The Berry Islands are among the least visited and most rewarding island groups in the entire Bahamas, a chain of small cays and uninhabited beaches stretching north of Nassau between the open Atlantic to the east and the shallow Great Bahama Bank to the west. With fewer than 700 permanent residents spread across the whole archipelago, the Berry Islands offer a solitude and natural quality that the more famous Exumas and Abacos have partly lost to charter traffic. Abeking and Rasmussen charter yachts, known for their long-range blue-water capability and well-proportioned layouts, are ideally suited to this quieter corner of the Bahamas. The two marinas at Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay provide fuel and provisioning within the island group, making extended stays in the Berry Islands straightforward for a self-sufficient charter yacht. Between those two stops, dozens of uninhabited anchorages offer deserted beaches, excellent bone-fishing on the shallow flats, and diving on coral heads in clear water with very few other boats in sight. Weekly charter rates for Abeking and Rasmussen yachts based in the Berry Islands run from approximately 95,000 to 180,000 euros per week. The advance provisioning allowance adds 30 percent for fuel, provisions, and drinks. The closest major provisioning base is Nassau, about 35 miles to the south-west, making it natural to begin and end the charter there. The Berry Islands reward a full week of exploration: Great Harbour Cay for the marina and beach, Chub Cay in the south for diving and fishing, Bullocks Harbour for the only real village, and the uninhabited north end of the chain for complete isolation on pristine beaches.
