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Joshua S.
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Amazing yacht rental experience. Ben was great on board, helpful, friendly and on top of everything. Everything went perfect, and the jet skis were superior. Will definitely be back.
Bahamas Island Hopping Yacht Charters
Bahamas Island Hopping Yacht Charter
A crewed multi-day voyage from South Florida through Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas. A new anchorage every day, captain and customs coordination included.
Captain and crew on every voyage. Customs coordination included.
AS SEEN IN
PRIVATE ISLAND HOPPING FROM SOUTH FLORIDA
Hop the Bahamas by Private Yacht Charter
A Bahamas island hopping yacht charter turns the archipelago into a single crewed voyage. The yacht crosses the Gulf Stream from a deep-water marina in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, then works south through the islands: Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas, dropping anchor at a different cay most mornings. Every trip is completely private, fully crewed, and managed from first inquiry to the final approach home.
Crown Yachts Miami is a South Florida operator running vessels cleared for Bahamian passages. The captain plans each leg, times the crossings around the weather, clears customs at the port of entry, and handles all navigation between islands. Once you arrive, the chain opens up: the flats at Bimini, the empty anchorages of the Berry Islands, Nassau and Paradise Island, and Exuma island hopping among the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and Staniel Cay.
Island hopping pricing is built around your specific route. The vessel, number of nights, group size, which islands you hop, and add-on services including a private chef, DJ, and open bar all factor in. Share your dates and itinerary via WhatsApp and we build the quote.
Bahamas Fleet
Offshore Vessels for Island Hopping
Offshore-rated yachts available for the Gulf Stream crossing and the runs between islands. Captain and crew on every booking. Vessel eligibility confirmed for your route and group size before the charter is locked.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How a Bahamas Island Hopping Charter Works
Island hopping is a multi-day voyage across open water, not a day charter on the bay. Here is what every trip includes from first contact to your last anchorage in the islands.
PLAN YOUR ROUTEA DIFFERENT ISLAND EACH DAY
A Crewed Multi-Day Voyage, Not a Single Anchorage
A Bahamas island hopping charter is built to move. Rather than sitting at one harbour, the yacht crosses from South Florida and then works its way through the islands, dropping anchor at a new cay most mornings. A typical route strings together Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas over several days, with the captain choosing each leg around the weather and where your group wants to go next.
COMPLETELY PRIVATE
One Group, One Vessel, No Other Passengers
Every Bahamas island hopping trip is a completely private booking. No shared passengers, no group tour format, no other guests at the anchorage or on board. Your group has the vessel, the captain, and the full crew exclusively for the entire voyage, from the South Florida departure marina through every island stop and back.
OFFSHORE-RATED VESSELS
Vessels Cleared for the Crossing and the Island Chain
Island hopping the Bahamas needs more than a bay yacht. The Gulf Stream crossing and the open runs between islands require extended fuel range, offshore navigation equipment, stabilization, and full safety gear. Crown Yachts Miami maintains a dedicated list of vessels cleared for Bahamian passages and confirms vessel eligibility before booking. View the Bahamas fleet.
CAPTAIN HANDLES EVERYTHING
Customs, Cruising Permit, and Inter-Island Navigation
Passengers carry only a valid passport. The captain handles the Bahamian cruising permit, vessel documentation, customs clearance at the port of entry, and all navigation between islands. Every leg, from the first crossing to each hop between cays, is planned and managed entirely by the crew.
FULL PROVISIONING PRE-LOADED
Every Meal, Drink, and Supply Loaded Before Departure
A multi-day island hopping charter requires everything loaded before leaving the dock, since resupply between remote cays is limited. Crown Yachts Miami coordinates full trip provisioning through the onboard catering team and private chef service. All meals, beverages, ice, and daily supplies for the trip are organized before departure. An open bar package and custom decoration for a celebration on the water are also available.
ITINERARY BUILT AROUND YOU
From a Northern Island Loop to a Full Exuma Expedition
A shorter island hopping trip covers the northern Bahamas: Bimini, Cat Cay, and the Berry Islands over 4 to 5 days. A longer route reaches Nassau and the Exumas for Exuma island hopping among the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and Staniel Cay across 7 days or more. Every itinerary is planned as a multi-day Bahamas charter around where you want to go and how long you have.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Island Hopping Routes
A starting point, not a fixed schedule. Every route is a multi-day charter the captain builds around your dates, your group, and how far you want to go. Mix and match islands, add nights, or extend into the Exumas.
