Crewed Itinerary · Exumas, Bahamas

Bahamas Sailing Itinerary: A 7-Day Crewed Charter through the Exumas

This Bahamas sailing itinerary delivers a 7-day all-inclusive private-crew week through the Exumas, where your captain and chef handle everything. From pristine beaches and offshore fishing to drift snorkels and secluded anchorages, the route blends adventure, relaxation, and seamless luxury across the chain's iconic cays.

Your journey begins with a scenic sail across the Yellow Bank to the Exumas and ends with a final night at Rose Island, just outside Nassau, before disembarking the following morning.

Duration
7 days / 8 nights
Base
Nassau
Plan your Exumas charter Custom-tailored to your dates and group preferences
Downwind sailing in the Exuma Bahamas.
Enjoying a beautiful evening on deck in the Exuma Bahamas during a private crewed yacht charter.
Another beautiful sunset in the secluded Exuma Bahamas.
Exploring the nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina in the Exuma Bahamas.

What this Bahamas sailing itinerary covers

The Exumas are 365 cays strung across 120 miles of the Bahamas — pink-sand beaches, cuts that drain the Bahama Bank twice a day, and water so shallow and clear you can see the anchor on the bottom from the bow. This Bahamas sailing itinerary starts in Nassau, crosses the Yellow Bank to Highbourne Cay, and works south through the iconic stops: Allen's Cay (the rock iguanas), Compass Cay (nurse sharks), Big Major (the swimming pigs), Thunderball Grotto, and Shroud Cay's mangroves.

About 140 nautical miles of sailing across the week, mostly downwind on the way out and a little more work coming home. Different from the BVI in two ways: the sailing here is more open and shallower, and the anchorages are more secluded — fewer beach bars, more empty beaches. The week ends with a final night at Rose Island, a short hop from Nassau, before disembarkation. Pricing for crewed Bahamas charters here starts around $25,000 per week and scales into superyacht territory.

1

Day 1 of 7 · Nassau → Highbourne Cay

Welcome Aboard – Sailing to the Exumas

Anchorage: Highbourne Cay

Your adventure begins at a Marina in Nassau or Paradise Island, where your professional crew welcomes you with a handcrafted cocktail and a seamless check-in. After a quick orientation, your yacht sets sail across the Yellow Bank toward the Exuma island chain.

Midway through the crossing, the captain selects a calm spot for a snorkeling session at a vibrant coral head, where you can explore tropical fish and, in season, spiny lobster.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Highbourne Cay, where you can paddleboard, enjoy a beach stroll, or relax with a sunset swim before savoring a gourmet first-night dinner aboard under the stars.

Day Highlights

  • Welcome cocktail and yacht orientation at arrival marina.
  • Scenic sail across the Yellow Bank to the Exumas.
  • Snorkeling at a vibrant coral reef.
  • Sunset beach walk or paddleboarding at Highbourne Cay.
  • Gourmet first-night dinner under the stars.
2

Day 2 of 7 · Highbourne → Exuma Park

Allen's Cay Iguanas & the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Anchorage: Emerald Rock, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Palm Cay, one of the gateway marinas to the Exumas, is a perfect starting point for your weeklong adventure.
Palm Cay, one of the gateway marinas to the Exumas, is a perfect starting point for your weeklong adventure.
Visiting the endangered iguanas at Allen's Cay is a highlight of your first full day of your private charter.
Visiting the endangered iguanas at Allen's Cay is a highlight of your first full day of your private charter.
Pirate's Lair, one of the many places to explore within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Pirate's Lair, one of the many places to explore within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

After a leisurely breakfast on deck, take the tender to Allen's Cay, home to the endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas. These friendly reptiles roam the beach and eagerly greet visitors.

Afterward, set sail south to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine sanctuary where snorkeling is truly world-class. Your captain will guide you to Emerald Rock, known for its stunning reefs, crystal-clear waters, and powdery white sand beaches.

Spend the afternoon kayaking through hidden coves, snorkeling colorful coral gardens, or hiking to Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views of the Exumas.

