Exuma Cays

Discover the Exuma Cays, Bahamas: A Pristine Playground for Yacht Charters

Stretching over 100 miles southeast from Nassau, the Exuma Cays are an unparalleled chain of uninhabited islands and secluded cays, renowned for their breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. This idyllic archipelago is the quintessential yacht charter destination, offering endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and iconic encounters in a truly untouched Bahamian paradise.

Why go there?

The Exuma Cays are a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a myriad of unforgettable experiences. A must-visit is Big Major Cay, home to the famous swimming pigs, a truly unique and delightful interaction. Dive or snorkel in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine reserve boasting incredible coral reefs, diverse fish species, and crystal-clear visibility. Explore hidden grottoes like Thunderball Grotto (featured in the James Bond films ‘Thunderball’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’ ) near Staniel Cay, or relax on deserted sandbars that emerge at low tide. For a thrilling adventure, feed the friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina. While major annual festivals are less common in the Cays themselves due to their uninhabited nature, you might find local regattas or fishing tournaments in the larger settlements of Exuma, like the National Family Island Regatta in Georgetown, Great Exuma (typically April), which can sometimes draw yacht traffic.

How to get there?

While the Exuma Cays themselves are largely uninhabited, the main gateway is via Great Exuma Island, which has Exuma International Airport (GGT). Scheduled flights arrive from Nassau, operated by Bahamasair and Southern Air, as well as from several US cities (e.g., Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Toronto) with airlines like American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, and Air Canada Rouge. For charters starting directly in the Cays, Staniel Cay (TYM) and Black Point (MYEH) also have small airstrips for private or charter flights.

For those chartering from Nassau, the three largest marinas to depart from are:

• Nassau Yacht Haven: The largest and oldest continuously operating marina, accommodating vessels up to 220 feet.
• Palm Cay Marina/One Marina: A popular charter base with resort amenities.
• Bay Street Marina: Another well-established option in Nassau.

The sailing distance from Nassau to the northern Exuma Cays (e.g., Allen's Cay) is approximately 30-40 nautical miles, making it a very accessible and popular charter route. To reach Staniel Cay, it's roughly 75-85 nautical miles from Nassau.

For those flying into Freeport International Airport (FPO) on Grand Bahama, the sailing distance to the Exuma Cays is considerably further, typically over 200 nautical miles, making it a less common starting point for Exuma charters due to the extended travel time. Marinas in Freeport include Port Lucaya Marina and Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

Marina facilities:

Marina facilities in the Exuma Cays are generally smaller and more boutique than in major hubs, often associated with small resorts or settlements. They cater specifically to yachting needs within the pristine environment.

• Staniel Cay Yacht Club Marina (Staniel Cay): One of the most popular and comprehensive marinas in the central Cays, offering fuel, water, power, a famous restaurant/bar, and basic provisions. It can accommodate vessels up to approximately 180 feet.
• Highbourne Cay Marina (Highbourne Cay): Located at the northern end of the Cays, this is a very well-regarded full-service marina with fuel, water, power, a market, a restaurant, and a beautiful beach. It can accommodate yachts up to around 180 feet.
• Compass Cay Marina (Compass Cay): Famous for its swimming nurse sharks, this marina offers fuel, water, power, and basic supplies. It accommodates yachts up to about 120 feet.
• Black Point Exuma Settlement (Black Point, Great Guana Cay): Offers a public dock with basic services, local stores, and restaurants.

Services typically include fuel, water, shore power, ice, and sometimes basic repairs or parts. It's always wise to contact marinas in advance, especially for larger vessels, as draft can be a consideration in some areas.

What food to expect?

The culinary experience in the Exuma Cays leans heavily on incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood. Conch is a ubiquitous staple, prepared in every conceivable way: conch salad, cracked conch, conch fritters, and even conch burgers. Grouper and snapper are frequently featured, often grilled whole or fried, reflecting the daily catch. You'll find rustic, authentic Bahamian dishes such as peas 'n rice, macaroni and cheese (Bahamian style), and various stews. Dining options range from charming, family-run shacks offering truly local fare to more upscale, resort-style restaurants associated with the marinas. Many of these establishments are directly accessible by dinghy from anchorages or marina docks, providing a seamless transition from water to table. The quality is generally high, prioritizing freshness and traditional preparation, though sophisticated wine lists are less common than in Nassau or Harbour Island.

Provisioning advice:

Provisioning directly within the Exuma Cays can be challenging for extensive needs. While small local stores exist in settlements like Staniel Cay and Black Point, their selection is often limited to basic dry goods, canned items, and some non-perishables. Fresh produce and meats are scarce and highly dependent on supply boats. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you provision the vast majority of your food, drinks, and specialty items before departure in Nassau or Freeport. For fresh seafood, direct purchases from local fishermen are often possible. For top-ups of essential items or to enjoy a local meal, the small stores and restaurants in the Cays suffice.