Exumas Itinerary
This classic Exuma Cays loop is one of the most popular one-week routes in the Bahamas, covering approximately 153 nautical miles over 8 days and 7 nights.
It is perfect for catamaran charters and relaxed motor yacht charters, with short island hops, easy anchoring, and visits to some of the Bahamas’ most iconic locations.
Daily Snapshot: Distances & Must‑Do Highlights
Day 1: Nassau → Rose Island (~5 NM)
Kick off your charter with a quick 15‑minute cruise from Nassau to Rose Island. This short hop sets the tone—anchoring just off First Beach allows immediate access to kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling over healthy reefs. We recommend timing your arrival for afternoon with cocktails at sunset; it’s a reliable expert insider tip to beat crowd congestion and enjoy pristine conditions. Dinner is onboard—crew-prepared fare under the stars rounds off a gentle first night.
Day 2: Rose Island → Allan’s Cay → Highbourne Cay (~40 NM)
Up early for a longer 3–4 hr cruise to Highbourne Cay, with a break at Allan’s Cay. Here, dinghy ashore to feed the iguanas—use fresh veggies, not crackers. You’ll likely spend about 30–45 minutes interacting and snorkeling near their cove. Continue to Highbourne Cay marina, where mooring options make docking stress-free. Evening tip: dine at Xuma Restaurant right on the marina—local seafood in a stunning setting.
Day 3: Highbourne Cay → Shroud Cay (~20 NM)
A laid‑back ~2‑hour morning transit brings you to Shroud Cay within the Exuma Land & Sea Park. It’s an expert favourite thanks to the mangrove “Sanctuary Creek” accessible by dinghy, paddleboard, or kayak. You’ll glide through a winding river, arrive at a secluded sand‑bar beach, and have the chance to spot turtles or lobster in protected waters. Anchor out in the shallow creek—protected and serene. Overnight here lets you wake up surrounded by wilderness.
Day 4: Shroud Cay → Staniel Cay (~15 NM)
After a calm morning at Shroud, cruise to Staniel Cay in under two hours. Your first stop: Big Major Cay to swim with the pigs. A must-do—bring food scraps for them, and time it early to avoid boats congesting the beach. Back at Staniel, dock or moor by the village for provisioning, fuel, and optional evening out at the Yacht Club or local bar. Add-on snorkel: Thunderball Grotto is stunning—best at slack tide.
Day 5: Staniel Cay → Compass Cay (~10 NM)
This leg is short (~1 hr), giving you a relaxed departure. Arrive at Compass Cay Marina mid-morning and join the nurse sharks swimming at the dock—one of the Exumas’ most Instagrammable wildlife interactions. Spend afternoon at leisure using paddleboards or snorkeling along the calm lagoon and coves. Evening: savor burgers and beers at the marina grill, then drift off to the gentle hum of the inlet’s tidal flow.
Day 6: Compass Cay → Warderick Wells (~15 NM)
Enter the heart of the Exuma Land & Sea Park on your way to Warderick Wells. Secure a mooring ball (park-run, call on Ch 9), and head ashore to explore Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views and the quirky tradition of leaving driftwood. Snorkel along the underwater trail, check out the park’s visitor centre, then paddleboard around intimate beaches. Warderick offers one of the richest natural experiences—pristine, untouched, unforgettable.
Day 7: Warderick Wells → Norman’s Cay (~20 NM)
Venture to Norman’s with a ~2‑hour sail. Drop anchor in the calm southern bay and hop into snorkel or dinghy to explore the Pablo Escobar-era plane wreck—it rests in clear 10 ft of water, teeming with fish. Lunch ashore at MacDuff’s is recommended—order the conch burger and call ahead via VHF Ch 16 to check availability. End the day anchored in shallow, protected water on the west side of the island.
Day 8: Norman’s Cay → Nassau (~40 NM)
Final cruising leg—about 3–4 hours depending on wind and current. You’ll pass over Exuma Bank, so choose your routing with attention to depth charts and tidal flow. It’s best to depart mid-morning and aim to arrive in Nassau before late afternoon. Once docked, debrief with crew, clean the yacht, and prepare for departure. It’s a relaxed send-off after a full week of island-hopping excellence.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Bahamas Yacht Charter?
With a deep understanding of global yacht markets and an exceptional memory for yachts, Louis is a true expert when it comes to matching clients with the perfect vessel — especially when time is of the essence.
Before entering the yachting world, Louis worked in circus and live performance — a background that honed his communication skills and his ability to read people quickly and intuitively. It’s no surprise that clients consistently describe him as someone who makes them feel heard, understood, and completely looked after.
Louis is a familiar face at all major yacht shows and maintains an up-to-the-minute grasp of the market. His network is as strong as his reputation — and both play a key role in his ability to deliver smooth, successful charters. Having Louis in your corner isn’t just helpful — it’s a strategic advantage.
