Bahamian Bliss | Nassau to Highbourne Cay

Embark on your luxury charter yacht in the vibrant Nassau. The cosmopolitan capital and neighboring Paradise Island lie in stark contrast to the peace and solitude of the Exumas.

Cruise towards Warderick Wells Cay. Home to brilliant coral reefs and exotic marine life that are part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – a 35-mile long nature sanctuary with numerous cays, islets and unspoiled beaches. Explore the underwater world known as the undersea Garden of Eden.

Anchor off Big Major’s Spot for a morning of watersports before cruising over to Staniel Cay. Take the tender to Thunderball Grotto, where the eponymous James Bond movie was filmed. If deep-sea fishing captures your imagination, a trip can easily be arranged. The waters off the east coast of the island are a mecca for mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna and marlin. Those left behind can still enjoy the marine life from the more shallow waters, snorkeling among the dazzling plethora of colorful fish.

It is a short cruise to neighboring Compass Cay. A natural paradise, Compass Cay is made up of 450 acres with 15 beaches to explore, the most spectacular of which is the long Crescent Ocean Beach. Drop anchor and take the tender ashore, or the adventurous in the party can jump straight in and swim with nurse sharks.

A deep, crystal-clear lagoon on the northwest of Compass Cay, Rachel’s Bubble Bath is one of the finest swimming holes in the Caribbean. At mid to high tide, ocean waves splash into the pool creating white foam: nature’s very own Jacuzzi. For more thrills, take a jet ski ride to the mangrove-edged archipelago known as Shroud Cay. Time it right to catch the high tide for the famous Mangrove Run.

Spend the morning fishing off the east coast of Highbourne Cay, followed by an afternoon of diving and snorkeling. Directly off Highbourne Cay is a drop-off that faces the Exuma Sound – a vertical, 72′ (22m) coral wall that is populated by all manner of sea life. Jump in for a last swim in the blue Bahamian waters before returning to Nassau for disembarkation.