When is the cruising season in the Exumas?

December through May. The Bahamian winter offers calm seas, light winds, and the most consistent visibility for the cay-to-cay cruising the Exumas are known for.

Where do charters depart from?

Highbourne Cay and Sampson Cay are the principal entry points. Some charters embark in Nassau and run south to the Exumas chain.

How long is a typical charter in the Exumas?

Seven to ten nights. The chain rewards slower cruising — many of the anchorages are tide-dependent and the route is shaped by weather windows.

Can charters extend to the rest of the Bahamas?

Yes — the Berry Islands, the Abacos, and the southern Eleuthera anchorages are within reach. Multi-week Bahamas cruises are arranged on owner request.

Bahamas · yacht charter

Exumas.

Cay-to-cay cruising across the Exuma chain from Highbourne and Sampson Cay, with shallow private anchorages throughout.

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Overview

What to expect.

The Exumas are a chain of nearly four hundred cays running south from Nassau. A tide-shaped cruising ground that rewards slower itineraries and shallower drafts. Embarkation is typically from Highbourne Cay or Sampson Cay; some charters embark in Nassau and run south to join the chain.

The season runs December through May. Calm seas, light winds, and the consistent visibility that defines the Bahamian winter make this the operating window. The anchorages are tide-dependent. Routing is shaped by weather windows rather than fixed itineraries. And seven to ten nights is the minimum for the chain to make sense.

Fleet

Yachts currently open in Exumas.

Available on request

The current selection for Exumas is shared privately on request. Speak to a yacht advisor for a curated shortlist.

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Season

When to cruise.

Best months: December to May
Prevailing winds: Trade winds · steady
Typical base ports: Nassau · Highbourne Cay

December through May. The Bahamian winter. Tide and weather shape the routing; the chain rewards slower cruising. Seven nights is the operating minimum for the chain to make sense.

Ports

Marinas and anchorages.

Highbourne Cay
The northern entry point to the chain. The standard embarkation for cay-to-cay cruising.
Sampson Cay
A mid-chain anchorage. The central operating point for longer Exumas itineraries.

Frequently asked

Practical questions.

When is the cruising season in the Exumas?: December through May. The Bahamian winter offers calm seas, light winds, and the most consistent visibility for the cay-to-cay cruising the Exumas are known for.
Where do charters depart from?: Highbourne Cay and Sampson Cay are the principal entry points. Some charters embark in Nassau and run south to the Exumas chain.
How long is a typical charter in the Exumas?: Seven to ten nights. The chain rewards slower cruising — many of the anchorages are tide-dependent and the route is shaped by weather windows.
Can charters extend to the rest of the Bahamas?: Yes — the Berry Islands, the Abacos, and the southern Eleuthera anchorages are within reach. Multi-week Bahamas cruises are arranged on owner request.

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