Luxury Yacht Charter in Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Bahamas
Located just east of Nassau, the sister destinations of Eleuthera and Harbour Island offer a yacht charter paradise that is both exclusive and adventurous. Far from the crowds, these islands are known for their pink-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back Bahamian charm. A yacht charter in Eleuthera or yacht charter in Harbour Island lets you explore a side of the Bahamas that’s serene yet full of delights. Here, luxury travelers (including families) find unspoiled nature, upscale amenities, and endless opportunities for adventure on the water – all within a breathtaking tropical setting.
Yacht Charter in Eleuthera and Harbour Island – Why This Part of Bahamas?
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Untouched Pink Sand Beaches & Turquoise Bays: Eleuthera’s claim to fame is its pink-sand beaches – the result of tiny crushed corals giving the sand a delicate blush hue. Harbour Island’s famous Pink Sand Beach(stretching ~3 miles) is often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, drawing celebrities and discerning travelers to its shores. On a yacht charter Eleuthera adventure, you’ll discover countless secluded coves and sandbars with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and beachcombing. These islands exemplify the easygoing elegance of the Bahamas – no rush, no crowds, just the simple luxury of beautiful surroundings.
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Rich Marine Life & Underwater Adventures: The Eleuthera & Harbour Island area boasts some of the Bahamas’ best snorkeling and diving. Discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. Thrill-seekers can try a drift snorkel through Current Cut, a narrow channel renowned as one of the world’s top drift dive sites. Divers might explore the Devil’s Backbone reef near Harbour Island – a notorious stretch of coral that has ensnared many shipwrecks over the centuries – now home to lobsters, moray eels, and colorful marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling over shallow reefs or plunging into blue holes, a yacht charter in Eleuthera delivers up-close encounters with incredible sea life in warm, gin-clear waters.
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Luxury Meets Local Charm: Eleuthera and Harbour Island offer a unique blend of upscale luxury and authentic local culture. Harbour Island’s lone settlement, Dunmore Town, features pastel-colored colonial cottages draped in bougainvillea and narrow flower-lined streets. Often called the “new St. Barths” by travel magazines, it has boutique hotels, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants tucked into a friendly village atmosphere. Eleuthera, a long slender island (110 miles long but only a few miles wide ), is dotted with laid-back fishing villages and welcoming communities. One day you might sip cocktails at an elegant beach bar or enjoy a spa treatment at a Harbour Island resort, and the next you’re chatting with local fishermen as your crew picks up freshly caught lobster for dinner in a quiet settlement. This region’s “chic yet unpretentious” vibe makes it ideal for travelers seeking five-star comforts without sacrificing the genuine warmth of Bahamian hospitality.
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Family-Friendly Adventure: A yacht charter Harbour Island or Eleuthera getaway is also perfect for families. The calm, shallow waters on the Caribbean side of Eleuthera are like giant swimming pools – safe for kids to splash around and ideal for trying out water toys like paddleboards and kayaks. Young explorers will love unique activities – from feeding friendly swimming pigs on a nearby island to spotting dolphins and sea turtles from the bow. Many crewed charters are all-inclusive, so the crew can customize each day to your family’s preferences. With Boatcrowd’s expertise, every age finds something to cherish on these islands.
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Luxury Yachts & All-Inclusive Crewed Charters: When you charter in Eleuthera or Harbour Island, you’ll have a private crewed yacht as your floating resort. Boatcrowd specializes in crewed motor yachts (55’–99’) and superyachts (100’+), ensuring you find the ideal vessel for your group. Motor yachts in this class typically accommodate 4–8 guests in plush cabins – perfect for families or couples. They are nimble, with shallow drafts to get close to beaches that larger vessels can’t. Superyachts 100 ft+ provide even more space, amenities, and crew – ideal for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury or traveling with a bigger group.
No matter the size, all yachts come fully crewed with a professional captain, private chef, and attentive staff to pamper you. Many Bahamas charters operate on an all-inclusive basis (or with a flat rate plus minimal extras), which gives you a straightforward, hassle-free experience. Imagine waking up to a gourmet breakfast, spending your days snorkeling or jet-skiing, and returning to the yacht for a sunset dinner of fresh seafood prepared to your tastes – all handled by your chef and served by your crew. With an open bar stocked to your preferences and a suite of water toys at your disposal, all-inclusive yacht charter indulgence means everything is taken care of. Your only “job” is to relax and enjoy.
