bahamas bareboat cruise

Matt Weidert

Exumas Cruising Guide: Our Favorite Bahamas Sailing Destination

Planning for your exumas bareboat charter.

Provisioning

Exumas bahamas cruising guide resources, exumas cruising conditions.

• Explore the northern Exumas, turning around near Staniel Cay (this is what we recommend!) . There is so much to explore that you won't miss out by missing the southern Exumas.
• Do a one way trip from Great Exuma to Nassau. This takes advantage or the prevailing trade winds out of the east - enjoy that downwind sailing. It does, however, complicate provisioning since Great Exuma is not as well stocked. You will also need to coordinate extra logistics to travel to Georgetown for the start of your trip.
• One way from Nassau to Great Exuma. This makes provisioning easier, but you are more likely to sail to windward.

When to sail in the Exumas?

• Consistent trade winds blow out of the east to southeast, allowing for more settled cruising conditions
• Cold fronts are not as common.  This means fewer squalls and potential exposure to westerly/northerly winds
• Days are longer, giving you more time for fun on the water
• Although early tropical activity can occur, it is far less likely
• It's less busy since many of the full-time cruisers have begun to leave the area in preparation for hurricane season

Sailing conditions in the Exuma

Exuma Bank vs. Exuma Sound

Tides and Cuts

• In the northern Exumas, the tides will be around 20 minutes later than Nassau
• Around Staniel Cay, you can expect the tides to be about 30 minutes later than Nassau

Exumas sailing itinerary: the perfect plan for a week in the islands

Day 1: overnight in palm cay marina, day 2: yellow banks crossing and highbourne cay.

Day 3: South to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Day 4: Thunderball Grotto and swimming pigs

Day 5: Back north to Compass Cay

Day 6: Shroud Cay and the magical river ride

Day 7: Final day optionality

Norman's Cay

Highbourne cay, allen's cay, sail rocks north, day 8: crossing back to palm cay, explore these related articles from the yacht warriors.

Lagoon 51 review: a big upgrade

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Charter Catamaran Grounding at the Baths BVI Amidst Red Flag

A charter catamaran grounded on the rocks at the Baths BVI amidst red flag conditions.

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THE BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTERS

145 boats available for bareboat or crewed charter

Yachts from professional fleet operators in The Bahamas

Free cancellation of reservation without obligations within 4 days

Most popular boats For rent in THE BAHAMAS

Bali 4.2 - 4 + 1 cab. catamaran charter (2021)

Rent a boat Bali 5.4 - 4 + 1 cab. (2022) in Bahamas

Power boat Lagoon 630 - 5 + 2 cab. (2019) for rent in Bahamas

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 catamaran charter (2022)

Rent a boat Leopard 42 - 3 cab. (2024) in Bahamas

Catamaran Bali 4.6 - 3 cab. OW (2023) for rent in Bahamas

Lagoon 46 - 4 + 1 cab. catamaran charter (2022)

Rent a boat Lagoon 40 - 3 cab (2020) in Bahamas

Catamaran Lagoon 620 (2019) for rent in Bahamas

Lagoon 51 - 6 cab. catamaran charter (2024)

Top destinations in the bahamas for boat rental.

73 boats for charter

from €1,689 per week

MARSH HARBOUR

72 boats for charter

from €1,971 per week

GEORGE TOWN

5 boats for charter

from €3,544 per week

SPANISH WELLS

1 boats for charter

from €24,545 per week

Types of boats available for rent in The Bahamas

Catamaran charter

116 catamarans available for rent in The Bahamas, form €1,971 for 1 week charter. Ideal option for group of friends or family vacation.

Power boat charter

19 powerboats available in The Bahamas for rent, starting from €3,600 per week. Bareboat or crewed options available for sailing vacations.

Sailboat charter

There are 10 sailboats available for charter in The Bahamas, prices start from €1,689 per week. Most budget friendly option for a vacation.

Trimaran charter

Currently not available for charter in this country. Check other boat types.

Gulets charter

Houseboat charter

Yacht charter types available in The Bahamas

Bareboat charter, crewed yachts, by the cabin charter, skippered boats, the bahamas sailing itineraries.

Nassau & Exuma 7 day sailing itinerary

Marsh Harbor to Abacos - 10 days itinerary

Cost of boat rental in the bahamas.

Average yacht charter cost in The Bahamas starts from €1,689 per week. Graphic below represents fluctuation of charter prices in The Bahamas during the year, based on a sample of 50 boats ranging from 40 to 50-foot. This graphic shows months with lowest prices during the year as well high season when prices are above average. Before booking the boat at lowest rate, please check sailing conditions as usually best prices are during off season.