Northern Islands4 to 5 Days
Bimini and the Berry Islands Loop
The classic first island hopping cruise. Cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini, spend a day on the flats and at the Cat Cay sandbars, then run north to the private anchorages of the Berry Islands. Each night is a different, quieter cay, with the shortest crossing back to Miami of any Bahamas route.
Most Requested7 Days
Nassau and the Exumas Expedition
Cross to Nassau, clear customs, then continue southeast into the Exumas for the heart of the trip. Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, one anchorage per day. See the full Nassau yacht charter for the crossing detail.
Exuma Focus5 to 7 Days
Exuma Cays Island Hopping
For groups who want the clearest water in the Atlantic, the route bases in the Exumas and hops the 365-island chain: Exuma Land and Sea Park, sandbars that appear at low tide, and cays reachable only by private vessel. A dedicated Exuma yacht charter built entirely around island hopping.
Grand Tour10 to 14 Days
Bimini to the Exumas Grand Hop
The full island hopping cruise from top to bottom. Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and the Exumas, moving south through the archipelago at an unhurried pace. The complete Bahamas island hopping trip on a fully crewed and provisioned catamaran or motor yacht.
DEPARTURE POINTS
South Florida Marinas for the Crossing
An island hopping charter departs deep-water marinas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We match the departure point to where your group is staying and to the offshore vessel assigned for your route.
Select a marina to see the location
Miami Beach Marina
South Beach, Miami
The primary Miami departure point for a Bahamas island hopping charter. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, adjacent to Government Cut and the open Atlantic. Vessels clear the Cut within minutes of departure and head east toward Bimini and the island chain. The most requested marina for a Bahamas crossing from Miami.
Watson Island deep-water marina on the MacArthur Causeway, between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It accommodates the larger vessels used on a multi-island trip, with deep-water berths and direct bay access. A short transit south reaches Government Cut and the Atlantic for the crossing.
The best-known marina in Fort Lauderdale, on Seabreeze Boulevard near the beach and the traditional home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From Bahia Mar the yacht reaches the Port Everglades inlet and the open Atlantic quickly, a leading South Florida departure point for a Bahamas island hopping cruise.
A deep-water mega-yacht marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway, minutes from the Port Everglades inlet. Its deep berths suit the larger offshore vessels used for island hopping, and the run to open water is short. Convenient for guests staying in the Harbor Beach and 17th Street hotel district.
At the Rickenbacker Causeway entrance, gateway to Key Biscayne and a southern Miami approach to the Atlantic. Vessels exit through the Cape Florida Channel for the crossing to Cat Cay and Bimini. A convenient departure for guests staying south of the city before the island chain.
Miami's largest marina, in the sheltered waterfront neighborhood of Coconut Grove. The southern approach from Dinner Key takes vessels through the lower bay toward Government Cut and the Florida Straits, popular for island hopping routes starting toward Cat Cay and the southern Bimini chain.
View Miami Beach yacht charters- Miami Beach MarinaSouth Beach, MiamiThe primary Miami departure point for a Bahamas island hopping charter. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, adjacent to Government Cut and the open Atlantic. Vessels clear the Cut within minutes of departure and head east toward Bimini and the island chain. The most requested marina for a Bahamas crossing from Miami.Miami Beach yacht charters
- Island Gardens Deep HarbourWatson Island, MiamiWatson Island deep-water marina on the MacArthur Causeway, between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It accommodates the larger vessels used on a multi-island trip, with deep-water berths and direct bay access. A short transit south reaches Government Cut and the Atlantic for the crossing.Downtown Miami yacht charters
- Bahia Mar Yachting CenterFort Lauderdale BeachThe best-known marina in Fort Lauderdale, on Seabreeze Boulevard near the beach and the traditional home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From Bahia Mar the yacht reaches the Port Everglades inlet and the open Atlantic quickly, a leading South Florida departure point for a Bahamas island hopping cruise.Las Olas yacht charters
- Pier Sixty-Six Marina17th Street, Fort LauderdaleA deep-water mega-yacht marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway, minutes from the Port Everglades inlet. Its deep berths suit the larger offshore vessels used for island hopping, and the run to open water is short. Convenient for guests staying in the Harbor Beach and 17th Street hotel district.Harbor Beach yacht charters
- Rickenbacker MarinaKey Biscayne, MiamiAt the Rickenbacker Causeway entrance, gateway to Key Biscayne and a southern Miami approach to the Atlantic. Vessels exit through the Cape Florida Channel for the crossing to Cat Cay and Bimini. A convenient departure for guests staying south of the city before the island chain.Key Biscayne yacht charters
- Dinner Key MarinaCoconut Grove, MiamiMiami's largest marina, in the sheltered waterfront neighborhood of Coconut Grove. The southern approach from Dinner Key takes vessels through the lower bay toward Government Cut and the Florida Straits, popular for island hopping routes starting toward Cat Cay and the southern Bimini chain.Coconut Grove yacht charters
BOOKING PROCESS
How to Plan a Bahamas Island Hopping Charter
01
Share Your Dates, Duration, and Group Size
Contact us via WhatsApp with your preferred travel dates, how many nights you have in mind, and how many guests will be on board. Because island hopping is a multi-day trip, we build a route recommendation around your timeline, whether that is a northern island loop or a full Nassau and Exumas expedition.
