Bahamas

No matter how frenetic the pace of your everyday life is, you'll feel your stress simply melt into the blissfully languid way of living on a Bahamas Yacht Charter. Aside from soaking up the islands' delicious laid-back vibe (to the sound of steel drums and with a rum punch in hand), you'll spend your days diving, fishing, snorkelling, jet skiing or simply snoozing on one of Earth's most unspoilt beaches. And if that isn't enough to entice you, then maybe the many bucket-list activities you can delve into, like swimming with pigs or hand-feeding nurse sharks, will do the trick.

Day 1 - Nassau to Andros Island 

Andros is the country's largest, wildest and most uninhabited island. Off its eastern shore lies the world's third-largest barrier reef and beyond that the Tongue of the Ocean, a 3000m-deep semi-enclosed ocean trench. Then, there are the mangroves, palm savannas and dense pine forests filled with snuffling wild boar. Deliciously exotic, the island's unique flora and fauna range from wild orchids to rare birds and iguanas. Whether you opt to explore winding waterways or underwater caves, you're bound to fall head over heels for mother nature here.

Day 2 - Warderick Wells Cay 

Visiting Warderick Wells Cay comes with a warning: this virtually uninhabited slice of Bahamian paradise will forever change your definition of what crystalline water should look like. Here, you can enjoy walking barefoot on the whitest, softest sand, and floating on the bluest, most dazzling water. After you've ticked lounging on the world's dreamiest beach box, you can explore the island's stunning coastal trails. Our favourite is the hike which leads you to Boo Boo Hill as the views from the top will simply take your breath away.

Day 3 - Staniel Cay

Name your favourite beach / underwater scene - from Pirates of the Caribbean to Splash- and it was most likely shot in the Exumas. It figures. The Exuma Cays' (mostly) uninhabited island outposts are blessed with superlative beaches and surrounded by reefs positively teeming with health. You'll only need to snorkel around Thunderball Grotto's underwater cave system (yes, it starred in the Bond classic) or frolic with swimming pigs, to agree that Staniel Cay will probably be the highlight of your Bahamas yacht charter.

Day 4 - Allen Cay

Although it's not easy to tear yourself away from the Exumas' postcard beaches, a trip to Allen Cay is not to be missed. Here, another type of sun-worshippers claims the beach: endemic rock iguanas! These wild but friendly critters are well worth a visit, not to mention a few grapes! Bring skewered pieces of fruit and you'll be quick to make some reptile friends. Back on board, make the most of Allen Cay's calm waters by flying across the water on a jet ski or trying your feet at paddleboarding.

Day 5 - Compass Cay 

There is so much to do in Compass Cay - you'll be spoilt for choice. First, the water is teeming with fish which means you can cast a rod and impress your guests with a photo-worthy catch, and dinner. Then, there are Compass Bay's famous nurse sharks. Tame as anything, they are happy for you to jump in the water with them -even pet their broad head! Buy some frozen fish at the marina so you can tell your people back home that you hand-fed a 3-metre shark.

Day 6 - Shroud Cay 

Shroud Cay, the northernmost cay in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, is - hands down -one of the most escapism-worthy places on the planet. It's loved for its deliciously remote beaches with the kind of aquamarine water that immediately washes away any worry you may have. It's also heaven for underwater enthusiasts. Getting up close and personal with anything from a school of real-life Dorys to a sea turtle is as easy as donning masks and goggles.

Day 7 - Highbourne Cay

A buzzy yachting scene shines alongside jaw-dropping natural beauty in Highbourne Cay. Make sure you flop down on one of its eight paradisiacal beaches as they have somehow managed to fly beneath the tourists' radar. Balance up your castaway-like beach experience with dinner at the famous Xuma's Restaurant and Bar. Here you can swap punch-infused tales with fellow yachties, gorge on just-caught conch and marvel over one of the Exumas' most spectacular sunsets.

Day 8 - Nassau

Your Bahamas Yacht Charter ends in Nassau so make sure you enjoy the last dip in Highbourne Cay's jewel-toned sea before the yacht lifts anchor.