Exumas Sailing Itinerary - The Ultimate 7-Day Bahamas Sailing Guide

Begin at first light, anchoring in a protected waterway near a palm-fringed shore, collect tropical wind, tides, and fuel data to navigate confidently.

Each leg pairs sheltered coves with bahamian ports offering stores and spare parts. Your sailboat should balance fuel between legs, with a reserve for a windy afternoon; keep a log of tides and wind shifts to anticipate gusts and currents. If plans shift, others on board help, sure to share watches and keep an eye on weather changes.

Day 1 concentrates on a calm entry, anchoring near a mangrove fringe, then a short hop to a crescent beach; distance 6–8 miles, about 1.5–2.5 hours at 4–5 knots. Day 2 explores a waterway that opens onto a sheltered lagoon; collect seafood from local vendors or tiny stores, then nurse a tired engine if needed after a long reach against a light breeze.

Day 3 offers snorkeling around reef patches; navigate between locations using a compact chart, watch wind shifts, and favor a reef-protected depth for safety. Day 4 returns to a larger shorefront hub, where fuel docks and stores provide fresh produce; plan refuel here and restock water as needed.

Day 5 pushes toward quieter cays asking for anchoring near mangroves; use a nurse technique for engine cool-downs if needed. Day 6 heads toward a calm-water anchorage ideal for sundowners; time ashore can be spent collecting shells or trading with bahamian vendors. After a final pass, a dusk-rimmed harbor offers a soft windside farewell.

Since this loop favors light winds and steady navigation, keep your knots right, track tides, and use every location to help your crew collect memories with minimal fuss. Here, something changes with every moon phase; cruisers return to trusted bahamian harbors, sharing tips with others. Side winds can be fickle, so always have a contingency plan and ensure stores are stocked before next leg.

Exumas Sailing Itinerary: Practical 7-Day Bahamas Guide

Start with anchoring near highbourne cay at sunset to ride lee and avoid strong currents; choose a protected point, keep bow in 4–6 feet of water, and ensure anchoring gear is set with ample scope.

Generally, plan a clockwise loop through exumas with two hops between anchorages; charting reefs and spots keeps navigation straightforward; common sense governs safety and fuel planning; add additional provision stops every two days to refresh supplies; monitor currents and adjust course accordingly.

On day one, depart from a southern port toward Staniel Town for provision, then anchor in a lee behind reefs to rest; review sails, confirm rig tension, and note sound along nearby reefs to plan next leg; also check weather brief and tide tables for upcoming runs.

Heres a practical tweak: about wind shifts, favor bays with wind protection from either direction; prefer anchorages above shoals; use a depth meter to confirm 4–8 meter depths near reefs; keep clear of shephard fowl roosts.

Day two follows toward Staniel to Thunderball Grotto area; anchor near a sound with shelter; switch to alternative course if currents shift; collect fresh water and do laundry at a marina when possible.

Captains should prefer well planned routes and maintain a conservative speed; keep feet aboard while approaching close to key spots; log distances in meter readings, and coordinate with crew via VHF for weather updates and shifts.

Finish with a final run to a sheltered harbor, observe lighter currents, and note fewer fowl around roosting islands; at sunset, stow lines, secure gear, and plan next provisioning to wrap up at port.

Day-by-Day Route with Distances and Estimated Sailing Time

Begin with a tide and wind check; mind shallow approaches and marked reefs; begin after first light for smoother long legs. What you need is to plan to reach Highborne Cay first, where deep moorings and basic stores ease provisioning before next crossings. Tropical views await, with lobster sightings near coves and rays patrolling sunlit flats. Expect about a 22 mile leg on this hop, conditions probably favorable under steady trade winds; avoid risk by sticking to marked channels and keeping to the shallower path during strong tides. Down current can slow you, so plan to ride with the tide whenever possible. This explorer friendly route rewards careful planning and offers unmatched scenery for island lovers; youre gear and mind prepared will make the week smooth. Worth noting: first stops have limited services, so stock accordingly; boats and provisions at hand will keep you comfortable and able to focus on what matters. Avoided paths are marked to minimize risk.

Tide Windows and Current Timing for Exuma Cuts

background data from tide tables informs safe crossing windows for Highbourne Cut; note serves as help for cruisers with plans to move between anchorages and busy islands. stay flexible as moon phase and wind shift currents. water color shifts from bright turquoise to cobalt near deeper channels, signaling channel edges. others on board notice changing water tone. visited anchorages within the chain reveal safer passage options for sailing yachts and their crews. within this region, mind wind and current; youre able to make better decisions and spend time on water with confidence.

