Exumas Yacht Charter Itinerary | Swimming Pigs & 365 Cays

THE CROWN JEWEL OF THE BAHAMAS

A Private Odyssey Through the World’s clearest Waters

Escape to the Exumas, a breathtaking archipelago where the water is so clear it looks like liquid glass. This isn’t just a beach vacation; it is a journey through 365 distinct islands—one for every day of the year. From the adrenaline of swimming with nurse sharks at Staniel Cay to the serenity of a private sandbar that disappears with the tide, an Exumas yacht charter offers the ultimate balance of raw, wild adventure and sophisticated luxury. This is the Bahamas as it was meant to be seen: from the deck of your own private yacht.

Iconic Wildlife Encounters: Swim with the famous pigs at Big Major Spot, feed rock iguanas on Allen’s Cay, and glide alongside friendly nurse sharks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
Cinematic Adventures: Snorkel through the hollowed-out chamber of Thunderball Grotto (made famous by 007) and drift-dive the swirling currents of the "Washing Machine" at Shroud Cay.
Unrivaled Privacy: Drop anchor in the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where you can explore pristine coral gardens and deserted beaches miles away from the crowds.

Contact a Charter Specialist

Day 1

Nassau to Highbourne Cay

Depart bustling Nassau and cruise into the calm, translucent waters of the Exuma Cays. After a few hours at sea, you’ll arrive at Highbourne Cay, a privately owned island with a full-service marina and beautiful beaches.

Enjoy your first snorkel just off the dock, or take the tender to explore nearby Allen’s Cay, home to the endangered northern Bahamian rock iguanas. End the day with cocktails on board or a casual sunset dinner at Xuma, the island’s upscale beachfront restaurant.

Day 2

Warderick Wells | Nature’s Masterpiece

Cruise south to Warderick Wells, the heart of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine reserve offering some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas.

Take a hike up Boo Boo Hill, where visitors leave driftwood offerings with their yacht’s name, or visit the park headquarters, where massive whale bones greet you on shore. Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs or paddleboard through mangrove creeks—it’s all preserved, pristine, and unforgettable.

Day 3

Sampson Cay | Hidden Luxury

Anchor off Sampson Cay, a stunning and less-traveled part of the central Exumas. This area is known for its maze of sandbars, hidden beaches, and glassy shallows—ideal for water toys and tender adventures.

Nearby Pipe Creek offers one of the most photogenic sandbars in the entire Bahamas, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of blue. The area is also rich in marine life, making it a dream for snorkelers, divers, and spearfishing enthusiasts.

Day 4

Staniel Cay | Pigs, Grottoes & Island Vibes

Today is all about quintessential Exumas experiences. Start with a morning visit to Big Major Spot to meet the famous swimming pigs, then snorkel Thunderball Grotto, an otherworldly underwater cave made famous by James Bond.

In the afternoon, cruise over to Staniel Cay Yacht Club, the social hub of the region. Sip a “peanut colada” at the bar, watch nurse sharks glide under the dock, or take a golf cart around the island’s sandy roads.

Day 5

Black Point | Culture & Coastlines

Drop anchor off Black Point, a larger settlement known for its welcoming local charm and spectacular coastal scenery.

Take a walk through town, enjoy a beachside Bahamian lunch, or hike to Oven Rock Cave for panoramic views and an adventurous dip in the natural limestone pool. The nearby beaches are often deserted, making this an ideal spot to relax or enjoy an afternoon of watersports.

Day 6

Shroud Cay | Lazy Rivers & Mangrove Magic

Cruise to Shroud Cay, a highlight of the northern Exumas and another protected gem within the Land and Sea Park. Navigate the winding creeks by tender or paddleboard, floating past mangrove forests in crystal-clear, shallow channels.

At the far end of the creek lies one of the region’s most surreal beaches—accessed only by water and often completely deserted. This is also home to the “Washing Machine”, a natural tidal drift that spins swimmers through a swirling turquoise pass.

Day 7

Norman’s Cay | History & Reef Diving

Arrive at Norman’s Cay, a storied island once used as a drug smuggling outpost in the 1980s. Today, its turquoise lagoon is peaceful and inviting—ideal for water sports and reef exploration.

Snorkel the sunken plane wreck, a former smuggler’s aircraft now covered in coral and alive with marine life. For lunch or sunset drinks, head ashore to the Norman’s Cay Beach Club, perched on the island’s highest point with panoramic 360° views.

Day 8

Return to Nassau

After a final swim or breakfast on deck, enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Nassau for disembarkation. Whether it was your first time in the Exumas or one of many returns, the sense of peace and magic this place evokes stays with you long after the journey ends.

Yachts for charter in Bahamas

BOLD

279 Ft (85 m)
Silent Yachts
2019

8 Staterooms
12 Guests
20 Crew

weekly rates from

€875,000

OKTO

217 Ft (66 m)
ISA, RODRIGUEZ GROUP ITALY
2014

6 Staterooms
12 Guests
16 Crew

weekly rates from

€590,000

TOP FIVE II

200 Ft (61 m)
Hakvoort
2021

7 Staterooms
12 Guests
19 Crew

weekly rates from

$600,000

Disclaimer

Prices displayed in converted currencies (USD or EUR) are calculated based on real-time market rates. EJ Yachts makes no guarantee regarding the final exchange rate; the actual amount debited will be determined by the client's bank or payment processor at the exact time the transaction is completed.