The Bahamas

Hello, aspiring yachties! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you're familiar with the show Below Deck—you’ve envisioned yourself diving into a life of glamour, adventure, and endless turquoise horizons as a yacht crew member. Well, consider this your golden ticket. Let's not underestimate the long hours, hard work, and a bit of luck it takes to land your dream job. But I’m here to share with you that it’s possible. As a traveling yacht stewardess, I’ve had the privilege of more than 12 years soaking up sun-drenched destinations while working aboard some stunning superyachts. One of the most vibrant and beautiful places for boating on the planet is the Bahamas, which is a very favorable spot for yacht charters. I consider this one of the top spots to get hired, but things happen mid-season—boats don’t work out, injuries occur, or better opportunities appear on the horizon. So, becoming familiar with the waters around the Bahamas is a gem of knowledge.

“I have witnessed shooting stars by the dozens, swam next to wildlife, foraged my own coconuts, and turned a strange tiki bar into a best friend—all while barefoot.”

With its rich maritime culture, commonly visited yacht destinations, and idyllic surroundings, it’s a dream come true for yachties, both new and seasoned. Let’s dive into how to get started in the Bahamas!

The Bahamas is made up of approximately 700 islands and cays. However, only about 30 of these islands are inhabited, and out of that, very few have marinas. Let’s be honest, the best part of the Bahamas is anchoring out with not another person in sight.

Finding a yacht job in the Bahamas often starts with the right training and connections.

Schools:

• To land a position on a yacht, certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) are essential. If you’re new to the game, invest in this first. Schools in Fort Lauderdale (just a quick hop from the Bahamas) like Bluewater and MPT (Maritime Professional Training) are excellent options.

Agencies:

Top-notch agencies like Crew4Yachts, YPI Crew, and The Crew Network often post jobs specifically for the Bahamas region. Register, submit a killer CV, and follow up regularly.

• Pro Tip: Networking is everything! Attend crew meet-ups in Nassau or dockwalk at the bustling Atlantis Marina to introduce yourself to captains and crew.

Planning a yachting adventure in the Bahamas? These travel agencies specialize in creating seamless luxury experiences:

• YachtCharterFleet: Whether you’re looking to rent a superyacht or arrange an unforgettable island-hopping itinerary, this agency is a top choice for the Bahamas.
• Bahamas Paradise Travel: This boutique agency offers tailored travel plans, including luxury villa rentals and private charters for smaller groups.
• The Moorings: Perfect for bareboat or crewed yacht charters, with packages that include provisioning and activities.
• Pro Tip: Start your planning early, as the Bahamas is a popular destination, particularly during the winter and spring months.

Accommodation options in the Bahamas range from budget-friendly to bougie. If you’re working on a yacht, most likely you’ll be hunkered down on the vessel. But in the event you’re job hunting or waiting for your next placement, here are some yachtie-friendly options:

• Hostels and Shared Accommodation: Check out places like Bahamas Backpackers Hostel in Nassau. It’s affordable, social, and full of other travelers.
• Crew Houses: While Nassau doesn’t have as many dedicated crew houses as Fort Lauderdale, some hostels offer long-term stay discounts. Ask around in Facebook groups like “Bahamas Yacht Crew” for recommendations.
• Budget-Friendly Airbnbs: Short-term rentals are plentiful and often cheaper if you’re splitting costs with fellow crew members. Proximity to marinas like Lyford Cay or Palm Cay is ideal.

First-Class Resorts

If you’re stepping off the yacht for a night or two, the Bahamas offers some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations:

• The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort: Located on Paradise Island, this iconic resort combines elegance with tropical charm. Think beachfront villas, world-class dining, and stunning gardens.
• Baha Mar: A sprawling luxury complex in Nassau featuring high-end hotels like Rosewood and SLS, plus a casino, golf course, and endless dining options.
• Atlantis Paradise Island: A world-renowned resort located on Paradise Island, it's architecturally stunning, with extensive amenities—golf, spa, waterpark, beaches, casinos (very popular yacht charter pick-up especially if you have children), and a nearby international airport. Personally, it's one of my favorite spas and one of the most diverse and well-manicured properties in the Caribbean.
• Kamalame Cay: A private island resort that offers seclusion and barefoot luxury, perfect for unwinding after a busy charter season.
• Sandals Resort Exuma: An adults-only resort that offers day passes to their amenities, including food, drinks, and scuba diving, which can be a fun way for crew to relax on days off.

Marinas:

In the Bahamas, many of the inhabited islands have marinas that cater to motor yachts and other vessels. Notable islands with marinas include:

1. Nassau (New Providence Island) - Home to several marinas, including the Nassau Yacht Haven and the Paradise Island Marina.
2. Freeport (Grand Bahama Island) - Features multiple marinas, such as the Lucayan Marina.
3. Exuma - Known for several marinas like the Emerald Bay Marina and the Georgetown Marina.
4. Abacos - Offers various marinas, including the Marsh Harbour Marina and Hope Town Marina.
5. Eleuthera - Has marinas like the Governor's Harbour Marina.

In total, there are dozens of marinas spread across various islands in the Bahamas, catering to motor yachts and other types of boats. The exact number can fluctuate, but it's safe to say that a significant portion of the inhabited islands has facilities for yacht docking and services.

The Bahamas is a foodie paradise, blending local and international cuisines. As a chef and/or stewardess, you’ll also need to know where to provision for charters.

Restaurants for Crew:

• Twin Brothers: Head to this spot on Nassau’s Arawak Cay for authentic Bahamian flavors like conch salad and cracked lobster. Affordable and delicious!
• Oh Andros: Perfect for group dinners after a long workday. Their fried snapper is the stuff of dreams.
• Pete’s Pub: Located in Little Harbor, Abaco; the only way to find this little gem is down a questionable dirt road or by sailboat, but it’s a charming little establishment with stories of history that date back to the 1950s, and one of my favorite enclaves to snorkel around.

Provisions:

• Solomons Fresh Market and Super Value are go-to supermarkets for everyday shopping.
• For gourmet and specialty items, try Island Provisions Bahamas, especially when prepping for demanding charter guests.
• Local Fish Markets: Stop by island docks for fresh-caught lobster, grouper, and conch—perfect for impressing charter guests.
• Don’t Miss: Bahamian specialties like cracked conch, Johnnycakes, and guava duff. Pair them with a refreshing Goombay Smash cocktail!

Specialty Restaurants:

If the guests are interested in a night off the boat or the crew is in a celebratory mood, remember that the charm of the Bahamas is its laid-back, unpretentious attitude, but here are a few memorable restaurants:

• Graycliff Restaurant (Nassau): Dine in a colonial mansion with an impressive wine cellar and gourmet menu.
• Fish Fry at Arawak Cay (Nassau): A cluster of local eateries serving classic Bahamian dishes like conch fritters and grilled snapper.
• Coco Bahama Seagrill (Exumas): A chic waterfront spot known for fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

Even yachties need to recharge! Thankfully, the Bahamas has plenty of wellness options and off-duty adventures.

• Mandara Spa at Atlantis: Indulge in luxurious treatments, from sea-inspired scrubs to deep-tissue massages.
• Senses Spa at Sandals Emerald Bay: Located in the Exumas, this spa offers a tranquil escape with stunning ocean views.
• Baha Mar ESPA Spa: Splurge on a spa day at this luxurious resort in Nassau. A massage here will melt away any post-charter stress.
• Yoga on the Beach: Many beaches host yoga sessions at sunrise or sunset. Pure bliss!
• Island Hopping: Hop on a ferry or arrange a crew trip to the Exumas or Harbour Island for pristine, pink-sand beaches.
• Blue Hole Diving: Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island is worth a visit if you’re into diving or just want to marvel at nature’s wonders.
• Atlantis Water Park: Unleash your inner child with waterslides and lazy rivers.
• Pig Beach (Exumas): Swim with the famous pigs of Big Major Cay, a bucket-list activity for any Bahamas visitor.
• Blackfly Lodge: Abaco Island is one of the best flats fishing destinations in the world!

Navigating the Bahamas can be a mix of easygoing and tricky, depending on your location.

• Nassau and Freeport have buses (called jitneys) that are cheap and frequent. Note: They don’t run late at night.
• Taxis: You can typically find the phone number of a driver at the resort or airport. Sorry millennials, Uber is not a thing in the Bahamas.
• Private Water Taxis: For more flexibility, hire a private water taxi, which is perfect for shorter island hops.
• Domestic Flights: Bahamasair and Western Air offer regular flights between islands, making longer distances a breeze.
• Scooters and Bikes: Many islands have scooter and bike rentals, which are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore.
• Pro Tip: Plan ahead for transportation during peak travel times, as ferries and flights can fill up quickly.

Streamlining your life as a yachtie is a breeze with these handy tools:

• MarineTraffic: Track yachts and see which ones are docked nearby.
• WhatsApp: Essential for connecting with agencies, captains, and other crew.
• OpenTable: Reserve tables at popular restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons.
• AllTrails: Discover hiking trails and nature walks, like those in Eleuthera or Andros.
• Facebook Groups: Join “Bahamas Yacht Crew” and similar groups to find job leads, meet-ups, and crew house recommendations.
• Ferry Schedules: Keep apps or bookmarks for ferry operators handy to plan those island-hopping adventures.

The Bahamas is more than a stepping stone in your yachting career—it’s a place of endless opportunity, fun, and learning, and it checks many of the boxes as to why we want to become a yachtie in the first place. Whether you’re mingling at a marina bar, provisioning for a luxury charter, or unwinding on a pink-sand beach, you’ll quickly fall in love with the island life.

Remember, persistence is key when job hunting, so keep your certifications current, network like a pro, and embrace every moment of this journey. Who knows? Your dream yacht might be anchored in the Bahamas right now, waiting for you to join the crew.

Fair winds and following seas!