Exumas Sample Itinerary

A One Week Yacht Charter Itinerary (8 Days - 7 Nights).

One of the benefits of a private yacht charter vacation is that the itinerary for your vacation with be customized personally for you based on the interests and activities that your group desires. This Exuma Islands sample itinerary boards and departs in Nassau, Bahamas and includes visits to Allan's Cay, Norman's Cay, Shroud Cay, Warderick Walls, Compass Cay, Staniel Cay, and Sampson Cay, There  are an abundance of other fabulous destinations in the Exuma Islands and one way itineraries can also be created to include arrival or departure at Staniel Cay or Georgetown as well as some of the smaller islands, such as Norman's Cay. You can be sure we will work with the Captain aboard the yacht you select to create a custom itinerary that is just perfect for you. To get started contact us directly Phone: 800.758.9676 or Email us here.

The Exuma Islands consists of over 360 islands or cays, the largest being Great Exuma. The Exuma islands are a popular spot for yachting, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and coral reef and cave exploring. There are countless world class beaches and an abundance of private coves in Exumas, along with fabulous reefs, ledges, blue holes and caves for snorkeling, diving and fishing as well as extensive mangroves and flats ideal for exploring and fly fishing for the elusive bonefish. The Exuma islands are the historic home of the Lucayan Natives, who were captured and enslaved in the 16th century, and leaving the islands uninhabited until the 18th century. In the intervening period, the Exumas provided many hideouts and stashes for pirates. Elizabeth Harbor was a favorite lair of the pirate Captain Kidd. There's much to see and explore. Are you ready for your Bahamas adventure?

Day 1: Allan's Cay

Arrive into Nassau International Airport and join your yacht at one of the local marinas. After a brief orientation with your crew set off to the Exumas (30 nm) across the Yellow Banks, a beautiful expanse of clear blue water known for its abundance of coral heads lying just below the surface. There are many beautiful beaches and coves of pristine waters that will beckon you to jump in for a refreshing swim.

Explore Allan’s Cay and feed the Bahamian Iguanas that will scurry out to greet you on the beaches. Sail to nearby Highbourne Cay to enjoy “Horseshoe Bay” with its beautiful deserted beach and fabulous reef, the “Octopus’ Garden”. Here your yacht will anchor in a beautiful safe harbor where you can swim, kayak, beach comb or snorkel. Dinghy around to the charming marina to explore this cozy turquoise harbor or relax in the hammocks on the beach. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the hilltop restuarant on Highbourne Cay with a fabulous 360 degree view of this pristine area at the north end of the Exuma chain. The nearby Exuma Sound offers amazing dive sites and fishing for those wanting more adventure. Enjoy the peace and solitude of this anchorage for the evening or continue south for your next island destination Norman’s Cay, fishing along the way.

Day 2: Norman’s Cay

Stop and snorkel or Scuba dive on sites such as the Octopus Garden or Hammerhead Gulch. Anchor in the deserted northern area of Norman's Cay, where spectacular beaches, lagoons, flats and snorkeling await you.

Cruise on the Exuma Sound, fishing along the way, to the Southern end of Norman’s Cay where you can explore a sunken drug plane that makes a colorful and exciting snorkel teaming with colorful fish and coral have who have made this their home. Explore the island’s ruins and visit “Twinkie Beach” with its lone palm tree, charming beach, and loads of seashells to collect. Learn to spear fish on the nearby coral heads or hire a local guide to bonefish in the flats.

Day 3: Shroud Cay

Head South to Shroud Cay, in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Enjoy an adventure through the mangrove rivers to the other side of the island. Snorkel, kayak, or cruise through this naturalist’s paradise. Explore the breathtaking beaches and climb to the top of “Camp Driftwood” for spectacular views. Experience the currents that create a natural water park or play in the gentle surf surrounded by endless shades of blue stretching from the sky to the crystal clear shallows. Sail on to Hawksbill Cay, a great place to anchor and experience the sugar-sand beaches and a special trail across the island with ruins of a Loyalist plantation from the 1700's. The destination at the end of the trail is an amazing beach where the only footprints will be your own. Enjoy paddle boarding, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing in this paradise.