02
Receive an Offshore Vessel Shortlist
We send a curated list of vessels cleared for Bahamian passages, matched to your group size and duration. Options range from the Lazzara LSX 75 and Princess 88 to the Azimut 116 and Pershing GTX 116. Each option includes offshore range, speed, and cabin capacity for the nights between islands.
03
Build the Route and Choose Your Islands
We finalize the hopping route with you: which islands, how many nights at each, and the departure marina closest to where your group is staying. A northern loop through Bimini and the Berry Islands, a Nassau and Exumas run, or a full grand tour. Depart from Miami Beach Marina or a deep-water Fort Lauderdale marina depending on your vessel assignment.
04
Arrange Provisioning, Add-Ons, and Documentation
A multi-day hop requires full trip provisioning loaded before departure. We coordinate with the private chef on menus and dietary requirements, confirm the beverage package, and arrange any celebration setup. Every passenger receives the passport and documentation checklist at this stage.
05
Confirm with a Deposit and Receive Your Charter Agreement
Secure the vessel and crossing dates with a deposit. You receive a full charter agreement covering the departure marina, boarding time, captain contact, provisioning confirmation, and a complete checklist of everything included. The captain monitors the marine forecast and confirms the exact departure window 48 hours out.
06
Board, Cross, and Hop the Islands
Most Bahamas crossings depart early to complete the open-water passage in the calmest part of the day. The captain and crew are on board before you arrive, with every provision and add-on ready. The yacht crosses to the first island, clears customs, and from there your group wakes up at a new anchorage each morning on the multi-day route.
THE ISLANDS
Where You Hop
The islands that make up a Bahamas hopping route, north to south. Bimini and the Berry Islands anchor a shorter loop, while Nassau, the Exumas, and Staniel Cay carry the longer expeditions. Every itinerary is built around which of these you want to string together.
Select an island to see where it is
Bimini
First HopBimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to Miami, roughly 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream, and the natural first stop on almost every island hopping trip. North Bimini has a main marina, restaurants, and clear flats with 30 to 50 feet of visibility. The nearby Cat Cay sandbars are a favorite anchorage before the yacht continues north to the Berry Islands. See the full island routes for how Bimini connects onward.
The Berry Islands are a chain of roughly 30 cays and rocks northeast of Bimini, known for private uninhabited anchorages, deep-sea fishing along the Tongue of the Ocean, and the near absence of crowds. Chub Cay at the southern end is a port of entry. On an island hopping cruise the Berry Islands are the quiet second act after Bimini, with a new empty anchorage most nights before the run down to Nassau.
Nassau on New Providence Island is the central hub of a Bahamas island hopping trip. Nassau Harbour, Paradise Island and Cabbage Beach, the calm bays of Rose Island, and snorkeling at Athol Island fill a day or two before the yacht pushes on to the Exumas. Nassau is also the resupply and customs point midway through a longer hop. See the Nassau yacht charter for the full stop.
The Exumas are a 365-island chain southeast of Nassau with the clearest water in the Atlantic, and the reason most groups book a longer island hopping charter. Exuma island hopping links Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and Exuma Land and Sea Park, one anchorage per day. Plan a dedicated Exuma yacht charter for the full chain.
Staniel Cay is the hub of the central Exumas and the anchorage most island hopping itineraries build a day around. From here the yacht reaches the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling through the cave, and the nurse shark shallows at Compass Cay, all within a short tender or cruise. It is the single most photographed stop on a Bahamas island hopping cruise.
