Question 1

Where is the best place to sail in the Exumas?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What are the best things to do in the Exumas?

Accepted Answer

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 GrottoSwim 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 CayHop ashore by dinghy and meet the friendly swimming pigs that have become a Bahamian icon.

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

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

Relax on deserted beachesFrom 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.

Question 3

When is the best time of year to visit the Exumas?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are the sailing conditions in the Exumas like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How much does a yacht charter in the Exumas cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of chartering a yacht in The Exumas ranges from a starting price of $4,529-$49,919*, based on a 7 day charter for 2 people. Your Exumas charter price will differ, depending on a number of factors, such as duration, time of year, number of passengers, itinerary, yacht type and charter type.Season and charter type are two of the most impactful factors when calculating the cost of an Exumas yacht charter. The following costs are based on a 7 day Exumas charter for 2 people:

Charter TypeStarting Price: Low SeasonStarting Price: High SeasonExumas Bareboat Charter$4,529$15,559Exumas Power Charter$6,029$15,079Exumas Skippered Charter Package$14,559$18,199Adding a Skipper to a Bareboat Charter$345 per night$345 per nightExumas Crewed Charter$22,619$49,919

*Please note that all pricing is subject to change and is based on information available at the time of publication. This was last updated in April 2026. To work out the full cost of your Exumas sailing vacation, get a quote today or speak with a Vacation Planner. You can also take a look at our guide to yacht charter costs in The Bahamas.

Question 6

How much are the mooring fees in The Exumas?

Accepted Answer

Mooring fees in The Exumas typically cost between $30-$50* per night, depending on location (private islands may have higher mooring costs), yacht size (dock fees range from $2.50 to $3.50 per foot), whether water and electricity are included, and the time of year.It should be noted that 10% VAT is typically added to mooring fees, while the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park charges an additional $14 per person, per day fee on top of mooring fees.*Please note that all pricing is subject to change and is based on information available at the time of publication. This was last updated in April 2026. Learn more about Exumas mooring fees on our Exumas Useful Information page.

Question 7

What additional costs do I need to factor in for a yacht charter in The Exumas?

Accepted Answer

Additional costs you will need to consider when planning an Exumas yacht charter include: Flights (around $300-$800 pp for a round-trip), taxi transfers (around $45-$60 per vehicle), taxes and customs fees (e.g. 4% Bahamas Cruising Fee, included in your booking), fuel*, mooring fees (around $30-$50 per night), provisioning (around $50-$75 pp per day), Yacht Damage Waiver ($80-$170 per day), optional charter extras, and gratuity.

For 2 people on a 7 day Exumas yacht charter, additional costs can start from around $1,300*. On average, you'll likely need to factor an additional 25-50% of the initial Exumas charter price into your overall budget for living and operating costs.

*A full tank is included for all charters in The Bahamas, but Power charters will need to refuel at the end.

*Please note that all pricing is subject to change and is based on information available at the time of publication. This was last updated in April 2026. To learn more, take a look at our guide to yacht charter costs in The Bahamas and Exumas Useful Information page.

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