Lyford Cay Yacht Charter: Private Marina & Exclusive Western Nassau

Located at the western end of New Providence, Lyford Cay is one of the most exclusive yacht charter destinations in the Bahamas. The private gated community combines a protected yacht harbour, a long white-sand beach, luxury residences, golf, dining, and extensive private-club amenities within a secluded coastal setting well away from the bustle of central Nassau.

For yacht guests with access to the Lyford Cay Club, the experience is exceptionally refined. The club offers a private beach, watersports, an 18-hole golf course, tennis, dining, spa facilities, and its own yacht harbour, allowing guests to move easily between the yacht and a full resort-style experience ashore.

Lyford Cay is also strategically positioned for wider Bahamas cruising. Its western location provides convenient access toward Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, and the Great Bahama Bank, while yachts can also continue east around New Providence or begin a longer southbound itinerary toward the Exumas.

Lyford Cay Harbour is approached from the waters off the western tip of New Providence through a dredged entrance channel. Current marina information lists approximately 14 feet on approach and 10 feet dockside, but coral heads and shoaling lie around the wider approach, so captains should use current charts, depth monitoring, daylight, and direct harbour guidance when entering.

The harbour is private, and vessels should coordinate their arrival in advance. Waterway Guide lists VHF Channel 16 for initial contact and Channel 11 as the working channel, while access may involve a security barrier at the harbour entrance. Larger yachts should confirm current depth, berth assignment, and access requirements before arrival.

Lyford Cay itself is primarily a private marina destination rather than an open anchoring destination. The yacht harbour provides the safest and most convenient option for authorized visiting yachts, while the surrounding coastline is dominated by private residential and club property. Current marina information lists capacity for yachts up to approximately 235 feet.

For yachts without access to the private harbour, West Bay and Clifton Bay provide nearby anchoring alternatives on the western side of New Providence. West Bay is particularly useful for yachts arriving from the Berry Islands or Northwest Channel and continuing toward Andros or the Exumas, while Old Fort Bay provides another recognized anchoring option east of Lyford Cay.

Lyford Cay is a private, approximately 1,000-acre residential enclave, with access centered around residents, Lyford Cay Club members, and their invited guests. The club itself is highly private, so yacht guests should not assume that anchoring nearby provides access to its beach, golf course, restaurants, or other facilities.

For those with authorized access, the facilities are exceptional. The club maintains a white-sand beach extending roughly three quarters of a mile, a championship golf course, tennis facilities, watersports, accommodation, dining, and a protected yacht harbour. Lyford Cay Marina is also listed by the Bahamas as an official yacht Port of Entry, with clearance available on an arranged basis.