Exumas Yacht Charter

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’s 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.

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.

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.

Book a 5-Star yacht charter vacation with sparkling turquoise waters and warm trade winds that will wash your worries away. Sailing in the Exumas is as rewarding as it is unique — best suited to confident sailors or those hiring a skipper.

The Exumas weather conditions are fantastic year-round with air temps of 80-85F and water at 70-75F. 

• 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

Navigation can be tricky due to shallow waters and the 40-mile passage to reach the island chain from Nassau. 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.

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.