Sailing conditions in The Bahamas

Air temperature, precipitation and wind force may vary significantly during the year. Below you may find graphics with min and max temperature and average precipitation days in The Bahamas during the year. Book your charter vacation in The Bahamas wisely! Considering sailing conditions along with the best price offers

Average day and night temperature

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures over the year

Monthly precipitation

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, snow, hail etc.

The Bahamas Yacht Charter Reviews with 12knots

United States

“Great experience”

Great experience round trip Nassau to Georgetown on a Moorings 46 PCE power cat. Moorings base now very well run. Boat performed well with no significant issues. Returned Norman Cay to Nassau in 2 meter seas as a good test. 12 Knots provide excel…

“The sailing was great. The Exuma Islands were amazing.”

I apologize for the delay. We have been out of the country for almost a month. The sailing was great. The Exuma Islands were amazing. The staff at Navtours were helpful and professional. On the last day (on the crossing back)—the impeller went bad. W…

Patrick Oliver

Booking with 12 Knots was a great experience, they helped answer all our questions ahead of time. Would use them again to find a bareboat charter. Looking forward to many more travels using them.

Frequently Asked Questions about yachting in The Bahamas

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in the bahamas , how many boats are available for rent in the bahamas , what are the main yacht charter bases in the bahamas , what boats are available for charter in the bahamas .

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Cruise Abaco

Sail with Cruise Abaco in the beautiful Abaco Islands! With Bareboat and Captained charters, we’re the only ASA School in the Bahamas that offers a great way to learn and vacation all in one program.

About Cruise Abaco

Sail with Cruise Abaco in the beautiful Abaco Islands! We’re owner operated with beautiful new boats listed on our website with pictures and details. We offer Bareboat and Captained charters with a unique “Captain by day, Bareboat by night”® program. We’re the only ASA School in the Bahamas and our program is a great way to learn and vacation all in one. Sail with Cruise Abaco to experience what sets us apart from the rest!

Boat Lengths

Monohulls, Sail Catamarans, Power Catamarans

Charter Types

Bareboat, Captained, Sailing School

Charter Destinations

The Abaco Islands Marsh Harbour; sailing area Spanish Cay to Little Harbour.

Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island

Phone: +1 (321) 830-9412

Email:   [email protected]

Website:   cruiseabaco.com

Social Media:   Facebook  |  Instagram  |  TripAdvisor

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Sailboat Chartering 101

Interested in taking a sailing vacation? Start here! We’ve put together a guide on charter types, locations, qualifications and more.

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Bahamas bareboat yacht charter

Destinations

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Home » Destinations » Yacht holidays, Yacht cruises » Bareboat yacht charter » Bareboat yacht charter Caribbean » Bahamas

Renting a bareboat yacht in Bahamas & discovering Aabaco’s, Nassau’s, Exuma’s Coasts, what are your needs? We will find the perfect boat for you. Get your offer! They are really meant to be the islands of sailors with pleasant temperatures, extensive lands and adequate boating infrastructure. It is worth devoting time to a longer visit. That’s why two one-week trips are recommended by us. Furthermore, useful tips, advice and information on how to spend your time the best while yachting in the Bahamas .

Read more information about bareboat yacht charter in the Bahamas on the following tabs: Bahamas useful information , Which period is best to sail in Bahamas? . Get some inspiration from the Bahamas bareboat yacht charter itineraries tab and start planning your next sailing itinerary, read detailed descriptions of Bahamas yachting destinations , or Bahamas yachting article.

How much does a Bahamas bareboat yacht charter cost?

Bahamas useful information, which period is best to sail in bahamas, bahamas bareboat yacht charter itineraries.

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Flexibility

on day in week +/- 1week +/- 2week in month

Sevice Types

Yacht builder year: ascending Yacht builder year: descending Price: low to high Price: high to low Length: ascending Length: descending Berts: ascending Berts: descending Capacity: ascending Capacity: descending Number of cabins: ascending Number of cabins: descending

Bali 4.4 - 4 + 1 cab. (2024)

Bahamas, Mars Harbour (Catamaran)

from 1 620 € /day  

View details

Bali 4.4 - 3 + 1 cab. (2024)

from 1 430 € /day  

Lagoon 46 - 4 + 2 cab. (2023)

Bali catspace (2023).

from 1 433 € /day  

Bali 4.4 - 4 + 1 cab. (2023)

from 749 € /day  

Bali 4.6 - 5 + 1 cab. (2023)

from 1 193 € /day  

Bali 4.6 - 3 cab. OW (2023)

from 1 589 € /day  

Lagoon 46 - 4 + 1 cab. (2022)

Bahamas, Nassau (Catamaran)

from 1 386 € /day  

Bali 5.4 - 6 + 2 cab. (2022)

from 2 034 € /day  

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Most people agree, that if you want a relaxing, quality vacation on the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas are the ideal choice. Nassau and Freeport are both full of historical sights and teeming marketplaces. For a more active pastime, you can rent diving gear to explore coral reefs. Or discover uninhabited islands from aboard by boat.

