Exuma Yacht Charter
Exuma Bahamas overview, cruising conditions, sailing itinerary, and yacht charter guides
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We have relationships with all of the Exuma yacht charter companies and have personally chartered with many of them.
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Let us find you the best option - it doesn't cost you anything extra.
Overview & Highlights
Cruising Conditions
7-Day Itinerary
10-Day Itinerary
Guides
FAQ
Exuma Bahamas Overview & Highlights
The Exumas might be my favorite yacht charter destination. It’s nothing like other areas in the Caribbean, such as the British Virgin Islands, and that’s part of the reason we love it. It’s has a character completely unique to anywhere else.
So why do we keep returning year after year?
- Unbelievable shades of blue – some of the prettiest water you’ll find on this planet
- Protected sailing – the Exuma Bank is well-protected and you can often sail to windward in relative comfort
- Solitude – you can choose to anchor almost every night, all by yourself if you wish
- Great fishing potential – the Exuma Sound drop is literally just a stone’s throw away in some places, where you can catch wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna
- Sandbars – cocktails, lunch, and swimming, what else could you want?
- Logistics – it’s close to the US mainland with many direct flights – you’ll be on your yacht with a cocktail in time to catch an epic sunset
Highlights of a Exumas yacht charter
- Hike to Boo Boo Hill in the pristine Exuma Cays Land and Sea park for great 360 views
- Get your picture taken with the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and then head next door to snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto
- Grab a locally famous Peanut Colada at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club
- Catch deepwater pelagic fish just offshore in the Exuma Sound
- Ride the Sanctuary Creek mangrove river at Shroud Cay to the water slide and explore Camp Driftwood
- Pet the (usually) harmless nurse sharks at the Compass Cay Marina
Exuma Sailing & Cruising Conditions
To begin, the Exumas is not a place for beginner captains – weather, anchoring, tides, and cuts present unique challenges. It helps to have experience on the water. That said, you can always hire a skipper if you are less experienced and still charter this wonderful destination.
Here’s what you need to know about chartering in the Exumas:
Exuma Route Planning
The Exumas are a long string of 365 islands, stretching over 100 miles from the Sail Rocks in the north all the way down to Great Exuma in the southeast.
That’s a long way to travel for a week long vacation! It is too far to go all the way down and back in a week. Here are your options:
- Explore the northern Exumas, turning around near Staniel Cay (this is what we recommend!). There is so much to explore that you won’t miss out by missing the southern Exumas.
- Do a one way trip from Great Exuma to Nassau. This takes advantage or the prevailing trade winds out of the east – enjoy that downwind sailing. It does, however, complicate provisioning since Great Exuma is not as well stocked. You will also need to coordinate extra logistics to travel to Georgetown for the start of your trip.
- One way from Nassau to Great Exuma. This makes provisioning easier, but you are more likely to sail to windward.
When to Charter in the Exumas
My favorite time of year to go is April-May. Here’s why:
- Consistent trade winds blow out of the east to southeast, allowing for more settled cruising conditions
- Cold fronts are not as common. This means fewer squalls and potential exposure to westerly/northerly winds
- Days are longer, giving you more time for fun on the water
- Although early tropical activity can occur, it is far less likely
- It’s less busy since many of the full-time cruisers have begun to leave the area in preparation for hurricane season
November to December can also be a good time to go – the weather is often pleasant. Keep in mind that cold fronts do sweep down from the west. This can occur as early as October. You’ll need to pay close attention to the weather forecast and have some flexibility with your itinerary.
In the winter months (January to March) cold fronts march in like clockwork. Be prepared for squalls and winds in excess of 20 knots.
We would avoid the summer months since it can be very hot/humid, the winds are light, and there is always the risk of tropical activity and trip disruption.
Sailing Conditions in the Exumas
Sailing in the Exumas is not for beginners – you need to understand tides, conduct weather planning, and navigate by reading the color of the water. Few mooring balls are available, so you should also be comfortable anchoring almost everywhere (the good news is that the holding is generally very good!).
Wind
The trade winds blow somewhat consistently unless interrupted by fall/winter cold fronts and tropical disturbances in the summer.
In the winter, the trades blow more from the NE. In the summer, they are more frequently from the SE.
Exuma Bank vs. Exuma Sound
You’ll likely spend most of your time cruising on the west side, on the Exuma Bank. Depths are ~20 feet making for incredible shades of turquoise blue. You also get great protection from the easterly trades, so even with fresh breezes – swells stay to a minimum!
Exuma Sound is the deep side to the east of the Exumas. Reefs mark the edge with many cuts allowing for passage in between. In some places, such as the Dog Cays in the north, the drop plunges to thousands of feet only a couple hundred feet off shore.
