Charter & Rent a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas: 2026 Guide, Prices & Routes
Prestige 520 Technical Specifications and Layout
The Prestige 520 is a masterpiece of spatial design, measuring 16.11 meters (52'10") in length with a beam of 4.49 meters. One of its most significant advantages for the Bahamas is its shallow draft of approximately 1.05 meters, allowing it to navigate the thin waters that larger vessels simply cannot reach. This model is typically powered by twin Volvo IPS 600 or IPS 650 engines, providing a smooth cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of 26 knots.
The interior layout is designed for comfort and privacy, making it a favorite for families and small groups. The yacht features three spacious cabins and two heads, plus a separate crew cabin. The master suite is a standout feature, accessed via a private staircase, offering a full-beam layout with large windows that flood the space with natural light. The VIP cabin forward and a twin guest cabin provide ample berths for up to 6 overnight guests, while day charters can comfortably accommodate 12 passengers plus crew.
- Length overall: 16.11 m / 52'10"
- Beam: 4.49 m / 14'9"
- Draft: 1.05 m / 3'5"
- Fuel capacity: 1,300 L
- Water capacity: 636 L
- Cabins: 3 + 1 crew
- Berths: 6 + 1 crew
Why the Prestige 520 is Perfect for the Bahamas
The Bahamas is defined by its "Skinny Water"—the vast, shallow banks that separate the deep ocean from the pristine white sandbars. When renting a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas, you benefit from a hull designed for stability and a draft shallow enough to anchor just meters away from the famous Pig Beach or the sandbars of Pipe Creek. The XXL Flybridge is arguably the best in its class, providing a 360-degree vantage point which is essential for "eyeball navigation" through the shifting sands of the Exumas.
Furthermore, the hydraulic swim platform serves as a private beach club, making it easy to launch snorkeling gear, paddleboards, or a tender for shore excursions. The seamless flow between the cockpit and the aft galley creates a social hub that stays cool thanks to high-capacity tropical air conditioning, a must-have for the 2026 summer season.
Chartering a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas: Pricing for 2026
When planning to charter a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas, pricing varies based on the season. The high season typically encompasses the winter holidays (Christmas and New Year) and the spring break period (March/April). Mid-season includes the beautiful months of May and June, while the low season aligns with the late summer and autumn months.
| Season | Daily Rate (Est. EUR) | Weekly Rate (Est. EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| High Season (Dec - April) | €3,800 - €4,500 | €22,000 - €26,000 |
| Mid Season (May - July) | €3,200 - €3,800 | €18,000 - €22,000 |
| Low Season (Aug - Nov) | €2,800 - €3,200 | €15,000 - €18,000 |
Note: Prices are estimates and subject to 4% Bahamas Port Tax and 10% VAT, plus the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).
Curated Itineraries from Nassau
Most charters for the Prestige 520 depart from Nassau, specifically from the Atlantis Marina or Palm Cay Marina, the latter being the gateway to the Exuma Cays.
1-Day Exploration: Rose Island and Green Cay
For those with limited time, a day charter offers a perfect escape. Depart Nassau at 9:00 AM and head to Green Cay to snorkel with wild sea turtles. Follow this with a cruise to Rose Island, where the Prestige 520 can anchor in secluded coves. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the flybridge before returning to Nassau as the sun sets over the horizon.
7-Day Voyage: The Exuma Cays
- Day 1: Nassau to Highbourne Cay. Explore the "Gateway to the Exumas" and snorkel the Octopuss Garden.
- Day 2: Norman’s Cay. Dive the sunken drug smuggler’s plane in shallow water.
- Day 3: Shroud Cay. Navigate the mangrove rivers by tender to find the "Washing Machine" natural current.
- Day 4: Warderick Wells Cay. Visit the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park headquarters and hike Boo Boo Hill.
- Day 5: Staniel Cay. Swim in the Thunderball Grotto and visit the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.
- Day 6: Compass Cay. Swim with friendly nurse sharks at the marina docks.
- Day 7: Slow cruise back toward Nassau, stopping at various destinations along the chain for a final dip.
Logistics: Marinas, Berthing, and Mooring
The Bahamas offers a mix of world-class marinas and remote moorings. In Nassau, the Albany Marina and Bay Street Marina provide full services including high-speed fuel and provisioning. When moving south into the Exumas, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the most popular hub, but slips must be booked well in advance due to high demand for the 2026 season.
In the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, anchoring is strictly regulated to protect the coral reefs. You will often use designated mooring balls at Warderick Wells or Cambridge Cay. The Prestige 520's joystick docking system and IPS drives make maneuvering in these tight marina slips or picking up a mooring ball significantly easier for the captain.
What is Included in Your Charter?
Understanding the cost structure is vital when you rent a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas. Most luxury charters are "plus expenses," meaning the base rate covers the yacht and the crew, while other costs are handled via the APA.
- Included: Professional skipper (and often a stewardess/chef), end cleaning, bed linens, and towels.
- Not Included (APA): Fuel (charged by consumption), food and beverages, dockage fees, and crew gratuity (typically 15-20% of the base charter fee).
- Taxes: The Bahamas Government requires a 4% foreign charter tax and a 10% VAT on the charter fee.
You can browse our full fleet of available boats to compare inclusions and layouts across different models.
Best Months and Sea Conditions
The Bahamas is a year-round destination, but the "sweet spot" for chartering a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas is between November and June. During these months, the trade winds are consistent, and the humidity is lower. The water temperature remains a comfortable 24°C to 28°C. While July and August offer the calmest, glass-like seas—ideal for the Prestige 520's cruising performance—it is also the start of the hurricane season, which peaks in September and October. If you choose to cruise in the summer, the air conditioning on the 520 will be your best friend during the balmy tropical nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between renting and chartering a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas?
In the luxury yachting world, the terms are often used interchangeably. However, "renting" often refers to shorter, day-use bookings, while "chartering" typically implies a multi-day or weekly voyage with a full crew and customized itinerary. Both options are available for the Prestige 520, depending on your needs.
Can I bareboat a Prestige 520 in the Bahamas?
Due to the complexity of the IPS pod drive systems and the navigational challenges of the Bahamian shallow banks, the Prestige 520 is almost exclusively offered as a crewed or skippered charter. This ensures the safety of the vessel and allows guests to relax without worrying about tide heights and coral heads.
How many people can sleep on a Prestige 520 during a charter?
The yacht features three guest cabins: a master, a VIP, and a twin. It can comfortably sleep 6 guests overnight. For day rentals, the yacht is licensed to carry up to 12 guests plus the professional crew.
Is the Prestige 520 stable in the Bahamian waters?
Yes, the Prestige 520 features a hull designed for offshore stability and is often equipped with gyro-stabilization (such as Seakeeper) which significantly reduces roll at anchor, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep even in exposed bays.