Location of the Bahamas

The group of 690 islands and more than 2000 coral reefs lies southeastward from Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. Out of them, only 29 islands are inhabited. The average area of the reefs is four and a half square km . From south Cuba, and from north Florida will be the archipelago. The combined area of the Bahamas is 13939 km2 and the population of the country is 303 000. There is a parliamentary monarchy in the area and the official language is English. Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. About 70% of the country’s total population lives here. It has its own harbour and international airport.

Can you rent a bareboat yacht in the Bahamas – do I need a license?

In the Bahamas, a license is not specifically required. You simply need to fill out a sailing resume and only charter a yacht that your experience permits. Before you confirm your sailing trip to the Bahamas, please send us your sailing experience, or a copy of your skipper licence and we will check it for you. If you do not have a skipper license, or experience it is also possible to rent a bareboat yacht with a skipper

Bahamas bareboat yacht charter – the main ports

George town.

George Town can be found in the central-western part of Great Exuma. We can anchor practically anywhere around the town, as the area is well-protected. There are great anchorages in the centre, at Kidd’s Cove, and a little more to the south behind Crab Cay, at Red Shanks. There is a large port that belongs to Exuma Market in the centre; from here we can easily get to the central shops. They have a fuel station nearby that we can use. There are several yacht marinas in the area, for instance, February Point Marina and Marina Village Crab Cay. All of these marinas are relatively small and family-friendly. Exuma Cay Yacht Club can be found in the southern part of town. Here we can get fuel, access electricity, replenish our water and ice supplies, and they have shower cabins as well. There are also many restaurants and groceries in town.

Norman’s Cay

Norman’s Cay is one of the most fascinating islands of the Exumas, as the area is surrounded by an ancient coral reef. The conditions are suitable for all kinds of waterfront activities, but the place is also perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The remains of drug lord Carlos Lehder’s plane lie beneath the sea. It is a classic diving spot, as the plane is still intact, providing a home for tropical fish and corals. We can anchor at several parts of the island. Boats that are well-suited to strong waves may use the area between Battery Point and Norman’s Cut. As for vessels with a smaller draft, they can anchor near Boot Cay. We can find other anchorages on the southeastern side between the dock and the plane wreck. The area is well-protected against winds, and the depth of water is around 2 metres.

Highbourne Cay

Highbourne Cay is a small, private island between Nassau and Eleuthera. It’s a popular stop for boaters heading to Nassau. We can get water, ice fuel, food and all the essential supplies we need here. Its harbour is beautiful, well maintained and protected. Information about sailing in Exumas or yacht charter in Exumas.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island lies in the northern part of the Eleuthera archipelago and is a perfect place for those looking for diversity. There are great hiking opportunities in the district of the old dockyard. We can find a ruinous fort here that was built under the leadership of the legendary pirate Charles Wayne. The area near the beach is full of marvellous caves, the largest of which was converted to a prison in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most popular spots to visit. Another reason that the tiny island is popular among visitors is the unique beaches covered with pink sand. There are two yacht ports on the island: Harbour Island Club & Marina and Valentines Marina. Both of them is a well-equipped port with fuel docks.

Rock Sound is a large bay located south of Governor’s Harbour. It is a very friendly town with amazing shops and a wide variety of services. There are great anchorages in the area; however, none of them is completely protected. There are also two small free dinghy docks and an awesome beach near Wild Orchid. Davis Harbour Marina, which is the closest yacht marina, can be found in the southern part of the island. There are 24 anchorages here, and the depth of water is app. 2.5 metres. They offer shower cabins, laundry, fresh-water, ice, fuel and even boat maintenance on the dock. Information about sailing in Eleuthera , or Eleuthera boat rentals.

