Top Sailing Itineraries: Bahamas
If you’re looking for a Caribbean sailing adventure like none other, we can highly recommend the Bahamas. The Bahamas is less than 200 miles east of Miami, yet based on the turquoise waters, white sand beaches, relaxed island vibes, and diverse wildlife, you may as well have entered into a different world. And you have! It’s a world where daydreams of tropical sailing vacations become a vivid reality.
Our Bahamas base has consistently ranked as one of our top destinations since it opened in 2020. With a TripAdvisor rating of 5.0 stars and staff and crew that always go above and beyond for our guests and work hard to keep all the yachts in flawless condition, it’s not a surprise that our Bahamas base received the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2023.
We also know that the Caribbean has received a lot of media attention lately due to a perceived safety risk, but we’re here to help set the record straight. Read more here about the latest local updates and let us reassure you that a private yachting vacation in the Bahamas is just as safe, if not more so, than any method of travel, in any destination.
We know from over 23 years of experience in serving our clients that planning a sailing itinerary can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. If you don’t know where to start, we suggest you start right here in this blog post.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Our highly knowledgeable charter agents and professional skippers are here to help you plan an exotic sailing route and can also help you adjust an itinerary based on the length of your getaway and personal preferences. Our base staff is always ready to assist if you need help adjusting your route if you happen to be affected by weather while underway.
Most of our charter guests choose to sail in the renowned Abacos since this is where our base is located. For this week’s blog post, we have decided to feature two sailing itineraries for the Abacos, one is for 7 days and the other is for 10 days.
The Abacos, Itinerary #1: 7 Days
Day 1: Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War Cay
After checking in and boarding, begin your Bahamas sailing adventure by sailing from our base in Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War Cay.
Man-O-War Cay is home to an authentic Bahamian settlement known for its boat-building tradition and Bahamian architecture. Alcohol is not permitted here, so people don’t come here to party. Instead, the island attracts visitors who wish to experience the authentic Bahamian culture and history.
One popular attraction is the Albury’s Sail Shop, a family-owned business that has been in operation for over a century. As the name suggests, Albury’s Sail Shop traditionally sold handcrafted sails. Still, today, the shop is known for its high-quality bags made in thick canvas fabric, originally crafted from sail scrap pieces.
Another highlight is the Man-O-War Cay Museum, displaying the island’s boat-building history.
Day 2: Man-O-War Cay to Great Guana Cay
Eight nautical miles northwest of Man-O-War Cay is Great Guana Cay, a long, narrow islet famous for its beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, magnificent sunsets, and beach bars. The sail there is also beautiful, so prepare to see some gorgeous Caribbean views from your yacht. Stop for snorkeling and then enjoy a meal at Nippers Beach Bar on the northern coast.
Day 3: Great Guana Cay to Green Turtle Cay
As you continue your journey northwest, you will pass a small wildlife refuge humorously known as Noname Cay where you have the chance to swim with pigs on the beach.
Continue to Green Turtle Cay and the small settlement on the Island called New Plymouth. With a mere population of 450 people, New Plymouth is no more than a small village. Still, it offers everything the Bahamas is known for (minus the cruise ships and tourists), from white sandy beaches with clear turquoise water and tropical beach bars serving fresh seafood to streets framed with colorful houses and unique Bahamian architecture.
Just off the coast of Green Turtle Cay, by the outer reef, are some excellent snorkeling and diving sites. This could be a fun excursion if you are interested in marine exploration. There is no need to rent snorkeling gear as our charter yachts are already well-equipped.
Day 4: Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay
Treasure Cay is famous for its three-mile-long beach. One of the world’s top-rated beaches, Treasure Cay Beach is as beautiful as it gets: a long stretch of white sand, lush green vegetation on one side, and crystal clear turquoise water on the other. Whether you prefer an active beach day filled with watersports activities and snorkeling or a relaxing beach escape, you will find what you are looking for here. There are also several restaurants and beach bars in the area for when you need a break from the sun.
Day 5: Treasure Cay to Hope Town
Your next stop is one of the most well-known places in the Bahamas thanks to its pastel-colored houses, relaxed vibes, and the famous candy-cane Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Yes, we are talking about Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Hope Town is simply a must-visit during your yacht charter in the Abacos. Founded in 1785, Hope Town has a rich history and does a remarkable job preserving it. The Wyannie Malone Museum, named after one of the early settlers, exhibits photos, documents, artifacts, and more.
