Explore Paradise - The Ultimate Exumas Charter Itinerary in the Bahamas

Begin your Bahamas escape with a plan that fits both your preferences for pace and comfort. For those chasing finest beach moments, start with a charter to highbourne Cay to set the tone, then move into the exuman cays that define this route.

Day 1 centers on exclusive beaches around highbourne Cay. Anchor in a calm cove, snorkel near the reef, then share sunset moments with cocktails and fresh bites. This setup gives you an easy, delight-filled start that fits preferences for comfort.

Day 2 heads toward Staniel Cay for Thunderball Grotto snorkeling, then a stop at Big Major Cay to see the pigs, finishing with a harbor visit in Staniel's marina. Beyond the usual stops, you can anchor at Shroud Cay's shallow pools for a quiet swim and moments of privacy. This leg captures the finest mix of scenery and wildlife, giving you tangible, memory-rich experiences, unlocking value and easy access to island culture.

Day 3 moves south to exuman cays around Compass Cay for nurse sharks, then Cambridge Cay for snorkeling and a fresh lunch on a secluded beach. Keep to shallow stops for moments of quiet isolation, and finish with a sunset cruise back toward your base.

To compare options, use websites that show real-time availability, rates, and itineraries. Choose a vessel that matches your preferences and crew style, and confirm provisioning ahead of time so your perfect balance of speed and stability supports your plans. For beyond the usual route, ask for a navigator's local map with recommended cays, unlocking hidden coves and moments that linger long after you return.

The best window for calm seas runs from late fall to spring, when trades are light and predictable; plan a 3-4 day arc to avoid peak crowds and to save on rates. If you want a flexible option, hire a skipper who can adjust the itinerary in minutes to chase the delight of a perfect sunset or a fresh cove lunch.

DAY 9-14 – Between Staniel and Nassau

Book a short, late-afternoon mooring at Shroud Cay to begin DAY 9 with relaxing, laid-back rhythms and a view that calms the mind. The waters glow as you settle in, making this first stop feel like a natural reset.

Day 9 continues with a 12-nautical-mile hop to Cambridge Cay for reef snorkeling and a quick stop at a sandbar where a loon is often seen gliding across the dawn surface, made smooth by the tide, and your eyes scan the calm water.

Day 10, sail 18 nm north to Warderick Wells Cay, anchor near the bluff and mooring balls, and enjoy the park’s blue-water coves, a short hike, and the rolling currents along the channel.

Day 11-12: Move along the Exuma Sound to Norman’s Cay and Little Farmer’s Cay in two short legs (roughly 15–25 miles each). You snorkel coral gardens, spot rays, and – by browsing the onboard data and charts – optimize tides and depths for safe stops. Statistical data from prior trips often show calmer winds along this arc, and you usually find calmer anchorages on the eastern shore, nearly everywhere you go.

Our vessel’s asteria beacon provides a steady transmission of weather data and AIS alerts, acting against sudden squalls. This is the essence of a well-paced cruise, letting you adjust routes without fuss.

Day 13: From Norman’s Cay, point toward Nassau with two short legs totaling roughly 90–110 nautical miles, pausing at Rose Island for a swim and lunch. The late-morning arrival in Nassau keeps you rested and ready to explore the marina, shops, and yacht-friendly anchorages.

Day 14: In Nassau, anchor in a sheltered spot off Nassau Harbour or near Paradise Island, then plan a relaxed afternoon of strolling, dining, and enjoying the next getaway. You would usually spend the evening reviewing maps, enjoying a sunset over the waters, and sharing the highlights of a week-plus of cruising.

Route planning and passage timing: Choosing speeds, daylight windows, and weather checks

Call out a concrete rule: set a baseline cruising speed based on your boat type, then add a safety margin for gusts and current. In sun-soaked conditions around the Exumas, this approach keeps fuel use predictable and reduces fatigue for the crew.

Choose speeds by leg: for a sailboat, target approximately 6-8 knots in light winds and 8-12 knots when trades build; for a powerboat, 15-22 knots is comfortable. Add a 10-15% margin to account for current and post-frontal shifts. For longer legs, many routes run 15-25 miles, then youll have time to stay near a beach for relaxing afternoons.

Daylight windows: depart within the first two hours after sunrise and target arrival before 16:00, leaving time for snorkeling and a calm harbor. If the forecast shifts, keep a flexible option for the third leg so you can adjust without rushing. In open water, keep legs within visual range of shore and ensure you have safe harbors if weather shifts.

