Yachting and golfing go hand in hand—particularly in the Bahamas, where the courses are equal parts sporting and sightseeing events. While the thrill of open-sea exploration is central to the yachting lifestyle, the ability to step off the yacht and onto a world-class golf course adds an extra layer of luxury and enjoyment to the trip. Golf becomes a way to unwind after a day on the water, offering yachters a slower pace and a different type of challenge. The Bahamas’ close proximity between islands and golf courses also allows for easy access, making it possible for yachters to play at multiple courses during a single charter.
Furthermore, the Bahamas’ top golf resorts often offer packages that cater specifically to yachters, including transportation to and from marinas, golf concierge services, and private lessons. Wondering how to charter a yacht that will take you to the best courses in the Bahamas? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll be looking at two more pristine Bahamian golf courses, and highlighting one of our best yacht charter options for taking in a few links of the King’s game.
Emerald Bay Golf Course – Great Exuma
For yachters venturing south, the Emerald Bay Golf Course on Great Exuma is a must-visit. Located on the serene shores of the Exumas, this one-of-a-kind course offers spectacular views of the aquamarine waters for which the region is famous. The course features dramatic seaside holes and pristine greens that test the skills of even seasoned golfers.
This renowned course is part of the luxurious Sandals Emerald Bay Resort and is celebrated for its magnificent oceanfront views, challenging design, and top-tier facilities. Designed by “the Shark” himself, the legendary golfer Greg Norman, the course combines the natural beauty of the island with a thoughtfully crafted layout, offering golfers equal parts natural splendor and challenging pin placement.
Course Design and Challenge
Greg Norman’s design philosophy emphasizes playability and natural beauty, and Emerald Bay is a prime example of his architectural vision. The course is a par-72, stretching over 7,000 yards, and it offers a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. It combines strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and well-placed water hazards to create a course that is both enjoyable and demanding.
The course is known for its large, multi-tiered greens, which require accurate approach shots and careful consideration of pin placements. The fairways are generously wide on many holes, but the presence of bunkers and water hazards ensures that accuracy off the tee is essential.
*Emerald Bay is under renovation and will reopen in late 2025 as Beaches Exuma.
Royal Blue – Nassau
The Royal Blue Golf Club, located in Nassau, Bahamas, stands as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. It is part of the prestigious Baha Mar resort and is renowned not only for its challenging design but also for the stunning beauty that surrounds it. Designed by legendary golfer and architect Jack Nicklaus, the course embodies the Golden Bear’s philosophy of creating an experience that is as enjoyable as it is demanding. Several elements make the Royal Blue Golf Club stand out as one of the most remarkable courses in the Caribbean.
Scenic Beauty and Natural Setting
The front nine takes players through lush tropical landscapes, winding through forested areas lined with native vegetation, while the back nine transitions into a coastal experience, featuring rolling dunes and ocean vistas. The seamless integration of these two distinct environments provides golfers with an experience that is visually captivating as well as strategically demanding.
Course Design and Challenge
The course is a par-72, stretching over 7,189 yards, and it is meticulously designed to challenge players of all skill levels. The layout is varied, offering a mix of wide fairways, narrow tree-lined paths, and generous greens.
While the front nine emphasizes strategy with its tight fairways and water hazards, the back nine opens up, offering golfers opportunities to take in the breathtaking views while also dealing with the ocean breeze, which can drastically affect shot selection.
The Signature: Hole 16
Perhaps the most iconic hole on the course is Hole 16, a par-3 that is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its panoramic view, it is a favorite among golfers for both its beauty and its difficulty.
The hole plays over a rocky shoreline, with the island green perched precariously on the edge of a seaside cliff. Golfers must take the wind into account, as gusts from the ocean can alter ball flight significantly. It is a challenging hole, but one that offers a sense of accomplishment.
Island hopping aboard VIRTUE
In order to make the most of your golf-inspired Bahamas yacht charter, you’ll need a vessel that meets your discerning needs. VIRTUE is a gorgeous mid-size yacht perfect for island hopping from course to course in the Bahamas.
Built by Benetti in 2008 and designed by Stefano Righini, VIRTUE is a well-appointed, spacious and elegant yacht, with several recent upgrades that include new fixtures and water toys — making her the luxury base for a dream yacht charter you’ll never forget. Able to welcome up to 12 guests in 5 staterooms, VIRTUE has five large cabins, all with ensuite heads and a full head in the sky lounge for added charter flexibility.
VIRTUE’s many outdoor areas include a sheltered Main Deck aft, designed for socializing and entertaining with a large dining table for al fresco feasts, while the Bridge Deck features a sheltered dining table as well as a built-in settee seating area with a coffee table for those looking for a smaller, more intimate charter. Up top, the expansive Sun Deck has sunbathing, an inviting Jacuzzi, a full bar, along with a full sunbathing area and shade awnings.
A Match Made in Heaven
For yachters, the Bahamas represents the ultimate in luxury and adventure. The beautiful backdrops have long drawn yachters from around the world, and for those looking to add a new dimension to the Bahamian yacht charter experience, hopping from course to course is a breeze aboard the right charter vessel. Contact us and one of our brokers will help you find the perfect yacht for your needs.