Boat Charter in Exuma – Top Private Boat Rentals

The archipelago of the Exuma islands stretches for about 120 miles in the Caribbean. This means that a boat rental is the best and only way to take advantage of the islands. A favourite boat charter destination, there are only about 7000 inhabitants in the entire chain of islands, highlighting secluded footprint-free beaches and deserted cays that are yours to experience. Exuma is dubbed as one of the world's most unspoiled sailing destinations; a private boat allows you to have the flexibility to experience the islands and beaches at your own pace, avoiding the crowds and having them all to yourself.

The Exumas are more than just the swimming pigs the archipelago is known for. Among the islands' highlights include diving, snorkelling, watersports, pristine beaches, uninhabited islands, and of course, the crystal-clear aquamarine waters. And what's the best way to experience all of this beauty and adventure? The only way to immerse yourself in the experiences is through a private boat charter.

If you're looking for a specific boat or yacht to rent in the Exumas, you won't be disappointed. There are all kinds of boats for all your needs, offered by many charter companies and private boat owners based in the Bahamas. Prices depend on several factors, such as cost of fuel, type of boat, charter duration, destinations, and other inclusions. Here are a few sample prices for specific boat rentals.

A half-day boat rental can cost around $754 for a 4-hour cruise onboard a 65-foot motor yacht. For an hour's rent, it can cost about $189 for a group of 6 people. For an overnight charter, it can cost around $3000. For more extended charters, such as three day and two-night durations, an 80-foot motor yacht can cost around $12,000 for a group of 12. And lastly, for a luxury yacht charter for seven days, a 180-foot yacht can cost $275,000 for a group of 10.

If you only have one day to spare for a boat charter in Exuma, you must go to Allen's Cay. Bring crackers with you so you can feed the famous rock iguanas that live on the island. When they hear or see a boat coming, they will come to the beach and expect to be fed by visitors. Next on your one-day itinerary is a visit to the crystal clear waters of Compass Cay, where you can swim alongside gentle nurse sharks. And lastly, a boat charter in the Exumas is never complete without seeing the famous swimming pigs at Big Major's Cay. Wrap up your boat rental with a cruise back to Nassau, as the sun is setting on the famous Caribbean horizon.

For a full-day boat rental in Abaco, you have to go to Elbow Cay, home to the island's most famous attraction: a 27-meter centuries-old lighthouse. You still have to cruise to the lighthouse when you reach the cay since it can only be reached by boat. Once there, climb a flight of stairs, and as you reach the top, you will witness breathtaking views of the cays and nearby islets. You can then visit white sand beaches along the cay, local restaurants, gift shops, and explore the island on foot. If you're into diving or snorkelling, a marine park is found nearby, perfect for exploring the underwater riches of Elbow Cay.

A boat rental in the Exumas for two days means you get to spend one night anchored in a bay in one of the archipelago's islands. Here is an example itinerary for a 2-day boat charter in the islands:

Day 1: Highbourne Cay and Allen Cay

Leave Nassau early in the morning and cruise your way to Northern Exuma. Stop by Allen Cay and see the famous iguanas that are the only inhabitants of the beach. Next, sail to the small fishing village found in Highbourne Cay, a privately owned island. It has beautiful beaches, excellent snorkelling spots, and plenty of walking trails if you prefer to experience an adventure inland. Anchor for the night at the dock, where you can see nurse sharks swimming beneath the water.

Day 2: Staniel Cay

If feeding the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas has always been on your bucket list, then this is the day your dream of doing so will come true. On your 2nd day, you will sail to Staniel Cay, where you will feed the famous swimming pigs at Big Majors. Afterwards, you can snorkel at Thunderball Cave, a renowned snorkel site since it is named after the Bond movie filmed at the site. And lastly, before heading back to Nassau, drop by Compass Cay, a 2-mile-long unspoiled natural paradise with palm trees, beaches, lagoons, and cliffs.

A 3-day and 2-night or weekend rental for an extended boat charter allows you to cover more than just the famous sites and activities in Exuma. For anyone who likes off-beaten track adventures, away from the crowds and usual touristy experiences, this 3-day itinerary is perfect for you. Here is a sample 3-day boat rental itinerary in the Exumas:

Day 1: Norman’s Cay

This spot is ideal for anyone who loves snorkelling or diving. Dive sites like "Octopus Garden" and "Hammerhead Gulch" are the best spots to explore. You can also experience Norman's Cay's beautiful beaches, lagoons, and other dive spots that have ruins and a wreck of a sunken plane. Twinkie Beach is a particular spot on the island with a lone palm tree. Head back to your boat at sunset, where you will be served with cocktails as you enjoy the end of your first day onboard your private boat rental.

Day 2: Shroud Cay

On your 2nd day, you will head out to Shroud Cay, where the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is found. It is the most famous dive area in the Exumas, and it is part of the National Park and Protected Areas that the Bahamas National Trust manages. Because of this, you will discover a world of the underwater spectacle - untouched reefs, underwater walls, and it is also home to Jeep Reef. Dubbed as one of the most popular dive sites in the Bahamas, Jeep Reef is considered to have one of the most colourful and healthiest reefs you will ever see.

Day 3: Pipe Cay and Little Pipe Cay

On your 3rd and last day, it's time to take out your water toys and enjoy the calm waters that surround you. Kayak, jetski, paddleboard, or snorkel. Before sailing back to Nassau, visit Black Point, a district on Great Guana Cay that's famous for its local hospitality and cuisine.

Luxury boat rentals in Exuma typically last for more than just a day or overnight charter. These luxury liveaboards usually last for seven days, where you are taken to the best spots, cays, islands, and dive sites in the archipelago. With 365 islands, there is a lot of privacy and untouched nature in the Exumas, and with its high abundance of marine life, a luxury dive boat should be on top of your list when it comes to things to do in the Bahamas.

Exuma's underwater world is a must to discover if you cruise from November to February, from dolphins to sea turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, and even humpback whales and hammerhead sharks. A luxury boat rental in Exuma takes place in a mega or superyacht, where indulgent amenities and facilities provide you with 5-star pampering and treatment. The number of crew members typically outnumber the guests, ensuring that discerning yacht enthusiasts get the service they are looking for.

The Exuma islands in the Bahamas are world-famous for their undeniable natural beauty. The islands are the most picture-perfect cays you have ever seen. If you've ever imagined what a perfect tropical island looks like, chances are, most of the Exuma islands perfectly epitomizes that image. A boat rental in the Exumas is the only and the best way to explore and experience the beauty and wonders of the islands. From swimming pigs to rock iguanas to world-famous dive sites, a private boat charter in the archipelago is an unforgettable holiday that will give you memories to last a lifetime.