The Berry Islands represent the Bahamas at its most unspoiled: a chain of small cays and private anchorages north of Nassau that sees a fraction of the charter traffic of the main Exumas circuit, with resident populations of a few hundred spread across Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay. For guests seeking the contrast between quality on board and simplicity on shore, this combination of Amels refinement and Berry Islands solitude is difficult to improve upon. Amels yachts from the Dutch yard in Vlissingen are built for exactly this kind of sustained cruising. The displacement hulls sit quietly at anchor regardless of the light northerly swell that sometimes rolls through the group in winter, and the deck space and beach club facilities make days at anchor in sheltered cays productive and relaxing rather than passive. With eleven Amels charter yachts available in the region, selecting the right vessel for a Berry Islands programme is straightforward. Weekly charter rates for Amels yachts in the Berry Islands run from approximately 80,000 to 250,000 euros. The advance provisioning allowance adds 30 percent for fuel, provisions from Nassau, berthing at Great Harbour Cay or Chub Cay marina, and drinks. Provision thoroughly at Nassau before departure as local supply options in the Berry Islands are basic. The itinerary from Great Harbour Cay to Chub Cay and back covers the full chain of cays in comfortable daily stages, with uninhabited beaches and excellent fishing on the bone-fishing flats between the two marinas.