Best Time to Charter in Eleuthera and Harbour Island – Peak Season and Weather
The climate in Eleuthera and Harbour Island is sublime much of the year, but there are optimal times for a yacht charter. Peak yacht charter season in the Bahamas runs from mid-December through April, when the weather is comfortably warm (mid-70s to mid-80s °F), humidity is low, and rainfall is minimal. This winter-spring window not only promises calm seas and sunny skies, it also coincides with many holidays and school breaks – perfect for family charters. Because this is peak season, the most sought-after yachts and dates book up fast – it’s wise to inquire now to reserve your dates if you plan to travel in these months. Early summer (May–June) can also be lovely with fewer crowds and very clear water, though do keep hurricane season (June–Nov) in mind. Charters run year-round, but timing your trip for winter/spring ensures the best cruising conditions. Boatcrowd’s charter specialists can advise on the ideal timing and help start planning your trip for an unforgettable experience.
Now, to spark your imagination, here are two sample 3-day yacht charter itineraries – one focused on Eleuthera, and one on Harbour Island. Each showcases different highlights (with no overlap) to give you a sense of the adventures that await.
3-Day Yacht Charter in Eleuthera – Sample Itinerary
Experience the wild beauty of Eleuthera up close on this sample three-day itinerary. This journey is all about adventure, secluded beaches, and incredible sea life. From the island’s remote southern shores to its historic settlements, you’ll get a taste of why a yacht charter Eleuthera escape is so special. (This itinerary assumes you begin and end your charter in Eleuthera – with convenient local airports, you can fly directly in to meet your yacht.)
Day 1: Southern Eleuthera Adventure – Lighthouse Beach & Two-Ocean Playgrounds
Morning/Afternoon – Welcome Aboard in Eleuthera: Your crew welcomes you aboard your private yacht at Eleuthera (for example, at Rock Sound or Governor’s Harbour) with chilled tropical drinks and a briefing of the exciting days ahead. Once you’ve settled into your stateroom and the kids have explored the yacht, set sail for Eleuthera’s far southern tip.
Explore Lighthouse Beach: By mid-day, you arrive at the crown jewel of South Eleuthera – Lighthouse Beach, an utterly unspoiled stretch of blush-pink sands and towering dunes. This beach is considered one of the most magnificent in all The Bahamas. What makes it truly unique is its geography: Lighthouse Beach teeters on a narrow point where you can literally swim in two bodies of water at once – the calm Exuma Sound (Caribbean Sea) on one side and the rolling Atlantic Ocean on the other. Step ashore and feel the powder-soft sand between your toes. The crew sets up a luxury beach camp for the afternoon: snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks for you to enjoy the crystal-clear shallows of the Caribbean side, and umbrellas and plush towels for lounging.
Don your snorkel gear and explore the vibrant coral reefs just off the beach – colorful parrotfish and swaying sea fans populate the water. Beachcombers can wander along the tide line collecting conch shells and sea glass, while kids build sandcastles in this secluded paradise. Feeling adventurous? Take a short hike up to the old stone lighthouse perched atop the limestone bluff. From there, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of turquoise sea meeting ocean. It’s a one-of-a-kind sensation to see the Atlantic on one side and the calm Caribbean on the other at this spectacular point.
Evening – Sunset & Stargazing: As the sun begins to dip, enjoy a casual beach stroll or perhaps a sunset swim in the sheltered cove. The sky ignites in hues of orange and pink, mirroring the rosy sands. Return to the yacht for evening cocktails on the flybridge – your chef has prepared a platter of Bahamian conch fritters and fresh fruit to whet your appetite. For dinner, dine al fresco under the fading light as gentle waves lap the hull. Tonight’s menu might feature freshly caught grouper or lobster paired with fine wine. With no city lights for miles, the night sky is breathtaking – thousands of stars twinkle above as you anchor off Lighthouse Beach in utter tranquility. Drifting to sleep to the faint sound of Atlantic waves caps off a perfect first day of your yacht charter in Eleuthera.
Day 2: Reefs, Wrecks & Governor’s Harbour Charm
Morning – Snorkeling “Cathedral” Reefs: Wake up to the aroma of fresh coffee and ocean breezes. This morning, the captain charts a course north along Eleuthera’s lee side (the calm western coast). After a leisurely breakfast, you stop at a prime snorkeling and dive spot known as Cathedral Cove. As the name suggests, this site features underwater caves and arches that create a cathedral-like effect beneath the waves. Divers can explore the caverns with a guide as beams of sunlight illuminate schools of fish. Snorkelers float above the coral garden, spotting an array of reef fish – perhaps a green turtle or even an eagle ray gliding by. Whether you dive deep or snorkel at the surface, the morning is filled with undersea wonders.
