Photo: Diego Delso ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
A hundred cays and water like glass.
The Exumas run for 120 miles as a chain of some 365 cays between the deep water of Exuma Sound and the shallow Great Bahama Bank. We sail north to south, from Nassau to George Town, anchoring in two or three metres over white sand. Along the way is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a no-take zone with moorings only, and the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay.
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and Warderick Wells
- Thunderball Grotto off Staniel Cay
- The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay
- Sailing the edge of Exuma Sound with a kilometre of water alongside
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Handover
Nassau and boarding
Arrive in Nassau and transfer to the marina on Paradise Island. Boat handover, a week’s provisioning and a briefing on bank navigation.
Overnight: Yacht, Nassau marina - DAY 2 · 35 nautical miles
Across the Yellow Bank to Allan’s Cay
The longest leg of the week: 35 miles south-east across the Yellow Bank, dodging coral heads under a high midday sun. Anchor at Allan’s Cay, home to endemic iguanas.
Overnight: Yacht, Allan’s Cay - DAY 3 · 12 nautical miles
Norman’s Cay and the sunken plane
A short 12-mile hop. Snorkel over the Curtiss C-46 wreck lying in three metres, lunch in the lagoon and an evening on an empty beach.
Overnight: Yacht, Norman’s Cay - DAY 4 · 20 nautical miles
The marine park and Warderick Wells
Into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and a mooring in the north field at Warderick Wells, a ribbon of deep water among sandbars. Climb Boo Boo Hill and snorkel the park’s reefs.
Overnight: Yacht, Warderick Wells - DAY 5 · 22 nautical miles
Staniel Cay and Thunderball Grotto
A 22-mile leg south along the park. Snorkel Thunderball Grotto at slack low water, then dinghy to the pigs at Big Major Cay. Dinner at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
Overnight: Yacht, Big Major Cay - DAY 6 · 8 nautical miles
Black Point and Great Guana Cay
A morning 8 miles to Black Point, the largest settlement in the central Exumas. Walk to the bluffs over Exuma Sound and dine on conch at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Yacht, Black Point - DAY 7 · 45 nautical miles
Down Exuma Sound to George Town
Out through Dotham Cut into deep Exuma Sound and 45 miles down the chain to Elizabeth Harbour. Boat return in George Town and dinner on Stocking Island.
Overnight: Yacht, George Town - DAY 8 · Transfer
Departure
Breakfast on board and transfer to Exuma airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Double cabin on a 42–45 ft catamaran
A professional skipper
Breakfasts and lunches on board
Transfers in Nassau and George Town
Snorkelling kit and a kayak
One-way charter relocation fee
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Kitty for dinners ashore, fuel, water and park moorings
Bahamas National Trust park fees
Single-cabin supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
No experience required, but the legs are longer than in the Virgin Islands and bank navigation needs attention: participants learn to read water colour and keep a bow watch. Ivan prepares the group for watches and chart work.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Shoes with clean, non-slip soles
- Sun and wind protection, and a light rain layer
- Personal essentials suited to your experience at sea
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.