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Exumas

Exumas

A BESPOKE SAILING CHARTER CUSTOM-TAILORED FOR YOU.
SELECT DATES AND GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED QUOTE TODAY!

On your Exuma yacht charter, you can explore the delights on the northern cays, including Highbourne Cay, Warderick Wells Cay, Shroud Cay, Norman’s Cay, and, to the south, Staniel Cay.Sailing the Exumas is ideal for those that enjoy solitude, nature, unspoiled beauty and quaint, low-key beach settlements. You can also experience some of the most amazing diving, snorkeling and fishing here in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. If you love animals, you can swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, swim with pigs at Big Major Cay and feed the iguanas at Allen Cays. It’s the perfect tropical destination for a yacht charter.


Starting Locations:

  • The northern route: Great Abaco & Grand Bahamas

  • The southern route: New Providence & Exuma

Location

Exumas
Bahamas

Season

Season begins in November through July

Itinerary

Exuma Itinerary

** This is an example itinerary only - your captain will tailor your itinerary based on interest and weather.

Day 1 — Palm Cay to Highbourne Cay · approximately 25 NM

Your Exumas adventure begins at 9:00 AM at Palm Cay Marina in Nassau, where you meet the crew, settle aboard and set a course southeast toward the northern Exumas. Leaving Nassau behind, the landscape quickly gives way to open Bahamian water, shallow banks and scattered islands. After the morning crossing, arrive at Highbourne Cay in the afternoon and anchor off one of the island's beautiful beaches. Spend the afternoon swimming, paddleboarding and snorkeling in the clear turquoise water, or take the dinghy ashore to explore the beach and surrounding trails. As evening approaches, settle into a quiet anchorage away from the marina and enjoy dinner aboard beneath the stars. Highbourne provides a gentle introduction to the remote character of the Exumas, with the wilderness beginning almost immediately after leaving Nassau.

Day 2 — Highbourne Cay to Shroud Cay · approximately 20 NM

After an early morning swim and breakfast, continue south through the northern Exumas toward Shroud Cay, part of the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The sailing is relatively short, leaving plenty of time to explore the island once you arrive. In the afternoon, take kayaks or the tender into Shroud's remarkable mangrove creeks, following the winding waterways through the interior of the island. At the right stage of the tide, the current carries you through the mangroves and toward the island's Atlantic beaches. There is time for snorkeling and swimming before returning to the yacht. Tonight, anchor in the protected waters of Shroud Cay, far removed from any town or harbor. Dinner is aboard, followed by an evening walk along the beach or simply watching the sunset from the cockpit. With its mangroves, tidal creeks and undeveloped shoreline, Shroud Cay offers one of the most immersive wilderness experiences in the northern Exumas.

Day 3 — Shroud Cay to Warderick Wells · approximately 15 NM

Wake to a quiet morning in Shroud Cay and spend a few hours exploring before breakfast. Take a final kayak through the mangroves, walk along the deserted beach or enjoy an early snorkel in the surrounding shallows. By late morning, sail south toward Warderick Wells, the heart of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The short passage allows most of the day to be spent exploring rather than underway. Arrive in the afternoon and take a park mooring in the spectacular natural harbor at Warderick Wells. Go ashore to explore the island's trails and climb Boo Boo Hill, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding cays and turquoise water. Later, return to the yacht for a swim or snorkel before enjoying dinner aboard. With no conventional development or nightlife, Warderick Wells offers an evening of extraordinary quiet beneath a remarkably clear night sky.

Day 4 — Warderick Wells to Staniel Cay · approximately 18 NM

After breakfast, enjoy one final morning exploring Warderick Wells before sailing south through the heart of the Exumas. The route passes countless small cays, sandbars and reefs, with opportunities to stop for a swim or snorkel along the way. Arrive near Staniel Cay in the afternoon and head ashore or take the tender to Big Major Cay, home of the famous swimming pigs. Afterward, snorkel through Thunderball Grotto, the dramatic limestone cave system made famous by the James Bond film Thunderball. The grotto's underwater passages and chambers are particularly spectacular when sunlight filters through the openings above. In the evening, go ashore at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for a classic Bahamian dinner in one of the Exumas' most iconic island establishments. After dinner, return to the yacht and spend the night anchored among the cays surrounding Staniel.