The Exuma Sound is where you want to go fishing for the pelagic fish – mahi, tuna, and wahoo. I recommend sailing NW (instead of SE) in the Exuma Sound due to the prevailing trades – you are less likely to encounter swells on your bow. Keep that crew happy!
Tides and Cuts
You will want to pay close attention to the tides due to many shallow anchorages and passages. In general, the tidal range is ~3.5 feet, but can be higher during, for example, Spring tides. In this case, depths at low tide could be below the ones indicated on the charts (MLLW).
I like to print off the latest prediction from NOAA, which provides the tides for Nassau.
- In the northern Exumas, the tides will be around 20 minutes later than Nassau
- Around Staniel Cay, you can expect the tides to be about 30 minutes later than Nassau
The numerous cuts between Exuma Sound and Exuma Bank can rip when the tide is flowing. They can be especially treacherous when the wind blows against the direction of the flow. Try and time any passages you make for a period of slack tide.
Charts, especially the Explorer Chart, should be studied carefully. They’ll provide good advice on the preferred cuts to pass through (some are much wider and easier than others).
Anchorages
The majority of anchorages are located with protection from the easterly trades. I’ve found that holding is generally very good with white sandy bottoms. Coral or rock bottoms can be found in areas more affected by the cuts/tidal flow, so keep that in mind.
Use of mooring balls is mainly limited to those available in the Exumas Land and Sea Park. Expect to anchor most everywhere else.
I talk about my favorite Exuma anchorages in this post.
BVI Climate and Average Weather by Month
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Speed (kts) | 15.2 | 15.1 | 14.1 | 13.4 | 13.5 | 15.0 | 16.0 | 14.8 | 12.9 | 12.2 | 13.8 | 15.2 | |
Wind Direction | NE | NE | E | SE | SE | SE | E | E | SE | SE | NE | NE | |
Daylight (hrs) | 11.2 | 11.6 | 12.1 | 12.6 | 13.0 | 13.2 | 13.1 | 12.7 | 12.2 | 11.7 | 11.3 | 11.0 | |
Precipitation (in) | 0.4″ | 0.4″ | 0.3″ | 0.9″ | 2.1″ | 1.3″ | 1.2″ | 1.6″ | 2.8″ | 2.8″ | 2.5″ | 1.1″ | |
Avg. High Temp. | 83° | 83° | 84° | 85° | 86° | 88° | 88° | 89° | 88° | 87° | 86° | 84° | |
Avg. Water Temp. | 79° | 79° | 79° | 80° | 81° | 82° | 82° | 83° | 84° | 84° | 82° | 81° |
Exuma Yacht Charter: Week-long Sailing Itinerary
We’ve visited the Exumas several many times now, and every time we return, we explore a new corner of this paradise.
For a first time visit, this is how I would plan out your 7 days on the water assuming you start your trip at Palm Cay in Nassau. Check out my full description of the itinerary in this post. You can also read about many of these locations in my recent December trip report.
Travel day
Day 1: Travel day
Arrive, get settled in, and stow away your provisions. Familiarize yourself with the boat's systems if you'd like. Crack a beer - you've made it!
Travel day
Enjoying some SUPing after a recent Yellow Banks crossing
Day 2: Yellow Banks crossing to Highbourne Cay
Raise your sails for a long day on the water as you cross the Yellow Banks to reach the northern Exumas. Highbourne Cay is a convenient first night stop. There is a beautiful beach for an evening stroll, or check out Highbourne rocks for some snorkeling
Enjoying some SUPing after a recent Yellow Banks crossing
Emerald Rock mooring field
Day 3: South to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Get an early start as it's about 20-25 nautical miles south to the Land and Sea Park. If the weather is settled, consider using one of the cuts to enter the Exuma Sound for some deep sea fishing.
Emerald Rock is a great anchorage with several beautiful beaches that have trail access to Warderick Wells. Explore Boo Boo Hill and make a quick dinghy ride over to the visitors center to snap a picture with the whale skeleton
Emerald Rock is a great anchorage with several beautiful beaches that have trail access to Warderick Wells. Explore Boo Boo Hill and make a quick dinghy ride over to the visitors center to snap a picture with the whale skeleton
Emerald Rock mooring field
Staniel Cay anchorage and Thunderball Grotto
Day 4: Thunderball Grotto and the swimming pigs
Continue making your way south towards the anchorage at Big Major Cay. Sandy Cay is a fun lunch stop close by with one of my favorite sandbars. Big Major Cay is the location of the famous swimming pigs, so go get your picture for the Instagram channel.
