DAY 1 - NASSAU

Upon arrival at Nassau airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by the yacht’s crew, who will escort you to your vessel. Your first afternoon aboard promises excitement. Once you've settled in, you'll take a tender to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Here, adventure awaits at the 141-acre water park, featuring water slides, river rides, 11 spectacular pools, and miles of pristine white sandy beaches.

Dive into hours of exploration at the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, home to 15 lagoons and over 50,000 marine creatures. For those seeking thrill, the waterslides at Atlantis are unmatched! You might scream with excitement on the 200-foot body slide, The Abyss, or test your courage on The Drop. The truly daring can take on The Leap of Faith, a 60-foot near-vertical drop leading into a shark-filled lagoon. After a day full of adventure, return to the yacht for a peaceful evening as the sun goes down. Spend the night at the marina, gearing up for the upcoming wonders of the Exumas.

DAY 2 - UPPER EXUMAS

You'll set course towards Allen Cay and Highbourne Cay, stopping midway for a dive or snorkeling session at the renowned Blue Hole. Upon reaching Highbourne Cay, take a hike to the island’s natural spring—a treasured source of fresh water in the Bahamas. Historically, islands with natural springs or aquifers became key settlement sites.

Following this, head to nearby Allen Cay to encounter the local iguanas. Almost tame, these lively lizards emerge from the limestone brush when you arrive on the cay’s stunning white sand beach. They often gather in large numbers, particularly if you bring along their favorite treat: strawberries.

DAY 3 - SHROUD CAY & NORMAN CAY

On the way to Shroud Cay, make a quick stop at Norman Cay for some snorkeling around a sunken Curtiss C-46 Commando airplane, once owned by Carlos Lehder. Known for revolutionizing drug smuggling for the Medellín Cartel, Lehder used Norman Cay as a significant base between 1978 and 1982. One ill-fated flight left behind a wreck that has since become a haven for marine life.

Continue your journey to Shroud Cay and explore the pristine mangrove creeks by kayak, paddle board, or wave runners. Be sure to time it carefully, as the tide can strand you for a few hours. Not to worry, as your crew will have prepared a delightful picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful Atlantic-side beach. Finish your day in a peaceful anchorage, gazing at a sky filled with countless stars. The minimal nearby electricity ensures a stunning view of the night sky.

DAY 4 - WARDERICK WELLS

The Exumas rank among the most pristine cruising regions globally due to the protection of hundreds of square miles as parkland. Travel to the heart of these preserved waters at the Exumas Land & Sea Park headquarters on Warderick Wells. While the yacht is anchored in the "petting zoo," enjoy feeding the wall-eyed jacks right from the yacht's deck.

Take advantage of the island's many walking trails, including one that leads to a sperm whale skeleton on the main beach. Experience some of the premier snorkeling in the area at the Sea Garden Aquarium near O’Brien’s Cay, where fish eagerly await a bread treat! Unleash your creativity by crafting a sign from decorated driftwood to commemorate your trip, leaving it on Boo Boo Hill—continuing the tradition for visiting yachts.

DAY 5 - HAWKSBILL CAY

Hawksbill is an uninhabited cay owned by Exuma Park, boasting numerous soft sand beaches on both its western and eastern shores. A short hike up the trail from Adler Beach leads to well-preserved Loyalist ruins. These date back to the late 1700s when American Loyalists, still faithful to the British crown, emigrated to the Bahamas and settled in the area.

On Hawksbill, the Loyalists cultivated sisal, and the remnants of their homes and structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. You might even discover pottery shards that once belonged to the families who lived there. An entertaining feature of Hawksbill is the "drop box"; at the base of the path to the overlook at Adler Bay, you'll find a mailbox where visitors from around the world leave friendly notes.

DAY 6 - PIPE CREEK

If you’re a fan of sandbars, then Pipe Creek could become your personal paradise! The meandering channels between Staniel and Compass Cays reveal sandbars as the tide recedes, leaving behind soft powdery white sand, sand dollars, starfish, occasional stranded conchs, and beautiful Sunrise Tellin shells.

For those interested in trying bonefishing, this spot ranks among the best in the world. A brief visit to Compass Cay promises the thrilling experience of swimming with sharks. Local residents like Herman, Woody, Hook, Scar, Squirt, Ross, Mutt, Exzooma, Jack, and Chunky offer a unique opportunity to check this adventure off your bucket list. You can even pet them from the dock, and they have a particular fondness for hotdogs.

DAY 7 - BIG MAJOR’S SPOT

Today you will visit Pig Beach. If you arrive early, you might be able to greet all 15 or so of the island's four-hoofed residents. The earlier you visit, the fewer meals they will have had. Your chef will prepare a picnic for the pigs, allowing you to feed them, pet them, and even swim alongside them. The piglets are especially adorable. 

Later in the day, dive into the adventure of snorkeling at Thunderball Cave. This site, made famous by the James Bond movie "GoldenEye" and "Splash", offers an incredible snorkeling experience. For the truly adventurous, take the Leap by climbing to the top of the limestone cavern and jumping through the center. Just be sure to call out "look out below!"

DAY 8 - STANIEL CAY

Just around the corner lies Staniel Cay, a central hub in the Exumas. Despite its small size and a population of fewer than 90 permanent residents, the island offers nearly everything you might need—a church, post office, library, three shops, and a marine store.

Head ashore to explore the charming settlement, dotted with brightly colored houses. A visit to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is essential, if only to try one of their renowned Bahama Mama punches. Established by Joe and Ann Hocher in 1956, the Yacht Club has been a cornerstone of the Exumas ever since.

DAY 9-14 - BETWEEN STANIEL AND NASSAU

For those choosing a longer charter, you can return to your favorite spots or ask your crew for their top suggestions. With 365 islands in the Exumas, there are countless places to explore, ensuring you'll find new favorites along the way!

DAY 15 - DEPARTURE NASSAU

Your yacht will head back to Nassau for your disembarkation and flight home. If time allows during your cruise back, make a brief stop for snorkeling at the Blue Hole. As you cross the Bahama Bank, enjoy the mesmerizing light show created by the shallow waters on the sandy seabed. Keep an eye out for dolphins that often join in, riding the bow wave of the yacht.

A private yacht charter gives you the flexibility to design your own itinerary. You have the option to adjust your "course" each day, as long as the embarkation and disembarkation ports align with the Charter Agreement. The Exumas remain one of the most popular charter destinations. For more details about yacht chartering in the Bahamas, click here or contact an IYC Charter Consultant.