Miami to Bahamas Yacht Charter

BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTERS

From Miami to the Bahamas by Private Yacht

The Bahamas begin 50 nautical miles east of Miami across the Gulf Stream. Bimini is a 4 to 6-hour crossing on a private yacht. Nassau is a full day. The Exumas are a multi-day passage through some of the clearest water in the Atlantic. Every crossing is private, fully crewed, and handled from Miami Beach Marina or whichever departure point best suits your route.

Crown Yachts Miami operates a fleet of offshore-capable vessels equipped for Gulf Stream crossings and Bahamian passage. The captain manages the crossing, weather windows, customs clearance on arrival, and all navigation for the full voyage. You arrive in the Bahamas with nothing to arrange. A private chef and full provisioning are pre-loaded before departure for every multi-day charter. The only thing required from passengers is a valid passport.

Bimini

4-6 hours from Miami

Nassau

8-12 hours from Miami

Exumas

5-7 day itinerary

PLAN YOUR CROSSING VIEW FLEET

OFFSHORE FLEET

Vessels for Bahamas Crossings

Gulf Stream crossings require offshore-rated vessels. Browse the fleet and we confirm which vessels are cleared for your destination and group size.

YACHT OPTIONS

Not sure which yacht fits your group? Our team will recommend the best yacht based on your needs.

TRIP FORMATS

Miami to Bahamas Charter Options

From a Bimini day trip to a full Exumas expedition, every format is built around where you want to go and how long you have.

Bimini Day Trip

The closest point in the Bahamas to Miami is Bimini, approximately 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream. A day trip departs Miami early morning, completes the 4 to 6-hour crossing, and arrives in Bimini by midday. The afternoon is spent at anchor in clear Bahamian water before a late return crossing. The Bimini day trip is the most accessible introduction to international yacht travel and the most popular format for guests who want Bahamas water without committing to an overnight.

2 Days

Bimini Overnight

A 2-day Bimini charter departs Miami on day one, completes the crossing by afternoon, and anchors in Bimini Harbour overnight. Day two covers the Bimini sandbars, the clear water flats, and the return crossing to Miami before evening. The overnight format gives a full Bimini experience including dinner at anchor, stargazing on open water, and a full morning in the Bahamas before the return leg. The most popular multi-day format for couples and small groups making their first Bahamas crossing.

3-4 Days

Bimini and Nassau Circuit

A 3 to 4-day charter covers both Bimini and Nassau on a single itinerary. Day one completes the Miami to Bimini crossing. Day two continues southeast to Nassau. Days three and four explore Nassau's harbour, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island anchorages before the return route north through the Bahamas. A 4-day circuit gives enough time for the full Nassau waterfront, a day at anchor on clear Bahamian water, and a night in Bimini on the return leg.

Multi-Day

Exumas Expedition

The Exumas are widely considered the most spectacular stretch of water in the Bahamas. The 365-island chain begins approximately 280 nautical miles southeast of Miami and requires a minimum 5-day charter to reach and explore properly. The Exumas are home to Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Thunderball Grotto, the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, and the nurse shark shallows at Compass Cay. Water clarity in the Exumas is exceptional. Charter groups spend 2 to 3 days exploring the chain before the multi-day return to Miami.

3-4 Days

Berry Islands Retreat

The Berry Islands are a chain of private cays approximately 150 nautical miles from Miami, reachable in 8 to 10 hours on a larger vessel. The islands are significantly quieter than Bimini or Nassau, with private anchorages, world-class deep-sea fishing, and minimal boat traffic. A 3 to 4-day Berry Islands charter covers the Chub Cay anchorage, fishing grounds along the Tongue of the Ocean, and a night at anchor under open sky. The format best suited to fishing-focused groups and guests who prefer private island anchorages over marina stops.

