Cruising the Bahamas: the Magic of the Exumas

It’s never been easier to fly privately into Staniel Cay, with plenty of aviation options available for both private jets and chartered flights. If you’re flying in from the USA, you do need to be aware that Staniel Cay is not a port of entry.

You’ll touch down on Staniel Cay and meet your yacht at the local yacht club. After a warm welcome on board, your yacht will head out for a sunset meal overlooking the pastel-colored buildings of the yacht club, and you’ll spend the night anchored in the calm waters of the Exumas.

The first sight you’ll encounter is the sunken remains of a former drug smuggling plane. Now serving as an artificial reef, this skeleton of this jet makes an incredible opportunity for seeing sea life up close. If your yacht has a Go-Pro, be sure to capture some footage of yourself swimming through the sunken aircraft.

Next, you’ll visit Thunderball Grotto. Named after the James Bond movie, this partially submerged cave is home to some spectacular rock formations and awe-inspiring scenery. Have lunch on deck and head over to Sampson Cay, where you can spend the afternoon playing with water toys and enjoying the sun-warmed blue waters. Anchor overnight.

Spend your morning water-skiing, snorkelling, and enjoying the feeling of the sugar-soft sand between your toes. Have lunch as you cruise over to Big Major’s Cay.

Here, you’ll meet the iconic swimming pigs of the Bahamas. They’ll paddle straight up the tender to greet you as you cruise in, and your yacht crew will give you food to feed them. Pat them and take some pictures before heading back to your yacht for a themed dining extravaganza.

This impressive network of caves boasts some incredible stalactites and stalagmites that create a natural cathedral setting. Take in the sights above the surface of the sea, but don’t forget to don your snorkeling gear and dive into the natural pools.

Nearby, you’ll find the famous attraction of ‘Rachel’s Bubble Bath’. This natural whirlpool is best described as a cross between a water park ride and a thermal spa, and it varies according to the tide. Your yacht crew will know the best time to take you.

You’re now entering the Exumas Land and Sea Park. This area is truly awe-inspiring, so be prepared for some mesmerizing sights and great diving opportunities.

O’Brien’s Cay is home to another plane wreck. This plane is located much deeper than the one at Staniel Cay, and its nose is buried in the seabed at a much sharper angle. After swimming around it, hop back in your tender and go check out the Aquarium. This dive site is so-called because of its kaleidoscopic variety of fish; you’ll have hours of fun seeing the metropolis of marine life below the surface.

A former pirate’s hideaway, the anchorages in this region are very shallow, with lots of sandbars that rise from the sea at low tide. Tidal currents create little rivers that everyone in your charter party will love playing in.

Grab your hiking boots and head on shore for a look around Boo Hill. There are over 4 miles of hiking trails to choose from; pick your favorite and keep a weather eye for the white-tailed tropical birds which nest in the wild bushes here. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the blindingly blue sea that stretches out for miles around, before heading back to your yacht for a sunset meal in the most peaceful surroundings.

he little island of Shroud Cay is primed for playing with water toys. Anchor in a quiet bay and get to grips with Jet-Skis and water-skiing, or simply enjoy some leisurely snorkeling above the coral reefs. The island itself is home to lots of sheltered creeks that make excellent spots for paddleboarding.

On the east side of the island, there’s also the famous Washing Machine, which is a cut between two outcrops of land where the tide gathers some speed. It’s perfect for riding the current on the back of inflatable toys. In this area, you'll also find shallow water that's only a foot or two deep, and it's usually the temperature of bathwater from being warmed by the sun. Ask your yacht crew to bring you an evening aperitif, and enjoy drinking your cocktail of choice while lying back in the warm water.

Depending on the tides, your next stop might be the Exumas Sandbar. This beautiful sight makes a lovely spot for a lunchtime beach picnic, but it can sometimes get busy.

After lunch, cruise onwards to the Allen Cay. This idyllic spot is famous for Iguana Beach, where you can see these lizards basking in the sun on the hot sand. Feed them some scraps and take some pictures.

You’ll disembark feeling relaxed, refreshed and filled with happy memories of your Bahamas yacht charter.

If you'd like learn more about chartering in the Exumas and beyond, please read our comprehensive Bahamas yacht charter guide. For more information about booking an Exumas yacht rental, contact your preferrred yacht charter broker.