• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Caribbean & The Americas
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

1 week of paradise sailing in the Bahamas

Get ready for a week of adventure in paradise as you sail through the serene, crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. Unlike the Caribbean islands formed by volcanic activity, the Bahamas are the top of two large banks that rise from the Atlantic OceanThe shallow waters that result have multiple islands and cays sheltered behind exotic coral reef that teems with sea life and white sandy beaches.

Each day of your Bahamas sailing vacation, you’ll have gentle, warm breezes and glorious sunshine as you discover this tropical paradise. You’ll navigate around picturesque islands, each with its own unique charm, with pristine beaches, fantastic marine life, and rich vegetation. Exploring these islands and their warm tropical waters on a yacht means a real connection with the ocean. Whether you’re snorkeling in the turquoise water, lounging on the deck under the stars, or exploring hidden coves, this week is the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1 rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than luxury sailing vacations. You will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, depending on the route you choose and sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To take part in the adventure, the crew must come with the right attitude, an open mind and a desire to be fully involved.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see the dates this trip runs. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

Bahamas sailing area map
Bahamas sailing area
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

Ready for a genuine sailing adventure? No Rubicon 3 route has a set itinerary. The skipper and mate will look at the wind and weather at the time and make a plan with you. You may discover a fantastic place and want to spend an extra few hours exploring, or the wind is from the wrong direction, so you sail somewhere off the initial plan. Making the adventure up as we go is all part of the magic of these trips in the West Indies. Below are some of the highlights of the region and we will make a plan to see which of these we can get to!

Where is the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida in the United States, north of Cuba and the Caribbean, and northwest of the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Nassau

Our Bahamas adventure starts and finishes on the island of Nassau. Stroll through the center of Nassau, with its colorful English colonial style, or start your holiday early on one of its most famous beaches, such as Cable Beach, Jaws Beach, or Love Beach. From Nassau there is a lovely initial sail to the cruising ground, which will ensure we have a full and exhilarating day of sailing to start.

exumas anchorage

Allen Cay and Highbourne Cay

Many of the unnamed beaches and coves of the islands, including the extensive offshore reef areas, are included in the protected Exuma National Land and Sea Park of the Bahamas National Trust. From an anchorage in Allen Cay, you can explore these stunning desert islands and see some of the exotic iguanas that roam the paradise beaches of Leaf Cay.

Highbourne Cay is known as the Gate of the Exumas. It’s a private island with a first-class marina. In Horseshoe Bay, you can snorkel among reefs and see colorful fish in the wonderful “Octopus Garden Reef.” If you prefer to relax in the sun, both the island and its neighbors own some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. We could anchor in neighboring Oyster Cay or Long Cay if we fancy some more tranquility.

Bahamas cay

Warderik Wells Cay: The largest underwater park in the Caribbean

Warderick Well Cay is the exact definition of a paradise island. It’s the ideal place to get lost strolling along its white sand beaches or swim in the turquoise waters. But the greatest treasure of this jewel of the Exumas is hidden underwater. Warderick Well Cay is home to the largest underwater natural park in the Caribbean. Explore its marine park and discover its thousand-colored reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, stromatolites, and even the skeleton of a sperm whale. Snorkeling here is absolutely amazing.

warderick cay

Compass Cay and Staniel Cay

In Compass Cay, you can swim with the cheerful nurse sharks. Don’t worry, it is a harmless species, but do you dare? The spectacular Staniel Cay has been the set for more than one James Bond movie. The underwater caves of the “Thunderball Grotto,” which gave its name to one of the secret agent films, are an absolute must. You can visit the wonderful swimming pigs in Big Major Cay, which is very close to Staniel Cay. They are the Bahamas’ most representative icon!

escobar plane bahamas

Shroud Cay: Possibly the most beautiful island in the world 

It’s difficult to describe how beautiful Shroud Cay is, but it is the stuff of legend, and we are effectively visiting on our private yacht! There are tropical mangroves, virgin white sand beaches, and crystal clear blue waters. You can explore Driftwood Beach, where you can walk to the island’s highest point and share one of the best sunsets in the Caribbean. The mangroves are lovely to explore, or you can swim among sea turtles, lobsters, and tropical fish in Coral de Fuego or Wax Cut Drift Dive.

Cayo Norman

Norman Cay is one of the Exuma and Bahamas islands that really attracts tourists and many a Bahamas yacht charter. It is an abandoned island with a history of drug trafficking! However, these days, it is all about its coral reefs and the sunken plane that rests in the crystal clear waters. It is worth seeing it underwater!

The Sailing Season in the Bahamas

The sailing season in the Bahamas typically runs from December to April. This period is favored due to its relatively cooler and more stable weather conditions, which are ideal for sailing. The temperatures during these months are usually much more comfortable than at other times.

sailing crew in caribbean

PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE TRUE SAILING ADVENTURES

These are true sailing adventures that require more than just a presence on board—they demand enthusiasm, teamwork, and a positive spirit from each crew member. To fully embrace and benefit from these experiences, it’s crucial that crew come prepared to contribute actively to the life and tasks on the vessel. Those who step up with the right attitude will find that the rewards are immense. Not only will you gain new skills and face exhilarating challenges, but you’ll also forge deep connections with fellow adventurers and create memories that last a lifetime.

Landing rib on beach

 

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