Bahamas - Nassau - Exotic Island with lighthouse (Pearl Island) close to Nassau

Catamaran Charter
Nassau

Nassau is located in the heart of the Bahamas, making it an ideal location to start a catamaran charter exploring the Bahamas' more than 700 islands and cays.

You can easily set sail from here to the Exumas, the Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera, and other stunning destinations. Each island offers its own unique charms, from secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters to vibrant marine life and friendly local communities.

The Bahamas is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and a catamaran charter from Nassau allows you to immerse yourself in this world-class sailing area.

What Makes Nassau Special?

World-Class Beaches

Nassau and its surrounding islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and Rose Island. These pristine stretches of sand are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.

Rich History

Nassau has a rich cultural heritage influenced by the indigenous Bahamian people, African traditions and British colonial history. Exploring the city allows travellers to immerse themselves in local customs, cuisine, and historical landmarks like the Queen's Staircase and Fort Charlotte.

World Class Facilities

Nassau is home to some of the world's finest luxury resorts and marinas, providing top-notch facilities and services. Charter guests can enjoy world-class spas, gourmet dining options, and upscale entertainment while docked in Nassau.

Island Hopping

Nassau is located in the Bahamas, home to over 700 islands and thousands of cays. A yacht charter allows you to explore this stunning archipelago, hopping from one island to another, each with its own charm, beauty, and secluded beaches.

Turquoise Bliss

The Bahamas is renowned for its crystal-clear waters in vibrant shades of turquoise. A catamaran charter from Nassau provides the opportunity to swim, snorkel, dive, or relax in these stunning waters, surrounded by tropical fish and colourful coral reefs.

World-Class Snorkelling

The Bahamas is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with an abundance of spectacular sites. From the famous Thunderball Grotto, known for its appearances in James Bond movies, to the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world.

Beautiful Beaches

The Bahamas boasts some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, with powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. A catamaran charter from Nassau allows you to visit beaches only accessible by boat such as the Exuma Cays or Rose Island, where you might see the famous swimming pigs.

Stunning Scenery

Nassau and the surrounding areas offer a landscape of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and lush greenery, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for a catamaran charter.

Warm Welcome

The Bahamas is known for its warm hospitality and friendliness, ensuring a welcoming environment throughout your catamaran charter.

Bahamas - Nassay - Colourful homes of Nassau coastline

Cultural Attractions

In addition to its natural beauty, Nassau has plenty of cultural and historical attractions. Explore the vibrant capital city, visit historic Fort Charlotte, or experience the lively local markets and restaurants, enjoying Bahamian cuisine and culture.

Not To Be Missed

Rose Island

Just a short sail away from Nassau, Rose Island offers secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic snorkelling and diving spots.

Paradise Island

Known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, it is a must-visit area in Nassau.

Blue Lagoon Island

Located just three miles from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is a private island with pristine beaches, calm waters, and friendly dolphins.

Sandy Cay

Located in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Sandy Cay boasts untouched beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Snorkel, dive in crystal-clear waters or relax on the picturesque beach.

Highbourne Cay

A popular stop for yacht charters, Highbourne Cay offers stunning beaches, great fishing spots, and picturesque hiking trails. Enjoy a beach picnic or explore the surrounding nature.

Shroud Cay

Shroud Cay is part of the protected Exuma National Land and Sea Park, a natural paradise characterised by its mangrove creeks and hidden beaches. Explore the mangroves by kayak or paddleboard, spotting wildlife along the way.

Compass Cay

Compass Cay is a must-visit spot on a yacht charter in Nassau, with opportunities to swim with nurse sharks as well as the famous Bahamian swimming pigs. Or simply relax on deck, lounge on white-sand beaches, or snorkel in the gorgeous clear waters.

Nassau Harbour

While not an island destination, Nassau Harbour is still worth exploring. Enjoy the vibrant views of the harbour, visit historical landmarks such as Fort Montague or Fort Charlotte, and shop or dine in this lively city.

Eleuthera Island

East of Nassau Island, Eleuthera is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, calm waters, and vibrant marine life. The island offers a more secluded and laid-back experience, with picturesque coastal villages and a real sense of community.

Harbour Island

Located northeast of Eleuthera, Harbour Island is a popular destination for yacht charters. Sometimes called the Nantucket of the Bahamas, it definitely has a feeling of old-school glamour. It's famous for its pink sand beaches, attractive colonial architecture and upscale resorts - a great place to relax and indulge yourself.

