Bahamas Boat Rental with Captain and Crew

Miami Beach Marina

South Beach, Miami

The primary departure point for Bahamas crossings out of Miami. At the southern tip of Miami Beach beside Government Cut, vessels clear the channel within minutes and are in open water heading east toward Bimini and the Bahamian Bank. The most requested marina for a boat rental Bahamas day trip.

Watson Island deep-water marina between downtown Miami and Miami Beach, accommodating the largest offshore vessels. A short transit south through Biscayne Bay reaches Government Cut and the open Atlantic for the Bahamas crossing. Preferred for larger yacht rentals bound for Nassau and the Exumas.

At the Rickenbacker Causeway entrance, gateway to Key Biscayne and the southern approach to the Atlantic. Vessels exit through Cape Florida Channel for the crossing to Cat Cay and the southern Bimini chain, with no inner-bay congestion on an early morning departure.

Miami's largest marina in the sheltered waterfront neighborhood of Coconut Grove. The southern approach takes vessels through the lower bay toward Government Cut, well suited to crossings heading for Cat Cay and the southern Bimini chain.

The best-known departure marina in Fort Lauderdale, beside the Port Everglades inlet. Vessels clear the inlet directly into the open Atlantic, making this one of the shortest Broward departures for a Gulf Stream crossing to Bimini and the northern Bahamas.

The southernmost practical departure in Miami, serving guests from South Miami and Homestead. The shortest transit to open water for crossings to Cat Cay and the southern Bimini chain, and one of the least congested points for a dawn Gulf Stream departure.

Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to South Florida, roughly 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream. The crossing takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on vessel speed. North Bimini has a main marina, restaurants, and clear flats with 30 to 50 feet of visibility. It is the most popular first stop and the easiest boat rental Bahamas day trip. View Bimini charters.

Nassau sits on New Providence Island, roughly 185 nautical miles southeast of Miami. Nassau Harbour divides New Providence and Paradise Island and is one of the most recognizable anchorages in the region. Nassau works best on a 3 to 4-day boat charter with one travel day each way and two full days in harbour. View Nassau charters.

The Exumas are a 365-island chain stretching 100 miles southeast of Nassau, with water clarity widely considered the finest in the Atlantic. Key stops include Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Exuma Land and Sea Park. The Exumas require a minimum 5-day charter, with 7 days allowing a relaxed pace. View Exuma charters.

The Berry Islands are a collection of roughly 30 cays about 150 nautical miles from Miami. Chub Cay at the southern end is the main port of entry. Known for deep-sea fishing along the Tongue of the Ocean, private uninhabited anchorages, and none of the weekend boat traffic that crowds Bimini. A 3 to 4-day charter allows a full crossing day each way and two days exploring the anchorages.

Cat Cay is a private island roughly 55 nautical miles from Miami, slightly south of Bimini. The surrounding water and nearby sandbars are reachable on a day trip from Key Biscayne or Black Point Park. The crossing is marginally shorter than to Bimini from the southern marinas, and the sandbar water rivals any in the northern Bahamas.

Andros is the largest and least developed island in the Bahamas, roughly 160 nautical miles from Miami. The Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world, runs along the eastern shore and is accessible directly from the yacht. The Tongue of the Ocean drops to over 6,000 feet within a few miles of shore. Andros suits groups who prioritize diving, fishing, and nature over marinas and nightlife.