Day Highlights

  • Visit the endangered iguanas at Allen's Cay.
  • Sail to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
  • Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking at Emerald Rock and Boo Boo Hill.
  • Sunset cocktails and dinner aboard.
3

Day 3 of 7 · Exuma Park → Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto & Swimming Pigs

Anchorage: Staniel Cay
Enjoying a morning paddleboard session in the Exumas.
Enjoying a morning paddleboard session in the Exumas.
Approaching the anchorage at Staniel Cay near Thunderball Grotto.
Approaching the anchorage at Staniel Cay near Thunderball Grotto.
Greeting the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay is not to be missed!
Greeting the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay is not to be missed!
The Sandy Cay sandbar is one of the best spots for a beach picnic.
The Sandy Cay sandbar is one of the best spots for a beach picnic.
The Sandy Cay sandbar viewed from above on one of our recent trips.
The Sandy Cay sandbar viewed from above on one of our recent trips.

Wake up in the heart of the Exumas and enjoy a morning paddleboard session or swim before breakfast.

Sail south to Staniel Cay, one of the most iconic stops in the Exumas. Your first adventure of the day is a thrilling snorkel at Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave made famous by the James Bond movie Thunderball. Swim through natural openings as sunlight illuminates the cavern in a dazzling display.

Next, take the tender to Big Major Cay, home of the famous swimming pigs. These friendly pigs love to greet visitors in the shallow waters, making for a fun and memorable experience.

In the afternoon, visit a stunning remote sandbar for a luxury beach picnic, complete with chilled champagne and fresh seafood.

Day Highlights

  • Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, an iconic film location.
  • Meeting the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.
  • Luxury beach picnic with champagne and fresh seafood.
  • Sunset cruise and chef-prepared dinner aboard.
4

Day 4 of 7 · Staniel Cay → Compass Cay

Compass Cay – Nurse Sharks & Crescent Beach

Anchorage: Compass Cay
Snorkeling near Compass Cay.
Snorkeling near Compass Cay.
Compass Cay has many hiking trails to explore. The beautiful Crescent Beach is worth a visit.
Compass Cay has many hiking trails to explore. The beautiful Crescent Beach is worth a visit.
You can't beat this setting for dinner back aboard your charter yacht.
You can't beat this setting for dinner back aboard your charter yacht.
Epic sunsets await you in the Exuma Bahamas.
Epic sunsets await you in the Exuma Bahamas.

After breakfast, sail north to Compass Cay, where you can swim with gentle nurse sharks right from the dock.

Afterward, explore Crescent Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the Bahamas, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy—whether it's a snorkel session, a gentle hike around the island, or a sunset cocktail on deck.

Day Highlights

  • Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina.
  • Relax on Crescent Beach.
  • Snorkeling and paddleboarding in turquoise waters.
5

Day 5 of 7 · Compass Cay → Shroud Cay

Shroud Cay – The Magical Mangrove River

Anchorage: Shroud Cay
Floating the Sanctuary Creek river at Shroud Cay.
Floating the Sanctuary Creek river at Shroud Cay.
At the end of your tender ride, a short hike to the top of Camp Driftwood offers stunning views of the Exuma Sound.
At the end of your tender ride, a short hike to the top of Camp Driftwood offers stunning views of the Exuma Sound.
Aerial view of the anchorage at Shroud Cay.
Aerial view of the anchorage at Shroud Cay.

Set sail for Shroud Cay, an uninhabited island with a stunning mangrove river that winds its way through the island. This is one of my favorite activities in the Exumas.

After breakfast, take the tender through the famous "Sanctuary Creek", a natural lazy river leading to a breathtaking sand dune beach. Along the way, spot sea turtles, stingrays, and baby sharks in the shallow waters. If the tides are perfect, you can enjoy a fun water slide at the end of the creek.

Camp Driftwood is also worth a visit, where you can take in the views of the Exuma Sound.