Elbow Reef Lighthouse, built in the 1860s, is a beautiful structure on its own, but the fact that it’s the last lighthouse in the world still powered with kerosene and operated by a person makes it even more memorable. It’s high enough for a great view over Hope Town, and if you wish to help support the local preservation efforts, you can simply buy something from the souvenir shop.
Day 6: Hope Town to Pelican Cays to Little Harbour
As you sail south from Hope Town towards Little Harbour, you will pass a National Park called Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, a beautiful spot for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring on land. This nature preserve covers an area of 2,100 acres of breathtaking Bahamian wilderness and serves as a protected habitat for sea turtles.
Sandy Cay Reef, south of Pelican Cays close to the North Bar Channel, is said to be one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the Bahamas, featuring a healthy coral reef, underwater caves, and a diverse marine life. Apart from a variety of coral species, you have the chance to spot vibrant schools of fish, stingrays, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, Nassau grouper, and even dolphins if you are lucky. At only 30 feet, the reef is shallow enough to be suitable for divers of all levels, and the snorkeling equipment on our charter yachts may come in handy.
Little Harbour has a sheltered anchorage and a popular beach bar called Pete’s Pub and Gallery with an art foundry where various marine-themed sculptures are cast in bronze. Tour the gallery and the only art foundry in the Bahamas followed by a meal in the restaurant. Pete’s Pub is a Caribbean gem serving traditional Bahamian cuisine and featuring a sand floor and relaxed beach vibes.
Another highlight is the caves across the water from Pete’s, a great place to explore with kayaks, and just a short walk north is the Old Lighthouse, a ruin from 1889. The lighthouse was damaged in a storm a very long time ago and never rebuilt, but the ruins still stand.
Day 7: Little Harbor to Elbow Cay
Return to Elbow Cay once again. On the way there, you may explore some of the cays along the way, take in the gorgeous views from your yacht, and stop for snorkeling again, swimming, or watersport activities.
Hope Town is on the northern part of Elbow Cay, so this time, you may prefer to explore the southern part, such as Tahiti Beach with its magnificent sandbar, visible at low tide. Here are some other stunning sandbars in the Bahamas to put on your travel bucket list.
Checkout: Marsh Harbour
Checkout the following day by 10 AM. By that time, the fuel tanks should have been refilled and the yacht emptied of all belongings. Now you are free to enjoy a day in Marsh Harbour. If you are spending the night, we recommend Conch Inn, located right next to our base in the marina with the same name.
The Abacos, Itinerary #2: 10 Days
Day 1: Marsh Harbour
Enjoy your first day in Marsh Harbour where our base is located. Marsh Harbour is a hub for dining, shopping, nightlife, and more. The resort and the marinas are some of the main attractions in Marsh Harbour, with amenities such as pools, tennis courts, bars, and restaurants, as well as water sports rentals. Our base is at Conch Inn Marina, a top-rated marina, including excellent accommodation (Conch Inn) for the night before or after your charter, restaurant, water toy rentals, and high-speed internet access.
Take a tour of the nearby Neem Farm if you have some hours to spare. Apart from enjoying the beautiful nature, you get to learn about the extraordinary Neem Tree, its medicinal properties, and its wide range of uses.
Spend your first night onboard your yacht or at Conch Inn, conveniently located right next to our base.
Day 2: Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay
Treasure Cay is famous for its three-mile-long beach. One of the world’s top-rated beaches, Treasure Cay Beach is as beautiful as it gets: a long stretch of white sand, lush green vegetation on one side and crystal clear turquoise water on the other. Whether you prefer an active beach day filled with watersports activities and snorkeling or a relaxing beach escape, you will find what you are looking for here. There are also several restaurants and beach bars in the area for when you need a break from the sun.
Day 3: Treasure Cay to Coopers Town
Continue your sailing journey north and enjoy even more gorgeous beaches around Coopers Town, your next stop. If you need to run errands, this is the time to do it. The town offers grocery stores, shops, and restaurants.
Day 4: Coopers Town to Green Turtle Cay
On day 4, turn around and head southeast to Green Turtle Cay and the small settlement on the Island called New Plymouth. With a mere population of 450 people, New Plymouth is no more than a small village. Still, it offers everything the Bahamas is known for (minus the cruise ships and tourists), from white sandy beaches with clear turquoise water and tropical beach bars serving fresh seafood to streets framed with colorful houses and unique Bahamian architecture.
