Popular Activities
Caribbean Food & Drink
Top Caribbean Travel Tips
Did You Know?
EXPLORING THE EXUMAS
The Exumas are more than a tropical escape; they are a world of unspoiled beauty where electric-blue waters, hidden mangrove channels, powder-soft sandbars, and vibrant marine sanctuaries create a paradise unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. This chain of 365 islands and cays reveals something new every day. Discover deserted beaches that only appear at low tide, sail through emerald channels carved by the sea, and dive into kaleidoscopic reefs teeming with marine life.
Imagine paddling across water so clear you can see starfish resting on the seabed, or dining barefoot on a private sandbar with nothing but the open horizon and gentle island breezes around you. You can drift silently through mangrove creeks one morning, dive into swirling rock grottoes the next, or unwind in complete privacy on a secluded cay. With so many extraordinary discoveries across this island chain, you’ll quickly find that one journey is never enough, and you’ll be booking your next charter before the first is over.
Do not miss...
- Drifting through Shroud Cay’s hidden “Washing Machine” channel
- Swimming with the famous pigs on Big Major Cay
- Hiking the bluffs at Warderick Wells for panoramic views
- Feeding endangered rock iguanas on Allen’s Cay
- Exploring the secluded beaches of Highbourne Cay
Discover the Distinctive Exumas
Paradise Island
Day 1: As you begin your Exumas yacht charter, explore Nassau’s heritage district, with pastel buildings, rum distilleries, and local markets brimming with island crafts. Cross to Paradise Island to relax on Cabbage Beach and wander hidden trails that lead to secluded coves. Imagine swimming with dolphins and sea lions in crystal clear waters at the nearby Blue Lagoon Island, where these playful creatures glide gracefully in their natural sanctuary.
Highbourne Cay
Day 2: Highbourne Cay welcomes you with quiet beaches and coral-fringed shallows that glisten turquoise in the sun. Would you embrace serenity on the island’s nine secluded beaches or dive into the vibrant coral reef and snorkel amongst angelfish, parrotfish and sergeant majors? For those who love getting stuck in, try deep-sea fishing for the evening meal on deck, from the delectable mahi-mahi to mouthwatering wahoo, there are options to cater to every palate.
Allen’s Cay
Day 3: A haven for the endangered Bahamian rock iguana, Allen’s Cay offers guests the rare opportunity to observe these curious creatures in their natural habitat. Take a short hike across the island’s sandy paths or swim along the coral shelf just off the northern tip, where rays and reef fish gather in vibrant, swirling patterns; a scene found nowhere else in the Bahamas.
Shroud Cay
Day 4: As you arrive at Shroud Cay, you will find yourself in a labyrinth of twisting mangrove channels and tidal rivers unique to the Exumas. Glide quietly through clear waters and witness sea turtles swim beneath your glass-bottom kayak, and try to spot herons perched among the mangroves. For those of you who are thrill seekers, paddle through the narrow “Washing Machine” tidal pool, where the current spins you gently in a natural whirlpool.
Norman’s Cay
Day 5: Once a notorious smuggling hub, Norman’s Cay has transformed into a snorkeller’s paradise. Adventure seekers can dive or snorkel along the wrecked aeroplane of a former smuggling operation, a unique and mysterious underwater site teeming with marine life. Local legends tell of storm-displaced gold doubloons hidden in submerged grottoes and sunken crevices. These tales have captivated visitors for decades, fueling dreams of pirate riches and daring adventures beneath the turquoise waters. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones and find one!
Warderick Wells & Compass Cay
Day 6: Warderick Wells lies at the heart of the Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected sanctuary of coral reefs, wildlife, and striking natural landscapes. Hike winding trails to panoramic viewpoints at the highest point of the island, the peak of Boo Boo Hill. The nearby Compass Cay offers a truly rare and intimate wildlife encounter where you can swim with gentle nurse sharks that glide lazily through its sheltered lagoon. Observe nature up close as you watch these majestic creatures move gracefully around you, completely at ease with human visitors.