Day 4: Warderick Wells

Continue South in the protected waters of The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to the headquarters at Warderick Wells. A former pirate's hideaway, the anchorage circles a giant sandbar at low tide and has strong currents that kids of all ages love to float in.

Explore more than 4 miles of trails on this protected island filled with stunning views of the surrounding cays and turquoise waters. Climb to Boo Hill, keeping a lookout for the stunning white-tailed tropical bird that nests in the bush. Enjoy beautiful secluded beaches, scuba dive or snorkel on the vibrant, protected coral reefs with big, friendly fish, or explore this naturalists' paradise by dinghy, kayak or stand up paddleboards. This picturesque harbor is another perfect spot for a relaxing evening under the stars. Hike up to the Park Ranger's porch for another spectacular view.

Day 5: Compass Cay

Cruise South to visit the ancient Lucayan burial grounds of Rocky Dundas, where you can explore impressive caves and grottos with ancient stalactites and stalagmites creating a natural cathedral ceiling and beautiful snorkeling.

The north end of Compass Cay is just minutes away, and is the home of “Rachel’s Bubble Bath” a natural whirlpool. Depending on the tide, this unique pool is either a flat, peaceful lagoon, or bubbling bath. Anchor for the night in nearby Fowl Cay, with a beautiful coral reef for you to enjoy, as well as a perfect, crescent shaped beach.

Or continue through the stunning shallow waters of Pipe Creek to arrive at Big Major’s Spot. If you are lucky, you will see one of the most unusual sites on any yachting trip, the famous swimming pigs coming to greet you in the water and on the beach.

Day 6: Staniel Cay

Next, sail into nearby Staniel Cay with several quaint restaurants and entertainment ashore. Explore this charming out-island settlement with its lively yacht club. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club sharing sea stories with other seafaring guests, meet the locals and hear how the former drug trade affected the island back in the 1980's.

Anchor outside the “Thunderball Grotto” where the underwater scenes in the James Bond movie by the same name were filmed. The site is naturally a very popular location for diving and snorkeling, and the amazing heads of colorful coral and reef fish will make you feel like you are in an aquarium. You can even climb to the top of the cave and jump in through a hole in the top for an extra thrill. Explore the beautiful surrounding coves and beaches of Staniel Cay.

Day 7: Sampson Cay

Heading back to the north stop off at Sampson Cay a quaint island with beautiful vistas. Explore the Pipe Creek area. This place is ideal for waterskiing and snorkeling and another fun fill day in the water. Head north on the Bahama Banks skirting sandbars and skimming along the clear azure waters. Overnight back at Highbourne Cay or Norman’s Cay and enjoy a beautiful leeward white sand beach and another refreshing dip in the ocean.

Day 8: Nassau

After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps another swim or snorkel if time permits, cruise the 30 nm across the Yellow Bank to New Providence. If your schedule permits make plans enjoy some local Bahamian culture in Nassau visiting some of the historical sites of colonial Nassau, where you'll also find some fantastic duty free shopping opportunities. There are also world class golf courses on the main island as well as Paradise Island, along with the well known Atlantis Resort and Casino with Waterslide Park and the full array of other resort activities.

There is so much more to do and see in the Exuma Islands than is included in this brief sample itinerary. There are many options available to you, and whether you have just a few days to a few weeks, we will customize your luxury yacht charter itinerary based on the specific desires and interests of your group. No matter what, we are sure that once you have a taste of the Bahamas you will definitely want to keep coming back for more. You can also consider starting your charter in Staniel Cay and cruising one way from Staniel Cay to Nassau (yacht redelivery fees may apply for one way charters). Georgetown, in the Southern Exumas with regularly scheduled flights from the US, is another popular island to include in your Exumas charter itinerary.

We can help you plan a custom itinerary that fits your desires and needs.