Blue Water Marina

Blue Water Marina is a great yacht marina in Bimini, providing full comfort to its guests.. We can refuel, replenish our water and ice supplies, use the showers and the laundry service and visit the amazing restaurant. They accommodate 36 boats, and the depth of water is app. 4 metres. We can choose from many diving, fishing and other watersport activities. Information about sailing in Bimini , or boat rental in Bimini. If you wish for an amazing holiday with sunshine and the stunning wonders of nature, visit the Bahamas, where you’ll find all of this. Organize an adventurous day for your kids, rent a yacht to become one of the pirates of the Caribbean. Find yacht routes in the Bahamas or choose another bareboat charter in the Caribbean

Beaches in the Bahamas

Picturesque beaches, gulfs, and lagoons with the gorgeous view of the sea and warm sunshine will all make your journey unforgettable.

Gulf of Goodman:

Goodman’s Bay Beach is a popular public beach in Cable Beach. This beach offers locals and tourists a variety of fitness activities and a number of water sports. It’s ideal for lovers of sailing. Besides sailboat rental you can rent a moped or banana boat. The sand is rougher compared to other beaches in Nassau, but the water is just as clean and refreshing. There are no restaurants, but in busy periods you can find hot dog stands and merchants selling soft drinks. Due to safety reasons, visiting the beach at night is not recommended.

Pink Sands beach:

Many people visit Harbour Island to view the famous Pink Sands beach. You shouldn’t believe every picture you see on the internet though. Some are left disappointed when they find out that the beach is not fully pink as some photos suggest. The unique mixture of coral, broken shells, miniature rocks, and calcium carbonate color the sand with pink fragments. It’s a long, wide beach. Calm waters surround it. It’s ideal for wedding ceremonies, sports, and yoga.

Junkanoo beach:

The Junkanoo is the only beach in the Bahamas that functions as a full-time party beach. This small but lively area has music, bathrooms, showers, and local dealers. The Tiki Bikini Hut restaurant on the shore serves cocktails in fresh coconut shells. The beach, within walking distance of Nassau’s city center, is popular among sailors primarily due to its nearness to the coastal port. The water is just as beautiful as most beaches in the Bahamas, but the sand is a bit rocky. Only 50 m from Junkanoo beach there’s Long Wharf Beach, which has a similar atmosphere but with less audience.

Main attractions in the Bahamas

The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, is on New Providence Island in the business region of the country. Historically it was a pirate fortress. The House of Parliament and different judicial organizations are also here. There are kid-friendly sights on the Bahamas like the Atlantis, the water park of the Bahamas on Paradise Island. The Dolphin Encounters is a sea habitat with trained dolphins. Dolphins show diving tricks and give kisses to visitors. You can swim with them, take a photo together, or feed them.

The concept of piracy became popular through movies like The Pirates of the Caribbean. This era, however, is a critical period of Caribbean history. The “golden age of piracy” lasted from 1690 to 1720. It had a huge effect on the Bahamas, since the capital, Nassau, supplied the biggest pirate concentration out of every Caribbean island. Visitors of the Pirates of Nassau interactive Museum can view the weapons used by pirates and come to know the most popular pirate legends. This museum is an especially exciting program for children.

More information about the Bahamas

Bahamas Caribbean sailing routes & Caribbean sailing destinations Sailing destinations & Sailing routes

Sailing in the Bahamas Bahamas sailing routes and catamaran tours

They are really meant to be the islands of sailors with a pleasant temperature, extensive [...]

The Caribbean region is characterized by the all year long hot and humid tropical climate. The weather is somewhat cool and dry from the middle of January to the middle of April. From the middle of June to the middle of November it’s usually hot, wet, and rainy. The country’s weather is dominated by a subtropical monsoon climate. The average yearly medium heat is 28°C.

The climate diagrams are based on 30 years of hourly weather model simulations. They give good indications of typical climate patterns and expected conditions (temperature, precipitation, sunshine, and wind). The “mean daily maximum” (solid red line) shows temperature of an average day for every month for the Bahamas. Likewise, the “mean daily minimum” (solid blue line) shows the average minimum temperature.

The wind rose for Bahamas shows how many hours per year the wind blows from the indicated direction. The diagram for the Bahamas shows the days per month, during which the wind reaches a certain speed.

The country’s weather is dominated by a subtropical monsoon climate. The Bahamas really do not have an off-season. On the coast, the climate is generally sunny and pleasant year-round, influenced by the trade winds. Some months are rainy and others dry. Of course, temperatures vary by location. Even the rainy season (May through November) rarely offers challenges for visitors. Even the occasional tropical rainstorm is usually short-lived.

