Superyacht Charter The Exumas

The Exumas cater to water enthusiasts, providing unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying the turquoise blue waters with your yacht’s water toys. Highbourne Cay’s five-star marina is a popular destination for boaters, offering a gateway to explore its eight remote and untouched beaches.

Make a memorable encounter with the iconic swimming pigs at Big Major’s Cay, or experience the breathtaking mile-long sandbar south of Farmer’s Cay. Compass Cay invites you to admire its protected marina and interact with gentle nurse sharks or embrace the friendly island atmosphere. Don’t miss Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a natural phenomenon that creates a floating oasis during high tide.

Thrill-seekers can explore the Washing Machine at Shroud Cay, a lazy river that provides a unique adventure. For history buffs, Norman’s Cay boasts a sunken plane with a fascinating history that attracts curious visitors.

You will love the mix of seclusion and excitement at the Exumas Land & Sea Park, the world’s first of its kind. Embark on an underwater journey through the vibrant marine life that thrives within this protected sanctuary. Visit Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the James Bond film, and witness the beauty of this intricate underwater cave system that captivated audiences on the big screen.

While the swimming pigs are a renowned attraction, the Exumas also offer a chance to encounter wild iguanas on Allen’s Cay, known affectionately as “Iguana Island.” Get up close with these fascinating creatures and create unforgettable memories.

Chartering a yacht in the Exumas can be a fantastic way to explore this stunning part of The Bahamas. The type of yacht you should charter depends on your preferences and the size of your charter group. 

Sailing yachts, for instance, offer an authentic and eco-friendly experience while motor yachts are ideal if you want to cover more ground quickly and enjoy a range of amenities and voluminous cabins and salons. The Exumas offer numerous hidden coves and stunning beaches to explore, and a motor yacht can provide quick access to these sites. Luxury crewed yachts take care of all your needs and provide a level of service and customization that is hard to beat. 

Catamarans are popular in the Exumas because they offer stability, space, and shallow drafts, making them well-suited for the region’s shallow waters. They’re great for families or groups of friends, providing ample room for socializing and relaxation.

The charter experts at Northrop & Johnson have access to the best Exuma luxury yacht charters. Contact one of our yacht brokers today and let them match you with your ideal boat.

The beauty of the Exumas lies in its natural surroundings, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While exploring these destinations, don’t forget to indulge in water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, and enjoying the underwater wonders of the Exumas. We recommend visiting at least one of the following destinations on your Exuma yacht charter. 

Staniel Cay

A popular hub for charters and a great starting point for your Exumas adventure is Staniel Cay. You can visit the famous Thunderball Grotto, a stunning underwater cave featured in James Bond films, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which offers excellent dining and marina services.

Big Major Cay 

This island is famous for its friendly swimming pigs and, therefore, well-known for Pig Beach. Feeding and interacting with these adorable creatures is a unique experience.

Compass Cay

Known for its nurse sharks and friendly swimming experiences with them, Compass Cay allows you to wade in the shallow waters with these gentle creatures. The marina here also provides mooring facilities.

Great Exuma 

The largest of the Exuma islands, Great Exuma, has many attractions, including Georgetown, the capital. Visit the historic Salt Beacon, go shopping, and enjoy local cuisine at various restaurants and beach bars.

Little Farmer’s Cay 

This small, picturesque island is home to the famous Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club, which serves delicious seafood and local dishes. The annual Farmer’s Cay Festival is a lively event to attend if your charter aligns with the timing.

Norman’s Cay

Explore the history of this island, once associated with drug smuggling operations. Today, it’s a peaceful spot with beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Shroud Cay

Part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Shroud Cay is known for its mangrove creeks, clear blue waters, and serene lagoon. It’s a wonderful spot for kayaking and exploring the natural beauty of the Exumas.

Warderick Wells

Also within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Warderick Wells offers great hiking trails, picturesque views, and a visitor’s center where you can learn about the park’s conservation efforts.