The other famous attraction in the area is Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond movie. Plan this cave snorkel at slack tide.
To round out the day, enjoy dinner and drinks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, the largest establishment you'll come across on your trip.
The other famous attraction in the area is Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond movie. Plan this cave snorkel at slack tide.
To round out the day, enjoy dinner and drinks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, the largest establishment you'll come across on your trip.
Staniel Cay anchorage and Thunderball Grotto
Crescent Beach at Compass Cay
Day 5: Back north to Compass Cay
Compass Cay is a short 1-2 hour sail back north. You can anchor outside the marina, or for more of a challenge, explore the the many channels of Pipe Cay.
The Compass Cay Marina is worth a visit. The nurse sharks will be hanging out and you can also take a short hike to a beautiful beach aptly named Crescent Beach.
The Compass Cay Marina is worth a visit. The nurse sharks will be hanging out and you can also take a short hike to a beautiful beach aptly named Crescent Beach.
Crescent Beach at Compass Cay
The mangrove river at Shroud Cay
Day 6: Shroud Cay and the magical river ride
Head about 25 miles to Shroud Cay in the Land and Sea Park - one of my favorite Exuma stops! Your visit along the Sanctuary Creek mangrove river is best timed for a mid-high rising tide. Once you reach the other side, beach the dinghy and jump in the water slide. Nearby Camp Driftwood is also worth a visit.
The mangrove river at Shroud Cay
Sunset at the Norman Cay anchorage
Day 7: Norman Cay as a last night's stop
For your final day, enjoy an easy sail to Norman Cay. Again, if weather permits, head out to the drop for some fishing. At Norman Cay, the main attraction is a snorkel of Pablo Escobar's sunken plane. Try to plan it for slack tide.
You can also celebrate a final night in the Exumas with a meal at Macduff's. Call or radio ahead to make sure they know you are coming.
You can also celebrate a final night in the Exumas with a meal at Macduff's. Call or radio ahead to make sure they know you are coming.
Sunset at the Norman Cay anchorage
The Palm Cay Marina
Day 8: Crossing back to Palm Cay
Hopefully you have some decent wind for a leisurely sail back to Palm Cay. We like to stop for a quick lunch snorkel at one of the many coral heads you'll pass, if conditions are settled.
Our crew enjoys getting cleaned up and enjoying the Palm Cay pool, but if you'd rather anchor one more night out, consider nearby Rose Island. It's about an hour's motor, so leave enough time on your last morning to return to the base, fuel up, and get checked out.
Our crew enjoys getting cleaned up and enjoying the Palm Cay pool, but if you'd rather anchor one more night out, consider nearby Rose Island. It's about an hour's motor, so leave enough time on your last morning to return to the base, fuel up, and get checked out.
The Palm Cay Marina
10-day Exuma Sailing Itinerary
Stretching well over 100 miles in length from north to south, there is a lot of ground to cover on an Exuma yacht charter.
Too much, in fact, for a week-long round trip Exuma sailing itinerary from Nassau, Bahamas. If we only have 7 days, we usually turn around mid-way, around Staniel Cay. There is just too much to see!
But, let’s say you want to sail through all of the Exuma Cays. Is it possible?
Yes, I’m going to show you how to do it. Have two weeks? Even better.
Let’s get into it.
Travel day
Day 1: Travel day
Arrive, get settled in, and stow away your provisions. Familiarize yourself with the boat's systems if you'd like. Crack a beer - you've made it!
Travel day
Enjoying some SUPing after a recent Yellow Banks crossing
Day 2: Yellow Banks crossing to Highbourne Cay
Raise your sails for a long day on the water as you cross the Yellow Banks to reach the northern Exumas. Highbourne Cay is a convenient first night stop. There is a beautiful beach for an evening stroll, or check out Highbourne rocks for some snorkeling
Enjoying some SUPing after a recent Yellow Banks crossing
Shroud Cay and the mangrove river
Day 3: South to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is huge, with over 170 square miles. It’s an ecological reserve and marine sanctuary – you won’t be disappointed by the snorkeling here.
Head first for Shroud Cay. One of my favorite highlights of the Exumas is riding the mangrove river at Shroud Cay to the water slide. The Sanctuary Creek dinghy ride is an absolute must for any Exumas visit.
Camp Driftwood is also worth exploring, so bring some walking shoes. It was built in the 1960s by a hermit who lived there with his sailboat. The camp was later used by the DEA to conduct reconnaissance on the drug kingpin Carlos Lehder’s operation at Norman Cay.