Day Highlights

  • Dinghy or kayak ride through the mangrove river at Shroud Cay.
  • Spot sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish.
  • Relax at Camp Driftwood Beach with stunning views.
6

Day 6 of 7 · Shroud → North Sail Rocks

Deep-Sea Fishing & North Sail Rocks Exploration

Anchorage: North Sail Rocks
Sailing north in the deep water of Exuma Sound gives you the best chance at landing wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
Sailing north in the deep water of Exuma Sound gives you the best chance at landing wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
The North Sail Rocks anchorage offers a spectacular, secluded setting for the final night in the Exumas.
The North Sail Rocks anchorage offers a spectacular, secluded setting for the final night in the Exumas.
Another view of the Sail Rocks North anchorage.
Another view of the Sail Rocks North anchorage.

Today, set out for an exhilarating offshore fishing adventure in the deep waters of the Exuma Sound, targeting wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna. Whether you're reeling in the catch of the day or just enjoying the thrill of being on the open water, this will be an unforgettable experience.

After a morning of fishing, arrive at North Sail Rocks, one of the most secluded and pristine anchorages in the Exumas. Here, enjoy an afternoon of water sports, snorkeling, and exploring hidden beaches. If conditions allow, you may even have the chance to catch lobster and conch for a fresh-made ceviche prepared by your chef.

Day Highlights

  • Exhilarating offshore fishing for wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
  • Secluded anchorage at North Sail Rocks.
  • Afternoon of water sports, snorkeling, and exploring hidden beaches.
  • Optional fresh lobster and conch ceviche.
7

Day 7 of 7 · North Sail Rocks → Rose Island

Return to Rose Island – Final Night Aboard

Anchorage: Rose Island
Take your pick of relaxation activities at Rose Island for your last night in the Bahamas.
Take your pick of relaxation activities at Rose Island for your last night in the Bahamas.
Beach in the Bahamas aboard your private crewed yacht.
A final, epic sunset in the Bahamas.
A final, epic sunset in the Bahamas.

After breakfast, begin the scenic sail back toward Nassau, crossing the Yellow Bank once more.

By late afternoon, arrive at Rose Island, where you'll enjoy one last afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the Bahamian sun. As the sun sets, your crew will prepare a special farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible memories made throughout the week.

Day Highlights

  • Scenic sail back across the Yellow Bank.
  • Final evening of water sports and relaxation at Rose Island.
  • Special farewell dinner aboard.
8

Day 8 · Departure

Disembarkation by Noon – Farewell to Paradise

Wake up to the calm, clear waters of Rose Island and enjoy a leisurely final breakfast aboard before setting sail for a short return to Nassau.

Your crew will arrange a seamless transfer to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) or your next destination, ensuring a stress-free departure.

Frequently asked

How long is a typical Exumas sailing itinerary?
Seven days is the standard — Nassau out, the iconic Exumas chain (Highbourne, Allen's, Compass, Big Major, Staniel) over 4-5 days, and back via Rose Island. Ten-day variants add Cat Island or the Land and Sea Park's southern cays for a slower pace. Five-day Exumas charters work but skip the southern cays.
When's the best time for an Exumas yacht charter?
November through May is peak: northeast trade winds, water in the high 70s, and the cuts run cleanly on the tides. December–February can have brief cold-front fronts that push the wind north — your captain reads them a few days out and picks anchorages accordingly. June–November is hurricane season; we don't typically book Exumas in summer.
How is the Exumas different from the BVI?
Three big differences: (1) anchorages are more secluded — pink beaches and empty cays instead of beach-bar islands; (2) the water is shallower and the holding bottom matters more, so your captain's local knowledge is heavier-leveraged; (3) the sailing is more open-water and there's less protected day-sailing. Different vibe — less party, more pristine.
What's included in a crewed Bahamas yacht charter?
Crew (captain + chef + mate on most yachts), the yacht, water toys (paddleboards, snorkel gear, dinghy with a real outboard, often a kayak and fishing gear), and soft furnishings. Food, drinks, fuel, dockage, and Bahamas Cruising Permit fees come out of a ~30% APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Provisioning runs heavier in the Bahamas because there are no resupply stops between Nassau and the southern cays.

Ready to set sail in the Exumas?

Every itinerary we send is custom-tailored. Tell us your dates, the size of your group, and what you want out of your charter—we'll handle the rest.

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