Sample Itinerary
Exumas: Staniel Cay to Normans Cay, 8 days / 7 nights
Luxury Yacht Charter in Bahamas
Day 1
Fly in to charming Staniel Cay in The Exumas, either private or via scheduled flights on Makers Air from Ft. Lauderdale FL, to join your yacht and professional crew. Explore the out-island settlement with its lively yacht club and dive in to the beautiful waters of this popular Exumas destination. Snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto, where you’ll feel as if you are in a giant aquarium. Visit the infamous swimming pigs of nearby Big Major’s Spot. This calm, peaceful anchorage will make you well rested for the week’s adventures to come.
Day 2
Begin the morning with a walk, take a swim, stand-up paddleboard to the beach, or just relax over breakfast. Sail North through the picturesque Pipe Creek, stopping to discover highlights such as Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a natural whirlpool that changes magically with the tides, and the caves and reefs of Rocky Dundas. Anchor for the night in the protected bay of Cambridge Cay with a great sandbar to enjoy sunset cocktails!
Day 3
After a morning swim and a little beachcombing, sail on to Warderick Wells, the headquarters for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Explore the 4 miles of trails on this protected cay and get some world-class photo opportunities of rare flora and fauna. Discover wells, caves and breathtaking views of The Exuma Sound. Scuba dive or snorkel on the vibrant, protected coral reefs with big, friendly fish, or explore by dinghy or stand up paddleboards. This picturesque harbor is another perfect spot for a relaxing evening under the stars and meeting other sailors.
Day 4
Sail North to Hawksbill Cay to enjoy the sugar sand beaches, and then on to Shroud Cay, where a highlight of your charter will be the adventure through the mangrove rivers to the other side of the island. Snorkel, paddleboard, or dinghy through this naturalist’s paradise. Explore the breathtaking beaches and climb to the top of Camp Driftwood for spectacular views. Experience the currents that create a natural water park or play in the gentle surf. This place is heaven on earth – an out-island experience not to be missed!
Day 5
Sail North on the Sound, fishing along the way, to reach Hammerhead Gulch, another fantastic Scuba dive and snorkel site. After lunch, hopefully caught along the way, choose from several secluded bays, sandbars, or crescent shaped beaches to explore and enjoy. Visit nearby Highbourne Cay, with its charming marina and restaurant, “Xuma” for some local fare and flavor. Anchor in Horseshoe Bay for a peaceful evening under the stars.
Day 6
Begin the day with a snorkel of the Octopus Garden reef or paddleboard ashore to walk the long, secluded beaches of Highbourne Cay. Sail on to nearby Allan’s Cay, famous for its large population of Bahamian Iguanas. These friendly and curious creatures will scurry down to meet you on the beach! Enjoy the snorkeling and beaching in this protected group of small cays, a perfect spot to spend another peaceful night.
Day 7
Sail through the stunning cut of Saddleback Cay on our way South to Norman’s Cay. Anchoring in the deserted northern area, you will enjoy stunning beaches where the only footprints are your own! Venture through the trees and rocks to find a spectacular lagoon of sandbars and flats that change magically with the tides. Snorkel the famous sunken drug plane further South. Treasure hunt or picnic on the charming cay we affectionately call Twinkie Beach. With one lone palm tree, it offers a beautiful beach with some of the best shelling around. This day exploring Norman’s Cay will be a major highlight of your trip!
Day 8
Awake to one last morning swim and breakfast, as you leisurely get ready to fly home from Norman’s Cay (either private or charter a small plane back to Nassau). Dinghy ashore as you see your charter plane land – and enjoy your scenic 20 minute charter flight back to Nassau. Hopefully, the magic of the Exumas will stay with you for a lifetime!