Summers may see temperatures from 26 °C to 32 °C and higher humidity. The average yearly medium heat is 28°C. The Caribbean region is characterized by the all year long hot and humid tropical climate. The weather is somewhat cool and dry from the middle of January to the middle of April. From the middle of June to the middle of November it’s usually hot, wet, and rainy. The low latitude, warm tropical Gulf Stream, and low elevation give the Bahamas a warm and winterless climate. The low latitude, warm tropical Gulf Stream, and low elevation give the Bahamas a warm and winterless climate.

Information about Eleuthera sailing

Information about Exumas sailing

More about Bimini sailing

Sailing from Florida to Bahamas

You can find more information about sailing from Florida to Bahamas , Bahamas sailing itineraries , or Caribbean sailing destinations .

"If you rented a boat from us, we don't need to introduce ourselves. If you book with us for the first time, you will soon get to know us." 🙂 Some feedback about us...

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Sehr guter Service und Beratung. Die Buchung war recht einfach.

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Milos - Greece

Our catamaran sailing trip was fantastic. The Alegria is an amazing boat. Comfortable and beautiful, with all the features one could hope for...

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Dubrovnik - Croatia

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Mykonos - Greece

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Yacht Charter

The Bahamas Yacht Charter

Introducing Flat-rate discounted charters in the award-winning Caribbean, eligible for departures through August 2024!

Why Charter in the Bahamas?

The Abacos have been The Bahamas’ boating capital since colonial times, and whether you are a sailing purist, willing to tack until the last gasp of wind, or just a sun worshiper joining the adventure to relax and explore with fins and snorkel, this is your paradise.

About Our Location

While reconstruction efforts continue in the Abacos following the devastation caused by hurricane Dorian in 2019, Navigare is excited and proud to be a part of the recovery with a new charter base opened in 2021.

The Navigare base is located in Marsh Harbor on site at the Conch Inn Hotel and Marina , only 10 minutes from the Leonard Thompson Airport.

Explore our base!

Cruisers and charterers in the Abaco will enjoy a steadily warm climate with sustained trade winds; similar to southern Florida, generally sunny with slightly colder temperatures from December through February.

Local Considerations

The official currency for the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar, which, like the US dollar, is denoted with a dollar sign. The denotation B$ is used to distinguish it from other Dollar currencies. The U.S. dollar is on par with the Bahamian dollar and is accepted all over the Bahamas, so there is no need to change to Bahamian if you are able to pay in USD.

Fleet Size / Boats Offered

The Navigare fleet in the Bahamas consists of sailing catamarans and power catamarans:

• Sailing catamarans 40 to 50 ft from Bali and Lagoon
• Power catamarans 36 to 48 ft from Aquila

Charter Services Offered

• Bareboat charters

• All-inclusive charters

Check-in days

In the Bahamas, the minimum charter duration is 3 days, and there are no set check-in or checkout days.

Check-in: 4:00 PM Checkout: 10:00 AM

Carefree Pack

Navigare Carefree includes damage waiver insurance with full coverage, welcome package, final cleaning, bed sheets & towels, dinghy, outboard engine & fuel, propane gas, full water tanks, and snorkeling equipment.

Yacht Fuel is not included – the fuel tank will be full when your charter starts and you are responsible for topping off the fuel tank at the end of your charter. The price of the Carefree Pack varies by boat size and is a flat fee for bookings up to one week. A surcharge applies for bookings of 2+ weeks.

Review what's included onboard.

Optional Extras

You may supplement your charter booking with optional equipment or services available through Navigare or third-party providers.

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Topics to read about, check out our blog for bahamas.

Sailing in Abaco, The Bahamas

Listen in to Navigare Yachting and the publishers and authors of "The Cruising Guide to Abaco, The Bahamas", Steve Dodge (founder) and his sons, Jon and Jeff Dodge as we...

Top 5 Sand Bars in the Bahamas

Top 5 Sand Bars in the Bahamas It’s no secret that the Bahamas, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches, is a tropical paradise that attracts millions...

20 Must-Visit Waterfront Restaurants and Beach Bars in the Bahamas

20 Waterfront Restaurants and Beach Bars in the Bahamas Worth a Visit It’s no secret that a trip to the Bahamas is a culinary adventure. Traditional Bahamian dishes include mainly...

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Luxury Yacht Charter

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Welcome to contigo yacht charter we are ex-yachties sailing around the world on our boat "raindancer" while building connections within the yachting industry. we use our knowledge and experience to find the best fit for your sailing holiday. working on yachts has always taught us to do whatever it takes to make the guests happy, and we've certainly carried that with us to cyc. learn more about us here..

CRUISE THE EXUMA CAYS!

The bahamas.

Let us share the cruising life with you!