Day 5 — Staniel Cay to Compass Cay · approximately 10 NM

Today is deliberately slow. Begin the morning with a swim and snorkel around the islands near Staniel, or take some time to explore the small settlement before breakfast. Afterward, make the short sail north toward Compass Cay. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the island's famous nurse sharks, which gather in the shallow waters around the old marina. From there, explore the surrounding beaches, natural pools and sand flats by tender, kayak or paddleboard. The area offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and observing marine life in the extraordinarily clear water. As the afternoon fades, move away from the developed portion of the island and settle into a quiet anchorage nearby. Dinner is aboard, with another peaceful night beneath the stars. After several days among the protected cays, the evening at Compass Cay feels distinctly remote.

Day 6 — Compass Cay to Palm Cay, Nassau · approximately 25 NM

Wake early for a final swim and breakfast aboard before beginning the northbound journey toward Nassau. The return passage crosses the beautiful shallow banks of the northern Exumas, with the yacht sailing through brilliant turquoise water and between the scattered cays. Depending on weather, tide and timing, make a final morning stop at a quiet sandbar or reef for one last swim and snorkel before continuing toward Nassau. The yacht arrives at Palm Cay Marina by approximately 6:00 PM, completing the sailing portion of the journey. After six days of sailing through the Exumas, the final evening is spent back at Palm Cay. Guests can enjoy a relaxed final dinner together and a sunset drink aboard before settling in for the night.

Day 7* — Disembarkation at Palm Cay ·

Enjoy a final breakfast aboard before disembarking at Palm Cay Marina.

* Depending on final day guest travel times, some charters require arriving at Palm Cay Marina on Nassau Island the final night of the charter. This is because the closest anchorage is approximately a 3-hour passage which requires sufficient day-light sailing to complete.

Crew

Private Chef

Private Chef

Meet the chefs

A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.

Professional Captain

Professional Captain

Meet the captains

Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.

Travel Details

1. Flying to Nassau

Your destination airport is Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. Nonstop flights are available from several major North American cities, including New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta and Charlotte, with additional connections available through major US airports.

Travel tips:

  • Book your flight to Nassau (NAS).

  • If possible, arrive the day before your sailing departure to allow for flight delays and a more relaxed start to your trip. Not necessary for evening boarding charters.

  • Allow time for immigration, baggage collection and transportation after landing.

  • Share your flight details with your Sailing Collective trip coordinator if transportation is being arranged for your group.

2. Getting from Nassau Airport to Palm Cay Marina

Destination: Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club Address: Yamacraw Hill Road, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

The drive from Nassau International Airport to Palm Cay Marina takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Sailing Collective can arrange a taxi pick up

Taxi

Taxis are available outside the airport terminals. The estimated fare to Palm Cay Marina is $50–$70 per vehicle, although the exact price may vary depending on the driver, passenger count and luggage. Confirm the total fare before departing, as Palm Cay may not be included in the airport's standard published fare zones. Additional passenger or luggage charges may apply.

Private Transfer

For groups arriving around the same time, a prearranged private van or SUV is a convenient option. We recommend arranging transportation in advance if several guests are travelling together or carrying substantial luggage.

Contact Palm Cay Marina directly to inquire about airport pickup arrangements and pricing.

  • Estimated travel time: 45 minutes Estimated taxi fare: $60–$100 per vehicle Recommended transportation: Prearranged group transfer or airport taxi

3. Palm Cay Marina Information

Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club Yamacraw Hill Road Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

Google Maps: Get directions to Palm Cay Marina

Palm Cay is a full-service marina on Nassau's southeastern coast and a convenient gateway to the Exumas and the wider Bahamian cruising grounds. Marina facilities include yacht berthing, fuel services, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi and laundry. Guests can also find dining options and additional resort amenities within the Palm Cay community. Access to certain facilities may be subject to current marina policies.

4. Arrival Checklist

Before travelling, we recommend that you:

  • Book your flight to Nassau International Airport (NAS).

  • Send your flight arrival details to your Sailing Collective trip coordinator, if requested.

  • Arrange airport transportation or plan to take a taxi upon arrival.

  • Save the Palm Cay Marina address and contact details on your phone.

  • Confirm your yacht name, berth location and charter check-in instructions with Sailing Collective before departure.

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Boats

Bali 4.2 Catamaran

Bali 4.2 Catamaran

New for 2022, the Bali 4.2 builds on the success of the 4.1, as well as other acclaimed Bali models, while simultaneously raising the bar for her class of recreational cruising catamarans. The BALI 4.2, once again breaking away from other boats of the same size on the market, offers a spacious deck and multiple shared lounge areas. The pass through from the galley to the bow is a favorite for a groups on board our voyages.

In most cases, three double cabins will be available to guests while one double cabin and one forward peak will be reserved for Sailing Collective Crew. This vessel is perfect for a group of 6 and three double cabins, and in some cases, guests may utilize all four double cabins.

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