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Exumas

Exumas Yacht Charter

Overview
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Itinerary
Useful Information

At the Glance

  • Easy-Access from the U.S.
  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park 
  • Thunderball Swim-in Cave 
  • The Pigs of Major Cay 

Experience level

3
More Info

Why vacation in your backyard when you can jump to a tropical paradise in the same time it would take you to drive to a local state park?  A quick 1-hour flight from Florida, Nassau is the perfect launching point to the 365 islands and cays of the Exumas. This chain of off-the-beaten-path “Out Islands” is the heart of the Bahamas where you can spend a week living like Robinson Crusoe.

Nothing beats island-hopping in the Exuma Cays. From uncrowded white sand beaches to laid-back Bahamian charm, these islands are as exotic as the South Pacific but just one short flight away from North America. Come for the bluest blue water hues you’ll ever see and stay for the best finger-licking food you’ll ever eat. With so much to fill your senses, we bet you can’t visit just once.  

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Please note: Due to the challenging sailing conditions throughout the Exumas, we’re only accepting bookings for sailors who qualify as expert level, or for crewed and skippered charters where we do all the hard work. Complete our  sailing resume  or  power resume  to check if you’re eligible or relax and let us add our expertise. It is also mandatory to have a valid sailing license/certification. Learn more here. 

Cruising in Exumas

Book a 5-Star yacht charter vacation with sparkling turquoise waters and warm trade winds that will wash your worries away. The Exumas weather conditions are fantastic year-round with air temps of 80-85F and water at 70-75F. Navigation can be tricky due to shallow waters and the 40-mile passage to reach the island chain from Nassau makes these cruising grounds more suitable for experienced boaters. Not up for the stress? No worries – let one of our skippers take the helm and provide local knowledge to the best spots or relax completely with our all-inclusive Crewed Yachts where you’ll be treated like a celebrity.  

Exumas Highlights

Explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — one of the largest protected marine parks in the world or swim inside a cave made famous by a James Bond movie. The Exumas chain extends over 100 miles north-south through the heart of the Bahamas and packs in highlights both ashore and below the waterline. 

Qualifications required to sail in Exumas:

Cruising Licences

NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master | SLC, IPC, ICC | ASA 103/US Sailing Basic Coastal Cruising or above

Sailing Experience

Level 3 – At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht

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Inspiring Itineraries

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to sail in the Exumas?

The Exumas are a sailor’s dream, made up of 365 islands and cays that stretch through the heart of the Bahamas. With calm anchorages, pristine marine parks, and white-sand beaches, each stop offers a postcard-perfect escape.

Some of the best places to sail on your Exumas sailing itinerary  include:

  • Highborne Cay – Ideal for reef snorkeling, kayaking, and sunset dining with panoramic views
  • Norman Cay – Snorkel a sunken plane wreck and stroll along pristine beaches — a hidden gem featured in our best beaches in the Bahamas round-up.
  • Staniel Cay – Explore Thunderball Grotto and meet the famous swimming pigs
  • Compass Cay – Swim with nurse sharks or hike to Rachel’s Bubble Bath
  • Warderick Wells – Discover secluded trails and coral reefs in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

Want a closer look at each stop? Discover more in our Exumas sailing guide and start planning your route.
What are the best things to do in the Exumas?

From bucket-list wildlife encounters to underwater wonders, the Exumas are packed with unforgettable experiences that feel both remote and remarkable. Here are a few must-do activities during your charter:

Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto
Swim through a spectacular cave system filled with coral and tropical fish — a top snorkeling spot made famous by James Bond and featured in our best diving in the Bahamas guide.

Visit the pigs of Major Cay
Hop ashore by dinghy and meet the friendly swimming pigs that have become a Bahamian icon.

Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
Wade into crystal-clear shallows and enjoy a safe, close-up experience with docile nurse sharks.

Explore Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
This protected area offers a chance to snorkel pristine reefs, paddle through mangroves, and reconnect with nature.

Relax on deserted beaches
From Shroud Cay’s white sands to the quiet shores of Twinkie Beach, find peace in secluded coves far from the crowds, many of which feature in our list of the best beaches in the Bahamas.

Want more travel inspiration? Read What to Expect on an Exumas Yacht Charter to start visualizing your adventure.
When is the best time of year to visit the Exumas?

The Exumas enjoy sunshine year-round, making them an ideal escape no matter the season. With warm air and water temperatures and consistent trade winds, it’s always a good time to sail.

  • Peak season (December–April): Dry and sunny, perfect for winter sun seekers
  • Shoulder season (May–July): Fewer crowds and excellent sailing conditions
  • Off-season (August–November): Still warm, though you may encounter occasional tropical showers

Air temperatures typically range from 80–85°F, with water temps around 70–75°F. Whether you’re planning or booking a spontaneous escape, the Exumas offer dependable sunshine and tropical beauty throughout the year.Learn more in our guide: The Best Time to Sail in the Bahamas.
What are the sailing conditions in the Exumas like?

Sailing in the Exumas is as rewarding as it is unique — best suited to confident sailors or those hiring a skipper.

  • Navigation: Line-of-sight with some shallow waters and sandbanks
  • Wind: Steady trade winds, averaging 10–20 knots
  • Passages: A 40-mile sail from Nassau to reach the main Exuma Cays
  • Waters: Crystal-clear, but require attention to reef locations and tides

    Due to the complexity of these cruising grounds, bareboat charters are available only to experienced sailors (Level 3 or higher) with appropriate certification. If you’re not certified, opt for a skippered or crewed charter and enjoy the islands stress-free.

    Looking to explore more destinations in the region? Visit our Bahamas yacht charters overview for more sailing options.
How much does a yacht charter in the Exumas cost?

Your Exumas yacht charter is tailored to your preferences — and pricing depends on a few key factors:

  • Charter type: Bareboat, skippered, or all-inclusive crewed
  • Yacht style: Monohull or catamaran
  • Length of stay: Most trips are 7–14 days
  • Season: Prices vary between high and low seasons
  • Extras: Water toys, provisioning, fuel, and gratuities

    For a more complete experience, a crewed charter includes a professional skipper and chef, meals, and on-board amenities — ideal for those who want a fully supported getaway.

    Wherever you go, the Exumas let you disconnect, explore at your pace, and make memories that last. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll help you plan every detail of your Bahamas yacht charter.

    Ready to chart your course through the Exumas? Get a quote or speak with a Vacation Planner to make it real.

Related Articles

BVI
Kevin J Stange Tortola

Boats were great. The staff was super friendly and incredibly helpful

Michael Courtney Tortola

My favorite type of trip.

David Cashio Tortola

Everything was exactly as described and pictured. The boat was clean and in great shape. We had everything on board that we needed. The chart briefing and walk through were very informative and I had all the information I needed for a great trip. Any questions I had were quickly answered.

Michelle Little Tortola

The boat was clean, and all systems worked. The customer service was above average.

Jessica Kielhorn French Polynesia

The skipper, Quentin, and the chef, Nadia, were outstanding. They made the experience exciting, educational, comfortable, and fun. Without Quentin and Nadia the experience would have been good, but not the over-the-top outstanding adventure that it was.

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