Exumas Yacht Charter: Your Expert Guide to Crewed Yachting in the Exumas

Looking to charter a yacht in the Exumas? This guide covers everything you need to know about Exumas yacht charters — when to go, where to anchor, what yachts are available, and how to get the most out of a crewed experience in this unique part of the Bahamas.

The Exumas are one of the most sought-after yacht charter destinations in the world — often ahead of the Abacos. With direct flights from the US to Nassau, it’s one of the easiest places to start a charter.

We recommend the Exumas for the unique experiences: swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, explore the blue hole near Hoffman Cay, and stop at Big Major Spot to see the famous swimming pigs.

Why Choose an Exumas Yacht Charter?

The Exumas are made for yacht chartering. This 120-mile chain of over 350 islands and cays offers some of the clearest, most protected cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Shallow sandbanks, hidden anchorages, and short passages between stops make the region perfect for catamarans and shallow-draft motor yachts.

Compared to Nassau or the Abacos, the Exumas are quieter, less commercial, and more suited to private crewed charters. You won’t find large marinas or beach clubs on every island — instead, you get off-grid beaches, reef snorkeling straight off the boat, and national park anchorages where moorings outnumber buildings.

Best Time to Book Your Exuma Yacht Charter

• High season: December to April — stable weather, low rain, high demand
• Shoulder season: May to June — fewer crowds, still favorable conditions
• Avoid: August to October — hurricane risk, many yachts relocate

Our take: Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season. Shoulder season offers better availability and rates, with only minor tradeoffs.

Things to See and Do on Charter in the Exumas

Getting to Your Exumas Yacht Charter

Most charters either:

• Start in Nassau – NAS (Nassau International) and sail down to the Northern Exumas (Staniel Cay, Warderick Wells)
• Or begin in Georgetown (Great Exuma) – GGT (Exuma International, Georgetown), to explore the Southern Cays

Pro tip: For Staniel Cay itineraries, some crews recommend flying into Nassau and transferring to the yacht directly.

Popular Exuma Yacht Charter Itineraries

Top Islands and Anchorages in the Exumas