An Exumas yacht charter is the ideal way to experience the untouched beauty of the Out Islands. This string of 365 cays and islands offers powdery white-sand beaches, brilliant turquoise waters, and world-renowned snorkeling and diving sites. From swimming pigs to sandbars that appear at low tide, the Exumas deliver a truly unforgettable escape. Read our sample itinerary to explore this iconic region of the Bahamas by yacht.
Your charter begins in the heart of the Bahamas at Nassau Paradise Island, where you'll board your yacht surrounded by luxury resorts and golden beaches. From here, set sail for Highborne Cay, a privately owned cay known as the gateway to the Exuma Cays. Though just three miles long, Highborne offers eight postcard-perfect beaches, making it ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Experienced divers can explore a nearby shipwreck believed to date back over 500 years. Anchor off the western shore and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Cruise into the Allan’s Cay Group, where you may encounter the Bahamian Dragon, a rare and critically endangered species of iguana that roams freely on the beach. Then continue south to Norman’s Cay, a picturesque island known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The island offers a tranquil and secluded setting, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the vibrant marine life while snorkelling or diving in the pristine waters surrounding the island. The island also boasts a rich history, with remnants of a pirate's hideout adding an element of intrigue to its charm. With its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Norman’s Cay provides a serene escape for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in a tropical paradise.
In the Exuma National Park, you will find the pink sands and velvet green mangroves that make up Shroud Cay. Part of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, Shroud Cay is all about putting mother nature on a pedestal and for good reason. Gone are the crowds and the whirr of motorized boats and in its place is simply the silence of water lapping against the shore, the scuttle of lizards, sleeping turtles, and the cry of wild birds. This wetland delight offers a labyrinth of creeks to explore on the kayak, not to mention sublime snorkelling in the clear blue shallows. Whether a nature lover, fantasy island escapist, or charter guest wanting to delve deeper into the wilder delights of the Bahamas, Shroud Cay offers you the chance to see the land and sea completely untouched by human hands.
Begin the day at Compass Cay, where the marina offers full amenities and an unforgettable swim with friendly nurse sharks. Surrounded by lush foliage and creamy white sands, it's a perfect tropical escape. Continue to Cambridge Cay, an exclusive private island framed by tranquil lagoons and powdery beaches. Ideal for snorkeling, Cambridge’s waters are home to vibrant coral and diverse marine life. Finish the day at Wardrick Wells, the heart of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Marked by a 50-foot whale skeleton at its entrance, this area offers incredible hiking trails, coral gardens, and rare stromatolites, creating an underwater world where nature thrives undisturbed.
Big Major Cay is a major attraction in the Bahamas and is home to a wild pig colony. Despite being wild, the pigs are known to be friendly, and splashing and swimming with them is possible. Nothing will spark a smile more than swimming alongside a group of squealing pink pigs against the blissful warm backdrop of azure hues and sparkling white sands. It's not just pigs on offer from Big Major Cay; the island is also home to nurse sharks, iguanas, tropical sand bars, and the nearby Staniel Cay, which is where you can find Thunderball Grotto - made famous by the filming of two of the James Bond Movies. Divers and snorkelers will surely delight in a day at Big Major Cay as the waters teem with life.
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club invites you to immerse all your senses in the beauty of the Bahamas. Sitting in the sweet south of the Bahamas where blue skies meld with blue seas, it’s no surprise that this corner of the world tempts sailors and beach lovers. Boasting a full service marina, a ton of watersport opportunities, and all the modern entertainment and dining amenities you need, life on Staniel Cay works a charm. Littered with white sands, you can sprawl in turquoise surroundings or for more active adventurers, there’s snorkelling, scuba diving, and plenty of opportunity to fish and kayak around the coast.
For a more private afternoon, cruise to Bell Island, a secluded oasis where pristine beaches and gentle waves offer total tranquility.
Visit Hawksbill Cay, a stunning uninhabited island with sweeping limestone cliffs, soft silver sandbars, and the best-preserved loyalist ruins in the Bahamas. Ideal for nature walks, snorkeling, and anchoring in calm trade winds, Hawksbill is a step back in time. Later, head to Great Guana Cay, a nine-mile-long islet featuring the longest beach in the Bahamas, stretching over five and a half miles. Round off the day at Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club and Marina, known for its warm hospitality and beautiful coastal views.
Wrap up your charter with a vibrant day on Paradise Island and in Nassau. Start at the iconic Atlantis Resort, where you can relax by the pool, explore world-class aquariums, ride thrilling waterslides, or try your luck at the casino.
In the afternoon, head into downtown Nassau. Visit the National Art Gallery, climb the historic Queen’s Staircase, and browse the Straw Market for locally made souvenirs. This perfect blend of luxury, culture, and fun brings your Bahamas escape to a memorable close.