Where to begin? Click the link below to start planning your Bahamas Yacht Charter now!

sailing yacht vacations & trips in the Bahamas Nassau, Exumas & Eleuthera

Day charters.

Catamaran yacht based in Nassau, Bahamas. Serving couples, families, and corporate outings.

Multi-Day Charters

Islands of the Exumas or Eleuthera Islands on a multi-day charter.

Own a Yacht

Experience through Bahamas Catamaran Charters yacht management.

Bahamas Catamaran Charters & Activities

Bahamas Catamaran Charters specializes in private, luxury multi-day and single day sailing charters in the surrounding Bahamas islands of Nassau, Exumas, and Eleuthera / Harbour Island. There are a variety of LAGOON catamaran models available for clients based on their preferences for luxury and party size. Guests enjoy a breathtaking sailing vacations in the Bahamas. As your catamaran sailing vacation experience, clients are shown the best and most unique spots en route to each destination to enjoy freshly caught yellow fin tuna or bull dolphin and the most sought after diving spots in the Caribbean.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

• Kiteboarding
• Fine Dining
• Cruising Instruction
• Scuba Diving

Captain Craig Doring

Biography: catamaran yacht sailing.

An avid sailor since the age of 14, Captain Craig Doring has over 25 years of experience in sailing. A graduate of the University of Washington, Captain Craig sailed for several years racing sloops in the Puget Sound and joining his uncle on cruises in the San Juan Islands.

After spending many years fishing the Bering and Nor seas, Captain Craig returned to his passion of sailing personal yachts with Moorings and delivering private yachts throughout the Caribbean. As proprietor of Excalibur Adventures, a small charter company founded in 2000, Captain Craig catered to serving youth in their sailing adventures.

Captain Craig creates the ultimate Caribbean experience as a USCG captain, a master diver and scuba instructor. By choosing Bahamas Catamaran Charters for your Caribbean vacation, guests will find comfort and adventure in a custom made sailing experience.

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Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a nude cruise for 2025 – and these are the rules for passengers

The ‘big nude boat’ will take passengers around private islands and long-time tourist favourites such as the bahamas, article bookmarked.

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A specialist tour and travel company has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a new nudist cruise to the Caribbean .

Bare Necessities, a nudist travel company that aims to “break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option”, has teamed up with the well-known cruise operator to set up the 11-day trip, which leaves from Miami and takes in destinations including The Bahamas , St Lucia, Dominica and Puerto Rico.

The cruise, which will take place on Norwegian’s 295-foot 2,300-person capacity Norwegian Pearl , will set sail on 3 February 2025 and return on 14 February.

Prices start at $2,000 (£1,592) per person for a standard two-person cabin, rising to $33,155 (£26,400) for a three-person ‘garden villa’.

The trip is marketed as “an 11-Day adventure back to Bare-adise”, offering “a wide range of amenities to fit everyone’s style of bare cruising”. The Norwegian Pearl contains “loads of entertainment, lots of open deck space, and multiple dining options”, including 14 restaurants, 14 bars and “a large buffet area for nude outdoor dining”, in addition to a casino, spa and several “nightspots”.

“As always, it’s our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear”, reads a final message on the information page.

However, it isn’t an entirely clothing-free experience. Cruise rules require passengers to be clothed during the Captain’s reception and introduction, while docked in port, and at all times in the main and specialty dining rooms.

Other rules include putting a towel down before sitting “in the stateroom, pool deck, and buffet area”, as well as a ban on “being nude in front of other ships in port” and “fondling or inappropriate touching”. A message on the site urges passengers to “use common sense”, emphasising that proper cruise etiquette “is not any different from proper etiquette in any other social situation”.

In a statement to CNN , a Bare Necessities spokesperson said: “Our mission is to provide relaxing, entertaining and health-conscious vacation opportunities that offer non-threatening, natural environments where the appreciation, wonder and compatibility of nature and the unadorned human form can occur.”

The Independent has contacted Bare Necessities for comment.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

I s a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship on your bucket list? You'll find a growing number of options when it comes time to pick an itinerary.

While the cruising arm of Disney has long focused mostly on voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with year-round sailings to those destinations out of Florida, it also now offers a relatively wide range of seasonal sailings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Europe and Canada.

The family-friendly cruise brand, notably, is expanding its footprint worldwide as it adds four new vessels in quick succession.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, the first of those ships, the 2,508-passenger Disney Wish , has arrived, boosting the size of the Disney fleet from four ships to five and allowing for more departures to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Two more sister vessels to Disney Wish are due to begin sailing in 2024 and 2025, respectively, allowing for further expansion in Disney cruise itineraries. In addition, the line has yet another new vessel coming in 2025 that isn't related to the other three. Called Disney Adventure, it's a one-off vessel originally designed for an Asian line , and it'll sail in Asia (perhaps catering mostly to Asian travelers; Disney has been mum so far on the target audience for it).

