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.
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 about The Bahamas sailing requirements.
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
When it comes to your vacation, only the best will do. Speak with a Vacation Planner to begin your journey towards your next exceptional charter escape.
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. 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. Whatever you do in the Exumas, you’ll have an unforgettable experience with The Moorings.
Set your course for a week of unforgettable cruising through the stunning Exuma island chain. This 7-day sailing itinerary gives you the time to venture farther from Nassau while still enjoying the region’s most iconic highlights. Sail across brilliant turquoise waters to discover hidden sandbars, vibrant coral reefs, secluded beaches, and charming island stops along the way. From snorkeling in crystal-clear grottoes to meeting the famous swimming pigs and relaxing at laid-back beach bars, each day reveals a new side of the Bahamas.
Turn up the throttle and discover the shimmering chain of the Exumas on a high-speed power adventure from Nassau. This 5-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to cover more ground without sacrificing those iconic, toes-in-the-sand moments. From vibrant coral reefs and hidden sandbars to world-famous grottoes and laid-back island bars, each day delivers a new slice of Bahamian perfection, all within easy reach aboard your power yacht.
Explore the enchanting Exumas in your own way. Whether you want an adventurous vacation that sees you take the helm and sail yourself around the crystalline waters, an idyllic charter where a crew of skippers and chefs take care of your every need while you sit back and relax, or a blend of both, we’ve got you covered.Discover our bareboat, skippered and crewed yacht charters, and choose your perfect way to experience the Exumas.
A sailing yacht charter with the option of a Moorings skipper is an excellent choice if you want someone to guide you around your destination. Please allow one extra cabin for a skipper.
You can also choose which of our world class yachts you want to sail around the Exumas on. Explore the serene sailing grounds of the Exumas aboard one of our state-of-the-art catamarans. If you want a balance of classic and contemporary, choose one of our comfortable monohulls. For an unforgettable yacht charter experience, book a power yacht and immerse yourself in its speed, style and glamor.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
This is our second time traveling with The Moorings, and our expectations were met and further exceeded. We enjoyed the location, the offerings on the yacht, and the chef and captain went above and beyond to make our experience special.