Eleuthera and its neighbour Harbour Island sit east of Nassau and add pink-sand beaches and colonial Dunmore Town to a longer island hopping route. The three-mile Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is among the most famous in the Bahamas. On a grand tour hop, Eleuthera bridges Nassau and the Exumas with a quieter, more scenic overnight before the southern leg.
- BiminiFirst HopBimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to Miami, roughly 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream, and the natural first stop on almost every island hopping trip. North Bimini has a main marina, restaurants, and clear flats with 30 to 50 feet of visibility. The nearby Cat Cay sandbars are a favorite anchorage before the yacht continues north to the Berry Islands. See the full island routes for how Bimini connects onward.
- Berry IslandsPrivate AnchoragesThe Berry Islands are a chain of roughly 30 cays and rocks northeast of Bimini, known for private uninhabited anchorages, deep-sea fishing along the Tongue of the Ocean, and the near absence of crowds. Chub Cay at the southern end is a port of entry. On an island hopping cruise the Berry Islands are the quiet second act after Bimini, with a new empty anchorage most nights before the run down to Nassau.
- NassauMidpoint BaseNassau on New Providence Island is the central hub of a Bahamas island hopping trip. Nassau Harbour, Paradise Island and Cabbage Beach, the calm bays of Rose Island, and snorkeling at Athol Island fill a day or two before the yacht pushes on to the Exumas. Nassau is also the resupply and customs point midway through a longer hop. See the Nassau yacht charter for the full stop.
- The ExumasMain EventThe Exumas are a 365-island chain southeast of Nassau with the clearest water in the Atlantic, and the reason most groups book a longer island hopping charter. Exuma island hopping links Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and Exuma Land and Sea Park, one anchorage per day. Plan a dedicated Exuma yacht charter for the full chain.
- Staniel CaySwimming PigsStaniel Cay is the hub of the central Exumas and the anchorage most island hopping itineraries build a day around. From here the yacht reaches the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling through the cave, and the nurse shark shallows at Compass Cay, all within a short tender or cruise. It is the single most photographed stop on a Bahamas island hopping cruise.
- Eleuthera and Harbour IslandPink SandEleuthera and its neighbour Harbour Island sit east of Nassau and add pink-sand beaches and colonial Dunmore Town to a longer island hopping route. The three-mile Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is among the most famous in the Bahamas. On a grand tour hop, Eleuthera bridges Nassau and the Exumas with a quieter, more scenic overnight before the southern leg.
BAHAMAS ISLAND HOPPING
Island Hopping Charter: Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas
Crown Yachts Miami is a South Florida operator running private crewed island hopping charters. Every booking is fully private, fully crewed, and managed from first inquiry to the final anchorage in the Bahamas.
Bahamas Island Hopping Charter: The Northern Loop
Bimini, Cat Cay, and the Berry Islands
The shortest island hopping trip crosses the Gulf Stream to Bimini, spends a day on the flats and at the Cat Cay sandbars, then works north to the private anchorages of the Berry Islands. Crown Yachts Miami operates offshore-rated vessels from 75 to 116 feet with the range and cabins to make the crossing and the nights between islands comfortable. Every trip departs a deep-water marina in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and clears customs on arrival.
Island Hopping Bahamas Yacht: A New Anchorage Each Day
Fully provisioned before departure
Because resupply between remote cays is limited, a hopping charter is fully provisioned before it leaves South Florida. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at anchor, a private chef, and open bar service are loaded and organized before the crossing. Watersports gear rides along for every stop, so paddleboards, snorkeling, and the water toys are ready the moment the anchor drops at the next island.
Island Hopping Charter Bahamas: The Captain Handles Every Leg
A valid passport is all guests carry
International entry into the Bahamas requires a cruising permit, vessel documentation, a passenger manifest, and customs clearance at the port of entry. On every Crown Yachts Miami island hopping charter, the captain handles all of it, plus the navigation and weather timing for each hop between islands. Passengers carry only a valid US passport with six months of validity. The multi-day charter format includes a full crew, night watch, and morning preparations before the next leg.
Exuma Island Hopping: The Swimming Pigs and Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay, Big Major Cay, and Compass Cay
The longer hop reaches the Exumas, widely regarded as among the finest cruising grounds in the Atlantic: 365 islands, extraordinary water clarity, and anchorages accessible only by private vessel. Exuma island hopping links Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay. For milestone birthdays or a proposal with a Bahamian anchorage as the backdrop, Crown Yachts Miami coordinates the entire voyage. See the full Exuma yacht charter route.
