The Exuma Cays are a 120-mile chain of low-lying limestone islands and cays stretching south from Nassau. This 165-nm, 7-day itinerary combines famous wildlife encounters (swimming pigs, nurse sharks), pristine snorkeling and diving, and the protected marine reserve of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The route is suitable for sailors of all levels — distances between anchorages are short, and the shallow, turquoise waters offer natural protection. This is one of the Bahamas' most visited charter routes, offering exceptional clarity and activity-dense days.
Your VoyageParadise Island to Allen's Cay
Twenty nautical miles south from Paradise Island (Nassau area) to Allen's Cay, a small rocky islet. Allen's Cay is home to a population of Bahamian rock iguanas — large, endemic lizards that have become habituated to human feeding. These prehistoric-looking creatures are found nowhere else and are a primary daytime attraction. The anchorage is well-protected with good holding in sand. Allen's Cay marks the beginning of the Exuma Cays proper and is usually completed as an easy morning sail.
Allen's Cay to Shroud Cay
Fifteen nautical miles to Shroud Cay, a small island in the lower cays. Shroud Cay offers protected anchorages suitable for various wind directions. The island has a distinctive split caused by tidal flow, creating a tidal creek system. Snorkeling around the island reveals coral formations and reef fish. Shroud Cay is less crowded than larger cays to the south, making it ideal for a quiet anchorage. The waters are consistently clear and shallow, ranging from 6–15 feet depending on location.
Shroud Cay to Staniel Cay
Eighteen nautical miles south to Staniel Cay, one of the most famous stops in the Exuma Cays. Staniel Cay Yacht Club provides a functioning marina, fuel, water, and provisions. Pig Beach is located on a nearby cay — feral pigs have become famous for swimming and interacting with visiting tourists. The pigs are fed by visitors (though current wildlife management protocols may limit this). Thunderball Grotto is a sea cave accessible by dinghy, featured in James Bond films and other Hollywood productions. The cave interior is filled with fresh- and saltwater and is excellent for snorkeling and diving.
Staniel Cay to Warderick Wells
Twelve nautical miles to Warderick Wells, the northernmost island of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This is a protected marine reserve spanning 176 square nautical miles, protecting pristine coral reefs, mangrove systems, and marine life. Warderick Wells itself has a small ranger station and visitor facilities. Mooring buoys (mandatory) are available throughout the park. The anchorages are pristine, the snorkeling is exceptional, and the waters are among the clearest in the Bahamas. This is an ideal location for multiple hours or a full day of snorkeling and diving.
Warderick Wells to Norman's Cay
Eight nautical miles to Norman's Cay, another jewel of the Land and Sea Park. Norman's Cay features excellent reefs, a sandy beach on the eastern shore, and a small wreck (P.M. Reef) suitable for exploration. The cay's interior has minimal vegetation and is uninhabited. Mooring buoys are provided. Swimming and snorkeling are exceptional. Norman's Cay can serve as a base for exploring nearby Thunderball Grotto or as a serene overnight anchorage. The protected park status ensures minimal commercial activity and good environmental conditions.
Norman's Cay to Compass Cay / Rose Island
Twenty-five nautical miles northeast to Compass Cay or west to Rose Island. Compass Cay is known for nurse shark encounters — a population of reef sharks (typically 6–12 feet long) that have become habituated to human presence and feeding. Authorized guides conduct supervised interactions, and the sharks are generally docile. The experience is educational and memorable, though requires careful adherence to safety protocols. Rose Island is an alternative for those preferring to skip shark interactions — it offers excellent reefs, a shipwreck (USS Anemone, shallow wreck), and pristine sandy shores.
Compass Cay / Rose Island to New Providence
Sixty-seven nautical miles north to New Providence (Nassau), completing the charter. This is the longest passage of the itinerary, typically 8–10 hours depending on wind. Early departure is recommended to ensure daylight arrival. The route follows the established channel north through the cays and transitions to deeper water as Nassau approaches. Arrival is typically at Paradise Island Marina, Atlantis Marina, or Nassau Yacht Club. The passage is relatively straightforward with good depth and charting.
Season
November through May is ideal — trade winds are steady (12–16 knots), seas are calm, and visibility is exceptional. June through October is hurricane season; not recommended for Bahamas sailing.
Wind conditions
Trade winds approach from the northeast, generally making southbound passages downwind or beam reach. Northbound return passages may require closer-hauled sailing. The shallow waters amplify wind effects, creating short, steep seas in strong wind.
Protected area regulations
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a working marine reserve. Mooring buoys are mandatory (no anchoring). Park fees apply (daily or weekly passes). Rules prohibit fishing, spearfishing, and commercial activity. Respect these regulations — enforcement is active and fines are substantial.
Provisioning
Paradise Island (start) and Nassau have full provisioning. Staniel Cay Yacht Club provides fuel, water, and limited provisions. Most other anchorages lack provisions — plan purchases accordingly.
Wildlife interactions
Swimming pigs and nurse sharks are managed experiences. Current Bahamian wildlife protocols may limit pig feeding and shark handling. Verify current regulations and authorized guides before arrival. Photography is permitted, but respecting animal welfare is essential.
Snorkeling and diving
Snorkeling is accessible from most anchorages. SCUBA diving requires certification. Several dive operators are based in Staniel Cay and Nassau. Reefs are healthy, visibility exceeds 80 feet in calm conditions, and encounters with groupers, snappers, and reef sharks are common.
Navigation
The Exuma Cays are well-charted, and piloting is straightforward. The shallow waters (6–20 feet) mean coral heads and rocky outcrops require vigilance in low light. Navigate only in daylight. GPS and detailed charts are essential.
Anchoring
Natural holding is generally good (sand, marl). Some anchorages are crowded during high season (December–March) — arrive early or use mooring buoys (in the park). Always verify depth and holding before committing to anchor.
This itinerary is a suggestion.
Your captain will adapt the route based on weather, wind conditions, your preferences, and current regulations for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Verify wildlife interaction protocols, park mooring availability, and any seasonal closures before departure.
| Day | From | To | NM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paradise Island | → | Allen's Cay | 20 |
| 2 | Allen's Cay | → | Shroud Cay | 15 |
| 3 | Shroud Cay | → | Staniel Cay | 18 |
| 4 | Staniel Cay | → | Warderick Wells | 12 |
| 5 | Warderick Wells | → | Norman's Cay | 8 |
| 6 | Norman's Cay | → | Compass Cay / Rose Island | 25 |
| 7 | Compass Cay / Rose Island | → | New Providence | 67 |
| Total | 165 | |||