Staniel Cay
Day 7: A trip to the Exumas would not be complete without a stop at the iconic Big Major Cay to meet and swim with pigs. A true bucket list experience! These friendly and playful animals wade through the shallow turquoise waters, creating an unforgettable experience. Visit the cinematic Thunderball Grotto, where shafts of sunlight illuminate schools of colourful fish in underwater caves, and hike to the nearby Staniel Cay Lookout for panoramic views over the Exuma Sound, a once-in-a-lifetime vantage point.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Sandbar Picnics & Private Beach Days
The Exumas are famous for their low-tide sandbars, pristine ribbons of soft white sand that appear like magic in the middle of turquoise water. Spend the afternoon lounging on your own private island, enjoying a chef-prepared picnic as the tide slowly reshapes the shoreline around you.
Ray Encounters & Shallow-Water Snorkelling
Unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean, the Exumas’ shallow lagoons create ideal habitats for friendly rays. Wade into warm, knee-deep water at places like Compass Cay, where Southern stingrays brush softly against the sand as they move, and Spotted eagle rays glide past you gracefully.
Swimming Pigs
A visit to Big Major Cay offers a uniquely whimsical experience found nowhere else in the world. Watch as the island’s famous pigs greet visitors with curious energy, splashing and paddling in the turquoise lagoons. Guests can wade into the shallow waters to interact with these charming animals, capturing memorable moments and exciting photo opportunities.
Stargazing & Night Swimming
Far from city lights, the Exumas offer some of the clearest, most star-filled skies in the Caribbean. Take a night swim in warm waters where bioluminescent plankton twinkle beneath the surface, creating an otherworldly effect as if the stars themselves are dancing underwater, a truly magical experience.
CARIBBEAN FOOD & DRINK
Bahamian Cracked Conch
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, cracked conch is a true island favourite. Served with lime, hot sauce, or a drizzle of citrus, each bite bursts with delicate, briny sweetness, capturing the pure, lively essence of the sea.
Seared Mahi Mahi with Bahamian Spices
Fresh mahi mahi is lightly seared and served with a medley of onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a hint of thyme, creating a fragrant and colourful island feast. The firm, buttery fish melts in your mouth, perfectly absorbing the tropical spices and delivering a fresh, vibrant taste of the Exumas.
Switcha
The Bahamian answer to lemonade, made with limes, cane sugar, and often a hint of ginger. Cool, crisp, and perfectly balanced, it quenches your thirst while delivering the bright, tropical taste of freshly picked limes.
Pineapple Tart
A classic Bahamian dessert. This sweet, buttery pastry filled with locally grown pineapple offers the perfect balance of tartness and tropical sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth, releasing the rich, fragrant juice of the perfectly ripened fruit.
TOP CARRIBEAN TRAVEL TIPS
Embrace Sandbar Timing
The best sandbars appear at mid-to-low tide. Plan your beach picnics or photoshoots for this window to enjoy the Exumas at their most magical.
Weather Sweet Spots
December through June offers crystal-clear waters, low humidity, and calm seas. Ideal conditions for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and long days spent outdoors.
Marine Park Etiquette
Much of the Exumas lies inside protected waters. Avoid anchoring on coral, respect wildlife, and enjoy knowing your visit supports one of the Caribbean’s most successful conservation efforts.
Pack Light, Pack Smart
The Exumas are wonderfully relaxed, so breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and light layers are all you’ll need. The rest is pure island living.
DID YOU KNOW?
With remarkable sights and experiences, a yacht charter to the Exumas is not just a journey through paradise, but a voyage into awe-inspiring natural and cultural wonders.
- The Exumas’ waters are so brilliantly clear and vibrant that they can actually be seen from space. Satellites capture the mosaic of turquoise shallows, deep channels, and sandy banks, revealing the breathtaking scale and beauty of this island chain from above.
- At the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, you can view the skeleton of a 52-foot sperm whale, one of the largest ever recorded in the region. This remarkable exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the scale and majesty of these deep-sea giants, giving insight into the incredible marine life that thrives beneath the Exumas’ waters.
- Staniel Cay’s Thunderball Grotto earned its fame as a filming location for the James Bond classic Thunderball. Fans of the franchise will recognise the iconic scenes of 007 navigating underwater caves and evading danger, making snorkelling or diving here a cinematic adventure where you can follow in the footsteps of a secret agent.
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Page updated on 11 December 2025