Which Yachts Suit a Multi-Day Trip
Look for a yacht with several cabins, a comfortable salon, enough fuel range, and a crew that can handle overnight service. In our fleet, the larger yachts are the natural candidates, for example the Azimut 116, the Maiora 110, the Azimut 105, the Ferretti 97, the Leopard 92, or the Sunseeker 82. Always confirm the cabins, the overnight capacity, and the yacht’s approval for the Bahamas with us before you choose. For the service that comes with the larger yachts, read about our exclusive superyacht experiences and our luxury yacht experiences.
Weather and the Best Time to Go
- Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the peak is usually August to October. Charters in this period need extra flexibility, and some captains avoid the Bahamas at the height of the season.
- Winter brings cold fronts with strong north winds, which make the Gulf Stream crossing rough on some days. The weather between fronts is often excellent.
- Spring is often calmer and sunnier. Many captains consider late winter to early summer a good window.
Whatever the month, the captain decides when to cross, and the decision is final. Safety comes before the schedule, so build in spare days.
Customs and Entry Requirements
The rules change, so confirm the current version before you travel. The captain and the crew normally manage the process, and our team can help you prepare. Here is what to expect.
Entering the Bahamas
- The yacht must clear Customs and Immigration at a designated Port of Entry, such as Bimini or Nassau, on arrival.
- Private vessels are asked to pre-register through the Bahamas Customs online system, called Click2Clear. Submit it ahead of time, since the trip number can take a couple of days to arrive.
- The yacht flies a yellow quarantine flag on arrival. Until the vessel is cleared, usually only the captain goes ashore.
- A cruising permit is required, and permit fees and rules were changed in 2026, so the current cost should be confirmed by the captain.
- Every guest needs a valid passport and a completed immigration card.
Returning to the United States
- Everyone on board needs a valid passport, including children.
- The yacht must report its arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many boaters use the CBP ROAM app, and the captain may be asked to complete a short video check with an officer.
- Yachts of 30 feet or longer need a CBP user fee decal, which is bought online.
- Nobody should leave the yacht until it has been cleared.
For the official, current rules, see the Bahamas Customs Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Documents Checklist
- Valid passports for every guest, including children
- A visa, if your nationality requires one for the Bahamas or for re-entering the U.S. (check this early)
- For children traveling without both parents, a signed consent letter is often advised
- Prescription medicines in their original packaging
- Details of any allergies or medical conditions, shared with the crew
What to Confirm Before You Book
- Is the yacht approved and insured for charter in the Bahamas?
- Who handles the clearance, the permits, and the paperwork, and what does it cost?
- What does the price include: the crew, fuel, dockage, food and drinks, and the permit fees? What is extra?
- How much fuel is included for the crossing and the cruising, and what happens if the itinerary changes?
- How many guests can sleep on board, and how are the cabins arranged?
- What is the weather policy, and what happens if the crossing is delayed or cancelled?
- What are the cancellation terms for a multi-day trip?
- Is there a satellite phone, Wi-Fi, or another way to stay in touch when you are away from the coast?
Ask for the answers in writing.
Booking Tips
- Book early, especially for school holidays and the winter and spring seasons.
- Share your dream itinerary, your group size, and the dates you can move.
- Keep the plan simple. Two or three well-chosen stops beat a long list of ports.
- Pack light and for the sun: swimwear, sun protection, soft-soled shoes, and a light layer for the evenings. For the other side of the planning, see our Florida yacht rental destinations and our guide to a weekend on Biscayne Bay for shorter trips closer to home.
Ready to Plan Your Bahamas Charter?
Tell us your dates, the number of guests, and the kind of trip you imagine, and we will suggest a suitable yacht and route. Check availability and book your yacht, or browse our boats on the yacht rental in Miami page.