Weather checks: start each day with a forecast from NOAA and Bahamas Met Office; cross-check with a secondary source. Make a call if you see shifting winds above 20 knots or seas above 3-4 feet. Check wind, gusts, visibility, and forecast confidence. If conditions worsen, re-route to a protected harbor and adjust planned legs accordingly.

Practical tips: map the legs in a simple list, keeping fewer long hops to balance safety and time. From thousands of reefs and coral gardens below, you can find many sheltered anchors that offer protection and easy access to snorkeling. Beach days, lush coves, and a view from the cockpit delight; youll have options to chat about with the crew as you go. youll encounter those calm-water havens that open toward open horizons, perfect for relaxing and savoring the moment. Look for a jewel among the coves–a protected spot for a beach stop.

Fuel, provisioning, and currency: Where to refuel, stock groceries, and handle payments

Refuel at the George Town marina fuel dock on arrival. This cornerstone stop keeps your active schedule tight and your tanks crystal-clear for the days ahead. Calm, protected moorings meet the crystal-blue tide, and the warm Bahamian welcome makes it easy to top off quickly before your next stops along the endless beauty of the Exumas region.

Provisioning requires a specific plan and a reliable afternoon window. Identify a single provisioning window in town to minimize backtracking. In George Town you’ll find a strong selection of groceries and fresh ingredients–stock essentials for meals, snacks, and a few luxury items. Visit Exuma Market for staples, then swing by local stalls for seasonal fruits and seafood ingredients to complement your meals aboard. Plan ahead: tell the experts your needs, place orders for non-perishables when possible, and map a short slice of time to collect everything before you head toward Norman’s Cay and other mooring corners.

Currency and payments flow smoothly when you combine cash and cards. In the Exumas, USD and BSD are widely accepted, and most merchants quote in both currencies. Carry a mix of small bills for groceries, groceries, and marina slips, while using cards at larger shops and rentals. ATMs are available in the regional hubs, and a quick data check on current pump prices helps you budget a fuel run without surprises. If authorities ever request receipts, keep copies; a subpoena is unlikely for casual purchases, but orderly records streamline any review.

Practical tips for efficient fueling and provisioning: consider norman’s cay as a potential calmer afternoon leg when weather allows, and check for scyc moorings if you want a sheltered anchor site. Pair your fuel with a brief rest at a nearby restaurant for a light meal, then resume your day with renewed energy. By planning each phase–fuel, provisioning, and payments–you maintain a smooth rhythm that invites you to savor the region’s natural beauty without disruption.

Safe anchorages and mooring options: Recommended spots with protection and depth tips

Anchor at Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, first. The protected basin behind Stocking Island gives solid holding in 8–12 ft of sandy bottom, with gentle swing and easy access to fresh Bahamian seafood on shore; it invites a relaxed reverie and a heartening sense of discovery as you spend time ashore during calm evenings.

• Elizabeth Harbour, George Town
  Protection: lee from Stocking Island and the harbor walls shield you from prevailing trades; Bottom: white sand with scattered seagrass; Depth: 8–12 ft in the main area. Moorings: public and private options available in the channel. Depth tips: aim for 6–7:1 scope in light wind, extending to 7–1 in stronger breeze; Tide: anticipate a 1–2 ft swing. Experience: ideal for enjoying beaches nearby and gathering with other cruisers at sunset.
• Stocking Island Mooring Field
  Protection: sheltered from NW winds, a calm lee behind the island; Bottom: sand and seagrass; Depth: 9–15 ft. Moorings: well-marked field with steady holding. Depth tips: use 6–7:1 scope plus a snub line if current is present. Time: during peak season you’ll find a lively, vibrant community ready to swap anchoring tips and swap stories.
• Warderick Wells Cay (Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park)
  Protection: reef-protected bays with reliable holding in sand; Bottom: sand and patchy grass; Depth: typically 8–12 ft. Ground: avoid coral heads and stay clear of the deeper channels. Tips: use marked park moorings if available, otherwise anchor off the sand patches beneath the towering kauri-like bahamian feel of the area; Tide: plan for modest current shifts. Experience: exploring beneath the surface reveals teeming life and a sense of purpose for conservation that leads to thoughtful cruising.
• Shroud Cay Anchorage
  Protection: broad, well-sheltered bay behind a protective reef, ideal for quiet nights; Bottom: sand with little grass; Depth: 6–10 ft. Tips: watch for shoals near the entrance and keep a conservative scope during stronger tides. Be prepared to enjoy a short dinghy ride to a private beach where fresh beached seafood can be found and the reverie of the day can be savored during a sand-warmed afternoon.
• Staniel Cay Area
  Protection: reefs provide a snug lee, with several sandy pockets behind the cay; Depth: 6–15 ft depending on location; Ground: sand or patchy grass. Tips: if winds build, move toward the more sheltered pockets and use a longer scope; this side of the Exumas offers convenient access to the marina and nearby beaches. Time spent here blends activity and relaxation, inviting you to bond with crew and explore nearby coves.
• Cambridge Cay Back Channel
  Protection: sheltered interior channels with relief from larger swells; Bottom: sand with good holding; Depth: 8–12 ft. Tips: approach during daylight, monitor tide lines, and keep to the deeper sand patches to avoid weed and rock. History and beauty combine here, and the local tradition of calm cruising gives you a fresh, vibrant baseline for the next leg of the journey.

