Exumas
Exumas Yacht Charter Guide
With one to explore for each day of the year, the Exumas are home to a string of over 365 islands and cays. Part of the Bahamas, this stunning archipelago is renowned for its turquoise waters framed by idyllic beaches.Â
Ideal for island-hopping yacht charter adventures, the Exuma chain is full of secluded anchorages and remote islets for cruising. Underwater adventures here are fit for all abilities and can include swimming with nurse sharks and tropical fish, snorkelling or diving wrecks, caves, and the iconic blue holes.Â
Play out your own castaway on a secluded sandbar, enjoy luxurious amenities in Nassau, hike the trails of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, meet the swimming pigs, sharks, and endangered rock iguanas, or soak up the Bahamian lifestyle.
Best Time To Visit: December to April, the peak cruising season, offers the most favourable conditions, with warm temperatures, steady winds, and lower humidity.
Key Cruising Areas: Starting a yacht charter in the capital of Nassau, go at your own pace and visit spots like Staniel Cay, Compass Cay, Norman’s Cay, and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Don’t Miss: Snorkel the underwater cave system of the famous James Bond spot of Thunderball Grotto at Staniel Cay.
Best Spots For Wining And Dining: Book a table at Xuma’s Restaurant and Bar on Highbourne Cay, the waterside, alfresco spot is perfect to enjoy an elegant evening meal.
Best Local Dish: A Bahamian staple found throughout the islands is conch; enjoy it deep-fried as fritters or in a salad, washed down with a Kalik beer.
Local Culture: Explore Georgetown, the capital of the Exumas, located on Great Exuma Island; admire its colonial-era architecture; and visit historical sites and the local market.
Best Beach: It is challenging to choose one with so many, but on Little Exuma, the Tropic of Cancer is a favorite thanks to its untouched natural beauty and pristine white sand.
IYC Recommends: Enjoy a beach picnic setup by the crew on the picturesque sandbar on the south side of Big Farmer’s Cay. The mile-long sandbar is the perfect setting for your own magical beach day.
More To Explore
The Exuma in the Bahamas form a nearly continuous chain stretching over 90 miles, from Beacon Cay in the north to the islands of Great and Little Exuma in the south. Featuring more than 365 cays, this area is arguably one of the most breathtaking cruising grounds in the Western Hemisphere, offering some of the world’s most stunning anchorages and harbors. Villages are sparse, predominantly small, charming, and rustic. The locals are known for being friendly and hospitable. The cays differ in size, yet almost all offer beautiful beaches and cozy anchorages. While some cays are flat and barren, others, such as Highborne Cay, have rolling hills covered with lush vegetation and small trees. The scenery is spectacular, and the vibrant hues of the clear waters are beyond words.A two-week itinerary is perfect for thoroughly exploring the Exumas and all they have to offer, yet it's also possible to enjoy the beauty of this region on a one-week charter or even a shorter trip.
While destinations such as Nassau and the Exumas often take the yacht charter spotlight, the Abacos offer a quieter, more authentic way to experience The Bahamas. Sheltered cruising grounds, colorful harbor towns, deserted beaches and vibrant coral reefs combine on an itinerary for those who want to venture further north.Spanning more than 120 miles, this idyllic archipelago is perfect for yachting. Protected by a chain of barrier islands, the calm waters of the Sea of Abaco provide ideal conditions for island hopping, watersports and leisurely days at anchor. With fewer crowds and a slower pace of life, every stop provides a unique side of Bahamian culture and natural beauty.Whether enjoyed as a standalone charter or combined with the Exumas for a longer itinerary, there is plenty to do when cruising the Abacos. Most yacht charters begin from Great Abaco, Marsh Harbor. This lively gateway to the islands is the ultimate introduction. Here is where else you should include on an Abacos yacht charter itinerary:
The Bahamas is typically celebrated for its postcard-perfect scenes of white powdery beaches fringed by the most transparent turquoise waters. But there is much more to explore beyond the well-trodden spots of these tropical and idyllic islands. The islands, nearly 700 of them, including the popular Exumas and Abacos, also offer rich culture, authentic island cuisine, natural wonders, and quieter anchorages. Here, we have put together a guide to the Bahamas' best-kept secrets: