7-Day Nassau to Exumas Sailing Itinerary
Cross the Yellow Bank from Nassau and discover why the Exuma Cays rank among the world's finest cruising grounds. This 7-day voyage covers approximately 140 nautical miles through crystal-clear waters, visiting iconic attractions from the rock iguanas of Allen's Cay to the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.
Your crewed catamaran navigates shallow banks, narrow cuts, and tide-dependent passages with expert precision, anchoring each night in secluded harbors where you may be the only vessel in sight. Snorkel Thunderball Grotto, swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and explore the protected waters of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Nassau to Highbourne Cay
Depart Nassau Harbour in the morning for the 38-nautical-mile crossing of the Yellow Bank to Highbourne Cay. This 6-7 hour sail requires good midday light to spot coral heads along the route. Arrive at Highbourne Cay Marina for customs clearance, fuel, and provisions before settling into your first Exuma anchorage.
Overnight: Highbourne Cay
Allen's Cay and Norman's Cay
Sail 5 nautical miles south to Allen's Cay, home to endangered Bahamian rock iguanas weighing up to 24 pounds. After a morning wildlife encounter on the beach, continue 8 miles to Norman's Cay. Snorkel the submerged drug-running plane wreck from the 1980s and enjoy the pristine beach at Norman's Cay.
Overnight: Norman's Cay
Shroud Cay and Warderick Wells
Enter the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park at Shroud Cay, where meandering tidal creeks wind through mangroves perfect for dinghy exploration. Paddle to the blowhole on the eastern shore, then sail 7 miles south to Warderick Wells, the park headquarters. Pick up a mooring ball and hike to Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views.
Overnight: Warderick Wells
Cambridge Cay and Rocky Dundas
Motor 4 miles south to Cambridge Cay and take the dinghy to Rocky Dundas, where two dramatic limestone caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, and shafts of light piercing the water. Snorkel among elkhorn coral and vibrant reef fish. Return to Cambridge Cay's protected mooring field surrounded by rays and reef sharks.
Overnight: Cambridge Cay
Compass Cay and Staniel Cay
Sail 10 miles to Compass Cay Marina, where resident nurse sharks gather at every tide. Swim with these gentle 8-foot sharks in waist-deep water before continuing 3 miles to Staniel Cay. Explore Thunderball Grotto at slack tide, swimming into the underwater cave made famous in the James Bond film.
Overnight: Staniel Cay
Big Major Cay and Black Point
Motor half a mile to Big Major Cay for the quintessential Bahamas experience: swimming with the famous Exuma pigs. Arrive early to beat day-trip boats. After lunch, sail 4 miles south to Black Point Settlement on Great Guana Cay. Walk to the bakery for fresh coconut bread and enjoy sundowners at Lorraine's Cafe.
Overnight: Black Point Settlement
Return to Nassau via Highbourne Cay
Begin the return voyage with an early departure, sailing 25 nautical miles north to Highbourne Cay for fuel and lunch. Continue the 38-mile Yellow Bank crossing in favorable afternoon light. Arrive Nassau Harbour by early evening, completing a memorable 140-nautical-mile circuit through the Exumas.
Overnight: Nassau Harbour
Trip highlights
- Cross the Yellow Bank from Nassau to the pristine Exuma Cays
- Swim with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay
- Explore Thunderball Grotto, the James Bond underwater cave
- Encounter nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina
- Visit the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the crossing from Nassau to the Exumas?
- The Yellow Bank crossing from Nassau to Highbourne Cay covers 38 nautical miles and takes approximately 6-7 hours. The route requires good visibility to navigate around coral heads, so departures are timed for optimal midday light.
- Do we need permits for Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?
- Vessels must use mooring balls within the park (no anchoring permitted) and pay a daily mooring fee. No fishing, spearfishing, or collecting of any kind is allowed within park boundaries. Contact the park office on VHF Channel 16 for mooring assignments.
- When is the best time to visit Thunderball Grotto?
- Enter Thunderball Grotto at slack tide when currents are minimal and visibility is best. Low tide provides more headroom inside the cave. Your captain will time the visit based on daily tide charts for the safest and most spectacular experience.
Make this trip yours
Every charter is private and tailored — we'll adapt this route to your dates, pace and interests.
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