What makes this different from other Exuma itineraries?

This itinerary optimizes time at each location rather than rushing between stops. With two nights at Staniel Cay, you can visit attractions at ideal times: Thunderball at slack tide, swimming pigs at sunrise, and nurse sharks in the afternoon. The pace allows genuine relaxation between activities.

Are the swimming pigs safe to interact with?

Yes, the Exuma pigs are accustomed to human visitors and swim out to greet boats expecting treats. However, they can be pushy when food is present. Your crew provides guidance on safe interaction. Do not let pigs into your dinghy and avoid getting between pigs competing for food.

What should we bring for snorkeling?

Your yacht is equipped with snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and snorkels in various sizes. Bring a rash guard or reef-safe sunscreen for sun protection. Underwater cameras capture the vibrant marine life. Your crew can provide guidance on snorkeling technique for beginners.

7 days · Classic Bahamas

7-Day Nassau and Exuma Cays Sailing Itinerary

This classic 7-day itinerary delivers the essential Exuma Cays experience, balancing iconic attractions with ample time for relaxation and exploration. Departing Nassau, your crewed catamaran crosses the Yellow Bank to enter a cruising paradise where each day brings new discoveries in water so clear the seafloor appears within arm's reach.

From the protected waters of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to the lively anchorage at Staniel Cay, this voyage hits every highlight while maintaining a relaxed pace. Snorkel pristine reefs, swim with friendly wildlife, and anchor each night in picture-perfect harbors that define Bahamas sailing at its finest.

Nassau to Highbourne Cay

Board your catamaran at Nassau's Paradise Island Marina and set sail for the Exumas. The 38-nautical-mile Yellow Bank crossing takes 6-7 hours over shallow turquoise waters dotted with coral heads. Arrive at Highbourne Cay for fuel and customs, then anchor in the protected harbor for your first Exuma sunset.

Overnight: Highbourne Cay

Allen's Cay Iguanas

Sail 5 nautical miles south to Allen's Cay, home to endangered Bahamian rock iguanas found nowhere else on earth. These prehistoric-looking reptiles, some weighing 24 pounds, approach visitors on the beach. After the wildlife encounter, anchor at the nearby cut for exceptional snorkeling over coral gardens.

Overnight: Allen's Cay

Warderick Wells Cay

Enter Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and sail 20 miles to Warderick Wells, the park headquarters. Request a mooring assignment on VHF 16 and secure to a ball in the protected harbor. Hike to Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views, explore the nature trails, and snorkel reefs teeming with protected marine life.

Overnight: Warderick Wells

Cambridge Cay and Rocky Dundas

Motor 4 miles south to Cambridge Cay and dinghy to the Rocky Dundas caves, where limestone grottos feature dramatic stalactites and shafts of light pierce the water. Snorkel the elkhorn coral formations outside the caves. Return to Cambridge Cay's mooring field for a peaceful afternoon of swimming and paddleboarding.

Overnight: Cambridge Cay

Staniel Cay and Thunderball Grotto

Sail 12 miles to Staniel Cay, timing arrival for slack tide at Thunderball Grotto. Swim into the underwater cave made famous in the James Bond film, where shafts of sunlight illuminate schooling fish. Explore Staniel Cay village, fuel at the yacht club, and enjoy dinner at one of the island's restaurants.

Overnight: Staniel Cay

Swimming Pigs and Compass Cay

Wake early to visit Big Major Cay before day-trip boats arrive. The famous swimming pigs paddle out to greet your dinghy, creating unforgettable photo opportunities. Continue to Compass Cay Marina for a nurse shark swim, where docile 8-foot sharks congregate at the dock. Return to Staniel Cay for sunset.

Overnight: Staniel Cay

Return to Nassau

Depart Staniel Cay at dawn for the return voyage, sailing 35 miles north to Highbourne Cay for fuel. Continue across the Yellow Bank to Nassau, timing the 38-mile crossing for optimal afternoon light. Arrive at Paradise Island Marina by early evening, concluding a perfect week in the Exumas.

Overnight: Nassau Harbour

Trip highlights

Meet the endangered rock iguanas unique to Allen's Cay
Explore Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park's protected waters
Swim through Thunderball Grotto's underwater caves
Feed the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay
Encounter nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina

Frequently asked questions

What makes this different from other Exuma itineraries?: This itinerary optimizes time at each location rather than rushing between stops. With two nights at Staniel Cay, you can visit attractions at ideal times: Thunderball at slack tide, swimming pigs at sunrise, and nurse sharks in the afternoon. The pace allows genuine relaxation between activities.
Are the swimming pigs safe to interact with?: Yes, the Exuma pigs are accustomed to human visitors and swim out to greet boats expecting treats. However, they can be pushy when food is present. Your crew provides guidance on safe interaction. Do not let pigs into your dinghy and avoid getting between pigs competing for food.
What should we bring for snorkeling?: Your yacht is equipped with snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and snorkels in various sizes. Bring a rash guard or reef-safe sunscreen for sun protection. Underwater cameras capture the vibrant marine life. Your crew can provide guidance on snorkeling technique for beginners.

Make this trip yours

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

Plan this charter