The Exumas can be a beautiful and rewarding destination for first-time charterers. It offers breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. Known for its shallow and calm waters, the Exumas make navigation relatively easy, especially for those who are new to chartering. 

The people in the Exumas are known for their warm hospitality, and charterers will find a welcoming atmosphere throughout the islands. The area also provides a range of activities to enjoy, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring natural attractions, which means there is something for everyone. 

We recommend spending some time on a clear and well-thought-out itinerary. Our yacht charter brokers can help with a detailed itinerary that includes the destinations you want to visit, activities you want to do, and a rough schedule. The Exumas offer so much to explore, and a well-planned itinerary will help you make the most of your time.

The best time to charter a yacht in the Exumas is during the dry season from late November to mid-April for the most comfortable and enjoyable experience. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for yacht charters, making it the high season for boating and tourism in the region. 

The dry season brings consistently pleasant weather with low humidity, mild temperatures, and little rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The clear, calm waters during the dry season make it an excellent time for sailing, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. The seas are typically tranquil, and visibility for underwater exploration is at its best. The dry season is also the ideal time for spotting marine life, including nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful fish. It’s also the best time to see the famous swimming pigs and feed the friendly iguanas.

1. Nassau, New Providence 

If you’re flying into the Bahamas from an international location, it’s common to start your journey in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. From Nassau, you can take a connecting flight or ferry to the Exumas. Nassau offers a wide range of provisioning options and services, making it a convenient starting point.

1. Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is one of the most popular embarkation points in the Exumas. It has a small airport, a marina with mooring facilities, and services for charters, and you can fly into Staniel Cay from Nassau or other nearby islands.

1. Georgetown, Great Exuma 

Georgetown is the largest settlement in the Exumas and offers a range of provisioning options, as well as several marinas and anchorages. Great Exuma is a good starting point if you prefer more developed amenities and services.

1. Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands

While not part of the Exumas, the nearby Abaco Islands offer another beautiful area for yacht charters. Marsh Harbour has an airport and a well-developed boating infrastructure. You can charter from here and make your way to the Exumas.

The crystal-clear waters and beautiful marine life make it an ideal destination for water-based adventures. 

Snorkeling – Explore coral reefs, underwater caves, and vibrant marine life. Some popular snorkeling spots include Thunderball Grotto, the Coral Gardens, and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

Scuba Diving – If you’re a certified diver or interested in getting certified, the Exumas offer excellent diving opportunities. Explore underwater caves, blue holes, and diverse marine ecosystems. Diving operators can help you discover the best dive sites.

Paddleboarding – Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the shallow waters of the Exumas. Paddle around cays, through mangrove creeks, or along the coastline while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Kayaking – Rent a kayak and paddle your way through the Exuma Cays’ peaceful and picturesque coves. You can explore the mangrove ecosystems, spot wildlife, and get close to nature.

Kiteboarding – The Exumas provide excellent conditions for kiteboarding due to the steady trade winds and shallow, clear waters. Some areas, like Stocking Island, are popular among kiteboarders.

Waterskiing and Wakeboarding – Many charter yachts have watersports equipment on board, including waterskis and wakeboards. Enjoy these exciting activities in the calm waters of the Exumas.

Tubing – For a fun and exhilarating experience, hop on an inflatable tube and let your yacht’s tender pull you through the clear waters. It’s a great activity for families and friends.

The cost of chartering a private yacht in the Exumas can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and type of yacht, the duration of the charter, the time of year, and any additional services or amenities included. Generally speaking, the larger the yacht, the higher the cost. The price of luxury crewed charters in Exuma starts at around US$50,000 per week and can run into the millions for the world’s finest superyacht charters. Northrop & Johnson has access to a superb selection of yachts for charter in the Exumas, from 30 to 100 meters plus, including motor yachts, sailing boats, catamarans, and the world’s most luxurious mega yachts. Contact our team for more information and to find your ideal Exuma charter yacht.