For short Bahamas sectors with baggage, a turboprop beats an entry-level jet on both capacity and cost. The Socata TBM 850 is a practical fit for a small party crossing to the islands together.
Daher-Socata introduced the Socata TBM 850 in 2006. The lavatory is belted rather than fully enclosed, which is worth knowing before booking a long leg on it. TBM 850 (also TBM 700N) is the PT6A-66D-engined evolution of the TBM 700. Every Socata TBM 850 we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Turboprop
- Manufacturer: Daher-Socata
- Year introduced: 2006
- Seating: 5 to 6
- Crew: 1
- Range: 1,585 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 320 knots
- Service ceiling: 31,000 feet
- Length: 35 feet
- Wingspan: 41.6 feet
- Height: 14.3 feet
- Baggage volume: 30 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Socata TBM 850 Fits the Bahamas
Cabin noise is higher than a jet, which is worth knowing if anyone on board is sensitive to it.
It reaches Family Island destinations that would otherwise mean a jet to Nassau and a boat.
The published 1,585 nautical miles covers Atlanta, Charlotte, and Punta Cana nonstop out of Nassau once you allow for winds and reserves. How much you are carrying and what the winds are doing will move that, which the operator calculates per trip.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Socata TBM 850 run $2,000 to $2,800 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Turboprops Available
The full turboprops category page lists every turboprop we arrange for Bahamas trips.
Contact
For a quote on a Socata TBM 850 charter to or from the Bahamas, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.