Cat Island suits an explorer yacht for reasons that go beyond range and self-sufficiency. The island eastern coast faces the open Atlantic with a reef system that is rarely dived by charter yachts simply because most vessels lack the ground tackle and local knowledge to anchor safely on the windward side. An explorer yacht with proper anchoring systems, an experienced crew and a high-specification dive kit can access that reef from the inside, coming around to the windward side on a calm day and anchoring in blue water for a dive on a wall that sees almost no traffic.
Fifteen explorer yachts are available for Cat Island itineraries. They range from 30-metre purpose-built expedition vessels with helicopter pads and extended fuel capacity to converted research ships with large workspaces and tender garages. All carry dive compressors, multiple tenders and equipment suited to remote destinations. The larger examples carry a full science or exploration brief if required, having been used for documentary filming in the past.
Weekly charter rates for explorer yachts begin around 60,000 euros and reach 250,000 euros for the largest vessels. The APA of 30 percent covers substantial fuel costs on a Cat Island circuit, provisions loaded in Nassau, crew gratuity and any specialist equipment hire. Extended bookings that combine Cat Island with the south Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos or the Dominican Republic are available for guests planning two to four weeks.
From Cat Island, an explorer itinerary typically pushes to Conception Island for a full day on the reef before continuing south to Rum Cay, Long Island, Crooked Island and the Acklins. The Acklins Bight is a world-class bonefishing flat accessible only by shallow-draft vessel, and the reef off Crooked Island has been described by diving guides as among the finest unprotected walls in the Bahamian chain.
