7 Days in Exumas

Arrive at Nassau and be welcomed aboard your yacht, the starting point of your Exuma adventure. A short tender ride takes you to Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, home to the world’s largest open-air marine habitat and 141 acres of water parks. Thrill-seekers can test the Abyss or the Leap of Faith slides, while those seeking calm can wander the pristine beaches. Return to the yacht for a serene sunset cruise to Rose Island, anchoring among soft sands and crystalline waters.

Sail north to the upper Exumas, stopping at the Blue Hole for a mid-journey dive or snorkeling. Highbourne Cay welcomes you with lush hills and a natural spring—a vital freshwater source historically prized by island settlers. Then, meet the charming Allen Cay rock iguanas, who eagerly emerge from limestone brush for a strawberry treat. Anchor in the tranquil bays, letting the serene environment set the tone for the voyage ahead.

Stop at Norman’s Cay, the infamous Medellín Cartel base from 1978–1982, now a sunken plane snorkeling haven. Explore the Curtiss C-46 Commando wreck, now teeming with tropical marine life. Continue to Shroud Cay, where pristine mangrove creeks await exploration via kayak, paddleboard, or wave runner. Time your excursion with the tide and enjoy a beachside picnic prepared by your crew. Evening brings minimal light pollution and a sky full of stars.

Warderick Wells Cay is the headquarters of the world’s first land-and-sea park, founded in 1958. With 176 square miles of strictly protected waters, it is a living reef paradise where snorkeling reveals rainbow-hued coral and playful tropical fish. Hike the island’s rocky trails for panoramic views, or linger on soft beaches, letting the serenity of the park set the tone for the journey ahead.

Staniel Cay has drawn explorers and settlers for centuries, from American Loyalists in 1783 to today’s yacht enthusiasts. Anchored near Big Major Cay, visit the world-famous swimming pigs, snorkel the Thunderball Grotto, or enjoy a quiet lunch at a local beach. The island’s charm is in its effortless mix of natural spectacle and easygoing Bahamian lifestyle.

Compass Cay is home to a resident population of nurse sharks, known for their calm temperament. Swim alongside them in shallow, turquoise waters, or wander the mangroves and quiet coves. With a small marina and intimate beaches, this is an island to pause and fully inhabit the quiet luxury of the Exumas.

The final leg brings you back to Nassau, passing banks and shoals where the water’s clarity rivals glass. Reflect on the week’s journey, from Rose Island’s calm lagoons to Staniel Cay’s playful pigs, and the conservation treasures of Warderick Wells. Back in Nassau, enjoy a farewell cocktail aboard before disembarking, carrying with you the rhythm, luxury, and understated magic of the Exumas.