What could be better than lazing on a sun-kissed beach in the Bahamas while the clear blue ocean laps at the shore? That is a question that holidaymakers have been asking themselves for years and the answer is ‘nothing’!
For that reason, the Bahamas is still a place that is visited by eager vacationers in their droves each year. Considered to be part of the Caribbean, it has everything anyone could possibly want in a holiday destination, but the only way to enjoy it to the fullest is by boat.
A catamaran is the best type of vessel to take to the Bahamas and we will look at why that is.
Are you ready to learn more? Read on for our comprehensive guide to exploring the Bahamas in a catamaran.
- Why a Catamaran?
When you visit a boat charter company, either in-person or online, you will be given the option of hiring various different sorts of boats. For holidays, most people choose to charter either a catamaran or a yacht and there are good reasons to favor the first of these.
Probably the most important one is that it is just that bit safer for anyone who is not a great sailor. That is because catamarans are twin, rather than single hull vessels, which gives them a greater degree of stability on the water.
Beyond that though, the average catamaran is typically larger than a yacht. That can be important on a holiday trip, especially if there are several people in the party.
You will want some time alone with your loved one and if you have kids with you, they will prefer their own rooms. You are more likely to get that with a catamaran.
The entire process of selecting a boat, deciding whether you want a crew and booking it can be done online now and that is the hassle free way. Considering chartering your catamaran from Borrow a Boat makes a lot of sense.
Guide to Experiencing the Bahamas by Catamaran
Now that you are convinced about chartering a catamaran it is time to think about where to go and what to see with the freedom and mobility that it provides you with. There are lots of islands to explore, as well as an ocean full of wonder, so where should you start?
- Bimini Islands
Found to the east of Florida, these sum up what everyone pictures in their minds when they think of the Bahamas: white beaches plus blue skies and sea. It will be an easy cruise to them with your catamaran and you can enjoy swimming, water-skiing or scuba diving in the crystal clear waters.
Among the creatures that you will find in the sea at the Bimini Islands are marlin, tuna and swordfish. If you are adventurous you could even try catching your own meal the way that Ernest Hemingway did when he spent summers on these islands.
- The Exhumas
Once you have experienced the Bimini Islands, why not take your catamaran on to the Exhumas, which is made up of no less than 365 islands. Lying out on the beach under the sparkling stars will make for a magical experience that you will never forget and is an ideal romantic moment if you are sailing with your partner.
The biggest island, Great Exhuma, is the place to go if your time is limited and it is a perfect spot to indulge in a little cave and coral reef exploration, as well as diving. Having a catamaran will let you cover more of the islands than you would be able to otherwise.
- Nassau
You will almost certainly want to come ashore and spend a little time in the capital city of the Bahamas during your trip. Nassau has lots of great shops, with Bay Street and the Straw Market being key points for that and contributing greatly to its high tourist trade.
The Bay Street area is where the big boutiques can be found, while the Straw Market is where you can buy quirkier craft items that are made by local people. Nassau also has great drinking and dining options in the Cable Beach locale.
Nassau harbor is busy, due to its popularity, but it is also big, so finding a berth should not be a problem.
- Conception Island National Park
If you love birds, this National Park will be a must-visit during your Bahamas trip. It is one of the key sites that seabirds common to the area use for nesting, but it also attracts green turtles.
- Long Island
This is very close to Conception Island so both can easily form part of the same cruise. It has the biggest and most complex system of caves anywhere in the Bahamas – making it fantastic for exploration – plus the world’s largest blue hole.
Berth your catamaran in one of its bays and climb the white cliffs, scuba dive or snorkel in the warm blue waters. The cares of the world will fall away before you know it.
Finish your Long Island stay with a visit to The Diva’s Spot, which has an al fresco restaurant serving everything from fresh fish to the local delicacy called conch.
The Bahamas is really a series of islands so a Catamaran charter vacation is the best way to enjoy it.
