Yacht Charter Miami to Bahamas | Complete Guide 2026

In This Article

The Bahamas sit tantalizingly close to Miami — Bimini is just 50 nautical miles across the Gulf Stream, and suddenly you are in a different country with turquoise water, white sand, and a completely different pace of life. A private yacht charter makes the crossing straightforward, with your captain handling navigation, customs, and all the logistics.

This guide covers every Bahamas destination reachable from Miami, what you need for the crossing, which vessels handle it best, realistic costs, and everything you should pack before stepping aboard.

Bahamas Destinations from Miami

The Bahamas is not one destination — it is an archipelago of over 700 islands stretching more than 400 nautical miles. From Miami, several distinct regions are within reach depending on how much time you have.

Bimini — The Closest (50 Nautical Miles)

Bimini is the gateway to the Bahamas and the most popular yacht charter destination from Miami. The crossing takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on vessel speed and sea conditions.

Why Bimini: Crystal-clear water, laid-back island restaurants, excellent snorkeling at Bimini Road (an underwater rock formation some call the Road to Atlantis), Radio Beach for swimming, and Stuart’s Conch Stand for fresh conch salad. North Bimini is small enough to explore entirely on foot.

Best for: Day trips, first-time Bahamas crossings, small groups who want a taste of the islands without a multi-day commitment.

Charter duration needed: 8 hours minimum (recommended 10 hours for a relaxed pace).

For a detailed Bimini day trip breakdown, see the Miami to Bimini boat day trip guide.

Berry Islands — The Hidden Gem (65-80 Nautical Miles)

The Berry Islands are a chain of about 30 islands northwest of Nassau, accessible from Miami via Bimini or as a direct crossing for larger yachts. Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay are the main stops with marina facilities.

Why the Berry Islands: Secluded anchorages, empty beaches, some of the best sportfishing in the Bahamas, and almost no crowds. This is the Bahamas before tourism found it. Chub Cay serves as a port of entry with customs facilities.

Best for: Multi-day charters (2-3 days minimum), fishing enthusiasts, groups seeking privacy and seclusion over nightlife.

Charter duration needed: 2-3 day minimum. The Berry Islands reward slower exploration.

Nassau and Paradise Island — The Capital (160 Nautical Miles)

Nassau is roughly 160 nautical miles from Miami. Most yacht itineraries reach Nassau via Bimini with an overnight stop, making it a 2-day transit each way.

Why Nassau: Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, historic downtown Nassau, excellent dining, vibrant nightlife, and the jumping-off point for the Exumas. Nassau has full marina facilities, provisioning, and fuel.

Best for: Multi-day charters (4-7 days), groups combining city experiences with island exploration, itineraries continuing to the Exumas.

The Exumas — The Ultimate Destination (190+ Nautical Miles)

The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands stretching over 90 miles southeast of Nassau. This is where you find the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, the grotto at Thunderball Cave near Staniel Cay, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and the protected waters of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

Why the Exumas: The most pristine cruising grounds in the Bahamas. Shallow, crystal-clear water over white sand, protected anchorages, uninhabited cays, and marine life you can see from the deck.

Best for: Week-long charters, experienced yacht charter guests, bucket-list experiences. The Exumas require a larger yacht (55 feet and above recommended) and careful route planning due to shallow waters and limited facilities.

The Gulf Stream Crossing

Every Miami-to-Bahamas yacht charter involves crossing the Gulf Stream — the powerful ocean current that flows north between Florida and the Bahamas at 2-4 knots. Understanding this crossing is essential for a safe, comfortable trip.

What to Expect

The Gulf Stream is not a casual bay cruise. You are in open ocean for the full transit, exposed to wind and swells. On calm days, the crossing is smooth and scenic. When wind opposes the current (particularly north winds against the northward current), seas can become steep and uncomfortable quickly.

Calm conditions (under 3-foot swells): A comfortable ride for everyone, including first-timers. The water shifts from green to deep blue to the famous Bahamas turquoise as you approach the islands.

Moderate conditions (3-5 foot swells): Manageable on the right vessel but noticeably rougher. Passengers prone to motion sickness should take medication before departure.

Rough conditions (6+ foot swells): Your captain will recommend postponing. No responsible operator pushes through dangerous seas on a charter.

Vessel Requirements for the Crossing

Not every boat is suited for open-ocean passages. The Miami-to-Bahamas crossing demands:

• Deep-V hull design — Handles swells far better than flat-bottom hulls. A deep-V cuts through waves instead of pounding over them.
• Fuel range — Sufficient capacity for the round trip plus a 20-30% reserve. A Bimini round trip covers 100+ nautical miles of open ocean.
• Speed capability — Faster vessels (25+ knots cruising) spend less time in the Gulf Stream, which matters when conditions are marginal.
• Enclosed cabin space — Spray and wind on the crossing make an enclosed helm station valuable for passenger comfort.
• Safety equipment — Life raft, EPIRB, VHF radio, flares, and life jackets as required for offshore passages.