All these new ships arriving in quick succession will likely mean not just more departures to destinations where Disney Cruise Line is established but also sailings in new regions. For example, Disney has never before offered Asia sailings.

Here are our picks for the five best Disney cruise destinations you can visit with your family.

Caribbean and Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line's top destination has always been the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Since its founding more than two decades ago, the brand has based the bulk of its fleet in Florida to offer sailings to the islands. Port Canaveral, which is just an hour away from Disney's Orlando-area theme parks, has always been its biggest hub.

The line is particularly known for three- and four-night cruises out of Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. These short getaways let families get a taste of Disney cruising that some Disney fans pair with a stay at Disney World.

The cruise line also regularly offers seven-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that visit Caribbean islands like St. Thomas and Tortola.

Related: First look at Disney Wish in photos

In recent years, Disney has also built up its Caribbean and Bahamas cruise offerings from other ports in Florida — initially Miami and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale. The ships the line has based in these ports typically offer four- and five-night sailings to Castaway Cay and one other port, such as Cozumel or Grand Cayman.

In addition, Disney is offering a growing number of Caribbean sailings out of Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans.

For 2024, the line will have four of its five ships — Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy — sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of one of the above ports, with their home bases often shifting between them.

Disney Wish, which is Disney's newest ship, will be based in Port Canaveral year-round to operate the line's classic three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. These voyages are designed to be paired with a visit to nearby Disney World for a longer Disney vacation.

Disney Fantasy will also sail out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean year-round, offering longer voyages.

Disney Dream will spend the start and the end of the year sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, with a stint in the middle of the year (from May to October) sailing in Europe.

Disney Magic will take Disney Dream's place sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale from May to October. During the early and late months of the year, it'll sail out of Galveston.

Come 2025, Disney will have four ships — Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic — sailing three- to five-night getaways from Florida to the line's Bahamian destinations, including its new private beach destination Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and its long-open private island Disney Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will operate the trips from Port Canaveral, while Disney Dream and Disney Magic will sail from Fort Lauderdale.

Before taking up residence in Florida in April 2025, Disney Magic will also offer three months' worth of sailings out of Galveston, Texas, to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman.

All of the 2025 sailings are already open for bookings.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Disney has cut back on voyages out of San Diego for 2024, after increasing its San Diego departures sharply in 2023. But it still offers several trips to Mexico out of the city on Disney Wonder.

For 2024, the 1,754-passenger vessel will offer a mix of three- to seven-night sailings to Mexico during March and April. Shorter three- and four-night sailings typically feature calls at Ensenada, Mexico, and California's Catalina Island. Seven-night sailings include calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

The big factor driving Disney's cutbacks on sailings out of San Diego in 2024 is its new focus on voyages out of Australian ports. Disney Wonder will spend much of January and February sailing out of Australian ports and then return to the region in October for another season of Australia trips.

Disney offers a wide variety of itineraries in Europe every summer, from Mediterranean voyages out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to Northern Europe sailings out of Southampton, England.

Ranging from seven to 11 nights, Disney's Europe voyages each year typically take place on a single ship that sails from multiple home ports throughout the season. For 2024, that ship will be the 2,500-passenger Disney Dream. The line has yet to announce which of its ships will go to Europe in 2025.

Typical for the shorter itineraries the line offers in Europe are seven-night sailings out of Civitavecchia to the Greek Islands. These sailings stop in Mykonos, Santorini and Crete in Greece, as well as Naples, Italy.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

A longer, 11-night itinerary starting in Civitavecchia and ending in Barcelona includes calls at Piraeus (the port for Athens), Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Messina (on the island of Sicily), Naples and Livorno in Italy; and Toulon, France.

Among Northern Europe itineraries, Disney offers focused, weeklong sailings to Norway with calls at the Norwegian ports of Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Eidfjord and Stavanger.

Disney does not have a large presence in Alaska. The line sends just one ship to Alaska each year. Family-friendly cruise rivals Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by contrast, each send three ships to Alaska each year, and Norwegian Cruise Line sends five vessels to the destination.

Still, Disney fans won't feel like they're missing out. The one vessel Disney sends to Alaska each year, the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder, stays for nearly the entire summer season, from late June to mid-September and offers a distinctly Disney take on The Last Frontier.

