Trip of a Lifetime

The Bahamas promise charter guests a slice of tropical perfection and unrivalled escapism. This idyllic chain of 700 heavenly islands offers a mix of seclusion and connectedness.

Nassau
Dedicated to fun and relaxation, the vibrant capital of Nassau and neighbouring Paradise Island lie in stark contrast to the peace and solitude of the islands and cays that awaits. Embarkation can be at the Atlantis Paradise Island Marina, or Albany Marina.

Highbourne Cay
Your first stop, Highbourne Cay is known world-wide as the gateway to the ultimate ephemeral islands – The Exuma Cays. This privately owned island boasts nine beautiful beaches, nine properties and several 100-year-old plantations. The small-scale development was begun in the 1950s and the colonial style has an alluring charm. The shallow reefs that adorn the eastern shore of Highbourne Cay offer fantastic snorkelling just steps from the beach. Rise early and take the tender for deep-sea fishing trips off the east coast of Highbourne Cay where you’ll catch grouper, snapper and tuna.

Norman's Cay
Six miles long and a thousand feet wide, notorious Norman’s Cay is one of the longest islands in the Exumas. An island paradise once owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar, who used it as a base for smuggling drugs from Colombia into the US. History aside, the island is a place of exceptional natural beauty. Air charter flights can operate on the island’s airport, providing yacht charter guests an option for joining or leaving their yacht. Enjoy a sundowner or dinner at MacDuff’s Bar and Grill, a popular nightspot on Norman’s Cay.

Shroud Cay & Warderwick Wells
Catch high tide on Shroud Cay, an uninhabited archipelago of cays, filled with sun-soaked white sand beaches, surrounded by bright turquoise waters. This is a scuba diver’s haven and a place to reconnect to nature. Explore the wonderful rock formations and sea life of the mangrove salt marsh. There is a spot where zipping currents run around a small beach peninsular known to locals as the ‘washing machine’ – if you jump in to the current on one side, it will carry you around to the other side. The scientifically-minded will enjoy seeing the well-preserved skeleton of a 53ft sperm whale in nearby Warderwick Wells. It’s a short hike to Boo Boo Hill, legend says it’s haunted by souls of a ship that went missing in the surrounding reefs and it’s said on moonlit nights you can hear the spirits singing.

Hawksbill Cay
Hawksbill Cay lies between Shroud Cay and Cistern Cay or ‘between heaven and paradise’, as visitors have been known to say. After the American Revolution, citizens who had remained loyal to Great Britain were granted land in the Bahamas, where they hoped to cultivate large cotton plantations like the ones they left behind in the States. One of the best-preserved ruins of a Loyalist plantation in the Bahamas is on Hawksbill Cay. Hunt for treasure at Smugglers Cove, kayak through Pirate’s Cut, or wander through the abandoned village on Ruins Bay. Hike to the island’s peak for a spectacular 360 degree view.

Compass Cay
Compass Cay Marina feels isolated from civilisation, although other private islands, coral reefs, prime fishing grounds, and the shallow seas of the Exuma Land and Sea Park are in close proximity. Compass Cay has some unique experiences, including natural cave formations, and a very close encounter with some nurse sharks. There are 13 beaches to explore, which all come with excellent fishing possibilities. The nearby waters are teeming with life and you can be almost guaranteed to catch a fresh supper. Take a stroll round the island to visit Rachel’s Bubble Bath. Situated on the northern side of the island, the bath is actually a lagoon which is fed by the Sound. Water crashes over the edge of the lava rocks surrounding the lagoon, creating bubbles. Perfect for cooling down from the Bahamian sun, this is an experience not to be missed. After cooling off, burn off some energy by conquering the highest peak on the island – Compass Peak offers staggering views of the island and of the Land and Sea Park.

Staniel Cay & Pig Beach
Surrounded by clear, turquoise water and fringed with white, sandy beaches, Staniel Cay is one of the jewels of the Bahamas. Established in 1956, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a boutique resort on the island’s west coast, with a collection of brightly painted bungalows and a full-service marina where you can come ashore for lunch in the friendly and informal restaurant. Just off shore, Thunderball Grotto - where the 1965 James Bond film of the same name was filmed - is one of the most stunning snorkelling sites in the Bahamas.

Neighbouring Big Major’s Cay is unofficially known as Pig Beach because it’s populated by a colony of feral pigs which have become a popular tourist attraction. Although the island is only a mile long, it receives over 7 million visitors a year, all wanting to see the famous swimming pigs!