Minimum recommended size: 37 feet for a Bimini day trip. For multi-day itineraries to Nassau or the Exumas, 55 feet and above provides the comfort, range, and cabin space needed.

Best Vessels for a Bahamas Charter

Bimini Day Trip: Axopar 37 — From $4,800 (Full Day)

The Axopar 37 is purpose-built for this crossing. A deep-V hull designed for offshore performance, twin 300HP Mercury engines for speed, and seating for up to 13 guests. In calm conditions, it makes the crossing in under 2 hours. Captain, fuel for the round trip, and crew are included.

The Axopar also comes with a floating beach pool, snorkel masks, and two coolers — all useful once you reach Bimini’s clear water.

Comfort Crossing: Azimut 55 — From $2,040 (4 hours, Miami Bay)

The Azimut 55 offers enclosed salon space, a flybridge, air conditioning, and a bathroom — comforts that matter on a longer crossing. For a Bimini trip, plan an 8-hour charter minimum. Captain, fuel, and crew are included.

Extended Bahamas: Azimut 66 — From $3,000 (4 hours)

The Azimut 66 provides more space for multi-day provisioning and larger groups. The flybridge offers 360-degree views for spotting marine life during the crossing. Ideal for 2-3 day Bimini and Berry Islands itineraries.

Multi-Day Expedition: Playhouse 70 — From $3,000 (4 hours)

The Playhouse 70 is a 70-foot Sunseeker motor yacht with a spacious flybridge, A/C, Bluetooth sound system, and comfortable seating for up to 13 guests. Water toys can be arranged as add-ons. Perfect for families or groups that want comfort and space alongside the cruising.

Ultimate Bahamas: Super Yacht Tier (80-110 ft)

For week-long Exumas itineraries, the super yacht tier delivers the range, crew quarters, and onboard amenities needed for extended cruising:

• Sliptease 80 (Sunseeker) — From $3,000 for 4 hours
• AQUA 105 — From $4,800 for 4 hours, with onboard jacuzzi and 5 cabins
• Antago 110 — From $5,640 for 4 hours, 5 cabins, captain plus 2 mates and 2 stewardesses, 15% gratuity included in the rate
• San Lorenzo 97 “Astonish” — From $6,600 for 4 hours, 5 cabins, captain plus mate and stewardess, 18% gratuity pre-collected on all charters

Multiple staterooms, full galleys, and crew that can provision at stops along the way.

Customs and Immigration

Entering the Bahamas by private yacht requires preparation. Here is exactly what you need.

Required Documents

• Valid passport for every passenger — This is non-negotiable. Ensure at least six months of validity remaining on each passport. No exceptions.
• Bahamas immigration and customs forms — Can be completed electronically through the Bahamas Immigration portal before departure, or on arrival. Your captain will coordinate the process.
• Vessel documentation — The captain carries all necessary vessel registration and insurance documentation.

The Clearance Process

Your vessel must clear customs at an official port of entry upon arrival in the Bahamas. In Bimini, this is handled at the marina. In the Berry Islands, Chub Cay has customs facilities. Nassau has full port of entry services.

The captain docks at the appropriate facility and guides passengers through the process. Typically, one person (the captain or a designated passenger) handles the paperwork while everyone else waits aboard. The process takes 30-60 minutes depending on the port and how busy it is.

Fees

The Bahamas charges entry fees per person for visitors arriving by private vessel. The government has increased fees for visiting yachts in recent years, so confirm current rates before departure. Your captain will have the latest fee schedule. Children under a certain age may be exempt.

Returning to the US

Upon returning to Miami, US Customs and Border Protection requires notification. Your captain will contact CBP via phone or the CBP ROAM app before arrival. All passengers must have their passports ready for inspection.

Costs: What to Budget

Day Trip to Bimini

Item	Estimated Cost
Charter (Axopar 37, full day)	From $4,800
Gratuity (18%)	~$830
Bahamas entry fees (per person)	$25-$50 per person
Food and drinks on island	$30-$80 per person
Total for 6 guests	~$6,000-$6,500

Captain, fuel for the round trip, and crew are included in the charter rate. No surprise fuel surcharges for the ocean crossing.

Multi-Day Bahamas Charter

Multi-day charters to Nassau, the Berry Islands, or the Exumas are priced per day and vary significantly by vessel size, duration, and itinerary. Budget ranges:

• 2-3 day Bimini/Berry Islands on a 55-66ft yacht: $8,000-$15,000 total
• 5-7 day Nassau/Exumas on a 70-105ft yacht: $25,000-$80,000+ total

These are custom-quoted based on your group size, dates, vessel choice, and itinerary. Get a custom quote with your specific details for an accurate number.

Additional Costs to Budget

• Gratuity — 15-20% of the charter cost for your captain and crew
• Bahamas entry fees — Per-person charge at customs
• Provisioning — Food, drinks, and supplies for multi-day trips (often coordinated by the crew)
• Marina fees in the Bahamas — If docking overnight at a marina rather than anchoring
• Fuel surcharge for extended distances — Some multi-day itineraries beyond standard routes may carry additional fuel costs (confirm when booking)

Best Time of Year

Calm Seas: April through September

The calmest Gulf Stream conditions are typically from late April through September. Summer months bring lighter winds and flatter water. This is the most comfortable window for first-time crossings.