Always beginning and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lasting seven nights, Disney's Alaska sailings typically include stops at three of these four Alaska ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point (which three vary by departure date). Itineraries also include a visit to Stikine Icecap, which is south of Juneau.

Related: 5 reasons Disney cruises aren't just for kids

These are fairly typical ports for an Alaska cruise. But the (extra-charge) activities that Disney has organized for the ports aren't always the same as what other lines offer.

As one might expect for Disney, the line has crafted some of its shore excursions in Alaska ports with special Disney touches, such as Disney character appearances at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake tour in Ketchikan. (Having done this one myself, I will say, for the record, that it's a little hokey; but it does get you a Disney character fix if that's your aim.)

Another shore excursion with a Disney touch is the outdoor Family Scavenger Hunt at Icy Strait Point, where participants join a local guide on a hunt for items such as clam shells and native plants, as well as a "special surprise" with a Disney theme.

Unlike many lines, Disney does not offer one-way sailings to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle that can be paired with add-on land tours to create an extended sea-and-land Alaska vacation — something known as a "cruisetour." If that's what you're looking for, and you want to stick with a family-friendly line, you might want to consider the one-way cruisetour offerings from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide

Disney typically offers at least one and sometimes several cruises to Bermuda each fall, ranging from quick, five-night trips to longer, eight-night sailings.

For the year just ending (2023), the line offered four such sailings, and it's offered even more than that in certain years. Alas, for the coming year (2024), Disney currently does not have a single Bermuda sailing scheduled — a bit of an anomaly.

That said, we would expect Disney to bring back its Bermuda sailings for 2025 or 2026. It's been such a mainstay of the brand.

So ... stay tuned.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Bottom line

Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't mean its itinerary choices are limited. The line offers regular sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say.

• People considering cruising might wonder what would happen if they were running late to the ship.
• In a Q&A on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead shared what to do.
• Call the ship agent if you're running late so the captain can decide if they have time to wait.

On March 27, eight travelers on a Norwegian cruise in Africa were stranded on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe after their private excursion arrived back at the ship more than an hour after boarding closed. The cruisers chased the ship for almost a week before reboarding in Dakar, Senegal.

More recently, on May 13, a couple sailing in the Mediterranean with the same cruise line was left stranded in Motril, Spain, after their excursion (not organized by Norwegian) had an hour bus delay getting back to the ship due to rain,  CNN reported .

On any cruise, travelers have the freedom to experience multiple destinations on one trip with port stops where they can exit the ship and explore a new place.

But cruise ships run on a tight schedule, often only allotting passengers around seven or eight hours for a one-day stop, sometimes even less. This leaves many to wonder what happens if you're running late getting back to the ship : Will the crew wait up, or will you end up stranded, chasing the ship from stop to stop?

Will the captain wait for you?

The answer is maybe. 

On an April 2022 cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , Business Insider attended a Q&A with Captain Rob Hempstead, where he answered this very question. 

Hampstead, who's been a Royal Caribbean captain for two decades, started his career in Alaska's fishing industry. After 14 years of fishing, he became a captain. Before Wonder of the Seas, Hampstead served as captain of seven other Royal Caribbean ships, including Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

Related stories

The most stressful part of a cruise for the crew is getting out of the ports on time, he said, "Because the faster we go, the more fuel we have to burn."

Some people come late, and as a result, are left behind, he added. 

However, this doesn't mean he won't wait for you — you just need to know what to do. 

Two cruise ships docked at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas — Coco Cay. Joey Hadden/Insider

When will a cruise ship wait for passengers.

There are two instances in which the ship will wait. The first is if you're late returning from a cruise-line organized excursion. Since the excursion is supposed to only take place within the allotted port time, the ship will wait for passengers coming from a cruise line excursion that's running late.

However, if you've spent the day independently on your own, or with a private tour company, there are certain steps you must take to avoid being stranded.

If you're behind schedule, call the ship agent to alert the cruise that you're running late, he said. On Royal Caribbean cruises, this number can be found at the bottom of Cruise Compass, a daily flyer all passengers receive in their stateroom each day detailing the day's activities.

The agent may also be referred to as a port agent, according to a copy of Cruise Compass obtained by BI.

Whether the ship can wait for you, however, will depend on how late you'll be, he added.

"If I know you're 10 minutes away, I can make an educated decision about whether or not we can wait," Hampstead said. "We will wait if we can." 

Of course, if that's you, you'll have to run up the dock to the ship with many passengers watching, wondering what is holding up the departure, as they quickly realize it was you. Instead, always plan your day with ample time to return to port, or better yet, book your excursions through the cruise line.

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