Head first for Shroud Cay. One of my favorite highlights of the Exumas is riding the mangrove river at Shroud Cay to the water slide. The Sanctuary Creek dinghy ride is an absolute must for any Exumas visit.
Camp Driftwood is also worth exploring, so bring some walking shoes. It was built in the 1960s by a hermit who lived there with his sailboat. The camp was later used by the DEA to conduct reconnaissance on the drug kingpin Carlos Lehder’s operation at Norman Cay.
Shroud Cay and the mangrove river
Emerald Rock mooring field
Day 4: Visit Warderick Wells, the jewel of the park
The Emerald Rock area is near a couple beautiful white sand beaches and has trail access to the wonderful hiking on Warderick Wells. Make a quick dinghy ride over to the visitors center to snap a picture with the whale skeleton. They can give you a trail map too.
Boo Boo Hill is a popular destination and the highest point on the cay. It’s tradition for cruisers to leave a piece of driftwood behind with your boat’s name on it.
Boo Boo Hill is a popular destination and the highest point on the cay. It’s tradition for cruisers to leave a piece of driftwood behind with your boat’s name on it.
Emerald Rock mooring field
Evening at the SCYC
Day 5: Enjoy an evening at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Continue making your way south towards the anchorage at Big Major Cay. Sandy Cay is a fun lunch stop close by with one of my favorite sandbars. Big Major Cay is the location of the famous swimming pigs, so go get your picture for the Instagram channel.
The other famous attraction in the area is Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond movie. Plan this cave snorkel at slack tide.
To round out the day, enjoy dinner and drinks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, the largest establishment you'll come across in this part of the Exumas.
The other famous attraction in the area is Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond movie. Plan this cave snorkel at slack tide.
To round out the day, enjoy dinner and drinks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, the largest establishment you'll come across in this part of the Exumas.
Evening at the SCYC
Lee Stocking Island
Day 6: South to Lee Stocking Island
If the weather is settled, consider using one of the cuts to enter the Exuma Sound for some deep water fishing. This is a longer day on the water, as we’re going to make a push all the way down to the northern part of Great Exuma.
A good option is Lee Stocking Island where you can go ashore and visit the abandoned marine research center – deserted since 2012. Recent reports are that it might be under construction and will be re-opened in the future.
Go ashore for some hiking and exploration after a long day on the water. You can hike to Perry’s Peak, the tallest point in all of the Exuma Cays. Or, just relax and float in the turquoise water with a cold beer!
A good option is Lee Stocking Island where you can go ashore and visit the abandoned marine research center – deserted since 2012. Recent reports are that it might be under construction and will be re-opened in the future.
Go ashore for some hiking and exploration after a long day on the water. You can hike to Perry’s Peak, the tallest point in all of the Exuma Cays. Or, just relax and float in the turquoise water with a cold beer!
Lee Stocking Island
Chat n Chill
Day 7: The cruiser's paradise of Elizabeth Harbour
Use Conch Cay Cut to enter the channel to Elizabeth Harbour, a large, sheltered basin with room to spread out for hundreds of yachts. Many full-time cruising yachts spend time here, especially in the winter.
I would set up shop at the top 10 beach bar of Chat n Chill and spend the day liming away the afternoon. Enjoy the people watching and hustle/bustle of the cruising community that has been established here.
If you need to stock up on supplies, dinghy over to Lake Victoria where there is a dinghy dock. You’ll find plenty of shopping options within walking distance.
I would set up shop at the top 10 beach bar of Chat n Chill and spend the day liming away the afternoon. Enjoy the people watching and hustle/bustle of the cruising community that has been established here.
If you need to stock up on supplies, dinghy over to Lake Victoria where there is a dinghy dock. You’ll find plenty of shopping options within walking distance.
Chat n Chill
Little Farmers Cay
Day 8: Back north to Little Farmers Cay
This is probably our longest day on the water, at ~40nm. Get an early start if you can. This is another great day for fishing as you can as you can ride the drop nearly the entire way up to Farmers Cut.
We’ll spend the night at Little Farmers Cay, one of the more established areas in this part of the Exumas. Head ashore to explore at the Farmers Cay Yacht Club or the government dock at Little Harbour. The Ocean Cabin is a popular local spot to grab a bite.
We’ll spend the night at Little Farmers Cay, one of the more established areas in this part of the Exumas. Head ashore to explore at the Farmers Cay Yacht Club or the government dock at Little Harbour. The Ocean Cabin is a popular local spot to grab a bite.
Little Farmers Cay
Crescent Beach at Compass Cay
Day 9: Beach day at Compass Cay
Get those sails up again on your catamaran for a ~20nm passage to Compass Cay. You can anchor outside the marina, or for more of a challenge, explore the the many channels of Pipe Cay.
