Large Group Yacht Charters in The Bahamas (12+ guests)
Chartering a yacht for more than 12 guests in the Bahamas requires more planning than a standard private yacht charter. Most conventional luxury charter yachts are certified to accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers, regardless of how large the yacht itself may be.
For groups of 13 or more, there are two main solutions. The first is to charter a specially certified passenger yacht capable of legally accommodating more than 12 guests. The Bahamas Maritime Authority has a dedicated Passenger Yacht Code covering qualifying yachts carrying more than 12 and up to 36 passengers, although the number of yachts meeting these requirements is limited.
The second option is a tandem charter, where two yachts cruise together on the same itinerary. This can provide considerably more choice and often works exceptionally well for extended families, celebrations, corporate groups, and groups of friends who want to stay together while enjoying more privacy and space. Tandem arrangements are already used in the Bahamas charter market, including combinations capable of accommodating larger groups across two vessels.
Our Most Recommended Yacht Charters in the Bahamas for 12+ Guests
CORAL OCEAN
From €495,000 / week
YCM FIFTY
From €150,000 / week
OKTO
From €590,000 / week
PROVOCATEUR
From €300,000 / week
Is a large group yacht charter in the Bahamas right for you?
A large group yacht charter is an excellent option if you are planning something beyond a standard vacation, such as:
- A milestone birthday, anniversary, or retirement celebration
- A wedding, pre-wedding trip, or post-wedding vacation
- A corporate retreat, incentive trip, or executive gathering
- A multi-family or multi-generational vacation with everyone traveling together
These charters are designed for groups who want:
- Private yacht accommodation for more than 12 guests
- A fully crewed experience with captains, chefs, and professional hospitality teams
- A personalized itinerary through the Exumas, Abacos, or other Bahamian cruising areas
- The choice between one specially certified passenger yacht or two yachts cruising together
- More privacy, flexibility, and time together than a traditional resort vacation can provide
Finding the right setup for a large group depends heavily on the number of guests, cabin requirements, budget, dates, and preferred itinerary. Passenger-certified yachts are much less common than standard 12-guest charter yachts, so for some groups a tandem charter can provide significantly more options.
Whether you are planning an intimate celebration for 14 guests or a much larger gathering, the key is identifying the yachts and charter structure that can legally and comfortably accommodate everyone while still delivering the Bahamas experience you are looking for.
Finding The Right Yacht Charter in
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Frequently Asked Questions About Large Group Yacht Charters in The Bahamas (12+ guests)
Can you charter a yacht in the Bahamas for more than 12 guests?
Yes, but you cannot simply book any large yacht and add more than 12 guests. Most conventional charter yachts are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers under their certification. The Bahamas Maritime Authority classifies vessels carrying more than 12 passengers as passenger yachts or passenger ships subject to additional requirements.A group of more than 12 therefore needs either a yacht specifically certified to carry additional passengers or multiple yachts operating together.
Can one yacht accommodate 20 guests on a Bahamas charter?
Potentially, yes. A yacht carrying 20 charter guests must be appropriately certified as a passenger yacht, rather than operating under the standard rules applying to most luxury charter yachts.The Bahamas Passenger Yacht Code covers qualifying passenger yachts carrying more than 12 but no more than 36 passengers. However, yachts certified for this type of operation represent a much smaller segment of the charter fleet, so availability for 20 guests is considerably more limited than for groups of 12 or fewer.For a group of 20, we would normally compare available passenger yachts against a two-yacht tandem charter before deciding which approach offers the best accommodation, budget, and overall experience.
Is it better to charter one yacht or two yachts for a group of more than 12 in the Bahamas?
It depends on your group. One passenger-certified yacht keeps everyone together, which can be ideal for celebrations, corporate groups, and families that want a shared onboard experience.Two yachts provide far more choice because the standard luxury charter market contains many more yachts accommodating up to 12 guests. A tandem charter can also give different generations or families their own accommodation while the yachts follow the same itinerary and meet throughout the day.
Why are most Bahamas charter yachts limited to 12 guests?
The limit is based primarily on maritime safety and vessel certification rather than yacht size. Under the Bahamas Yacht Code, a vessel carrying more than 12 passengers falls into the passenger ship category and becomes subject to additional technical, safety, statutory, and classification requirements.This is why even very large superyachts frequently advertise accommodation for no more than 12 charter guests. A yacht may be 150 or even 200 feet long and still carry only 12 passengers unless it holds the additional certification required for larger groups. Current Bahamas fleets include numerous large superyachts following this 12-guest model.
Best Itineraries for Yacht Charters in Bahamas
Round Trip
The Western Bahamas Passage: Bimini, Grand Bahama & the Gulf Stream Frontier
7 Days / 6 Nights
One Way
The Exumas One-Way Escape: Staniel Cay to Nassau Through the Marine Park
7 Days / 6 Nights
Round Trip
The Quiet Bahamas: Blue Holes, Empty Cays & the Berry Islands
7 Days / 6 Nights
Ready for an Unforgettable Yacht Charter in Bahamas?
At All Blue Yachting, our expertise comes from genuine experience at sea. Many of our brokers have lived and worked aboard yachts themselves, giving them first-hand insight into every aspect of the charter experience.
From your initial enquiry to the final day of your journey, we’re here to guide you through every step with trusted advice, personalised recommendations, and seamless support throughout your charter.
- We take the time to understand your vision and bring it to life.
- We handpick the finest yachts tailored to your preferences.
- We manage all paperwork and secure transactions for complete peace of mind.
- We design personalised itineraries built around your travel style.
- We support you every step of the way, from enquiry to final accounts.
