Long Island combines natural variety with accessible anchorages, making it one of the best Bahamian destinations for a family yacht charter. The island stretches 80 miles from Cape Santa Maria in the north, with its wide beach and shallow turquoise bay, to Clarence Town in the south. Between the two, a family can anchor in Calabash Bay, snorkel the reefs, explore by tender and visit the Blue Hole near Clarence Town, one of the deepest marine sinkholes on earth.
The family fleet available for a Bahamas charter includes around 65 published yachts spanning motor and sailing designs from 24 metres upward. Many are fitted with jet skis, kayaks, snorkelling gear and waterslides as standard. The best family yachts carry a trained stewardess alongside the regular crew, with chefs who plan menus around younger guests.
Weekly rates for family charters in the Bahamas range from approximately 50,000 euros per week for a smaller yacht to over 500,000 euros for a large flagship with extensive water toys. An advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers food, fuel, dockage and drinks. Limited local shops make provisioning in Nassau before departure the practical approach.
A family itinerary on Long Island typically begins at Cape Santa Maria for the beach and shallow snorkelling, moves south through Thompson Bay for the central reefs and village, and ends near Clarence Town for the Blue Hole and the hilltop churches. The calm western anchorages suit younger children well throughout the week.
