The Out Islands: The Bahamas' Best-Kept Secret

THE UNTOUCHED BAHAMAS

Cat Island, Rum Cay & The Edge of the Atlantic

Far from the buzz of Nassau lies the Bahamas’ best-kept secret: the Out Islands. This isn’t a typical yacht charter; it is an expedition into the soul of the Caribbean. Exploring Cat Island, Conception, Rum Cay, and San Salvador, this itinerary takes you to the edge of the Atlantic where the water is deeper, the fish are bigger, and the beaches are entirely your own. From the highest peak in the Bahamas to the untouched coral walls of San Salvador, this is a journey for those who crave quiet luxury, history, and raw natural beauty—all discovered from the deck of your private yacht.

Cultural Landmarks: Hike to The Hermitage on Cat Island’s Mount Alvernia, a tiny stone monastery perched on the highest point in the Bahamas with sweeping 360-degree views.
Pristine Wildlife: Tender through the protected mangroves of Conception Island National Park, a sanctuary teeming with baby lemon sharks, green turtles, and untouched coral gardens.
World-Class Diving: Explore the legendary wall dives of San Salvador and snorkel the historic wreck of the HMS Conqueror off Rum Cay, a 19th-century British warship now reclaimed by the reef.

Contact a Charter Specialist

Day 1

Cat Island | Pink Sands & Rolling Hills

Begin your journey at Cat Island, one of the most culturally rich and geographically diverse islands in the Bahamas. With rolling green hills, long pink-sand beaches, and friendly locals, the island feels like a glimpse into another era.

Anchor off Fernandez Bay or New Bight, and take a hike to Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, where a tiny stone monastery known as The Hermitage sits perched with panoramic ocean views. Spend the afternoon paddleboarding through the shallows or swimming along the reef just offshore.

Day 2

Cat Island | History & Tranquility

Spend a second day uncovering the quiet magic of Cat Island. Visit Port Howe, home to ruins of an 18th-century British loyalist plantation, or take the tender up Boggy Creek, a winding tidal channel perfect for kayaking and spotting birds.

Snorkeling, reef fishing, and beachcombing along the endless coastline offer a peaceful rhythm to the day. For those seeking local flavor, a visit to a beachfront conch shack or a private beach barbecue under the stars can be arranged.

Day 3

Conception Island | Nature’s Hidden Masterpiece

Cruise east to Conception Island, a designated Bahamas National Park that is completely uninhabited and protected. Known for its lush mangrove creeks, blinding white beaches, and dazzling coral reefs, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Take the tender through the interior mangrove channels where baby turtles, lemon sharks, and rays swim through shallow pools. Offshore, the coral walls offer incredible snorkeling and diving, teeming with life. The night sky here is unforgettable—completely unspoiled by any light pollution.

Day 4

Conception Island | Reef Diving & Secluded Beaches

There’s no rush to leave a place like Conception. Spend the day snorkeling or diving the southern and western reef systems, known for dramatic drop-offs and coral-laden ledges. For certified divers, the wall dives here are among the most pristine in the entire Bahamas.

Set up a shaded picnic on the beach for lunch, then spend the afternoon swimming in shallows so clear it looks like the sand is floating. This is barefoot luxury at its most raw and beautiful.

Day 5

Rum Cay | Surf, Shells & Shipwrecks

Cruise to Rum Cay, a quiet and colorful island with a rich history and excellent water conditions. Anchor near Port Nelson, the island’s main settlement, and snorkel the wreck of the HMS Conqueror, a 19th-century British warship that now houses schools of snapper, grouper, and more.

The island is known for dramatic surf on the windward coast, intricate shelling, and big game fishing just offshore. Ashore, you’ll find friendly locals, murals, and the feel of an island where time truly slows down.

Day 6

Rum Cay | Adventure or Relaxation

Start the morning with a fishing expedition or tender out to remote beaches where you’re unlikely to see another soul. There are several excellent kitesurfing and paddleboarding spots for those looking to stay active.

In the afternoon, head to Sumner Point Marina, once a favorite among cruising sailors, to soak up the island’s colorful character and enjoy a sunset cocktail aboard your yacht.

Day 7

San Salvador | History & World-Class Diving

Sail east to San Salvador, believed to be the first landfall of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Today, it’s a diver’s dream, home to over 50 dive sites, from coral gardens to dramatic walls and caverns.

Visit Cockburn Town, where pastel homes and historical monuments line the streets. Or head to Dixon Hill Lighthouse, still operated by hand and offering incredible views. For a final afternoon of adventure, snorkel or dive the reef just off Graffiti Wall, where colorful spray paint meets vibrant marine life below.

Day 8

San Salvador | Departure

Enjoy a quiet morning walk on East Beach or a final snorkel off the yacht before disembarking. Guests can depart via San Salvador Airport, which accommodates both private jets and regional flights. With its remote beauty and untouched allure, the Out Islands offer the rare kind of experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Yachts for charter in Bahamas

BOLD

279 Ft (85 m)
Silent Yachts
2019

8 Staterooms
12 Guests
20 Crew

weekly rates from

€875,000

OKTO

217 Ft (66 m)
ISA, RODRIGUEZ GROUP ITALY
2014

6 Staterooms
12 Guests
16 Crew

weekly rates from

€590,000

TOP FIVE II

200 Ft (61 m)
Hakvoort
2021

7 Staterooms
12 Guests
19 Crew

weekly rates from

$600,000

Disclaimer

Prices displayed in converted currencies (USD or EUR) are calculated based on real-time market rates. EJ Yachts makes no guarantee regarding the final exchange rate; the actual amount debited will be determined by the client's bank or payment processor at the exact time the transaction is completed.