Primed for The Waterborne | The Exumas

Providing the perfect combination of fun and laid-back charm, the cosmopolitan capital of Nassau is a stark contrast to the peaceful, unspoiled cays of the Exumas. Spend a day and night exploring New Providence and neighboring Paradise Island before boarding your yacht.
The most popular cruising grounds in the Bahamas, the Exumas, comprise some 365 islands, so there is plenty of space to find privacy as you cruise through the island chain. Each island has its own distinct personality, with history and culture aplenty. The larger, more famous islands provide restaurants and shopping, while the smaller isles are largely untouched. Combined, they provide plenty of nightlife, diving and fishing opportunities, shopping and gourmet dining with relaxed days on isolated beaches.

Gently acclimatize to life on board as you steer toward the pristine cays that make up the Exumas. Anchor in the center of the three islets that compose Allen’s Cay for a late breakfast or early lunch followed by a spot of fishing.

Cruise to Compass Cay and explore the dozens of beaches, including the well-known Crescent Ocean Beach with scenic trails. Anchor off the north of the island at mid-to-high tide and bathe in “Rachel’s Bubblebath” – one of the finest swimming holes in the Bahamian archipelago. Ocean waves splash into the pool, creating a white foam Jacuzzi effect. Take the tender and jet skis to the mangrove archipelago known as Shroud Cay; time it right and catch the high tide for the famous Mangrove run.

Staniel Cay is one of the best places in the Exumas for fishing (and that’s saying something). From deep-sea fishing to bone fishing, the waters off the island’s east coast are a mecca for wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi and marlin. If diving is more your thing, then directly off the cay is a drop-off that faces the Exuma Sound – a vertical wall populated by all manner of colorful marine life.

For the younger guests, the waters around Big Major’s beach are home to wild swimming pigs. After a day of fun activities both in and on the water, step ashore at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for a rum punch and listen to fishing tales and sailors’ yarns. Spend the night anchored in the protected anchorage of Big Major’s Spot, just north of Staniel Cay.

Following a leisurely breakfast on board, jump in and dive or snorkel through Thunderball Grotto – the setting for the 007 movie. Once back aboard, cruise to Warderick Wells Cay. Part of the Exuma Land and Sea Park (aka the Garden of Eden), the marine preserve is spread over 175 miles and abounds in coral reefs and colorful sea life. The islets and cays have numerous hiking trails for those looking to stretch their sea legs.

One of the Exumas’ most attractive anchorages, Hawksbill Cay, is the perfect anchorage to spend a leisurely morning enjoying the yacht’s water toys in the water or relaxing on board. Alternatively, take the tender ashore to explore the ruins of loyalist plantations from the late 1700s.

Highbourne Cay is just a short hop across the shallow waters, and the island provides ample opportunities for those looking to explore. Whether a fishing excursion early in the morning or a day exploring the beautiful beaches, snorkeling or diving, there are several options to suit each guest’s tastes. Following a relaxing and fun-filled day, cruise back towards Paradise Island for disembarkation.