Long Island is often overlooked in favour of the more celebrated Exumas, which makes it a rewarding choice for an explorer yacht charter. The island stretches 80 miles along the eastern edge of the Bahama Banks, with dramatic Atlantic cliffs on one side and calm turquoise water on the other. The Blue Hole near Clarence Town is one of the deepest marine sinkholes on earth, and the reef systems along the western coast see far less pressure than those in the central Bahamas.
The explorer fleet available for a Bahamas charter runs to around 15 yachts, from 28-metre purpose-built expedition vessels to larger motor yachts with extended range and full diving equipment. Many of these vessels suit Long Island well: the anchorages are manageable, the diving is excellent and the passages from Nassau or from the Exumas are straightforward.
Weekly rates for explorer yacht charters in the Bahamas begin at approximately 50,000 euros per week and reach 350,000 euros or more for a larger purpose-built vessel. An advance provisioning allowance of roughly 30 percent covers fuel, food, berthing and drinks. Limited local provisions make stocking fully before departure the recommended approach.
An explorer itinerary on Long Island moves south from Cape Santa Maria through the calm western anchorages to Clarence Town, diving the outer reef walls and the Blue Hole along the way. From Clarence Town, a yacht can continue south to the Acklins and Crooked Island passage or east toward the Turks and Caicos.
