Luxury Yacht Charter The Exumas - Exclusive Bahamas Yachting

Book a private Exumas charter today to unlock secluded coves and direct access to the best anchorages. In these clear waters, tidal channels thread between sapphire lagoons and beachfront mornings invite a calm swim before coffee. Plan quickly, then pace your day with a captain who ensures you move along smooth currents rather than chasing crowds.

Plan a 4–5 day itinerary that balances sailing legs with onshore discoveries. From Nassau to the Exumas, you’ll discover hidden beaches, coral gardens, and shallow tidal pools. Stop near normans Cay for a drift dive and a tale about pirates long ago, then cruise to nearby cays for lunch on a sandbar. Our crew arranges scuba sessions for those who want to see reef life up close, and the fd90-equipped tenders simplify beach landings so you can spend more time ashore and less time hauling gear. Choose days with a clear forecast because safety and comfort matter. Many coves offer calm water, avoiding crowded anchorages.

Trade winds shape your rhythm, but our captain adapts to currents so you stay on a comfortable pace. A typical 7-day charter balances long sails with island walks and onshore dining; the majors of provisioning, safety, and guest comfort stay in check. You’ll maintain a flexible plan, capitalizing on quiet coves and reef breaks. Before you anchor, consult the forecast and captain’s advice; a shift to a hidden cove can turn a routine day into a standout memory. Rates vary with yacht size and season, and choosing a vessel with fewer guests can help you spend more on experiences onboard and ashore.

Read posts from other guests to weigh options; those accounts highlight scuba moments, calm coves, and private beach picnics. Because The Exumas offer a mosaic of nature and luxury, you can design a route that stacks snorkel sessions with beachfront lunches and sunset sails. Our crew can craft experiences that pair sandbar time with reef walks, Pig Beach visits, and a final night under the stars. Maintain a flexible plan and pack reef-safe gear to protect the delicate ecosystems.

Choosing a charter catamaran in the Exumas: practical steps

Choose a 3-cabin charter catamaran with a wide beam for stability and a shallow draft to reach mangrove rivers along the Exumas. This option balances comfort and access, keeps seas manageable, and gives space for the teeming life here.

Use boatbookings to compare fleets, verify the operator, and read advice from other travelers. Request a detailed equipment list, safety gear, snorkeling gear, and crew roles. Pay attention to details such as provisioning, schedules, and where to anchor for the best moorings.

Plan a loop that blends quiet anchorages with open-water passages, between cays, through mangrove rivers, to maximize unique experiences and rare wildlife sightings. The Exumas teeming with life offers chances for fishing and encounters with creatures.

For longer itineraries, consider linking Exumas with eleuthera and occasional princess moorings; this path often adds coastal scenery and opens options anywhere along the coast, through calm anchorages and sheltered coves.

Before booking, request a written plan that covers the route, times, and provisioning; confirm a seasoned crew and reliable safety gear. Compare two to three boats through the same yard, focusing on details like water-maker capacity, generator hours, sail plan, and on-deck layout. This approach yields the best match to your wishes and keeps your Exumas cruise memorable, because planning reduces surprises.

Budgeting and price ranges for Exumas catamaran charters

Set a weekly budget of 18,000–40,000 USD for a crewed Exumas catamaran, with meals and marina charges included to ease planning.

Prices hinge on season, vessel size, and inclusions. Peak weeks in winter and around holidays push rates higher; May through October offers better value and fewer crowds. The options vary, and anchorages like Warderick Wells and Shroud Cay are loved by travelers for calm nights near palm-fringed shores.

For travelers seeking value, target mid-range options that include a captain and chef, provisioning, water, snorkeling gear, and kayaks; this combination balances comfort with cost control. This plan includes a captain and chef to simplify meals and service.

To compare options, scroll through reliable broker listings, including westship, and secure quotes that clearly show what's included. Always find a plan that fits your group size and preferred pace.

Anchorages across the Exumas–from palm-fringed cays to favorite spots near Warderick Wells–offer easy nights, with the option to stop at a marina or stay moored in a protective cove. A well-planned route reduces washing needs and keeps the crew focused on your experience.

