Private Charter Island Hopping in the Bahamas

Your Sailing Area

The Exumas, Bahamas

The Exumas are a chain of cays (islands) that run North to South through the Bahamas. Their location makes for an incredible diversity of ocean life around the islands, and jaw-dropping beauty. With a couple of small domestic airports, most islands are truly remote spots of paradise that you can only explore by boat. Home of the world famous swimming pigs, the Exumas consist of 365 islands, with footprint free beaches and a whole world under water waiting to be discovered.

Dive pirate shipwrecks, swim with wild dolphins, snorkel pristine coral reefs and free-dive for fresh lobster.

Charter boat Bonnie Lynn is offering bespoke sailing holidays, discovering the alluring water world of the Bahamas between January and May. Bonnie Lynn can sleep up to 6 guests in private cabins so is perfect for families or small groups of friends looking for that unique charter experience. The Exuma island chain is perfectly located to make best use of the prevailing easterly trade winds at this time of year so sailing here is a real treat and a great way to steer clear of the tourist hustle and bustle.

Bonnie Lynn and her skippers Hannah and Erick have spent a few years sailing in the Bahamas ensuring they know all the best spots to take guests. They offer private bespoke charters, tailored to your groups wants and needs. From freshly baked bread everyday to personal free-diving tuition, make use of the boats on board kayaks, fishing kit and snorkelling gear.

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Below is a rough idea to give you an idea of what could be achieved but of course, all routes are subject to changes from both guests and the weather.

• Full-day (36 nm) crossing of the Yellow Banks
• Visit endemic iguanas at Allen Cay
• Kayak through mangroves at Shroud Cay
• Hike dozens of trails on Warderick Wells
• Visit Exuma Land & Sea Park headquarters at Warderick Wells
• Snorkel the caves of Rocky Dundas & Thunderball Grotto
• Meet the famous swimming pigs on Big Major Cay
• Lots of snorkelling opportunities on beautiful reefs and plane wrecks

Exuma Land and Sea Park

Founded in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park stands as the first marine reserve of The Bahamas and the broader Caribbean region. Encompassing an expansive 112,640 acres of both land and sea, this sanctuary is celebrated for its awe-inspiring scenery, diverse species, secluded shorelines, breathtaking vistas, and secure anchorages.

Within the park’s boundaries, guests can delve into the mesmerising underwater landscapes featuring coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses. Enjoy leisurely strolls along unspoiled beaches, explore various hiking trails, and marvel at an abundance of wildlife, including birds, fish, turtles, and iguanas.

WILDLIFE in the Bahamas

Parrots, flamingoes, dolphins, sea turtles, endangered Iguanas, docile stingray, swimming pigs and coral reefs galore. Wildlife in the Exumas is a truly captivating and unforgettable experience and it’s little wonder that this island chain is one of the world’s largest marine parks. Rich in marine life, remote islands with wondrous forest and mangrove lined creeks, guests will delight in the wide variety of wildlife both from the water and the land. 

Read our wildlife in the Bahamas blog to find out more.

All voyages for Bonnie Lynn

Bonnie Lynn

Guest berths: 6 Rig: Custom Schooner

Bonnie Lynn was designed to be an offshore cruising vessel built to very high standards. She is incredibly comfortable and seaworthy, and her design makes her an interesting sailing experience and perfect boat to cruise the Bahamas in total comfort. 

Offering guests bespoke private charter sailing in the Bahamas, Bonnie Lynn explores the Exuma island chain from Staniel Cay. Her design is a blend of traditional and modern, allowing guests to be enveloped by old world charm, while resting in the comfort of modern amenities.

Bonnie Lynn’s schooner rig is totally unique! Sharing characteristics with brigantine, topsail schooner, and staysail schooner rigs, she has been customised to be easily handled by two crew. Her owners Hannah and Erick are well-versed in sailing her solo although extra hands are always welcome if guests do want to get involved.

On deck, there is plenty of space for guests to wander about freely even while under sail. The table on deck has a removable enclosure that allows for outdoor dining in any weather. There is plenty of room to spread out and find privacy, or gather together for socialising.

Below Decks

Bonnie Lynn was a custom build so her space below decks is well considered. She has a generous galley and saloon leading off to two double cabins and a fore cabin that has a two single bunks (this cabin can also be turned into a double bed). She’s been traditionally built with rich teak and mahogany paneling and brass fittings creating a warm atmosphere for guests. 

Although she has a traditional feel, she has been equipped with modern navigation equipment, has a sound-insulated engine room, water heater, water maker, fridge and freezer! The crew quarters sit in the stern of the ship which gives total privacy!

Deck plan

Life on Board

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure on the water or you just want to meander sandy shores in paradise, the crew can adjust the itinerary accordingly.

SAILING THE BAHAMAS

With so many beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and uninhabited islands to discover, exploring under sail is certainly the best way to see this tropical paradise. As a general guide, we tend to sail for a few hours each morning to reach another island so we can spend the afternoon exploring. How you explore is entirely up to you. Make use of the onboard kayaks, perhaps try your hand at diving for fresh lobster, take a stroll shore or just sit back, relax and read a book.