Cat Island

In the central Bahamas and one of the larger Out Islands, Cat Island is known for its secluded beaches, historical sites, and Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas.

Andros Island

The largest, but gloriously undeveloped, Bahamian island, Andros is a favourite for fly fishing, birdwatching and eco-adventures in the forested interior. Also famous for its blue holes and excellent diving due to its proximity to the world’s third-largest barrier reef.

Bahamas - Nassau - Aerial of Bahams Nassau

Exuma Cays

Stretching over 130 miles, the Exuma Cays are a paradise for catamaran charter. With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and uninhabited islands, this area offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Best Time Time To Visit Nassau

You can sail all year in the Bahamas, and the high season is from December to May.

The hurricane season runs from June through November, but due to their location the Bahamas are generally less impacted than other parts of the Caribbean.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 25.9°C (79°F) 20.1°C (68°F) wind direction 109degESE
FEB 26.4°C (79°F) 20.5°C (69°F) wind direction 111degESE
MAR 26.6°C (80°F) 20.2°C (68°F) wind direction 143degSE
APR 27.6°C (82°F) 22.1°C (72°F) wind direction 126degSE
MAY 28.6°C (83°F) 22.9°C (73°F) wind direction 128degSE
JUN 30.4°C (87°F) 24.4°C (76°F) wind direction 147degSSE
JUL 31.9°C (89°F) 26.1°C (79°F) wind direction 124degSE
AUG 32.3°C (90°F) 26.5°C (80°F) wind direction 115degESE
SEP 31.0°C (88°F) 25.6°C (78°F) wind direction 97degE
OCT 29.6°C (85°F) 24.2°C (76°F) wind direction 143degSE
NOV 27.4°C (81°F) 22.9°C (73°F) wind direction 135degSE
DEC 25.3°C (78°F) 21.1°C (70°F) wind direction 143degSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The main language in the Bahamas is English.

Local Currency

The local currency is the Bahamian dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted as well.

Tipping

Tipping 15 - 20% is standard in the Bahamas and, as always, is appreciated for good service.

Boat Types In Nassau

Is A Catamaran Right For Your Trip

Stability

Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.

Privacy

The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.

Shallow Draft

Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.

Deck Space

The wide deck space provides ample room for sunbathing, outdoor dining, and relaxation.

Accessibility

With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.

Sailing Characteristics

Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.

Layout

Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.

Group Size

Catamarans can often accommodate larger groups comfortably, making them popular for family charters.

Comfort at Anchor

The wider stance of a catamaran makes it more stable at anchor so any rolling motion is reduced - making for relaxing meals and calm sleep.

PERFECT LANDING

Space

Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.

Charter Types In Nassau

Bareboat Catamaran Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Nassau and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our catamaran fleet of from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Catamaran Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Nassau and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Catamaran Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Nassau come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Catamaran Charter From Nassau

Nassau is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream catamaran via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

A Pure charter favourite is to sail around the Exuma Cays, where you'll discover hidden coves and stunning anchorages surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.

Explore Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the James Bond film "Thunderball," or swim with the friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Nassau also offers access to world-class diving in the form of the 190-mile-long Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world.

Beyond its stunning location, Nassau boasts a rich and diverse history that adds to its charm. The city is steeped in colonial heritage, with the remnants of its British past evident in its architecture and landmarks.

The historical streets of Nassau offer a chance to stroll through time with notable sites like the Government House and the Queen's Staircase. Nassau is also home to Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle and Fort Montagu, which offer an insight into the city's colonial past, its role in Caribbean history, and its strategic importance as a port city.

A visit to the historic town of Staniel Cay is essential for history buffs. Have sundowners at the picturesque Staniel Cay Yacht Club, soaking up its charming old-world ambience. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire colourful cottages, and chat to friendly locals to ensure a really memorable experience.

Nassau's combination of rich history and access to nearby island paradises make it an extraordinary destination for a catamaran charter. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or immersion in the cultural heritage of the Bahamas, Nassau is a perfect jumping off point.

Also Discover

FAQ's

How Do I Choose The Right Catamaran?

When chartering a catamaran from Nassau, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Catamaran?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

When Is The Best Times To Charter A Catamaran From The Nassau?

You can sail all year in the Bahamas, and the high season is from December to May.

What Type Of Catamaran Can I Charter From Nassau?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Nassau, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

How Long Does A Catamaran Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Catamaran Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Catamaran?

Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.