Booking early helps secure your preferred vessel and schedule; you can arrange snorkeling or cooking courses as add-ons to enrich the itinerary. Planning ahead also makes it easier to secure licenses, dock space, and provisioning slots at your chosen marina.

See price bands below for quick planning and comparison.

Choosing between crewed and bareboat catamarans

For most guests, opt for a crewed catamaran to unlock the full Exumas experience: sumptuous provisioning, unrivalled service, and effortless itineraries that keep you near pristine anchorages along the Bahamian horizon.

Crewed catamarans deliver a turnkey yachting routine that suits families, couples, and groups seeking extraordinary escapes with minimal planning.

• Captain and crew handle navigation, weather checks, and essential equipment management, freeing you to focus on guests and experiences.
• Provisioning is coordinated by the crew, featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and Bahamian flavours tailored to your diet; you’ll enjoy a seamless onboard dining experience.
• Guided itineraries maximize bahamian experiences, with visits to revealed spots and near palmer and eleuthera shorelines, giving you unrivalled access to pristine coves.
• Support ashore and on deck keeps you in the most sheltered moorings, while the crew handles waste, anchor management, and safety standards to meet numarine requirements.
• Sumptuous service, from daily swims to sunset sails, creates the ultimate escape for guests who value comfort and convenience.
• Costs cover crew, provisioning, and scheduled activities, which often makes the overall value higher than a bareboat plan for most groups.

Bareboat catamarans appeal to experienced sailors who want control and lower base rates; however, they demand hands-on responsibility.

• You skipper the boat, plan routes, and manage provisioning yourself or hire a skipper separately; this offers maximum flexibility but adds complexity.
• Extensive sailing experience is essential to navigate reefs, moorings, and weather windows across Exumas, Eleuthera, and surrounding cays.
• You must coordinate safety checks and equipment readiness; this tends to increase pre-trip prep time but lowers ongoing service costs.
• Self-guided itineraries can still deliver extraordinary bahamian experiences if your group includes confident sailors with good planning discipline.

Decision guide:

1. Experience and energy: choose crewed if guests include kids or first-time cruisers, or if you prefer a hands-off style.
2. Budget and provisioning: pick crewed if you want inclusive meals and curated provisioning; bareboat if you want a leaner base charter and own provisioning control.
3. Itinerary control: bareboat suits if you crave absolute schedule freedom, but crewed keeps a tight, efficient route planning to maximize time at the best spots.
4. Destination focus: for a mix of exumas, eleuthera, and private coves, crewed can ensure you experience the most unspoiled sites with locals knowledge and safe navigation.

Explore near palmer and eleuthera coves with a crewed yacht for unrivalled access, pristine waters, and an escape that blends comfort with extensive Bahamian experiences.

Cabin layout, crew size, and onboard comfort for families

Choose a three-cabin layout with a private master and a dedicated kids' cabin to maximize privacy and easy supervision for afternoon rest and meals. This unique setup keeps adults close to the social salon while kids have a cozy zone with bunks or twins, plus en-suite baths for morning routines. The land-facing master feels spacious after a day on the ocean.

For family travel in the Exumas, aim for a crew of four to six. A captain, a chef guru, two stewards, and a deckhand handle navigation, meals, planning, and water toys. darby coordinates kid-friendly activities, while james handles music, movies, and getting everyone settled for the afternoon.

Onboard comfort includes climate control in all cabins, quiet generators, a stable ride, and a sumptuous main salon. Each guest cabin offers en-suite heads, plush bedding, and ample storage for a longer vacation. For first-time guests, the crew explains the layout and safety routines, so getting settled back in is easy. The crew keeps service smooth, so you can focus on your favorites and shared moments.

During the day, anchor near a grotto for snorkel sessions, then land at a marina for shore time. The offering includes dishes prepared to suit kids and adults, plus a pirate-themed afternoon activity that keeps everyone smiling. Kids love pirates, a theme the crew weaves into stories during the afternoon. Incredible ocean views invite you to linger as the kids dream up new adventures.