• Best window: Slack water around high or low tide provides smooth approach. expect a crossing window roughly 50–70 minutes around those moments; verify exact times on tide tables or a trusted app before departure; captain should confirm with youre crew prior to start.
• Current timing and speeds: during slack, currents stay under 0.5 knots; as flood begins, flows commonly run 1–3 knots; ebb can reach similar speeds. in strong breeze (15–20 knots), add 1–2 knots to those figures; plan margins accordingly.
• Direction and safety tips: flood current usually east-to-west during rising tide, ebb opposite. approach from shoulder of current to avoid stern drift; maintain a slow but steady speed to stay in control; longer passes demand careful steering.
• Anchorages, dock options, and shore plans: after crossing, shelter lies at anchorages near Highbourne or within nearby coves; dock facilities are limited, but a yacht captain can arrange a tender ride (taxi) to shore markets. spend time surveying bottom and reef color, select deeper water if shoals are present; always use bow and stern anchor when needed.
• Wildlife and fishing considerations: sharks patrol edges near channel mouths; avoid luring or chasing; lobster spots show around current breaks; fishing boats may operate nearby; keep distance and follow local rules; youre likely to see more action on calm days.

Longer planning window helps stay ahead of busy schedules. Plans should include fallback options to stay within protected anchorages if currents surge or visibility drops. Mind background currents and wind forecasts before heading into exposed cuts; youre more prepared when visited anchorages within reach. This approach makes cruising safer and more enjoyable for experienced crews and for others cruising alongside.

Depths, Currents, and Passability of Popular Channel Cuts

Always verify depths with a chart and marked markers before entering channel cuts; keep a compass on deck, watch currents, and stay within blue water along palm and shore.

In majors cuts, depths typically range 8–25 ft at mid-tide, with some sunken bars near bends. Southeast winds push currents toward entrances at 2–4 knots; slack water reduces pace to under 1 knot, easing transit for cruisers.

Between reef tips and shoals, passability stays high for cruisers and kayaking when winds stay under 15 knots; avoid longer runs where breakers loom and glare hides hazards.

youll learn to navigate by marked lanes, avoiding cross-currents, and using a palm compass or handheld GPS. what youll need: additional line, spare anchor, doesnt rely on one option.

Restaurants sit along shore edges; between heads and shore, fishing crews and cruisers share space; stay inside marked channels to minimize risk. Those crossings can shift with southeast winds, and you may see ball markers and blue buoys marking safer lines in calmer water, making planning easier.

what to watch: southeast currents can change fast; additional checks include tide charts, sun angle, and depth alarms; those details come from experience and matter for passability.

Other channel cuts follow same pattern: verify depths, keep to marked lanes, and watch southeast currents and wind shifts.

Protected Overnight Anchors and Calm Night Spots

Anchor on north shore of highbourne cay in a lee pocket behind reef; set 6–10 ft of clean sand; back bow to right breezes; winter nights stay unusually calm here.

Other solid calm spots lie along harbors and island coves where a shallow bay offers safety from chop; locations above reef reduce surge and keep the factor of wake low, areas remain ever quiet at night.

Nearby restaurants and a beach club appear within easy reach; grab a quick dinner and enjoy beautiful views after anchoring, with nurse sharks sometimes seen beyond reef and a gentle right breeze.

Safety notes: stop engines and approach slowly when entering a new spot; verify anchor set in sandy patches away from seagrass; avoid swimming near nurse sharks unless invited by local guides.

Practical tip: enjoying calm nights on common routes across this island chain is truly rewarding; heads up to travelers: keep distances from coral heads, monitor winds, and favor anchoring in winter when breezes stay steady.

Ports, Marinas, and Provisioning Stops Across the Exumas

Recommendation: Provision in George Town first, then head to Staniel Cay for fuel, groceries, and laundry; allocate 2–3 hours per stop for provisioning and dock chores; this plan minimizes backtracking and maximizes cruising time under light winds.

George Town – provisioning hub

Located at central anchorages along western side of island chain, George Town offers full-service market, fresh produce, fisheries stalls, and a dockside laundry. Hours typically 8:00–17:00; during summer months some shops extend hours. This stop is a solid example for provisioning because it combines fuel docks, fresh water, and groceries within walking distance of slips. Bring something to stock: staples, snacks, and spare parts. Expect calm waters in protected coves; outside, waves rise and driftwood piles may line beaches.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club marina

Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers fuel dock, showers, laundry, and provisioning shop; plan ahead for current slip availability by calling latest schedule. Hours are roughly 8:00–18:00; club facilities include a small restaurant and social area; choosing this stop gives you quick access to navigation tools and a chance to refresh crew. Winds typically favor shorter hops southward; waters remain clear around coves, with good scenery and rays at times.

Compass Cay Marina

Compass Cay Marina provides gas dock, fresh water, and a provisioning shop; hours 9:00–17:00; located a short hop south of Staniel Cay. This stop is a practical example for mid-cruise stock-up and a chance to kayaking around nearby flats. Navigation from here runs smoothly in light winds; scenery includes white sand beaches and rays near seagrass flats.

Other notes: For planning, seasonal shifts matter since weather can shift; expect provisioning windows to move by months; generally allow 3–5 hours per stop to account for shopping, laundry, and fuel. Since everything is located along a compact arc, you can base your day around one main stop and do a short excursion to a second. What you choose depends on winds, currents, and your cruising pace, so be flexible. Each stop covers a different area, so adjust for scenery and provisioning needs.

Overall planning should focus on reliable provisioning windows, with flexibility for weather. Mind currents, and keep an eye on waves and driftwood when approaching anchorages.