10-Day Exumas Full Chain Sailing Itinerary
Ten days allows for complete immersion in the Exumas, sailing the full length of this remarkable 100-mile island chain from Nassau to George Town and back. This comprehensive itinerary includes every iconic destination while also revealing hidden gems and lesser-visited anchorages that shorter trips must skip.
From the northern cays where iguanas rule the beaches, through the pristine wilderness of the Land and Sea Park, to the southern settlement of George Town with its legendary cruising community, each day unfolds a new chapter of the Exumas story. This is the definitive Exumas experience, leaving no highlight unexplored and no turquoise anchorage unvisited.
Nassau to Highborne Cay
Depart Nassau Marina and set sail across the Yellow Bank on a 38-nautical-mile passage to Highborne Cay. This 5-6 hour crossing introduces you to the legendary clarity of the Exuma Bank waters. Highborne Cay offers a small marina village with provisions, fuel, a restaurant, and beautiful beaches. Settle into island time with sunset cocktails and your first swim in impossibly clear water.
Overnight: Highborne Cay Marina or western anchorage
Highborne Cay to Allan's Cay
A short 5-nautical-mile morning sail brings you to Allan's Cay, home to the endangered Allan's Cay Rock Iguanas. After anchoring in the protected western bay, take the dinghy to Leaf Cay where dozens of these prehistoric reptiles gather on the beach, completely unafraid of visitors. Spend the afternoon snorkeling the nearby coral heads and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Overnight: Allan's Cay western anchorage
Allan's Cay to Shroud Cay
Sail 10 nautical miles into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and anchor at magnificent Shroud Cay. Launch the kayaks or paddleboards to explore the island's famous mangrove creek labyrinth. Time your adventure for mid-to-high tide, navigating through winding tidal creeks to emerge at secluded Driftwood Beach on the Exuma Sound side, where you may be completely alone.
Overnight: Shroud Cay mooring field
Shroud Cay to Hawksbill Cay
Sail 4 nautical miles south to Hawksbill Cay, one of the most beautiful cays in the park. Secure a mooring and hike the marked trail to explore some of the best-preserved Loyalist ruins in the Bahamas, remnants of an 18th-century settlement. The ruins include 10 house foundations, outbuildings, and a beehive oven. Return via the trail to the stunning Exuma Sound beach.
Overnight: Hawksbill Cay mooring field
Hawksbill Cay to Warderick Wells
A short 5-nautical-mile sail brings you to Warderick Wells, headquarters of the 176-square-mile Land and Sea Park. Contact the park office on VHF Channel 9 for mooring assignment. Spend the afternoon exploring 20 marked hiking trails, visiting the park headquarters with its whale skeleton display, and snorkeling in waters where marine life thrives after 60+ years of protection.
Overnight: Warderick Wells main mooring field
Warderick Wells to Cambridge Cay and Staniel Cay
Depart Warderick Wells and sail 5 nautical miles to Cambridge Cay for a morning snorkel at Rocky Dundas, where spectacular underwater caves feature stalactites and stalagmites. Swim into the larger cave at low tide to discover a small interior beach. Continue another 12 nautical miles to Staniel Cay, arriving for afternoon exploration and dinner at the legendary yacht club.
Overnight: Staniel Cay Yacht Club anchorage
Swimming Pigs, Thunderball Grotto & Compass Cay
Begin early at Big Major Cay to swim with the famous pigs while they are most active. Continue to Thunderball Grotto at slack tide to snorkel the underwater cave where James Bond films were shot. After lunch, visit Compass Cay Marina to wade with friendly nurse sharks and meet the marine biologists who study them. This is the classic Exumas experience in one extraordinary day.
Overnight: Compass Cay or Pipe Creek
Pipe Creek to Black Point and Little Farmers Cay
Explore the Pipe Creek sandbar by dinghy, snorkeling the Aquarium reef before sailing 10 nautical miles south to Black Point Settlement. Enjoy legendary coconut bread at Lorraine's Cafe and explore this authentic Bahamian village. Continue 8 nautical miles to Little Farmers Cay, a tiny settlement of 60 people where the pace slows even further. Dinner at Ocean Cabin serves fresh Bahamian seafood.
Overnight: Little Farmers Cay
Little Farmers Cay to George Town
Sail 20 nautical miles south to George Town, the largest settlement in the Exumas and legendary winter home to cruising sailors. Anchor in the protected Elizabeth Harbor opposite Stocking Island and take the dinghy to Chat 'n Chill beach bar, a Bahamas institution. Explore George Town's shops and restaurants, and snorkel Fowl Cay's healthy restoration reef nearby.
Overnight: Elizabeth Harbor, George Town
George Town to Nassau
Rise early for the 65-nautical-mile return passage to Nassau, the longest sail of the trip at approximately 10-11 hours. The passage crosses the Exuma Bank with steady trade winds, passing familiar cays as you return north. Arrive in Nassau by late afternoon, completing a 10-day voyage that revealed every facet of the Exumas, from pristine wilderness to welcoming settlements.
Overnight: Nassau Marina
Trip highlights
- Explore the full 100-mile Exumas chain from north to south
- Hike to 18th-century Loyalist ruins at Hawksbill Cay
- Experience authentic Bahamian settlement life at Black Point and Little Farmers
- Complete every iconic wildlife encounter: pigs, iguanas, and sharks
- Visit George Town's legendary cruiser community and Chat 'n Chill
Frequently asked questions
- Why choose a 10-day itinerary over shorter options?
- Ten days allows you to sail the complete Exumas chain without rushing, visiting both the northern Land and Sea Park and the southern settlements including George Town. You have time for spontaneous exploration, extended snorkeling sessions, and rest days if weather requires flexibility. It is the definitive Exumas experience.
- How far south does this itinerary go?
- This itinerary reaches George Town on Great Exuma, approximately 65 nautical miles south of Nassau. George Town is the largest settlement in the Exumas with full provisioning, restaurants, and the famous Chat 'n Chill beach bar on Stocking Island. The return passage on day 10 is the longest sail of the trip.
- What is the cruising community like in George Town?
- George Town's Elizabeth Harbor is legendary among sailors as a winter cruising destination, sometimes hosting 300+ boats during peak season. The community is welcoming and social, with daily events, beach volleyball at Chat 'n Chill, and a unique culture of cruiser camaraderie. Even on a charter, you will experience this warm atmosphere.
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