источник notes that families value privacy and smooth transitions between activities, which is exactly what this layout delivers. With three guest cabins, six guests fit comfortably; four to six crew cover captain, chef guru, two stewards, and a deckhand. For larger groups, opt for an extra cabin or convertible lounge to keep everyone relaxed and safe. Need additional gear? The crew can arrange extra child life jackets, snorkeling gear, and baby gadgets on request.

Bottom line: this setup makes your vacation in the Exumas feel personal, memorable, and sumptuous, with better planning, quick turns on the water, and a focus on flexibility for the whole family.

Itinerary planning: best routes, anchorages, and pro tips

Recommended route: charter a 5–6 day loop that starts and ends at Staniel Cay, sailing gracefully through protected channels to Warderick Wells, then to Cambridge Cay and Shroud Cay, and returning along the same coast, with visits to the Exuma Cays. This venture is exciting and keeps you underway with swimming breaks and access to mouthwatering Bahamian seafood ashore, all while enjoying premier anchorages.

Best routes, daily legs, and route planning: plan 12–18 NM per day to stay underway and leave time for swimming and snorkeling at anchorages. This plan is recommended for first-time Exumas charters, and you'll have time for swimming and exploring the reefs. To minimize risk near shoals, follow the Exuma Cays corridor through the cays, which keeps you near reliable moorings. Staniel Cay to Warderick Wells typically runs 15–20 NM, Cambridge Cay 8–12 NM, and Shroud Cay 12–15 NM; adjust based on wind, especially when it’s easterly along the western edge of the chain.

Anchorages and mooring strategy: Warderick Wells offers well-protected anchorages with good sand holds; Shroud Cay lagoon provides a calm setting for tendering ashore, while Cambridge Cay has a shallow shelf and excellent snorkeling just off the reef. For a chartered yacht, prefer anchorages with good shelter near wind shifts, and consider using moorings when crowds are heavy; there are several near each cay that save time and reduce sitting in a busy channel for visitors.

Pro tips: steady planning boosts efficiency and comfort. Get weather updates before you’re underway; always have a contingency plan for protected anchorages if squalls approach. Tendering to shore gives you flexible access to beaches and small restaurants; theres mouthwatering conch and grilled fish, with local operators offering these dishes. Check tides, currents, and chart depths to keep your plan on track, and use your skill to adjust routes gracefully, getting fresh provisions as needed.

Extension options: If you have 7 days, add Norman's Cay and Little Farmer's Cay to the loop, which are near additional reefs and calmer anchorages; if you’re short on time, do a 4-day sprint Staniel Cay–Warderick Wells–Shroud Cay–Cambridge Cay and back, focusing on the most iconic anchorages and snorkel sites.

Seasonality, weather windows, and wind patterns in The Exumas

Plan the main yachting window for December through April: coastal winds stay steady and humidity drops. Daytime highs near 26–29°C (79–84°F), nights around 18–22°C (64–72°F).

Seasonality in The Exumas centers on north-easterly trades that run around 12–20 knots in peak months, easing to 8–15 knots in spring. Inside the bank shoals, water stays smooth, and open water can build a light chop as winds rise. Tidal rivers carve sheltered routes through the mangroves.

From May through November, the afternoon sea breeze strengthens, often 15–25 knots. Afternoon showers are common, and the risk of tropical systems grows.

Storm season runs June through November; monitor tropical advisories, have a contingency plan, and favor north-facing anchorages when a front moves moisture from the north.

Key stops include Highbourne Cay for protection and a shallow bank near Staniel Cay and Great Exuma; these options give safe swing room during wind shifts.

Sunset photography rewards the north shore; gorgeous colors spill across paradise beaches as visitors drift between anchorages while music from shore-side crews accompanies the evening.

Timeless memories come from routes that pair casual sailing with comfortable lodgings; a Princess vessel or private yacht delivers calm passages and reliable service. Save time by choosing short hops between anchorages.

Practical notes: carry light layers, stay hydrated, keep a forecast app handy, and map routes to balance scenic cruising with steady protection on the bank. Surely mindful planning saves time and fuel.