Exuma Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Yacht Routes
The Exumas are the Bahamas’ most popular charter cruising ground, and for good reason: short distances, spectacular scenery, and an unrivalled concentration of bucket-list experiences. The itineraries below are designed so the 3-day and 4-day routes cover different cays and can be stitched together into a 7-day voyage without repeating stops. Day charter options are included for guests visiting the northern Exumas on a single-day outing from Nassau.
Day Charter Routes
Nassau to Highbourne Cay and Allen’s Cay
Depart Nassau early morning for the 2.5-hour crossing to Highbourne Cay. Snorkel Horseshoe Reef, then tender to Allen’s Cay to meet the rock iguanas. Beach picnic lunch on one of Highbourne’s eight private beaches. Return to Nassau by late afternoon. Duration: 10–12 hours.
Nassau to Norman’s Cay
A slightly shorter crossing brings you to Norman’s Cay for the sunken plane wreck snorkel and Twinkie Beach. Enjoy lunch on board or ashore at MacDuff’s. Return to Nassau via Rose Island for a final swim. Duration: 10–12 hours.
3-Day Exuma Yacht Charter Itinerary: Northern Exumas Essentials
Day 1: Nassau to Norman’s Cay
Board in Nassau by mid-morning and cruise south-east to Norman’s Cay (approximately 65 km, 2.5 hours). Snorkel the sunken plane wreck and explore Twinkie Beach. Afternoon: bonefishing on the flats or water sports from the yacht. Dinner on the aft deck as the sun sets over the lagoon.
Day 2: Shroud Cay and Warderick Wells
Enter the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Spend the morning on a tender ride through Shroud Cay’s mangrove creek to Camp Driftwood beach, then hike to the lookout. After lunch, reposition to Warderick Wells. Snorkel the coral gardens and hike Boo Boo Hill for 360° cay views. Stargazing dinner on deck with zero light pollution.
Day 3: Highbourne Cay, Allen’s Cay, and Return to Nassau
Head north to Highbourne Cay for a final snorkel at Horseshoe Reef and a swim on one of the private beaches. Stop at Allen’s Cay to feed the iguanas. Farewell brunch on the sun deck as the yacht returns to Nassau, arriving by late afternoon.
4-Day Exuma Yacht Charter Itinerary: Central Exumas Deep Dive
Day 1: Nassau to Highbourne Cay
Embark in Nassau and cruise to Highbourne Cay. Afternoon: snorkel Horseshoe Reef and visit Allen’s Cay iguanas. Sunset dinner on the yacht.
Day 2: Staniel Cay, Swimming Pigs, and Thunderball Grotto
Cruise south to the Staniel Cay area. Swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay early in the morning. Snorkel Thunderball Grotto at slack tide. Lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Afternoon: explore the village by golf cart or try the yacht’s water toys in the calm bay.
Day 3: Compass Cay, Leaf Cay, and the Sea Aquarium
Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay marina, then hike to Rachel’s Bubble Bath. Tender to Leaf Cay to feed iguanas (a quieter alternative to Allen’s Cay). After lunch, snorkel the Sea Aquarium off O’Brien’s Cay – shallow reefs so packed with fish it feels like swimming inside an aquarium. Beach barbecue dinner on an uninhabited cay.
Day 4: Norman’s Cay and Return to Nassau
Head north to Norman’s Cay for the sunken plane wreck and Twinkie Beach. Farewell gourmet lunch on board. Optional stop at Rose Island en route back to Nassau. Arrive by late afternoon.
5-Day Exuma Yacht Charter Itinerary: The Complete Exumas
Day 1: Nassau to Norman’s Cay
Cruise to Norman’s Cay. Snorkel the sunken plane wreck, relax on Twinkie Beach, and try bonefishing on the flats. Dinner on deck: conch chowder and pan-seared snapper.
Day 2: Shroud Cay and Warderick Wells
Explore Shroud Cay’s mangrove creek by tender and hike Camp Driftwood. Reposition to Warderick Wells for coral-garden snorkelling and the Boo Boo Hill hike. Dinner under the stars with zero light pollution.
Day 3: Staniel Cay, Pig Beach, and Thunderball Grotto
Morning visit to the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Thunderball Grotto snorkel at slack tide. Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Afternoon: Compass Cay nurse sharks and Rachel’s Bubble Bath. Beach bonfire dinner on a nearby uninhabited cay.
Day 4: Southern Exumas – Leaf Cay, Bitter Guana, and Sandbars
Head further south than most charters go. Feed iguanas at Leaf Cay, enjoy a secluded beach morning at Bitter Guana Cay, and snorkel the Sea Aquarium off O’Brien’s Cay. Late-afternoon sundowners on a pristine sandbar. Dinner on board: the chef’s Bahamas tasting menu.
Day 5: Highbourne Cay, Allen’s Cay, and Return to Nassau
Snorkel Horseshoe Reef at Highbourne Cay and visit Allen’s Cay iguanas. Farewell brunch on the sun deck. Rose Island stop if time allows. Arrive Nassau by late afternoon.
