YCM Offers Day Charters Out of Nassau and An In-Depth Guide to Exploring the Islands

Day charters in the Bahamas offer a spectacular way to experience what Americans and Canadians call the best island in the Caribbean. Nassau and Paradise Island where the Atlantis and Hurricane Hole marina is provides instant access to crystal-clear blue waters and beautiful islands that will give you an instant dose of lithium.

YCM offers a fleet of boats and options for your luxury day charter. Whether it’s with a group of friends looking for a great day activity outside of the hotel, guys on a bachelor or girls on bachelorette party, family outing while on vacation to get out onto the water, friends who want to go see the islands and the swimming pigs, or just a couple who want to experience a slice of paradise in a single day we can help book and create the magical itinierary to fit your timeframe whether its 4, 6, 8, or a 10 hour charter.

So whether you’re a thrill-seeker participating in a Poker Run or a leisure traveler enjoying a “Milk Run” to various islands, there’s something in the Bahamas for every type of adventurer and we’ll explain the different options below.

Contents

1. Introduction to Day Charters in the Bahamas
2. Understanding Poker Runs
3. Exploring Milk Runs
4. Popular Day Charter Routes
5. Planning Your Day Charter
6. Tips for a Successful Day Charter

Introduction to Day Charters in the Bahamas

The Bahamas, with over 700 islands and cays, is an ideal location for day charters. These short sea excursions allow you to explore multiple islands, enjoy various water activities, and still return by sunset to the comfort of your hotel or villa. We have a jetski on board that you can cruise around all the small islands or you can use a tender/dingy boat to cruise from the yacht to a smaller island and go snorkeling. There are a lot of amazing places to dock and no two trips are ever the same. It just depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want to start off on land there are two of the worlds best resorts located in Nassau. You have the famous Atlantis Hotel and Casino as well as the Baha Mar a resort that is close to the airport and has a Rosewood, SLS, and Hyatt hotel as part of one mega-property.

Understanding Poker Runs

What is a Poker Run? A Poker Run is an organized event where participants travel over water to multiple predetermined stops, collecting a playing card at each stop. At the end of the run, the participant with the best poker hand wins. In the Bahamas, Poker Runs combine high-speed boating with the excitement of gambling, all set against the backdrop of the archipelago’s stunning scenery. The photo above with the helicopter in the background is from a May 2024 poker run in the Bahamas where our Mangusta Italian Yacht creates beautiful “Rooster Tails” and stunning photography during the Bahamas Poker Run this year.

For boats, you might commonly hear the wake described based on its characteristics, such as a “rooster tail.” This is a term used when the wake is particularly high and fan-shaped, resembling a rooster’s tail feathers.

Key Features of Bahamas Poker Runs:

• High-Speed Boats: Participants often pilot performance boats capable of high speeds. Expect at least 3 450HP engines on a speed boat but often times much more. This is the bare minimum for a Bahamas Poker run.
• Scenic Routes: Routes typically cover several popular spots and are designed to showcase the beauty of the Bahamian waters.
• Social Event: Besides the competition, Poker Runs are social gatherings, with parties and gatherings at each stop.

Exploring Milk Runs

What is a Milk Run? In Bahamian parlance, a “Milk Run” refers to a leisurely journey through various islands, akin to a milkman making multiple stops and thats where the name comes from. These excursions are perfect for those looking to explore the islands without the rush, providing a relaxed way to see as much as possible in a day.

Common Features of Milk Runs:

• Multiple Stops: Visit several islands and cays, each offering unique sights and activities.
• Flexible Itinerary: Unlike Poker Runs, Milk Runs are more relaxed, with time to swim, snorkel, and explore.
• Cultural Immersion: Often includes stops at local communities and eateries, offering a taste of Bahamian culture.

Popular Day Charter Routes

1. Nassau to Exuma: Explore the famous swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This is the most popular day charter trip and consistently receives 5 stars.
2. Grand Bahama Island Tour: Visit secluded beaches and try local seafood, perfect for a relaxed day of exploration.
3. Berry Islands Adventure: Ideal for fishing, diving, and enjoying untouched natural beauty. The poker run in May goes to Berry Island.

Planning Your Day Charter

Steps to Plan a Successful Day Charter:

1. Choose Your Type: Decide between a high-energy Poker Run or a relaxed Milk Run based on your group’s interests. You can also just relax and cruise around Nassau around Old Fort Bay and just enjoy Rose Island versus going on a more strenuous boat ride.
2. Select a Provider: Use YCM to book your trip, we provide you with the best value and knowledgeable captains who are local to the Bahamas. The price of a day charter is variable and we have a pricing guide for your Caribbean charter to help give you a range of what it will cost.
3. Customize Your Itinerary: Work with our yacht charter concierge to tailor the day to your preferences, whether it’s adding a snorkeling stop or a beach picnic we can accommodate whatever you’d like to do while on the luxury Bahamian charter.

Tips for a Successful Day Charter

• Check the Weather: Always plan around the weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the Bahamas.
• Prepare Appropriately: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and towels to enhance your comfort on the boat. If you need the boat to be stocked with anything before hand just ask and it can be purchased for your yacht charter for an additional cost.
• Stay Hydrated: Keep plenty of water on hand, especially during sun-heavy activities.
• Respect the Environment: Be mindful of marine life and coral reefs, especially in protected areas. Under no circumstances should you liter into the ocean.

When is a good time to book a Yacht Charter in the Bahamas?

Day charters out of Nassau in the Bahamas is one of the worlds best vacation experiences you could ever take and if you’re starting in Miami you can cruise to the Bahamas to and from if you’d like on one of our private boats at a reasonable cost. YCM offers a unique way to experience the diversity and beauty of the islands in just a short time if you’d like to take a day charter vs. a term charter on a superyacht where you would sleep on the boat. Whether you’re speeding through the waves on a Poker Run or cruising leisurely on a Milk Run, these charters provide unforgettable experiences filled with adventure, beauty, and local culture. With our thoughtful planning and a spirit of adventure, your day at sea will be a highlight of your Bahamian getaway.

Day charters in the Bahamas offer a unique way to experience the diversity and beauty of the islands in just a short time. Whether you’re speeding through the waves on a Poker Run or cruising leisurely on a Milk Run, these charters provide unforgettable experiences filled with adventure, beauty, and local culture. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, your day at sea will be a highlight of your Bahamian getaway. Each trip offers a chance to create lasting memories, whether you’re diving into the vibrant underwater world, lounging on secluded beaches, or mingling with fellow boaters in festive atmospheres. The flexibility and variety of these charters mean that every traveler can find something that perfectly matches their idea of a perfect day out on the water. Embrace the opportunity to explore the islands from a unique perspective, and you’ll discover why the Bahamas remains one of the world’s premier boating destinations.