The Exumas Yacht Charter Itinerary: 7 Days (2026–2027)
The Exumas are a 120-mile chain of 365 cays running southeast from Nassau, most of them uninhabited, sitting on a bank so shallow and pale that the water reads as fluorescent from the air. It is the best shallow-water cruising in the world and almost all of it is only reachable by boat.
The Exumas charter itinerary at a glance
| Region | Bahamas |
|---|---|
| Length | 7 nights |
| Embark | Nassau |
| Disembark | Nassau |
| Season | December to May, with the calmest water in spring |
| Suits | Families, couples and groups up to 12 guests overnight |
The route, day by day
Day 1: Nassau and Allen’s Cay
Board in Nassau and run southeast to Allen’s Cay, home to a population of endemic rock iguanas that come down to the beach.
Day 2: Highbourne and Norman’s Cay
Highbourne Cay, then Norman’s Cay, where a drug-smuggling aircraft lies in shallow water just off the beach and makes for an easy snorkel.
Day 3: Shroud Cay and Warderick Wells
Into the Exuma Land and Sea Park — the mangrove creeks at Shroud Cay by tender, then the mooring field at Warderick Wells.
Day 4: Compass Cay and Pipe Creek
Compass Cay, with its resident nurse sharks, and the shoal-water maze of Pipe Creek between the cays.
Day 5: Staniel Cay
Thunderball Grotto, filmed for the Bond picture, and the swimming pigs on Big Major Cay next door.
Day 6: Black Point and Cave Cay
South to Black Point, one of the larger settlements in the chain, and the anchorages around Cave Cay.
Day 7: Return to Nassau
The run back northwest, with a last stop in the northern cays.
Which yachts suit this itinerary
Most of this route works on anything from a 45ft catamaran to a 200ft motor yacht — the difference is comfort, speed and how much of the week you spend under way rather than at anchor. Catamarans sit shallower and are steadier at anchor, which matters in the Bahamas. Motor yachts cover the longer legs faster and give you more time ashore.
Browse the yachts we have available on our The Exumas charter page, or search the full fleet by size, guest count and budget. You can also browse by shipyard if you have a preference.
Planning notes
Two things are worth settling early. First, dates — the best yachts on this route are booked months ahead for peak weeks, and the good ones go first. Second, your priorities: diving, beaches, food ashore, and nightlife pull an itinerary in different directions, and it is easier to build the week around two of them than to chase all four.
We have been arranging charters since 1992 and we have been on these boats. Tell us roughly what you want and we will tell you honestly which yachts fit and which do not.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for a The Exumas yacht charter?
Seven nights is the standard charter week and the length this itinerary is built around. It covers the route without rushing. Ten to fourteen nights lets you add the quieter anchorages and wait out weather rather than sailing through it; a long weekend works but you would cut the itinerary roughly in half.
When is the best time to charter in the The Exumas?
The season runs December to May, with the calmest water in spring. Shoulder weeks either side of peak are materially cheaper and noticeably less crowded at the popular anchorages, and the weather is usually just as good.
Is this itinerary fixed?
No. It is a plan, not a schedule. Your captain will reorder or substitute days based on wind, sea state and what is actually open or available that week — which is the advantage of a crewed charter over a fixed cruise. Tell us what matters most to you and we will make sure that part survives any reshuffle.
What does a charter on this route cost?
Rates depend on the yacht rather than the route. Across our fleet the weekly base rate starts at around $10,000 for a smaller yacht and runs well into six figures for a large superyacht, before expenses. On top of the base rate you pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance covering fuel, food, drinks, dockage and local taxes — usually 25–35% — plus crew gratuity. Our charter cost guide sets out the detail.
Plan your The Exumas charter
Send us your dates and party size and we will come back with real availability and real numbers. Start a charter inquiry or call 1-561-463-6840.