Sailing with Bonnie Lynn gives guests a real chance to truly switch off from the demands of the modern world- exploring islands far away from civilisation, with limited mobile phone reception. Her skippers, Hannah and Erick prefer to sail away from the tourist hustle and bustle, visiting the more remote islands of the Exuma Cays. Untouched sandy beaches and miles of azure blue shallows are just perfect for exploring.

The water temperature here rarely dips below 22degrees, so swimming with dolphins, snorkelling coral reefs and meeting turtles in the shallows are truly amazing wildlife experiences! On land doesn’t disappoint with swimming pigs living on Big Major Cay and plenty of iguana lounging around in the sunshine. Bonnie Lynn has six set of adult snorkelling gear (masks, fins, snorkels), and two sets for children. There are also several shortie wet suits available to borrow, but guests are welcome to bring their own wet suits/rash guards if they prefer.

FOOD AND DRINK

We take great pride and joy in providing fresh, healthy, and fulfilling meals for our guests.  With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, we incorporate techniques and tastes from cooking around the world.  Prior to your charter, you’ll be sent out a preference sheet to fill out that will help us prepare our menu according to your individual needs and preferences. There are a few small Bahamian settlements that we can visit if guests want to, some of which have restaurants to dine at so you can taste some traditional Bahamian cuisines.

Skipper Hannah is a bread-baking enthusiast and is known for her daily sourdough breads and desserts. Erick is a talented spear-fisherman and excellent cook so he makes sure that fish is on the menu for any seafood-lovers onboard.

All charters include three meals a day, plus unlimited snacks, daily happy hour nibbles & cocktails, and a standard ship’s bar (local rum, beer, house wine, soft drinks).  We promise you will not go hungry or thirsty! We are also happy to stock the bar with specialty liquors & wines at an additional cost.

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Bonnie Lynn was a custom build so her space below decks is well considered. She has a generous galley and saloon area leading off to two double cabins and a fore cabin that has a twin bunk (which can also be turned into a double bed). She’s been traditionally built in rich teak and mahogany wood paneling finished with brass fittings to create a warm atmosphere for guests.

Although she has a traditional feel, she has been equipped with modern navigation equipment, has a sound-insulated engine room, water heater, water maker, fridge and freezer. The crew quarters sit in the stern of the ship which gives total privacy to guests! Her flush deck makes for plenty of relaxation spaces, enjoy al-fresco dining on the aft deck table and string up a hammock for some afternoon napping.

Kit list

Bonnie Lynn has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft case/bag or rucksack.

Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Trainers for onshore
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Swimsuit/s and swim towel 
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes
• A jumper for cooler evenings/if needed under sail
• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• DEET mosquito repellent 
• Charging cables for personal devices (12v USB or 110v North American adaptor)
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

The boat does have 6 adult and 2 child size snorkel sets (mask, snorkel & fins) and a few averaged size, adult shortie wetsuits for guests to use but if you’d like to bring your own please do.

What’s included 

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks, house alcoholic drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Wash towel
• Use of on board kayaks
• Fishing gear
• Snorkelling sets (inc mask, snorkel & fins) (There are 6 adult sets and 2 child sets on board)
• Shortie wetsuits (average sizing)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Swimming towels
• Additional alcohol choices
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12miles offshore.

Need help with flights? 

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all food and drinks* are included in your ticket price.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Gluten Free are fine.

• Are there any added extra's?

  Soft drinks, rum, house wine and local beer are included in the price. Additional liquors and specialty wines can be stocked at an additional cost. For these we charge retail price + 10% handling fee.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are two double cabins and a fore cabin that can be configured as two single bunks OR a double bed.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, there are portholes in each cabin.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All three cabins share two bathrooms.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring an extra swimming towel. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Bonnie Lynn does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  No.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, once you're sailing the remote islands of the Exuma's, there will likely be limited wifi/data available - a true digital detox!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes -there are USB ports and 110v North American sockets so please bring an adaptor if needed.

• What is the currency on board?

  US Dollars.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Bonnie Lynn is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady and there is a swim ladder for when you're coming aboard from a dip!

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No - you're unlikely to need them!

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Are wetsuits and snorkel gear included?

  Yes, Bonnie Lynn has 6 sets of adult snorkelling gear (masks, fins, snorkels), and 2 sets of children's. We have several shortie wet suits available to borrow, but guests are welcome to bring their own wet suits/ rash guards if they prefer.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  No.

Travel Planning

From: Staniel Cay

To: Nassau

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Staniel Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

Flying from the UK, there are daily flights direct to Nassau from London Heathrow with British Airways. You’ll then need to take a domestic flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay to meet the boat. Domestic flights from Nassau to Staniel Cay run with Flamingo Air and Titan Air.

Alternatively, you can fly into Fort Lauderdale Airport where there is a connecting flight straight to Staniel Cay with Maker’s Air. This may offer more flexibility with timings.

Need help with flights? 

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours.

There are also several private charters and seaplanes available from Nassau or Florida.

Once in Staniel Cay, Bonnie Lynn’s skippers will pick up guests at the airport with our dinghy.  Alternatively, if you’d like to stay ashore for a night or two before or after the charter, there are several accommodation options on the island.