10 Best islands in the Bahamas & Exumas to visit on a private superyacht charter with Edmiston

With over 700 islands and thousands of cays in the Bahamas –  there are more than 365 islands and cays in the Exumas alone – this pristine corner of the Caribbean is a natural playground for superyachts. From pink sandy beaches to exclusive islands, glittering lagoons teeming with marine life to secret sandbanks revealed by the tide, the choice in this cruising ground is endless.

As with anywhere, though, there are some standout stars of the show and Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Staniel Cay, Great Exuma and Little Exuma are among the best islands in the Bahamas to visit on a private yacht. Follow our curated cruising guide to this tropical superyacht territory for the perfect Bahamas charter itinerary, whether you are looking for a romantic couples’ escape, a family Bahamas odyssey, or are planning a multi-generational vacation.

Why explore the Bahamas & Exumas by superyacht charter

Scattered with countless cays and islands, and framed by vast, uninterrupted skies, the Bahamas and Exumas offer one of the world’s most compelling cruising grounds. While rewarding year round, winter and early spring see the region come alive as a true superyacht hub.

Drawing on a trusted network of captains, brokers and destination specialists, Edmiston crafts bespoke Bahamas yacht charter itineraries shaped entirely around each client. Here is our top choice of islands.

Best islands to visit in the Bahamas on a luxury yacht charter

Bahamas luxury yacht charters can bring you to the most deluxe, private, family-friendly cays and romantic hideaways. From private islands in the Bahamas, to exclusive Exuma escapes, here are the best islands to visit, all curated for an exceptional charter experience.

1. Harbour Island – Best island in Bahamas for couples

With its famous three-mile-long pink-sand beach and chic ‘islands-meet-the-Hamptons’ energy, Harbour Island is one of the best islands in the Bahamas for couples looking for some one-on-one time.

A popular extension to Miami yacht charters and well facilitated for superyachts, Harbour Island has deep-water marinas on its west coast for easy shore access, in fact everything about this island is so easygoing, your worries will feel a world away.

Take the tender to shore and explore the pretty pastel streets of Dunmore Town, or book a table at the oceanfront Clubhouse, which buzzes with an understated kind of nautical glamour.

2. Eleuthera – Best for romantic escapes

A barely perceptible hop over from Harbour Island, Eleuthera, with its dramatic coastal landscapes, glassy blue holes and secluded coves, is one of the best islands to visit in the Bahamas.

Wilder and less preened than its neighbour, Eleuthera’s allure lies in her natural assets such as the Queen’s Baths – tidal pools on the isle’s Atlantic coast carved by the sea, which at low or medium tide are as warm as a bathtub.

Elsewhere, dozens of anchorages and private beaches lend themselves well to romantic lunches, sunset walks, and quiet overnight moorings, making this the perfect place to reignite that flame.

3. Staniel Cay & Big Major Cay – Best island in Bahamas for families

Home to some of the Bahama’s biggest attractions – the swimming pigs and the famous ‘Thunderball’ grotto (which starred in the James Bond film of the same name) – as well as all the usual sandbars and shallow turquoise bays, Staniel Cay is the perfect stop-off for unforgettable family charters.

With easy tender access to multiple attractions in one zone, it’s a great place for toy-heavy yachts and fun-packed family days, followed by picnics on private sandbanks. Afterwards, head to the refined surrounds of Staniel Cay Yacht Club, for a rum punch with fellow superyacht guests.

4. Compass Cay – Best for nature experiences

Compass Cay is a conservation area that feels far removed from some of the busier parts of the Caribbean. Coming under the no-take zone of the Exumas Cay Land and Sea Park, it’s a fantastic place to experience unique wildlife encounters, such as swimming with nurse sharks – the docile fish are known as the ‘labradors of the sea’, so it’s perfectly safe. 

There are also natural rock pools to investigate and pure strips of turquoise shallows well-suited to snorkelling. Visiting by private yacht also allows you to anchor nearby the night before, so you’ll have this marine wonderland all to yourself in the morning.

5. Highbourne Cay – Best for a sense of exclusion

A private island with a protected marina, quiet beaches, and an exclusive yet understated atmosphere, Highbourne Cay is a local secret among the region’s seasoned seafarers.

A natural first overnight stopover from the Bahamas’ capital of Nassau – where most Bahamas yacht charters set off from – it offers reliable provisioning, a calm anchorage, plus easy access to the northern Exuma Cays. 