Midday – Beach Picnic and Water Toys: Continuing northward, your yacht finds a picturesque anchorage off a deserted beach. Perhaps it’s a hidden cove on the calm Caribbean side where you’re the only people in sight. The crew brings out water toys for some fun – hop on paddleboards, zoom around on the jet ski, or kayak over seagrass beds spotting starfish below. When you’re ready, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on the beach (fresh grilled catch of the day, crisp salads, and chilled rosé) – an all-inclusive delight served barefoot in the sand. This is the bliss of Eleuthera: not another soul in sight, just your family and your yacht in paradise.
Afternoon – Governor’s Harbour Exploration: By mid-afternoon, you arrive at Governor’s Harbour, the main town of central Eleuthera. Stepping ashore via tender, you’ll feel the island’s history come alive. Governor’s Harbour is one of the oldest settlements in The Bahamas (dating back to 1648) and exudes colonial charm with its Victorian-era cottages and historic churches. Stroll along Cupids Cay, the site of the first Bahamian parliament, and admire the pastel-painted homes. The pace is delightfully slow and friendly – expect plenty of waves and warm “hellos” from locals.
If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Friday evening, you can catch the weekly Fish Fry at Anchor Bay – a street party where locals and visitors mingle over grilled seafood, music, and dancing. Even on other days, Governor’s Harbour offers quaint shops and friendly cafes (you might sample a fresh-baked pineapple pie or a cold Kalik beer) as you soak up the local scene.
Evening – Elegant Dinner Onboard: Back on the yacht, refresh with a quick dip off the swim platform – the ocean here is warm and glassy calm in the late afternoon light. As dusk settles, your crew can arrange a special dinner on deck. Perhaps they’ve procured some fresh spiny lobsters or mahi-mahi from the local fishermen for the chef to grill. Dine as the shoreline glows with a few lights from town. The yacht remains at anchor in Governor’s Harbour for the night, a well-protected spot with barely a ripple on the water. After dinner, unwind on the aft deck with a nightcap, the gentle breeze and lapping waves reminding you that you’ve fully slipped into “island time.”
Day 3: Hidden Caves, Hidden Cays & Farewell to Eleuthera
Morning – Caving at Hatchet Bay: This final day is all about unveiling Eleuthera’s hidden gems. After breakfast, the yacht gets underway towards Hatchet Bay on the northwestern coast. As you approach, it’s hard to even spot the entrance – Hatchet Bay is a natural harbor that was once a completely landlocked lake. A narrow man-made cut through the rock grants your yacht entry into this sheltered bay. It’s an exciting navigation moment, showcasing your captain’s skill. Once inside, the bay is calm as a pond. The yacht anchors and you head ashore to explore Hatchet Bay Cave. With flashlights in hand, venture into this cavern of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. You might spot bats roosting and see old markings on the walls from visitors long ago. It’s an adventurous, slightly eerie exploration that gives a glimpse into Eleuthera’s hidden geology.
After emerging into daylight, cool off with a refreshing dip. In these protected waters, you can swim or paddleboard in total calm before getting underway again.
Midday – Secluded Beach at an Uninhabited Cay: Back on board, it’s time to cruise toward one of Eleuthera’s offshore gems – a deserted cay where you can enjoy your final lunch in total seclusion. The captain sets anchor just off the cay, and you take the tender to its pristine beach. Here you truly feel like castaways in style. Wander along the shoreline (these rarely visited beaches offer excellent shelling ) or wade in the knee-high shallows spotting starfish. The crew lays out a picnic under the palms with a spread of fresh salads, grilled seafood, and icy drinks. There’s time for one last round of water play – paddle around in the shallows or zoom on a towable tube behind the tender. Snap some final photos with the family, the yacht, and the endless turquoise sea as your backdrop.
Afternoon – Smooth Sail to Finish: As the day winds down, the yacht begins its return toward your disembarkation point in Eleuthera. Kick back on the sun deck and savor the journey. Keep watch for dolphins riding in the bow wake – they often love to escort yachts in these waters. There’s time for one more toast as the crew shakes up their signature rum punch, celebrating a successful voyage.
By late afternoon, you’ll cruise back toward northern Eleuthera to disembark. In just three days you’ve experienced so many facets of this island – from pink beaches and coral gardens to hidden caves and friendly villages. This sample yacht charter Eleuthera itinerary is just a taste of what’s possible (many guests extend to a week or combine Eleuthera with other islands). Even in a short escape, Eleuthera’s magic leaves a lasting impression.
(Ready for more? Now let’s explore a Harbour Island itinerary – offering its own blend of luxury and adventure.)
