Tour dozens of mega-yachts during your winter getaway in Nassau
The new year is finally here, and with it, new opportunities for exploration. If you’re a regular on Paradise Island, perhaps this is the year you explore the Exumas, Eleuthera, or the rest of the lesser-traveled gems in the Bahamas.
The best way to see all these islands is on a chartered yacht. And the best way to choose which yacht is right for you is at the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show (BCYS). The third annual BCYS will be held from January 29 to February 2, 2025, at four Nassau and Paradise Island marinas.
We think the Bahamas are an ideal place for a winter getaway. Their Christmas celebrations are legendary, and they keep that energy going well into the new year. Global Air Charters flies to the Bahamas and the rest of the West Indies often in the early months of the year. It’s the best time to snag Empty Leg flights to the Caribbean.
Here’s how we suggest spending a yachting weekend in the Bahamas. Contact our flight coordinators to reserve your airframe to the islands.
Ships, Ahoy
The BCYS brings together charter yachts and their crews to meet with charter brokers from all over the world. Yachting has become an integral part of the Bahamian economy. With so many islands to explore, it’s a global destination for bespoke cruising.
You’ll get a close look at dozens of charter yachts for all different groups and occasions. Chat up the local captains to get inside info about the best island excursions and join in the show’s several evening parties.
Walking in Nassau
After you see the megayachts moored at the Nassau Cruise Port, it’s time to explore downtown Nassau.
Get a cocktail at John Watling’s Distillery, a gorgeous 18th-century estate a short walk from the harbor. Their rums are “the spirit of the Bahamas”, filtered through coconut charcoal and aged up to eight years. Savor their small batch spirits in the shade of a century-old black olive tree.
Just around the corner from the distillery, you’ll find the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. The museum is set at Villa Doyle, a stately 1860s mansion home to the first Chief Justice of The Bahamas. The national collection housed there reflects the evolution of Bahamian culture. You’ll see the islands’ social and political development interpreted through their diverse artistic sensibilities.
Take a Deeper Dive
If you charter a yacht while you’re there, you’ll have easy access to the nearby cays and pristine beaches, such as Rose Island or Blue Lagoon Island. For a totally unique local festival, stick around for the weekend after the BCYS. Yachtsmen gather on Little Farmer’s Cay in the Exumas on the first Friday and Saturday in February for the Farmer’s Cay Festival.
On the western end of New Providence Island, far from downtown Nassau, you’ll find the best beaches for relaxing and snorkeling. Jaws Beach is named in honor of the final installment of the shark attack franchise that was filmed there.
Clifton Heritage National Park is home to the REEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden. Dozens of underwater art installations and burgeoning man-made coral reefs make this a snorkeler’s dream destination.
Winter is also the best time to go after the most exciting catch in the Caribbean. The Bahamas are the perfect place for sport fishermen to angle for wahoo. Charter a boat for a day of deep sea fishing, and come back in early March for the Wahoo Classic tournament on Walker’s Cay.
Bahamas Charter Yacht Show
We love wintertime in the Bahamas. You can relax on empty beaches long before the spring break crowds arrive. You’ll have your pick of island adventures and the weather should be dry and sunny. Contact our flight coordinators to reserve your airframe today.