Bespoke

Custom Multi-Island Itinerary

A fully custom Bahamas charter designed around your preferred islands, duration, and pace. Multi-island itineraries combining Nassau, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, the Abacos, and the Exumas are available on extended charters of 7 days or more. The captain and crew plan the route, manage weather windows, coordinate customs clearances at each port of entry, and advise on anchorage selection throughout. Custom itineraries are best suited to experienced boaters, large family charters, and groups who have done a Bimini or Nassau trip before and want to go deeper into the Bahamas.

WHAT'S INCLUDED AND AVAILABLE

Bahamas Charter Services

Everything from full provisioning to a private chef and watersports package is pre-loaded before departure from Miami.

Provisioning

Full Trip Provisioning

All meals, snacks, and beverages pre-loaded and stocked for the full duration of the crossing. Multi-day Bahamas charters require complete provisioning before departure. Every food item, beverage, ice, and consumable for the entire trip is sourced and loaded by the crew before you board at the Miami marina.

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Culinary

Private Chef

A private chef prepares all meals on board during the crossing and throughout the Bahamas stay. Menus are customized in advance and prepared fresh daily. Popular on 3-day and longer charters where dining on board is a significant part of the experience. The chef handles breakfast, lunch, sundowner snacks, and dinner service for the full trip.

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Activities

Watersports Package

Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and jet skis deployed directly from the vessel in Bahamian waters. The Bimini flats, Exumas shallows, and Berry Islands sandbars are among the best snorkeling and watersports environments in the Atlantic. Equipment is loaded before departure from Miami and deployed at anchor throughout the trip.

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Entertainment

Private DJ

A professional DJ with full sound setup for evening anchor parties and sunset sessions in Bahamian waters. Popular on Bimini overnight charters and multi-day trips where evenings at anchor are a central part of the experience. Coordinates with bar and provisioning service throughout the trip.

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Decor

Custom Decoration

Floral arrangements, balloon setups, and themed decoration for celebrations crossing to the Bahamas. Milestone birthdays, anniversary crossings, and proposal charters can all be set up and decorated before departure. The crew sets everything up while you are in transit and the vessel arrives at the Bimini anchorage fully dressed.

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Transport

VIP Transfer to Marina

Black car service from your hotel or home to the marina dock, timed to arrive before the early morning departure for the Gulf Stream crossing. Return transfer from the marina on arrival back in Miami. Eliminates the need to arrange transportation for a 5am to 6am departure day.

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HOW IT WORKS

How to Plan a Bahamas Crossing

Six steps from first contact to arriving in Bahamian waters with nothing left to arrange.

01

Choose Your Destination

Bimini is the entry-level Bahamas crossing, 4 to 6 hours from Miami. Nassau and the Berry Islands require a full day's crossing and work best on 3 to 4-day charters. The Exumas require 5 to 7 days minimum. Tell us where you want to go and for how many days and we recommend a vessel and itinerary.

02

Select a Blue-Water Vessel

Not every yacht in the fleet is cleared for offshore crossings. Vessels rated for the Gulf Stream and open Atlantic passages are a subset of the full lineup. We match your group size and destination to the appropriate vessel and confirm offshore clearance, stabilization, and range before booking.

03

Arrange Passports and Documentation

All passengers must hold a valid passport for entry into the Bahamas. No visa is required for US citizens for stays under 8 months. The captain handles the Bahamas cruising permit, vessel documentation, and coordinates customs clearance at the Bahamian port of entry. We confirm the documentation checklist after booking.

04

Plan Provisioning

Multi-day Bahamas charters require pre-loaded provisioning for all meals and beverages at sea. We coordinate full provisioning through our onboard catering team and private chef service. A full provisioning list is confirmed before departure. Specialty provisions, dietary requirements, and any celebrations on board are arranged in advance.

05

Confirm and Watch the Weather Window

The Gulf Stream crossing is weather-dependent. Crossing in 15-knot-plus northeast winds creates uncomfortable sea conditions. The captain monitors the 7-day marine forecast and recommends the best departure window within your travel dates. We secure the booking with a deposit and confirm the exact crossing day based on weather 48 hours out.