The trade-off: summer is hurricane season (June through November). Modern forecasting gives ample warning, and your captain will monitor weather closely. Actual hurricanes affecting the crossing route are rare on any given trip, but the possibility exists and can require rescheduling.

Peak Season: December through April

Peak charter demand in Miami — and the Bahamas — runs December through April. Weather is warm and dry, and tourist volume is at its highest. The catch: winter cold fronts push through every 1-2 weeks, creating 2-3 day windows of rough seas. Your captain will time the crossing between fronts.

Book 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season. Popular vessels and dates fill up quickly.

The Sweet Spot: April and May

Late spring combines the end of cold front season with the beginning of calm summer seas. Water temperatures are warm, crowds are moderate, and pricing has not yet hit summer peak.

Day Trip vs. Overnight: Which to Choose

Day Trip (Bimini Only)

Best for: First-time Bahamas charter guests, groups with limited time, budget-conscious travelers.

A typical Bimini day trip timeline:

• 7:00 AM — Board at the marina
• 7:30 AM — Depart Miami
• 9:30 AM — Arrive Bimini, clear customs
• 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM — Explore, swim, snorkel, eat
• 3:00 PM — Depart Bimini
• 5:00 PM — Arrive back in Miami

You get roughly five hours on the island. An 8-hour charter is the minimum; 10 hours gives more breathing room.

Overnight (Bimini + Berry Islands)

Best for: Groups wanting deeper immersion, fishing enthusiasts, couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Stay overnight at a Bimini marina or anchor in a protected harbor. The next day, explore further — the Berry Islands are a short hop from Bimini, and spending a night at Great Harbour Cay or Chub Cay opens up secluded beaches and fishing grounds that day-trippers never reach.

Extended (Nassau and Exumas)

Best for: Bucket-list experiences, milestone celebrations, groups with a week to spare.

A 5-7 day itinerary typically follows: Miami to Bimini (Day 1), Bimini to Berry Islands (Day 2), Berry Islands to Nassau (Day 3), Nassau to northern Exumas (Day 4), Exumas exploration (Days 5-6), return via Nassau and Bimini (Day 7).

This requires a yacht of 55 feet or larger with cabin accommodations, full provisioning, and experienced crew.

Packing Checklist

Essential Documents

• Valid passport (checked for expiration date)
• Copy of passport stored separately (phone photo works)
• Travel insurance documentation (recommended for international travel)

Clothing and Gear

• Swimwear (2-3 sets for multi-day trips)
• Light cover-ups and casual clothing
• Light jacket or windbreaker for the crossing (ocean spray and morning breezes)
• Non-marking shoes (flip-flops, boat shoes)
• Hat and polarized sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Practical Items

• Cash in US dollars (accepted everywhere in the Bahamas — bring small bills for restaurants and tips on the island)
• Waterproof phone case
• Seasickness medication (take 30-60 minutes before departure)
• Towels (the boat provides some, extras are useful)
• Snacks and drinks for the crossing (BYOB is standard)
• Portable charger for phones/cameras
• Snorkel gear (provided on most charters, but personal gear fits better)

What NOT to Bring

• Glitter, confetti, or balloons (banned on all charter vessels)
• Self-tanning oil (stains upholstery)
• Anything you cannot afford to get wet or salty

Planning and Booking Tips

1. Book the Bimini crossing early — The Axopar 37 and other ocean-capable vessels book up quickly for Bahamas trips, especially during peak season.

2. Build in a weather buffer — If your schedule allows, have a backup date in case the Gulf Stream is rough on your planned departure day. Flexible dates mean better odds of a smooth crossing.

3. Communicate your itinerary goals — Tell the charter team exactly what you want: day trip to Bimini, overnight with fishing, week-long Exumas exploration. This determines the vessel, crew, provisioning, and pricing.

4. Budget for the full picture — Charter rate plus gratuity (15-20%) plus entry fees plus island spending. For a Bimini day trip with 6 guests, budget approximately $1,000-$1,100 per person all-in.

5. Passports are not optional — Check every passenger’s passport expiration date at least two weeks before the trip. An expired passport means that person stays in Miami.

6. Trust your captain on weather — If your captain recommends postponing due to Gulf Stream conditions, listen. The crossing is safe in good weather but demands respect for the open ocean.

Ready to Plan Your Bahamas Charter?

Whether you are dreaming of a Bimini day trip or a week-long Exumas adventure, the first step is the same: tell us your dates, group size, and what kind of experience you are after.

Browse the full fleet to see which vessels handle the crossing, or get a custom quote for your Bahamas itinerary. For the fastest response, reach out on WhatsApp — the team can walk you through vessel options, customs logistics, and pricing in a single conversation.