Is 5 days enough to see the Exumas?

Five days provides an excellent introduction to the Exumas, covering the most iconic highlights including swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, the Land and Sea Park, and multiple pristine anchorages. While longer trips allow for more exploration, this itinerary efficiently delivers the essential Exumas experience.

How long are the sailing passages?

The longest passages are the first day (Nassau to Norman's Cay, 40nm, 6-7 hours) and last day (Staniel Cay to Nassau, 45nm, 7-8 hours). Days 2-4 feature shorter sails of 12-17 nautical miles, taking 2-4 hours each, leaving plenty of time for activities.

What if weather delays our departure from Nassau?

Your captain monitors weather continuously and may adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort. If a departure delay occurs, the crew can modify the route to ensure you still experience the highlights. The Exumas offer excellent protection from most wind directions, and alternative anchorages are always available.

5 days · Short Break

5-Day Exumas Sailing Itinerary from Nassau

Starting from Nassau, this efficient 5-day itinerary delivers the essential Exumas experience for sailors with limited time. The route maximizes your days in the islands while keeping passages manageable, ensuring you spend more time swimming, snorkeling, and exploring than you do underway.

From your first anchorage among the northern cays to the iconic swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, every stop has been chosen to showcase the diversity and beauty of the Exumas. Whether this is your introduction to Bahamian sailing or a quick escape from reality, five days in these waters will leave you planning your return.

Nassau to Norman's Cay

Depart Nassau early and sail 40 nautical miles to Norman's Cay, combining the crossing of the Yellow Bank with your first Exumas destination. This 6-7 hour passage delivers you to an island with a fascinating history and one of the most unique snorkeling sites in the Bahamas: the sunken drug plane from the 1980s. Snorkel over the Curtiss C-46 wreck resting in 15 feet of crystal-clear water before enjoying sunset on a deserted beach.

Overnight: Norman's Cay western anchorage

Norman's Cay to Warderick Wells

Sail 15 nautical miles into the heart of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, securing a mooring at Warderick Wells. Contact the park office on VHF Channel 9 for mooring assignment in the protected J-shaped harbor. Spend the afternoon hiking marked nature trails to stunning viewpoints, swimming at secluded beaches, and snorkeling in waters teeming with protected marine life.

Overnight: Warderick Wells main mooring field

Warderick Wells to Staniel Cay

Depart Warderick Wells and sail 17 nautical miles south to Staniel Cay, passing through some of the most beautiful water on Earth. Stop at Cambridge Cay if time allows to snorkel the Rocky Dundas caves. Arrive at Staniel Cay by early afternoon, explore the village, and enjoy dinner at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club with cold Kalik beer and fresh Bahamian seafood.

Overnight: Staniel Cay Yacht Club anchorage

Swimming Pigs, Thunderball & Compass Cay

This is the day everyone talks about. Begin early at Big Major Cay to swim with the famous pigs while they are most active and before day-tour boats arrive. Continue to Thunderball Grotto at slack tide, snorkeling through the underwater cave where James Bond films were shot. Finish at Compass Cay to wade with friendly nurse sharks at the marina dock.

Overnight: Staniel Cay or Compass Cay

Staniel Cay to Nassau

Savor one last morning in the impossibly clear Exuma waters before weighing anchor for the return to Nassau. The 45-nautical-mile passage takes 7-8 hours, sailing across the shallow Exuma Bank with trade winds filling the sails. Arrive in Nassau by late afternoon, completing an adventure that delivered the best of the Exumas in five unforgettable days.

Overnight: Nassau Marina

Trip highlights

Snorkel the legendary sunken drug plane at Norman's Cay
Hike and swim in the protected Land and Sea Park
Swim with the world-famous pigs of Big Major Cay
Explore Thunderball Grotto's underwater cave
Wade with nurse sharks at Compass Cay

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 days enough to see the Exumas?: Five days provides an excellent introduction to the Exumas, covering the most iconic highlights including swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, the Land and Sea Park, and multiple pristine anchorages. While longer trips allow for more exploration, this itinerary efficiently delivers the essential Exumas experience.
How long are the sailing passages?: The longest passages are the first day (Nassau to Norman's Cay, 40nm, 6-7 hours) and last day (Staniel Cay to Nassau, 45nm, 7-8 hours). Days 2-4 feature shorter sails of 12-17 nautical miles, taking 2-4 hours each, leaving plenty of time for activities.
What if weather delays our departure from Nassau?: Your captain monitors weather continuously and may adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort. If a departure delay occurs, the crew can modify the route to ensure you still experience the highlights. The Exumas offer excellent protection from most wind directions, and alternative anchorages are always available.

Make this trip yours

Every charter is private and tailored — we'll adapt this route to your dates, pace and interests.

Plan this charter