3-Day Yacht Charter in Harbour Island – Sample Itinerary
Harbour Island may be small (only 3.5 miles long ), but it delivers an outsized experience on any yacht charter. This 3-day Harbour Island yacht charter sample itinerary focuses on the island’s world-famous pink sand beach, its charming colonial town, and a few nearby wonders in the North Eleuthera area. It’s a perfect stand-alone long weekend or an add-on to a longer Bahamas charter. (Assume you’ll start and finish in Harbour Island itself – typically via a quick water taxi from North Eleuthera airport straight to your waiting yacht.)
Day 1: Welcome to Harbour Island – Pink Sands & Colonial Charms
Afternoon – Arrival and Settling In: Your journey begins as you step off a tender in Harbour Island’s marina (perhaps at Valentine’s Marina in Dunmore Town). The crew of your luxury yacht greets you with warm smiles and a tray of welcome champagne. Once on board, enjoy a light lunch as the yacht eases out into the harbour – giving you your first look at this picturesque island that many consider one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Pastel buildings line the shore and bougainvillea blooms everywhere. You already sense the special charm of Harbour Island.
Explore Dunmore Town: After lunch, it’s time to explore Dunmore Town, Harbour Island’s only settlement and the historic heart of the isle. Hop into a golf cart (the preferred mode of transport here) and meander through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial cottages and white picket fences. Pop into a few boutiques for local souvenirs or grab a cold Bahamian soda and a bite of sweet island pineapple tart from a street stand. You’ll likely spot the famous Lone Tree driftwood sculpture in the shallows and the 18th-century chapel on the hill, but the real joy is simply soaking up the laid-back vibe. Don’t be surprised to see chickens crossing the road or locals chatting on their porches – life moves at a gentle pace here, utterly idyllic and unpretentious.
Sunset on Pink Sands Beach: Before day’s end, your crew whisks you over to the ocean side of Harbour Island for your first glimpse of the iconic Pink Sand Beach. In the late afternoon light, the three-mile beach glows with a subtle rosy hue, a sight that never fails to enchant. Kick off your sandals and walk barefoot on the satin-soft sand as warm waves from the Atlantic gently roll in. The sand’s pink tint, courtesy of powdered coral, is especially photogenic at this golden hour. Find a scenic spot to pause – perhaps the crew sets up a blanket with champagne and hors d’oeuvres – and toast to the start of your Harbour Island yacht charter. As the sun sets, the sky and sand seem to blush in unison, creating pure magic.
Evening – Island Dining & Relaxation: As darkness falls, Harbour Island offers enticing choices for dinner. Perhaps dine ashore at one of the island’s upscale yet laid-back restaurants like The Dunmore, feasting on fresh seafood in a candlelit garden setting. After a gourmet meal, you might enjoy a nightcap listening to soft island music at a local bar, or simply retreat to your yacht’s deck to watch the lights of Dunmore Town twinkle across the water. The first night of your yacht charter Harbour Island adventure is a perfect mix of exploration and indulgence.
Day 2: Eleuthera Excursion – Caves, Blue Holes & Local Encounters
Morning – Preacher’s Cave & Sapphire Blue Hole: Today you’ll venture just beyond Harbour Island to explore North Eleuthera’s natural wonders. After a sunrise breakfast on deck, your captain ferries the yacht a short distance across the bay to the Eleuthera mainland (or you zip over by high-speed tender). First stop: Preacher’s Cave on northern Eleuthera, a site rich with history and adventure. Learn how this wide-mouthed cavern got its name when shipwrecked English settlers found refuge here in the 1600s. Sunlight filters through a hole in the cave’s ceiling, illuminating a stone altar left by those castaways. Standing where Eleuthera’s first settlers once gathered is a humbling experience. Your guide shares tales of the wreck on Devil’s Backbone Reef and how Eleuthera (meaning “freedom”) was born from this very spot. It’s an accessible adventure that feels like a step back in time.
A short hop from Preacher’s Cave is the Sapphire Blue Hole, one of Eleuthera’s famed inland blue holes. For a rush of adrenaline, take a leap from a low cliff into the Sapphire Blue Hole – an exhilarating plunge into a pool of surreal sapphire water. Connected to the ocean by underground passages, this blue hole mixes salt and fresh water and is great for a brisk swim or snorkel. It’s a favorite local swimming spot that adventure-seekers love. After your jump and a refreshing dip, dry off with towels and snacks back on the yacht.
Before leaving the mainland, you might take a quick detour by land to the Glass Window Bridge – a slender bridge where Eleuthera is just meters wide. Standing there (or viewing from a tender offshore), you can marvel at the stark contrast between the roaring dark-blue Atlantic on one side and the calm turquoise Bight of Eleuthera on the other. It’s a jaw-dropping sight and a prime photo op that underscores the dramatic geography of these islands.
