Exumas Sailing Itinerary

Highborne Cay

Highborne Cay is an idyllic location for an overnight stay. Spend the day kayaking or snorkeling at Horseshoe Bay’s uninhabited beach, which also harbors the splendid “Octopus Garden” reef below the surface. Take the dinghy about one mile north-west to nearby Allan’s Cay where you’ll be welcomed ashore by the friendly three-foot iguanas at Leaf Cay beach, a superb spot for snorkeling. Back at Highborne Cay, enjoy a cocktail or have dinner at the hilltop restaurant for breathtaking 360-degree views of unspoiled paradise as the radiant Caribbean sun sets in the background.

Mooring

Anchor, Dinghy dock

Things to do

Snorkeling, Kayaking, Paddle boarding, Dining, Diving with nurse sharks

Facilities

Water, Fuel, Grocery, Ice, Internet, trash, laundry

Norman's Cay

The pristine coral reef that surrounds Norman’s Cay and its neighboring islets make it one of the most incredible places in the Exumas that you simply must see for yourself. The conditions are impeccable for all your favorite saltwater activities, or, if you’re in the mood for maximum relaxation, this prime location is also perfect for sun-drenched leisure. The remains of a plane crash can be found on the southwest point of Norman’s Cay, where you can explore the sunken ruins that are now a natural habitat for an array of colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral. And at just 10-feet deep, this is a first-rate snorkeling spot. Nearby, there are plenty of seashells to collect as you stroll along Twinkie Beach, home of the lone palm tree.

Mooring

Anchor, Dinghy dock

Things to do

Guided bonefishing, Spear fishing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Paddle boarding, Kayaking, Dining

Facilities

Water, Ice, Internet

Compass Cay

Compass Cay is a delightful stop offering a full-service marina and restaurant facilities. This vibrant destination is famous for its friendly nurse sharks, providing a unique opportunity to interact with these incredible creatures. Compass Cay is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, offering a mix of marine life, exploration, and relaxation that will make your time here truly memorable.

Some highlights include: fishing opportunities between the bays, Rachel’s Bubble Bath located at the tip of Compass Cay, Rocky Dundas Grotto located off Fowl Cay, Fowl Cay also offers a restaurant, providing another dining option during your visit.

Mooring

Anchor, dinghy dock, mooring

Things to do

Hiking, Dining, Swimming, Exploring, Beach

Facilities

Grocery, Ice, Restaurants, Trash service, Laundry, Dinghy dock, Internet

Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay earned its claim to fame after providing the splendid backdrop for two James Bond movies. In fact, the spectacular underwater cave system located just west of Staniel Cay was named “Thunderball Grotto” based on its feature-film debut. This must-see snorkeling and diving site is riddled with vibrant heads of coral and abundant marine populations. In the evening, make reservations at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club to enjoy an elegant dinner onshore at this charming harbor full of life and island flair. Golf carts are available for rent at the marina if you wish to explore by vehicle. 

Mooring

Dinghy dock, Moorings

Things to do

Snorkeling, Diving, Kayaking, Paddle boarding, Swimming with pigs, Dining, Shopping

Facilities

Water, Fuel, Grocery, Ice, Restaurants, Internet, Trash service, Laundry

Warderick Wells Cay

As the headquarters of the 176-square-mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and the largest underwater sea park in the Caribbean, Warderick Wells Cay is a premier anchorage submerged in protected waters. There are 20 marked nature trails to explore on land and 20 secluded beaches located throughout the island’s border. Both the hiking and snorkeling are unmatched at Warderick Wells Cay, where breathtaking scenery reigns supreme and nature’s beauty abounds thanks to the highly-protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. 

Mooring

Moorings

Things to do

Snorkeling, Swimming, Diving, Kayaking, Paddle boarding, Hiking

Facilities

Ice, Internet

Shroud Cay

Also part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park territory, Shroud Cay is an uninhabited archipelago of rocks and white-sand beaches that boasts an enchanting channel of mangroves. The sheltered coves serve as an idyllic home for conch, lobster, sea turtles, and other various marine creatures. There are numerous sandy-bottom creeks and estuaries to explore by dinghy and Camp Driftwood Beach offers a lovely lookout point with a unique story. Being at Shroud Cay feels like having a deserted island all to yourself. 