Just off the coast of Green Turtle Cay by the outer reef, are some excellent snorkeling and diving sites. This could be a fun excursion if you are interested in marine exploration. There is no need to rent snorkeling gear as our charter yachts are already well-equipped.
Day 5: Green Turtle Cay to Great Cuana Cay
On the way to Great Cuana Cay, you will pass a small islet south of Green Turtle Cay humorously called Noname Cay where you have the chance to swim with pigs on the beach.
Great Guana Cay is a long, narrow islet famous for its beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, magnificent sunsets, and beach bars. The sail there is also beautiful, so prepare to see some gorgeous Caribbean views from your yacht. Stop for snorkeling and enjoy a meal at Nippers Beach Bar on the northern coast.
Day 6: Great Cuana Cay to Elbow Cay (Hope Town)
Your next stop is one of the most well-known places in the Bahamas thanks to its pastel-colored houses, relaxed vibes, and the famous candy-cane Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Yes, we are talking about Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Hope Town is simply a must-visit during your yacht charter in the Abacos. Founded in 1785, Hope Town has a rich history and does a remarkable job preserving it. The Wyannie Malone Museum, named after one of the early settlers, exhibits photos, documents, artifacts, and more.
Elbow Reef Lighthouse, built in the 1860s, is a beautiful structure on its own, but the fact that it’s the last lighthouse in the world still powered with kerosene and operated by a person makes it even more memorable. It’s high enough for a great view over Hope Town, and if you wish to help support the local preservation efforts, you can simply buy something from the souvenir shop.
The southern part of Elbow Cay is where Tahiti Beach is located. This stretch of white sand features a stunning sandbar that becomes visible at low tide. Here are some other stunning sandbars in the Bahamas to put on your travel bucket list.
Day 7: Elbow Cay to Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park (or optional cay)
On this day, you can choose the destination that you most prefer between Elbow Cay and Abaco National Park. Some great examples include Lubbers Quarters Cay, Tilloo Cay, and Lynyard Cay.
One option for a day trip is Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, a beautiful spot for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring on land. This nature preserve covers an area of 2,100 acres of breathtaking Bahamian wilderness and serves as a protected habitat for sea turtles.
Sandy Cay Reef, south of Pelican Cays close to the North Bar Channel, is said to be one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the Bahamas, featuring a healthy coral reef, underwater caves, and a diverse marine life. Apart from a variety of coral species, you have the chance to spot vibrant schools of fish, stingrays, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, Nassau grouper, and even dolphins if you are lucky. At only 30 feet, the reef is shallow enough to be suitable for divers of all levels, and the snorkeling equipment on our charter yachts may come in handy.
Day 8: Abaco National Park
On the south end of Great Abaco is a massive National Park covering an impressive 20,500 acres of pristine forests. Abaco National Park is a wilderness preserve for the Caribbean pine forests that serve as the main habitat of the endangered Bahamian parrot. Abaco National Park, in addition to being one of the last homes of the Bahamian parrot, is also home to other native bird species including Bahama Swallow, Bahama Mockingbird, and Bahama Yellowthroat. Several hiking trails wind through the wilderness and offer chances to spot a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and, of course, birds, even the rare Bahamian parrot. It is indeed easy to recognize one, with its vibrant green plumage and red throat.
Day 9: Abaco National Park to Little Harbor
Head back up north to a quaint little place called Little Harbour. Little Harbour has a sheltered anchorage and a popular beach bar called Pete’s Pub and Gallery with an art foundry where various marine-themed sculptures are cast in bronze. Tour the gallery and the only art foundry in the Bahamas followed by a meal in the restaurant. Pete’s Pub is a Caribbean gem serving traditional Bahamian cuisine and featuring a sand floor and relaxed beach vibes.
Another highlight is the caves across the water from Pete’s, a great place to explore with kayaks, and just a short walk north is the Old Lighthouse, a ruin from 1889. The lighthouse was damaged in a storm a very long time ago and never rebuilt, but the ruin still stands.
Day 10: Little Harbor to Marsh Harbour
Start to make your way north back to Marsh Harbour where our base is located. You may take your time and stop as much as you want to explore hidden coves and beaches along the way or head back quickly to get more hours to spend in Marsh Harbour.
Checkout: Marsh Harbour
Checkout the following day by 10 AM. By that time, the fuel tanks should have been refilled and the yacht emptied of all belongings.
Since 2001, over 350,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventure will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.