For ocean-to-plate fresh seafood, ask your crew to book a table at Highbourne restaurant, and then allow your internal clock to reset to island time, with the slow rhythms of the place and the never-ending horizon allowing you to drift to a state of complete contentment.

6. Great Exuma – Best for charters with older children

Home to lively George Town, beautiful beaches like Coco Plum, and a relaxed ambience where you can enjoy immersing yourself in local life at low-key eateries and markets, this is a great place for a carefree cultural excursion with teenagers and grown-up children.

With deep-water anchorages and some blue-hole dive sites, there is also lots of opportunity for more thrilling adventures, while the island’s airport makes it an excellent start or end point for standalone Exumas yacht charters.

7. Little Exuma – Best for quiet, away-from-it-all charters

With an iconic Tropic of Cancer Beach, salt flats, and a peaceful, unspoiled landscape perfect for long beach walks, Little Exuma is the less developed sibling to Great Exuma.

Offering superb tender landings on soft beaches, calm waters for paddleboarding, and ultra-quiet anchorages, as well as authentic Bahamian cuisine, it’s hard to believe its more sophisticated big brother is just over the bridge.

8. Warderick Wells Cay – Best for snorkelling

A protected marine reserve with untouched reefs, hiking trails, blowholes, and some of the clearest water in the Bahamas, this cay within the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is ideal for guests who like to explore below the surface of the water as much as above it.

Visibility is extraordinary for snorkelling amid the colourful coral reefs and with moorings that protect the seabed, it offers peaceful, nature-rich nights aboard, with no environmental concerns keeping you awake at night.

9. Shroud Cay – Best for on-the-water fun

Renowned for its meandering Mangrove rivers, Shroud Cay is perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking trips and tender rides. However, it’s not always as sedate as first appears, with Sanctuary Creek beginning as a lazy river where you can often see sea turtles by the side of your dinghy, ending with a rapid-style water slide that spits you out to sea, much like nature’s own water theme park.

10. Private islands of the Exumas – Best for VIP gatherings

For guests looking for total seclusion amid a utopian landscape, our team can arrange access to some of the most exclusive island hideaways in this sparsely inhabited part of the Bahamas.

Powder-soft beaches and high-end villas are the perfect pairing for guests looking for their own private slice of paradise. After arriving discreetly by tender, our charter teams can combine nights onboard with private-villa stays that give you privileged access to the Bahamas’ best beaches and protected bays, and all away from the world’s prying eyes.

Planning your superyacht charter Bahamas itinerary with Edmiston

The best time of year to charter a yacht in the Bahamas is during the peak season from December to April, though the summer shoulder seasons are also worth considering. You should allow at least 10 days to two weeks for your charter and depending on how much you want to move around, you can expect to visit around six islands.

Our in-the-know charter teams can help tailor itineraries for your party, whether you are looking to escape it all at some quiet Exumas anchorages, experience local culture, or even party with the superyacht set.

As experts in the region, Edmiston can advise on the best islands in the Bahamas for your specific group and match you with the right superyacht. For guests looking for every imaginable amenity, LADY S yacht is a winner every time, with a glass-bottomed pool, a helipad, sports court and an amiable crew of 31 to help you get the most out of this incredible cruising ground.

For a more traditional nautical atmosphere, book a charter aboard ROSEHEARTY yacht, which has an impressive seven cabins in her long, lean frame, and offers a chance to slow down and embrace island time fully.

Edmiston’s well connected team can also coordinate any necessary berths, obtain permissions, and arrange for private island access and unique experiences.

Speak to one of our Bahamas charter specialists [add link] and begin planning your luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas today.

For those inspired to explore further, the Caribbean offers a wealth of extraordinary cruising grounds beyond the Bahamas. From discovering the best things to do in the BVIs to uncovering the best beaches in the ABC Islands, or embarking on a Caribbean island-hopping adventure in the Leeward Islands or Windward Islands yacht charter, each region reveals its own distinct rhythm. For a more adventurous itinerary, discover the best hikes in the Caribbean, where dramatic landscapes and rich culture redefine the superyacht experience, or explore the depths on a Caribbean scuba yacht charter adventure.

Wherever your passion lies, we can make it happen for you. Speak to our charter specialists to begin crafting your next bespoke Caribbean yacht charter journey.