These options are created with a focus on protection, depth, and ease of access to shore activities. They invites you to enjoy the Bahamas’ warm hospitality, stay safe in varied tidal conditions, and keep your itinerary flexible to savor the best of Exumas during your ultimate charter experience.

Snorkeling, beaches, and wildlife stops: Top sites from Thunderball Grotto to Pelican Cays

Begin at Thunderball Grotto, north of Staniel Cay, and plan a morning snorkeling session when the tide is favorable. You'll glide through a sunlit chamber where sunlight streams through the openings, identify schools of blue tang, and pause at a natural window that opens to open water. The grotto delivers dramatic views and a memorable encounter with reef life.

Next, cruise to Cambridge Cay to explore sandbanks and a broad reef system. Reef edges glow as the light shifts across turquoise water, giving you expansive views. A guide can help you identify starfish, parrotfish, and the bright conch common here.

From Cambridge, continue to Compass Cay for a guided encounter with nurse sharks. With consenting guests and a trained guide, you can observe the sharks gliding along the reef and learn how to identify their movements safely.

Finish at Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, where protected reefs invite snorkelers to enjoy a variety of marine life and observe sea turtles and colorful fish in clear water. The site features sandbanks that appear at low tide, creating natural patches for wading along the shore. You can spot asteria starfish on the sea floor and watch sunlight filter through the water.

Planning notes: If you depart from nassau, you can tailor the route to your snorkeling and wildlife goals with a small crew. The price ranges from 550 to 900 USD for a half-day charter, depending on season, fuel, and included gear. You'll benefit from industry-specific gear checks and an experienced captain who can adjust the route to suit current tide and weather. The north Exumas corridor offers many opportunities for multiple encounters and a flexible schedule.

Safety, comms, and contingency plans: VHF channels, emergencies, and plan B routes

Always keep a charged handheld VHF within easy reach on deck, plus a spare battery, and store a one-page emergency plan from your guide near the helm. This plan presents clear steps for emergencies and is worth reviewing with the crew after provisioning in port; the layout is made to be simple to follow.

VHF channels and usage: Your first line is Channel 16 for distress and calling; often you switch to Channel 13 for ship-to-ship coordination. Keep a concise list of local channels for norman area and Exuma Cays Park, and store it in your nav folder. Ask the harbor master for any changes and recommended channels when you arrive at a new anchorage.

Contingency plan routes: Always have a back-up route between stops, with two options that avoid exposed passages. One option keeps you inside protected anchorages or turquoise coves when squalls hit. Prepare a slice of the route with approximately distances to guide quick changes, and keep a simple map stored on your phone or in print.

Emergencies and comms gear: verify your VHF is on and loud enough for crew, and carry a backup radio or satellite messenger in case radio coverage fails. Establish call-out roles for your crew: who reports weather, who handles the anchor, who dials the emergency channel. An excellent habit is to run a quick radio check while anchored in the morning and late afternoon.

Local knowledge and experiences: chat with locals for updates about shoals near norman, catch glimpses of local life around turquoise fringe islands, and park restrictions. These notes add a social heart to your plan and make experiences around the Exumas Park feel incredible, with moments of triumph and back-to-back discoveries that are often worth savoring.