crashing waves stir up the water to create a bubble bath effect. However, we suggest you advise guests to wear shoes, as it’s a known sea urchin spot.
Highbourne Cay
If fishing’s on the agenda, Highbourne Cay is the place to be, with likely catches of grouper, snapper and tuna. Directly off Highbourne Cay is the Great Exuma Sound, a 23-metre verticle wall dive that faces the Exuma Sound. The Wall is abundant in sea life, such as eagle rays, sea turtles, angelfish, trumpet fish, sharks, coral reefs and plenty of brilliantly coloured fish. The island also boasts eight deserted idyllic beaches, all within walking distance from the marina.
Twin Cay
Twin Cay is an uninhabited island located northwest of Staniel Cay that offers a great place to anchor with decent depths and some protection from strong easterly winds. Captain Nicholas rates Twin Cay as one of his favourite spots for a beach set-up. The quiet beach offers plenty of shade, and the SEA AXIS crew have no problems assembling their full luxurious beach setups quickly for guests.
Great Guana Cay
Great Guana Cay is arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Abacos chain. It’s also a favourite charter stop for M/Y SEA AXIS, who hinted at a small rock south of Little Bay where he likes to stern tie off and create a self-made grotto for his guests. Waters of all shades of blue lap white sand beaches that are home to Green Sea Turtles, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, and Hawksbill Sea Turtles, and just offshore, snorkelers will delight in exploring the vivid elkhorn and staghorn coral reefs.
We’d like to thank Nicholas Veselica, Captain of FunYacht M/Y SEA AXIS for his input and valued knowledge shared in this blog. We hope and if you have any further questions relating to the blog or our collection of inflatable sea toys, please contact us at [email protected]. Be sure to follow us on social too for more insight into the best spots in The Bahamas.
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