Guide to the most beautiful destinations, coastlines and islands in the Bahamas archipelago
A catamaran trip to the Bahamas is an extraordinary experience that blends adventure and relaxation within an incredible natural heritage.
The Bahamas has about 700 islands, islets and cays divided into several coral archipelagos. Within the lagoons that enclose the various islands, the seabed is very shallow, the water is crystal blue, and marine flora and fauna thrive. Outside, on the other hand, the sandbars are separated from each other by very deep oceanic-type trenches.
Set off from Nassau, the capital, to sail to the wild and paradisiacal Exuma Cays, or head north to discover the Abaco Islands for an atmosphere between real and unreal on the edge of the Atlantic. Either way, you will find the ideal sailing environment, plenty of snorkeling and diving sites, and a variety of landscapes that will leave you breathless.
The best time of year
The best time to visit the Bahamas by sailboat coincides with the dry season, which runs from November to April. These months offer stable and pleasant weather conditions for sailing, with moderate and steady winds. During these months, temperatures are generally mild, with lows around 20 degrees and highs hovering around 26 to 30 degrees. In addition, the chances of rainfall and hurricanes are very low compared to the wet season, which instead runs from May to October.
Travel Ideas
The Bahamas are nothing like you imagine-they are much, much better. With their tropical climate and moderate winds, they are the perfect destination for island hopping. Yet as you sail by catamaran from island to island, you'll discover that the seabed and sea caves conceal much more than you expected, while some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet will remain in your heart forever. Immerse yourself 100% in the local culture for a journey of adventure and discovery.
Sustainable tourism
Visiting the Bahamas means discovering the largest coral reef in the Caribbean. But there is more than just that: thanks to their very special morphology, these islands hide some truly rare gems. For example, the Abaco Crystal Caves, interconnected underwater caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites; Thunderball Cave, which can be visited even without special equipment at low tide; and Dean's Blue Hole, one of the world's deepest underwater access caves.
Perfect for
An ideal destination for couples, perhaps on their honeymoon, but also for families or groups of friends who want to charter a skippered catamaran. For a cabin vacation, you will often find deals on state-of-the-art catamarans with all-inclusive service and hostess or cook on board. Snorkelers will not waste a moment of their time in this diving paradise!
First time on a boat
The Bahamas is also perfect for sailing beginners. Sailing between the cays is often inshore, which means that most of the bays are a short distance away and easily accessible with a pleasant, calm course. The sea is generally calm, especially in the shallow-water inland areas.
Bahamas Vacation Highlights
Bahamas: idyllic beaches and astonishing wildlife
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6 places not to miss on a Bahamas sailing cruise
1
The famous Pig Beach, Exumas
Stop on Pig Beach, the beach that pigs have long shared with tourists, and experience the thrill of swimming with them in crystal-clear turquoise water.
2
The wreckage of the drug plane, Exumas
A short distance from the shore of Norman's Cay, discover the wreckage of one of Pablo Escobar's planes, lying on the seabed and still intact under the surface of the water.
3
Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay, Exumas
Only the bravest will be able to jump into the waters of Compass Cay and literally swim with a school of sharks...rest assured, they are actually harmless to humans!
4
Ocean Atlas, Nassau
At Ocean Atlas you will find the greatest underwater works of art! Made from environmentally sustainable materials, they create a kind of artificial reef functional for the development of thriving marine life.
5
Pink Sand Beach, Eleuthera
Listed among the best beaches in the world, the pink sand beach owes its appeal to foraminifera, coral insects that, after dying, are washed ashore and mix with the sand, coloring it pink.
6
Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera
A place that feels like the edge of the world: walk across the bridge to view the border between the dark blue ocean and the light blue of Eleuthera Bay. If you have a drone, it is definitely worth getting up!
Where to go and what to visit in the Bahamas
Nassau
Nassau, on the island of New Providence, is the capital of the Bahamas and the starting point for all sailing cruises. The island is definitely worth a visit on land, where you will find pastel-colored buildings in the English colonial style, such as the pink Parliament building, as well as museums and art galleries, colorful murals celebrating the islands' history, and lush gardens. A must for understanding Bahamian history is the Queen's Staircase, which led quickly to the island's highest fortified point, Fort Fincastle, in case of pirate attack. Consisting of 66 steps, it was carved from rough stone by slaves in the 1700s.
Exuma Islands
An archipelago of 365 islands stretching south of Nassau for about 200 kilometers in which only the largest are inhabited: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and Stocking Island. All the others, however, are virtually deserted and wild and make up the Exuma Cays, low-lying beaches and emerged islets enclosed in a coral lagoon. Together they form the largest land and sea park in the Caribbean, called Exuma National Land and Sea Park. To protect the environment, fishing, collecting shells or other living things is prohibited and visits are strictly regulated through, for example, boat mooring fees. However, it is possible to observe the extremely rich underwater flora and fauna up close and interact with native species on land, such as harmless local iguanas.
Abaco Islands
Positioned just opposite Miami, the Abaco archipelago comprises more than 700 islands, atolls and sandbars, most of which are uninhabited. Prominent among the main population centers is Elbow Cay, with its red-and-white striped hand-lighted lighthouse, a symbol of the Abacos. A refined, bright style inherited from English rule dominates here. On the many deserted islands, on the other hand, you will find relaxation but also fun, especially if you are a snorkeling enthusiast. Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Man-O-War Cay, are just a few of the most famous bays for turtle, starfish and manta ray sightings. Instead, delve into Abaco National Park, south of the Abacos, to spot the Bahamian parrotfish.
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