The news is full of stories about the accelerating transition to electric vehicles, but until now, the boating/yachting world has been literally 100% mired in diesel-based propulsion (outside of wind, of course!). This is finally beginning to change! We’re seeing innovative developments in electric sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts of all types. This is driven by advancements in battery technology, solar, and massive demand from buyers and charterers for yachts that are more ecologically sound.
Sunreef Yachts has announced an entire “Eco” range of catamarans (sail and power) that have solar panels embedded in the hull, top, and mast, Voyage Yachts offers the first fully electric charter catamaran in the Virgin Islands, the Voyage 480 Electric. New electric tenders and dinghies are being announced daily. And we’re even seeing large motor yachts that are going totally electric, such as the 58-foot Greenline yacht pictured above. Imagine cruising on a motor yacht with little or no engine vibrations!
Besides being better for the environment, electric boats are quieter, offer better acceleration, and are easier/cheaper to maintain. They are also less “stinky”. Virtually every marina is well-equipped with ample electric outlets, making charging infrastructure less of an issue than it is for cars. And many new yachts rarely need to be charged at all if there is ample sun – their solar panels charge the batteries instead.
We’ve compiled our worldwide knowledge on the advances in electric boating on our “Electric yacht and e-boat revolution” page, updated regularly to give you all you need to know in one place.
For charters, we have a listing of electric charter yachts that will help you find the right one for you. Yachts such as the Sunreef E Supercat. If you are interested in “green” chartering, please contact us and we will find the most ecologically conscious yacht and crew available that fits your needs. We’re looking forward to the day when yachting doesn’t involve diesel fumes, vibrating boats, loud generators, and oily waters in marinas!
We woke up with the excitement that we were headed to Bora Bora today, an island with an almost mythical appeal. We had seen glimpses of the famous volcanic mountains for a couple of days now but were excited to finally head over to it. And to top that off, it was Christmas Eve! Continue reading →
We started Day 5 by going back to the Fish River for another swim with the fish, and then some more snorkeling and kayaking. A nice lazy morning just enjoying the beauty of the area. Continue reading →
The ‘escape reality’ series is back with another bespoke itinerary for you! Read through our Bahamas Itinerary and escape to the turquoise waters! Written by us, imagined by you!
Has your summer vacation been put on hold, and now you’re longing for a Christmas escape? Look no further because this could be the itinerary for you. Did I mention, these itineraries are also great for kids?!
This week we explore one of the most captivating itineraries we have ever sailed – the Bahamas, Exumas. Imagine turquoise crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and baron islands. Could this be for you?
Day 1 – Highborne Cay
Begin your charter in a beach village on the eastern shores of Nassau and spend a few days relaxing around a pool before embarking upon your charter! Although the Bahamas is home to over 300 islands, but the Boatbookings brokers asure you that the different islands that you can visit from your yacht charter in the Bahamas are the best islands in the Bahamas! Sailing around the Exumas allows for some of the best wildlife on the globe, swimming pigs, wild iguanas, crystal blue waters for swimming, Thunderball Grotto (as seen in James Bond) and amazing restaurants for every island you visit in the Exuma island collection.
Day 2 – Allen Cay
The first day of sailing will be long, but it will be worth it! The first leg is just over 40 nautical miles, and would take you roughly 7 hours to get there. So wake up, have a hearty breakfast and shake those sails out! Your first day will give you the chance to get a lot of sailing in, surrounded by the bluest water on the globe! When you reach the Exuma islands, it is worth the long sail due to the sheer beauty of each individal island, called a Cay in true Bahamian fashion. The first island to visit on your charter is Highborne Cay, known as the gateway to the Exumas – a great location for the first overnight stay.
Visit the uninhabited beaches of Hawksbill Cay and have a relaxing evening. This cay is a key part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National park and has no other facilities than mooring balls in this beautiful location. Anchoring is not permitted however there are plenty of mooring balls for this idyllic spot.
One of the most sheltered cays in the Exumas, this National Park offers the best conditions for kayaking, snorkelling or taking a hike around the island. There is a large selection of boats anchored within the bay here as it is sheltered from any wind. Our top recommendation is the dead whale construction and a stroll along one of the 30 deserted beaches here!
Day 5 – Staniel Cay and Pig Beach
Wild pigs on Big Majors Island in The Bahamas, lounging and walking around in the sand and ocean.
Take a slightly longer sail from Waderick Wells cay to Staniel Cay and Anchor in the sheltered yachting paradise of Staniel Cay amongst many other catamarans. Visit Staniel Cay yacht club for a lunch and visit the beautiful island. Take your dinghy to shores and tie up amongst nurse sharks in the bluest waters in the world. Be sure to take the dinghy to visit the pigs at Pig Beach the swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay will swim out to you to visit you on your dinghy! Bring some food to feed them! Visiting the swimming pigs is an absolute must in the Bahamas and does not disappoint. Be sure to charter a yacht to get this ticked off the bucket list this winter!
Day 6 – Norman’s Cay
Before sailing off to Normans Cay be sure to go snorkelling before you leave Staniel Cay and visit Thunderball Grotto at low tide, see where James Bond was filmed and swim with tropical fish. Sail north to Norman’s Cay have dinner at Mcduffs at Normans Cay- go snorkelling with the nurse sharks and spend time on your own private island to have lunch.
Day 7 – Nassau
Set off early for your sail back to Nassau – factoring in Rose Island if you have time before getting back to Palm cay marina for 6 PM to disembark the following morning. Spend another few nights in your own private beach villa at the marina and relax after a fun-filled yacht charter.
Enquire today with one of our expert brokers who can personalise an itinerary that suits you and your guests! The Boatbookings brokers have personally sailed and reviewed the best sailing grounds, activities, restaurants and boats in the Bahamas. Be in touch to get the most from your yacht charter this winter!
