Cruise Bahamas : the skippair advices for your trip!
Why visit the Bahamas by boat?
The Bahamas archipelago stretches across more than 700 islands and islets, so of course a single cruise won't be enough to discover all its treasures. However, with a sailing cruise, you can easily sail from one paradise island to another. During your stay, your boat will be your floating hotel, allowing you to take full advantage of the Caribbean's landscapes and tropical climate.
Is a family cruise to the Bahamas possible?
The Bahamas are often the favorite destination of couples looking for an escape. Nevertheless, families with children are not forbidden in this haven of peace. However, a minimum age may be required aboard a boat for safety reasons. Please let us know what you'd like to do with your family, and we'll suggest skippers and boats to suit your needs. As a reminder, during a cruise, both on land and at sea, children are under the supervision of responsible adults.
Where to sail in the Bahamas?
With over 700 islands and islets, the Bahamas archipelago offers a range of possibilities for outings at sea, however, two destinations stand out: the Abacos Islands and the Exumas Islands.
→ First of all, the Abacos Islands located in the northern Bahamas, where you'll find long beaches of white sand, and even pink sand, perfect for sunbathing. There's also a lively nightlife and breathtaking scenery that will leave you breathless!
→ Then there are the Exumas Islands in the southern Bahamas, equally charming and with a gentler nightlife. An ideal destination for visitors wishing to reconnect with nature: crystal-clear seas, unspoilt natural landscapes and deserted beaches (or almost, when the pigs are around!).
When to cruise the Bahamas
In the Bahamas, the sun shines all year round, but the region is subject to the vagaries of the tropics. That's why we advise you to set sail during the dry season.
Here's a quick summary of the seasons in the Bahamas:
- The dry season: November to May. This is the ideal time for a cruise, when temperatures alternate between 25 and 30°C and thunderstorms are rare.
- Rainy season: June to early August. The rainy season begins gradually in June and continues through July and August. During this period, temperatures are always warm, but accompanied by a little rain, ideal for cooling off ;).
- Hurricane season: mid-August to October. The wettest season of the year, when there's the greatest risk of showers and potential cyclones. Of course, the crew will ensure your safety, and cruises are only confirmed if weather conditions permit.
Why choose a catamaran for a cruise in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas archipelago is an enchanting destination where nature offers both paradisiacal landscapes on land and exceptional seabeds at sea. These natural areas need to be preserved, which is why at Skippair, we're all in favor of sailing cruises. By choosing to set sail on a catamaran, you're contributing to sustainable tourism and limiting your impact on the flora and fauna during your voyage. aboard a catamaran, you'll be on a floating hotel with all the comforts of home. All that's left to do is set sail for some wonderful discoveries! Click here to discover all our catamaran offers in the Bahamas.
Cabin cruise or private cruise?
On Skippair, you can choose to set sail on a cabin cruise or a private cruise, but what's the difference and how do you choose?
- A cabin cruise in the Bahamas involves reserving a cabin on board a boat and then setting off on a voyage with other participants, giving you the opportunity to meet new people. This is a more economical solution, as you share some of the variable costs (gas, food, drinks, etc.). However, a minimum number of passengers may be required to guarantee departure. What's more, for single passengers wishing to reserve a double cabin, a single supplement may be required at the time of booking. Find out more on your cruise fact sheet.
- A private cruise in the Bahamas involves renting all the cabins on a boat. This is a more intimate formula, as you know everyone on board apart from the crew. What's more, the cruise itinerary will be more flexible and personalized for a program just for you. (Weather conditions and the skipper's agreement must be taken into account). This offer is particularly recommended for groups of more than 4 participants.
How much does a cruise to the Bahamas cost?
The price of a cruise to the Bahamas depends on a number of factors: the seasonality of your trip; the type of boat: catamaran or monohull; the size of the boat; the duration of the cruise; the cruise formula: private or shared, without board or half-board or all-inclusive; the number of passengers; and so on.
And remember: Skippair only selects professional, qualified skippers. This gives you direct access to skipper prices.
What's life like on board a boat?
Our professional skippers, shipowners and partner companies are free to define the management of life on board their boats. for example, depending on the offer, you have the option of selecting a meal plan: without board, half board or full board. What's more, you can also choose an all-inclusive package, enabling you to pay all variable costs before your stay (provisioning, diesel, port-wetting fees, etc.). If you don't have this option, you'll be asked to pay a flat-rate amount to cover variable costs based on consumption. For further information, please refer to your cruise fact sheet.
How do I get to the Bahamas?
The Bahamas are fairly accessible, but from Europe you'll need an average of one stopover to reach this paradise archipelago. From the United States, there are numerous direct flights from Miami. there are several airports throughout the archipelago, so be sure to select the one closest to your port of departure. Find out more on your cruise factsheet.
Which port to reach once in the Bahamas?
Your port of departure is always indicated on your cruise itinerary. note that in the Bahamas, some offers include an "airport → port" transfer service, to facilitate your arrival. If this service is not available, or if you don't wish to take advantage of it, you can reach the port on your own, by cab. You'll find all the information you need about transfers on your cruise sheet.
What to do if you have time to waste?
You may have a little free time before embarkation and/or after disembarkation. Don't worry, once you've set foot in the Bahamas, you'll already want to discover everything! There's plenty to do: enjoy a relaxing break on a sandy beach; dive in warm, crystal-clear waters; photograph a multitude of heavenly landscapes; savor a delicious local dish; enjoy a cocktail with your feet in the water; go shopping and take home a souvenir of your Bahamas vacation... We wish you many wonderful discoveries!
What documentation do I need for a trip to the Bahamas?
For visits of less than 30 days and for Europeans, the following documents are required:
- A valid passport, valid for up to six months after the date of your return.
- Proof of creditworthiness.
- A dated return ticket.
As reception conditions may vary, we advise you to always check entry requirements with a competent organization.
What is the official currency in the Bahamas?
In the Bahamas, the currency is the Bahamian Dollar (B$), which can only be purchased locally. please note, however, that most merchants accept the US Dollar. So, before you leave, we recommend that you exchange euros (€) for US dollars (US$), and then withdraw cash locally if necessary. Please note that ATMs are rare outside major cities, so be sure to bring plenty of cash. In addition, before you leave, don't forget to check the conditions for using your bank card abroad with your bank.
How big is the time difference between France and the Bahamas?
France is 6 hours ahead of the Bahamas. When it's 4:00 p.m. in Paris, France, it's 10:00 a.m. in Nassau, Bahamas.
What languages are spoken in the Bahamas?
In the Bahamas, the official language is English. it should be noted, however, that English is often accompanied by Bahamian expressions. This mixture forms a typical Bahamian "English-Creole". You may also hear "Haitian Creole" or "Jamaican Creole". note that on board the boats, your crew will be mainly English-speaking.
What should you pack for a cruise to the Bahamas?
- A pair of sunglasses.
- Sun cream.
- A hat or cap.
- A swimsuit.
- Windproof clothing.
- A pair of water-resistant slippers.
- A pair of sneakers for shore excursions.
- Toiletry bag.
- Your papers.
- Your means of payment (credit card + cash in US$).
All in flexible travel bags that are easy to stow in the yacht when empty. On board, space for suitcases is often limited.
Skippair's advice?
- Make sure you have sun protection on board, as the sun's rays are more reflective at sea (hat, sunglasses, sun cream).
- Before you leave, check with your bank that your credit card can be used internationally.
- Bring your camera with you - you'll never tire of photographing the Bahamas' heavenly landscapes: crystal-clear seas, long white sandy beaches...