Midday – Spanish Wells & Swimming Pigs: After your Eleuthera adventure, the focus shifts to a delightful Bahamian community: Spanish Wells. The yacht cruises westward a short way to St. George’s Cay, where the tidy little town of Spanish Wells lies. Spanish Wells is a hardworking fishing town known for its lobster fleet and neat, colorful houses. Stroll the tidy streets – it’s an authentic slice of Bahamian life. Friendly locals might chat about the day’s catch; in fact, your crew can likely source some fresh lobster straight off a boat to prepare for tonight’s dinner.
The highlight for many families near Spanish Wells is a stop at nearby Meeks Patch – an uninhabited islet that’s home to a group of swimming pigs! Yes, just like the famous pigs of Exuma, Eleuthera’s piggy residents love visitors (and veggie treats). Anchor off Meeks Patch and take the tender in for a truly fun encounter: pigs will wade out to greet you, hoping for snacks of carrots or fruit. Snap some photos as you feed these playful pigs – after all, how often do you get to boat to an island just to meet swimming swine? This light-hearted stop is often a family favorite.
Afternoon – Back to Harbour Island: After the piggy playtime, perhaps enjoy a quick swim at a nearby sandbar or a paddleboard session in the gentle shallows. By late afternoon, it’s time to cruise back toward Harbour Island, arriving in time for another beautiful evening.
Evening – Bonfire on the Beach: For your final night, consider a special farewell celebration. One popular option is a private bonfire on Pink Sands Beach – complete with a crackling fire, roasted marshmallows for the kids, and rum punch cocktails for the grown-ups. Under a canopy of stars, with your yacht anchored just offshore, it’s pure island bliss. Afterward, retreat to your plush cabin. The gentle rocking of the boat and the whisper of waves on the hull lull you into a peaceful sleep on your last night aboard.
Day 3: Pink Sand Paradise & Farewell
Morning – Ultimate Beach Day on Pink Sands: Your last full day is dedicated to luxuriating on Harbour Island’s most celebrated asset: Pink Sands Beach. Early risers can catch a spectacular sunrise, where the sky’s pastel colors seem to dance on the rosy sand. After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to claim your slice of paradise. The yacht anchors off the beach (large yachts typically anchor just offshore and tender guests in due to Harbour Island’s shallow approach), and the crew shuttles you to an ideal stretch of Pink Sands. They set up cushioned loungers, umbrellas, and a cooler of refreshments for your comfort.
Today is all about enjoying water toys and beach relaxation. The calm waters along this shore are perfect for swimming and snorkeling – even young children can wade safely as the beach has a gentle gradient. Try out the Seabob or water scooter to zip around underwater, or take a kayak for a serene paddle along the shore. The crew brings along some beach games and all the gear for fun. For the adventurous, one unique Harbour Island treat is horseback riding on the beach – if arranged ahead, local guides will bring horses for a guided ride along the water’s edge (imagine the photos!). Otherwise, simply enjoy a barefoot stroll with the waves lapping at your feet – you might not see another soul for hours.
By mid-day, the crew prepares a gourmet picnic under the shade of a beach tent. Savor a lunch of grilled mahi-mahi tacos with tangy pineapple salsa and perhaps a chilled fruit sorbet for dessert. With your elegant yacht anchored just offshore and the endless blue horizon around you, it’s a pinch me moment that defines yacht charter perfection.
Afternoon – Last Swim & Departure: After lunch, there’s time for one last swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters. But eventually, every dream trip must gently end. The crew packs up the beach setup and brings you back to the yacht to freshen up. Your crew readies everything for your transfer to North Eleuthera Airport, and you exchange heartfelt goodbyes. In just a few days, the crew feel like family – having attended to every need and shared local secrets along the way. You leave with wonderful photos, a sun-kissed glow, and that special contentment that comes from a perfectly balanced vacation of adventure and relaxation.
In just 72 hours, Harbour Island and Eleuthera have given you a sampler of Bahamian paradise – from blue holes and caves to pink sand beaches and swimming pigs, from luxury dining to carefree snorkeling. And this itinerary barely scratches the surface. The beauty of a Boatcrowd yacht charter is that everything is customizable – you dream it, and we make it happen.
Ready to experience Eleuthera and Harbour Island for yourself? These islands await with open arms and shimmering seas. Whether it’s a family holiday, romantic getaway, or friends’ retreat, a crewed yacht charter here promises the trip of a lifetime. It’s time to turn those daydreams into plans – inquire now with Boatcrowd and let us start crafting your personalized Bahamas yacht charter adventure today.