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FAQ
Bahamas Island Hopping FAQ
- What is a Bahamas island hopping yacht charter?
- A Bahamas island hopping yacht charter, also called a Bahamas island hopping boat charter, is a fully crewed, private multi-day trip that crosses from South Florida and then moves through the Bahamian islands, dropping anchor at a new cay most mornings. Instead of staying at one harbour, the yacht links stops such as Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas into a single voyage. The captain plans each leg around the weather and your group's preferences. See the multi-day Bahamas charter for the format.
- Which islands can I visit on a Bahamas island hopping trip?
- A Bahamas island hopping trip can link Bimini, Cat Cay, the Berry Islands, Nassau and New Providence, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and the Exumas including Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Compass Cay. A shorter route covers the northern islands, while a longer route reaches Nassau and the Exumas. The exact chain of islands is built around your dates and how many nights you have.
- How many days do I need for a Bahamas island hopping charter?
- A northern island loop through Bimini, Cat Cay, and the Berry Islands works on 4 to 5 days. A Nassau and Exumas expedition, the most requested route, is best on 7 days. Exuma island hopping on its own suits 5 to 7 days, and a full grand tour from Bimini to the Exumas typically spans 10 to 14 days. Every itinerary is planned as a multi-day charter with one crossing day at each end.
- Do I need a passport for a Bahamas island hopping cruise?
- Yes. Every passenger needs a valid US passport with at least six months of validity remaining to enter the Bahamas by private vessel. US citizens do not require a visa for stays under 8 months. The captain handles the vessel's Bahamian cruising permit and coordinates customs clearance at the port of entry. All passengers present their passports to Bahamian customs on arrival.
- Where does a Bahamas island hopping charter depart from?
- Crown Yachts Miami is a South Florida operator running private crewed island hopping charters from deep-water marinas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. From Miami the crossing typically leaves Miami Beach Marina or Island Gardens Deep Harbour. From Fort Lauderdale it departs Bahia Mar or Pier Sixty-Six near the Port Everglades inlet. We recommend the departure closest to where your group is staying, then the yacht crosses to the first island and the hopping begins. See all Bahamas charters.
- What is included in a Bahamas island hopping yacht charter?
- Every Crown Yachts Miami island hopping charter includes a USCG-licensed captain experienced in offshore and international passages, a professional crew, all vessel navigation and safety equipment, Bahamian cruising permit coordination, and customs entry coordination at the port of entry. Full provisioning, a private chef, DJ, watersports equipment, and custom celebration setup are available as add-ons and are pre-loaded before departure from South Florida.
- Can I island hop the Exumas and see the swimming pigs?
- Yes. The Exumas are the highlight of most longer island hopping trips. From Nassau the yacht continues southeast into the Exuma chain, with Exuma island hopping linking Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay across several days. See the full Exuma yacht charter for the route through the cays.
- What size yacht do I need for island hopping the Bahamas?
- The Gulf Stream crossing and the open runs between islands require an offshore-rated vessel with the range, stability, and navigation equipment for Bahamian waters, plus cabins for the nights between cays. Crown Yachts Miami maintains a dedicated list of Bahamas-eligible vessels, including the Pershing GTX 116, Azimut 116, Princess 88, and San Lorenzo 97. We confirm vessel eligibility for your route and group size at booking.
- What is the best time of year for a Bahamas island hopping charter?
- November through April is the most popular season for island hopping from South Florida. The northeast trade winds are consistent, water temperatures are warm, and the crossings are generally more predictable. December through March can bring occasional cold fronts, so the captain times each leg between fronts. May and October suit groups who need to travel during hurricane season.
- How much does a Bahamas island hopping yacht charter cost?
- Island hopping pricing is built around your specific route. The vessel, number of nights, group size, which islands you hop, and add-on services including provisioning, a private chef, and DJ all factor into the total. We do not publish fixed rates because no two hopping itineraries use the same vessel over the same islands for the same number of days. Share your dates, duration, and group size via WhatsApp and we build a quote tailored to your trip. Browse the offshore fleet.
Ready to Hop the Bahamas by Yacht?
Tell us your dates, how many nights, and how many guests. We recommend an offshore vessel, build the island hopping route, and handle everything from the South Florida marina to every anchorage in the islands and back.
Captain and crew on every voyage Offshore fleet 75 to 116 feet Multi-day Bimini to Exumas routes 5.0 Google rating
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