The Compass Cay Marina is worth a visit. The nurse sharks will be hanging out and you can also take a short hike to a beautiful beach aptly named Crescent Beach.
The Compass Cay Marina is worth a visit. The nurse sharks will be hanging out and you can also take a short hike to a beautiful beach aptly named Crescent Beach.
Crescent Beach at Compass Cay
Sunset at the Norman's Cay anchorage
Day 10: Norman's Cay as a last night's stop
For your final day, enjoy an easy sail to Norman Cay. At Norman Cay, the main attraction is a snorkel of Pablo Escobar's sunken plane. Try to plan it for slack tide.
You can also celebrate a final night in the Exumas with a meal at Macduff's. Call or radio ahead to make sure they know you are coming.
You can also celebrate a final night in the Exumas with a meal at Macduff's. Call or radio ahead to make sure they know you are coming.
Sunset at the Norman's Cay anchorage
Palm Cay Marina
Day 11: Crossing back to Palm Cay
Hopefully you have some decent wind for a leisurely sail back to Palm Cay. We like to stop for a quick lunch snorkel at one of the many coral heads you'll pass, if conditions are settled.
Our crew enjoys getting cleaned up and enjoying the Palm Cay pool, but if you'd rather anchor one more night out, consider nearby Rose Island. It's about an hour's motor, so leave enough time on your last morning to return to the base, fuel up, and get checked out.
Our crew enjoys getting cleaned up and enjoying the Palm Cay pool, but if you'd rather anchor one more night out, consider nearby Rose Island. It's about an hour's motor, so leave enough time on your last morning to return to the base, fuel up, and get checked out.
Palm Cay Marina
Exuma Yacht Charter Guides
Must read trip guides
Recent Exuma articles from the Yacht Warriors
Exuma Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions
Less is more and pack collapsible suitcases. Check out my sailing trip packing list post for all the details.
Your charter company will be able to provide a food/drink provisioning list if you’d like it delivered. We’ve found these lists aren’t very complete, so we usually supplement with some shopping of our own, if time permits.
Less than a mile from the base at Palm Cay is Solomon’s supermarket. Just next door is the Flying Dutchman liquor store. Both are convenient, excellent options for some DIY provisioning.
We’ve found Staniel Cay to be the best option for re-stocking of provisions mid-way down the Exuma Cays chain. This is also usually a turnaround point if you are on a shorter, week-long charter. Check out Burke’s or the Pink Pearl.
Blackpoint is another good option a bit further south.
If you make it all the way down to Great Exuma, you’ll be well taken care of with options.
There are many direct US flights to Nassau, where the base at Palm Cay is located. It’s a 30-45 minute cab ride from the airport to the marina.
My favorite time to visit is April-May or November-December. The weather is pleasant, the trade winds blow more consistently, and there is less chance of cold fronts or tropical mischief. Read the Exuma Cruising Conditions section for more details.
Possibly, especially if you have plenty of charter experience. You’ll need to confirm with your charter company. They may require a check-out skipper, which is no big deal.
I actually think catamaran’s are much easier to maneuver and handle as compared to a monohull. Read more about why I think the catamaran is the better option for your sailing trip here.
Your charter company will be able to provide snorkel equipment for you.
I recommend you purchase a quality mask/snorkel combo and take it with you on every trip. You will have a much better snorkeling experience. Don’t rely on the lower quality gear that is provided (the fins are usually fine!)
I’ve had my snorkel/mask since I got scuba certified in 2009 and it is still in great shape. Make the investment!
It’s about a 30 nautical mile passage to reach the northern Exuma Cays. It should take you about 4-5 hours.
You go to the Exumas for the solitude, but you can still find an occasional beach bar or restaurant. Starting from north and heading south:
Highbourne Cay: Xuma’s
Norman’s Cay: Macduff’s
Fowl Cay Resort – call ahead to see if they’ll take you
Staniel Cay: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (don’t miss this one!)
Black Point: several options, check out Emerald Sunset
Little Farmer’s Cay: Ocean Club and the Yacht Club
Great Exuma: plenty of options, check out Chat n Chill which is regularly ranked as a top Caribbean beach bar
Highbourne Cay: fuel and water
Compass Cay: water
Staniel Cay Yacht Club: water
Mario’s Marina in Black Point: fuel and water
Request an Exuma Yacht Charter Quote
We have relationships with all of the Exuma yacht charter companies and have personally chartered with many of them.
Let us find you the best option - it doesn't cost you anything extra.
Let us find you the best option - it doesn't cost you anything extra.