Explore the Enchanting Exuma Cays!
7-Day Sailing Itinerary in the Bahamas
Enjoy a memorable yacht charter holiday in the beautiful waters of the Bahamas with this 7-day sailing itinerary. Swim with the famous Bahamas pigs, explore historical treasures, and marvel at underwater wildlife. The Bahamas promises a memorable sailing holiday, whether it's soft sandy beaches, deep sea fishing or cave diving.
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step 01
Day 1: Nassau to Highbourne Cay (33 nautical miles)
Begin your yacht charter holiday from Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Set sail for Highbourne Cay, a private island in the Exuma Cays. Take a stroll to discover one of the eight pristine beaches of the island, we recommend the untouched East Beach. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters on a diving tour to discover the fascinating Austin Smith shipwreck, 60 feet below sea level. Discover rich marine life by snorkelling or simply going for a refreshing swim. If you want a truly unique experience, swim alongside or feed gentle nurse sharks. Relax on your boat after a memorable first day on your yacht charter in the Bahamas.
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step 02
Day 2: Highbourne Cay to Hawksbill Cay (19 nautical miles)
Continue your sailing holiday to the uninhabited Hawksbills Cay. This peaceful paradise is the perfect place to relax and rewind on your sail through the Exumas. You can sunbathe on the island's soft sandy beaches on the western and eastern shores of the cay. At low tide, a magnificent soft sand bar stretches across the end of the cay. It is possible to walk from the north end across the sand bar to the island's east side. If you are feeling adventurous, take the trail to the remains of a historic 1700s Loyalist settlement, one of the best preserved in the Bahamas. Savour a sunset from your boat to end the second day of your yacht charter holiday.
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step 03
Day 3: Hawksbill Cay to Big Major Cay Staniel Cay (28 nautical miles)
On the third day of your yacht charter in the Bahamas, set sail for Big Major Cay, home to the world-famous Bahamas' swimming pigs. Visit Pig Beach, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the pigs, and get some social media content! After this unforgettable experience, sail a short distance to Staniel Cay, at the centre of the archipelago of the Exuma Cays' 365 islands. Visit Thunderball Grotto, a must-see cave for divers and snorkelers, that featured in two James Bond films. When you enter the magnificent cave, you'll be surrounded by vibrant fish that sparkle in the sunlight beaming through.
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step 04
Day 4: Staniel Cay to Warderick Wells Cay (21 nautical miles)
Leave the stunning Staniel Cay and hoist the sails for Warderick Wells Cay, the headquarters of the Exuma Land and Sea Park. If you're feeling adventurous, put on your hiking boots and trek along one of the island's walking trails to experience the limestone landscape and coastal coppice ecosystems that characterise the Bahamas. Make sure to soak in the expansive panoramas of the surrounding areas! Snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island and discover a vibrant array of marine life, including triggerfish and nurse sharks. Leisurely cruise the sapphire blue waters by kayak to end another day's sailing in paradise.
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Day 5: Warderick Wells Cay to Normans Cay (18 nautical miles)
Depart Warderick Wells Cay and sail towards Norman's Cay, renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Venture underwater and discover the reefs teeming with marine life. For adventurers, you can explore the underwater wreckage of Pablo Escobar's plane. You'll be transported back to the darker days of Norman's Cay when it was a base for Colombian drug traffickers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. If you fancy fishing, the deeper seas around Norman's Cay are teeming with fish, such as mahi mahi and tuna, providing an excellent deep-sea fishing experience. As the day draws to a close, dine at a traditional restaurant and taste local seafood delicacies.
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step 06
Day 6: Norman's Cay to Allen's Cay (11 nautical miles)
Depart from Normans Cay to Allen's Cay, nestled in the northern Examus of the Bahamas. Discover the cays Rock Iguanas, an endangered species found only on the island. Meet the friendly creatures on the beach, and create memorable moments, as well as incredible photo opportunities. If you are feeling adventurous, the surrounding clear and calm waters are perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking. If watersports are not on your agenda, the beaches are ideal for lounging in the sun, reading a good book, or simply relaxing with the soothing waves of the Caribbean Sea as background music. The cay's untouched nature provides an idyllic escape from the more commercialised areas of the Bahamas.
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step 07
Day 7: Allens Cay to Nassau (30 nautical miles)
On your final day of sailing in the Bahamas, make your return journey to Nassau. Don't forget to tidy the boat before you complete the final checkout! Then, explore the rich history of Nassau, the museums, architecture, and fascinating pirate legends. You can visit art galleries, heritage museums, pirate hideouts, and old colonial architecture, or take a walking tour of the Old Town. With the guidance of our 7-day sailing itinerary, your yacht charter in the Bahamas will be full of unique experiences and memorable moments!