Mooring

Moorings for a fee

Things to do

Snorkeling, Swimming, Beachcombing, Kayaking, Paddle boarding

Rose Island

Not too far off the eastern coast of the main port of Nassau lies the little Bahamian hideaway of Rose Island. This 11-mile-long piece of boater’s paradise boasts snorkeling conditions, secluded coves, and four beaches—First Beach, MacTaggart’s Beach, Footprints Beach, and Sandy Toes, which serves up a vibrant party scene on Sundays at the seaside bar and grill. But for those who prefer something more low-key, like palm trees swaying in the wind and the peaceful sounds of waves crashing on the shore, there is a grove of hammocks on the hilltop at Sandy Toes Beach. Spend your final night on board in the serene anchorage located on the northern side of the island. Bask in the breathtaking views as you reminisce about your unforgettable Exumas vacation and take in one more radiant Bahamas sunset.

Mooring

Anchorage only on Northern side of island

Things to do

Hiking & Exploring, Snorkeling, Beaching

Facilities

Sandy Toes – Facility offers a restaurant, villas, beach day facilities, and bathrooms.

The Moorings, Nassau

Arrive in vibrant Nassau and step aboard at the The Moorings base. Settle into your yacht, meet the team, and ease into island time before tomorrow’s high-speed departure into the Exumas.

Mooring

Marina Berth at The Moorings Base (stern-to or alongside as directed)

Things to do

Exploring, Shopping, Swimming

Facilities

Water Refill & Ice, Restaurants & Bars, Re Fuel, WIFI, Electricity, Toilets & Showers, ATM, Supermarket/ Provisioning, Laundry, Trash

Discover

Stroll downtown Nassau, enjoy waterfront dining, or visit Atlantis Marina Village for last-minute provisions and cocktails.

Highbourne Cay

Depart early. Cruise south to beautiful Highbourne Cay, stopping at Allan’s Cay to visit the native rock iguanas. Spend the afternoon enjoying clear shallows and relaxed island charm.

The Day’s Sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 30 Nautical miles

Mooring

Marina Berth, Mooring Ball (limited), Free Anchoring (weather permitting)

Things to do

Swimming, Snorkelling, Paddleboarding, Exploring, Fishing, Sunbathing

Facilities

Water Refill & Ice, Restaurants & Bars, Re Fuel, WIFI, Electricity, Supermarket/ Provisioning, Trash

Discover

Dine at Xuma Restaurant & Bar overlooking the marina or explore the island’s quiet ocean beach.

Shroud Cay

Head to Norman’s Cay, great place to snorkel the famous sunken plane, then continue on to Shroud Cay. Enter the protected beauty of Shroud Cay, where winding mangrove creeks lead to hidden sandbars and panoramic views over the Exuma Sound.

The Day’s Sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 12 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring Ball (Exuma Park), Free Anchoring (designated areas only)

Things to do

Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snorkelling, Swimming, Exploring, Hiking, Sunbathing

Facilities

None

Discover

Take the dinghy through the mangrove creek to the famous drift sandbar known as the “Washing Machine” for one of the Exumas’ most memorable natural experiences.

Staniel Cay

Adventure and laid-back island life await at Staniel Cay. Snorkel the legendary Thunderball Grotto before enjoying a lively evening ashore.

The Day’s Sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 30 Nautical miles

Mooring

Marina Berth (Staniel Cay Yacht Club), Mooring Ball, Free Anchoring (weather permitting)

Things to do

Snorkelling, Swimming, Diving, Exploring, Fishing, Sunbathing

Facilities

Water Refill & Ice, Restaurants & Bars, Re Fuel, WIFI, Electricity, Toilets & Showers, Supermarket/ Provisioning, Trash

Discover

Enjoy dinner and drinks at the iconic Staniel Cay Yacht Club, visit the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and snorkel Thunderball Grotto at slack tide.

Warderick Wells

Cruise north to spectacular Warderick Wells, headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park and home to some of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints.

The Day’s Sailing

• 1 Hr 20 Mins Sailing time
• 18 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring Ball (Exuma Park; advance reservation recommended)

Things to do

Hiking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Paddleboarding, Exploring, Sunbathing

Facilities

None

Discover

Hike Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views across the cays and snorkel vibrant reefs just off your mooring.

The Moorings, Nassau

Enjoy a smooth morning cruise back to Nassau for disembarkation at The Moorings base.

The Day’s Sailing

• 3 Hr 45 Mins Sailing time
• 52 Nautical miles

Mooring

Marina Berth

Facilities

Re Fuel, Water Refill & Ice, Trash

Discover

Refuel, return your yacht, and toast an unforgettable high-speed adventure through the Exumas.