Impossibly clear shallows, deserted cays and the famous swimming pigs — the Bahamas is a cruising ground like nowhere else.
The Bahamas lie north of the Caribbean proper, scattered across the Atlantic in seven hundred islands and two thousand cays — and the water is the thing everyone remembers. Shallow banks turn the sea every luminous shade of turquoise, so clear that a catamaran seems to float on air. A shallow draft is a real advantage here, opening up sandbars, hidden cays and anchorages the bigger boats can’t reach. From the swimming pigs of the Exumas to the pine forests of the Abacos, the Bahamas reward those who want seclusion, swimming and the most beautiful water in the world.
Our crewed catamarans can be arranged for the Bahamas on request, ready to show you the clearest water you will ever sail.
External resources: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism · Nassau (LPIA) Airport
A crewed catamaran is the ideal vessel for the Bahamas, where a shallow draft unlocks the banks, sandbars and cays that define the cruising. The water is so clear that navigation is done by eye, and the rewards are endless: deserted beaches, snorkelling on coral and the simple joy of swimming in the most beautiful sea on earth. Your crew handles the sailing and finds the perfect cay for each day.
Seclusion, clear water and white sand — the Bahamas are a world apart, best explored under sail.
The Bahamas offers some of the most rewarding sailing in the Caribbean — dramatic islands within reach, trade-wind passages, and anchorages from lively to utterly secluded.
Anchor off Big Major Cay and meet the famous wild pigs that swim out to greet visiting boats — a uniquely Bahamian delight.
A pristine marine reserve of dazzling water, coral gardens and protected cays — some of the finest snorkelling anywhere.
Walk the famous three-mile stretch of pink sand on chic, bohemian Harbour Island off Eleuthera.
Snorkel the spectacular sea cave made famous by the James Bond films, alive with fish in crystal water.
Drop anchor beside a sandbar that appears at low tide in the middle of turquoise nowhere — pure Bahamas magic.
A classic week through the heart of the Exumas — the Bahamas at their most magical, tailored by your crew.
Boarding in Nassau, then a half-day sail south-east to Allan’s Cay — home to the famous rock iguanas. Anchor for the first swim of the trip in pale turquoise water.
Drift south to Norman’s Cay, where a sunken DC-3 lies in shallow water — a haunting snorkel. Beach barbecue at MacDuff’s followed by stargazing on deck.
Sail to Big Major Cay to meet the famous swimming pigs of Pig Beach. Lunch at anchor, then a short hop to Staniel Cay for the Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the Bond film.
A short morning sail to Compass Cay, where nurse sharks gather at the dock — gentle and safe to swim with. Walk the soft sand spit in the afternoon.
Enter the protected park waters and anchor near Bell Island. Snorkel reefs untouched by fishing, then dine aboard as the wind drops to a whisper.
A morning hike to Boo Boo Hill for the panorama, then snorkel one of the park’s coral gardens. Quiet anchorage night, no other boats in sight.
A downwind sail back to Nassau with one final swim stop en route. Time ashore in the afternoon for a parting walk through the old town.
The Bahamas lie north of the Caribbean in the Atlantic, and their signature is the water: vast shallow banks turn the sea every shade of turquoise, with seven hundred islands of white and pink sand. A shallow-draft catamaran is ideal here, unlocking sandbars and cays the bigger boats miss.
December to April offers warm, settled weather, though the Bahamas can be cruised into May and from November. Winter is slightly cooler than the Caribbean. The June-November hurricane season is avoided.
Yes — at Big Major Cay in the Exumas, a colony of wild pigs famously swims out to greet visiting boats. It’s one of the most charming and unusual experiences in all of yachting, and a highlight of any Exumas charter.
Most begin near Nassau or Georgetown (Exuma), both with good international air connections, especially via the United States. Our team coordinates flights and transfers, and can arrange private aviation.
Yes, particularly. The Bahamas’ shallow banks and sandbars reward a catamaran’s shallow draft, opening up anchorages and cays a deeper monohull cannot safely reach. The stability also makes for supremely comfortable cruising.
Snorkelling and diving on pristine reefs, swimming with the pigs and the nurse sharks of Compass Cay, exploring sandbars and sea caves, beachcombing on deserted cays, and superb bonefishing. Your crew tailors each day to your party.
Every journey begins with a conversation. Tell us what you have in mind — dates, destinations, group size, experiences — and your Odyssea agent will craft a proposal tailored precisely to you.
An invitation-led membership for travellers who choose the ocean often. Preferred rates on yachts and villas, early access to themed departures, and bespoke journey design from our concierge — reach out to find out more.