06

Depart and Cross the Gulf Stream

Depart Miami early morning to complete the Gulf Stream crossing in the calmest part of the day. The crew handles navigation, weather monitoring, customs coordination on arrival, and all provisioning service throughout the voyage. You arrive in the Bahamas with nothing to arrange. Everything from the marina berth to the anchorage at your first stop is pre-planned.

DEPARTURE POINTS

Miami Marinas for Bahamas Departures

Miami Beach Marina is the primary departure point. Other marinas are matched to your vessel size and preferred crossing route.

Miami Beach Marina

The primary departure point for Bahamas crossings. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, directly adjacent to Government Cut and the open Atlantic. Most popular for Bimini and Nassau crossings.

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BAHAMAS DESTINATIONS

Where to Go on a Bahamas Yacht Charter

Six destinations reachable by private yacht from Miami, from a Bimini day trip to a full Exumas expedition.

Bimini

Day Trip or Overnight

Bimini is the closest point in the Bahamas to Miami, approximately 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream. The crossing takes 4 to 6 hours depending on vessel speed and sea conditions. North Bimini has a main marina, a short strip of restaurants and dive shops, and direct access to clear Bahamian flats. The Bimini Road, an underwater rock formation of geological interest, is a 15-minute dive from the marina. South Bimini is quieter, with protected anchorages and calmer water. Bimini is the standard first Bahamas stop for charters departing from Miami Beach Marina or Government Cut.

WHY CROWN YACHTS MIAMI

What We Handle on a Bahamas Crossing

Offshore-capable fleet rated for Gulf Stream and Bahamas crossing

BLUE-WATER CAPABLE FLEET.VESSELS RATED FOR OPEN ATLANTIC PASSAGES

Gulf Stream crossings and open Bahamian passages require vessels equipped with offshore navigation, extended fuel range, stabilization systems, and life safety equipment beyond what is required for bay charters. Crown Yachts Miami maintains a specific list of vessels cleared for Bahamas crossings. Every offshore booking is confirmed against vessel range, sea-keeping capability, and navigation equipment for the planned route before the charter date is locked.

Captain handles Bahamas customs and cruising permit for the charter

CUSTOMS AND ENTRY HANDLED.CAPTAIN COORDINATES ALL DOCUMENTATION

International yacht entry into the Bahamas requires a Bahamian cruising permit, vessel documentation, a passenger manifest, and customs clearance at an official port of entry. The captain handles all of this on every Crown Yachts Miami Bahamas charter. Passengers need only carry a valid passport. The captain coordinates the arrival call-ahead, presents documentation on entry, and manages departure clearance for each leg of a multi-island itinerary. No paperwork is left to the guests.

Full provisioning loaded before the Miami to Bahamas departure

FULLY PROVISIONED BEFORE DEPARTURE.EVERY MEAL AND BEVERAGE PRE-LOADED

Unlike a day charter where guests can stop and buy provisions anywhere in Miami, a multi-day Bahamas crossing requires everything loaded before leaving the dock. Crown Yachts Miami coordinates full trip provisioning through the onboard catering team and private chef service. All meals, snacks, beverages, ice, and daily supplies for the entire trip are sourced, loaded, and organized before departure. Custom menus, dietary requirements, and any celebration setup are confirmed in advance and ready when you board.

USCG licensed captain with offshore Bahamas crossing experience

LICENSED CAPTAINS WITH OFFSHORE EXPERIENCE.GULF STREAM CROSSINGS AND BAHAMIAN PASSAGE

Gulf Stream crossings, open Atlantic passages, and multi-island Bahamian itineraries require a different level of experience than bay charters. Every Crown Yachts Miami captain assigned to a Bahamas crossing holds a USCG offshore credential and has completed multiple Bimini, Nassau, and extended Bahamian passages. The captain monitors the 7-day marine forecast, selects the optimal departure window, manages the crossing under way, and advises on anchorage selection and weather routing throughout the voyage.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES