7 Best Islands to Visit in the Exumas by Yacht

Table of Contents

• Why the Exumas Are the Premier Yacht Destination in the Bahamas
• 1. Staniel Cay: Swimming Pigs and Thunderball Grotto
• 2. Compass Cay: Nurse Sharks and Sheltered Anchorage
• 3. Highbourne Cay: Pristine Waters and Private Anchorages
• 4. Norman's Cay: Snorkeling and Island History
• Planning Your Exuma Cays Itinerary by Yacht
• Best Time to Visit the Exumas for Yacht Charters
• Getting from Miami to Exumas by Yacht
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: October 16, 2026

Why the Exumas Are the Premier Yacht Destination in the Bahamas

The Exuma Cays deliver what most travelers imagine when they picture Caribbean yacht cruising: turquoise shallows, white-sand beaches, wild swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and snorkeling reefs in rare concentration.

For Miami-based travelers, the Exumas sit just 50 nautical miles southeast, accessible for both day charters and multi-day escapes. The islands stretch roughly 120 miles north to south, offering dozens of anchorages, each with its own character. The 7 best islands to visit in the Exumas by yacht combine accessibility, activities, and genuine adventure.

YCN Miami has coordinated over 1,750 yacht charters across South Florida and the Bahamas, and the Exuma Cays consistently rank as the top destination for families, groups, and couples seeking multi-day experiences. Shallow-water access, protected anchorages, and world-class snorkeling suit both seasoned sailors and first-time charter guests.

Below, we walk through the 7 best islands to visit in the Exumas by yacht and how to plan a charter that hits the highlights without feeling rushed.

1. Staniel Cay: Swimming Pigs and Thunderball Grotto

Staniel Cay is the most famous stop in the Exumas. The island is home to the swimming pigs of Pig Beach and Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system that doubles as a snorkeling destination and film location.

The swimming pigs are wild boars that live on the beach and swim out to meet approaching boats, expecting food. Accustomed to human interaction, they make for a safe, manageable encounter if you follow basic guidelines.

Thunderball Grotto sits nearby and offers snorkeling in a partially submerged limestone cave, named for its appearance in the James Bond film. Accessible only by tender or dinghy, the cave reveals stalactites, fish, and an otherworldly atmosphere. Visit early morning, before other boats arrive.

Staniel Cay has a small settlement with a marina, restaurant, and a few shops. The anchorage crowds during peak season, but most charter itineraries include at least one night here.

Pros:

• Iconic activities (swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto) that justify the trip alone
• Good marina facilities and food options on the island
• Protected anchorage with room for multiple yachts
• Short cruise from Nassau or Bimini

Cons:

• Extremely crowded during peak season (December-March)
• Pig Beach can feel commercialized; the pigs are fed by tourists daily
• Limited privacy or solitude on the island itself

2. Compass Cay: Nurse Sharks and Sheltered Anchorage

Compass Cay offers a different marine encounter: nurse sharks. A shallow-water population has become habituated to human presence, letting snorkelers and swimmers observe them up close, an experience combining education, wildlife viewing, and manageable adventure.

Nurse sharks are docile bottom-feeders that pose no threat to humans; they're curious but not aggressive, and most first-time snorkelers find the encounter less intimidating than expected. Respect the animals and follow your guide's instructions.

Beyond the sharks, Compass Cay offers excellent reef snorkeling and a well-protected anchorage with good holding ground, deep enough for larger yachts and shallow enough for smaller boats. The small, undeveloped island feels quieter and more remote than Staniel Cay.

Pros:

• Unique wildlife experience (nurse sharks) unavailable elsewhere
• Quieter, less crowded than Staniel Cay
• Excellent snorkeling on nearby reefs
• Protected anchorage with room to swing

Cons:

• Shark encounter not suitable for all guests (fear, allergies, or medical conditions)
• Limited facilities on the island itself
• Smaller anchorage area compared to other Exuma destinations

3. Highbourne Cay: Pristine Waters and Private Anchorages

Highbourne Cay sits at the northern edge of the Exuma Cays, a stark contrast to the crowded, activity-focused islands to the south. Privately owned and undeveloped, with no settlement, restaurants, or facilities, it offers solitude, pristine water, and true remoteness.

The anchorage off Highbourne Cay is deep and protected, suitable for yachts of all sizes. The water is exceptionally clear, the snorkeling world-class, and nearby reefs support abundant fish, coral, and marine life. Beaches are pristine and quiet, accessible by tender.

Highbourne Cay works best as a stopping point on a longer itinerary rather than a destination unto itself. Many charters spend a night or two here transitioning between Nassau and the central Exumas, ideal for guests who want to slow down, swim, snorkel, and simply be on the water.

Pros:

• Pristine, undeveloped island with minimal crowds
• Exceptional snorkeling and marine life
• Deep, protected anchorage
• Quiet, restorative atmosphere

Cons:

• No facilities, restaurants, or services on the island
• Limited activities beyond swimming and snorkeling
• Less suitable as a standalone destination; better as part of a longer itinerary

4. Norman's Cay: Snorkeling and Island History

Norman's Cay combines snorkeling, history, and a more developed island experience, with a small settlement, marina, restaurant, and basic services. Surrounding reefs offer healthy coral and abundant fish.

The island also carries history: in the 1980s, Norman's Cay became known as a drug-trafficking hub, and a sunken aircraft wreck still sits in the shallow water offshore. Today the wreck is a sobering snorkeling destination, and the rehabilitated cay is peaceful and welcoming.

The anchorage is spacious and well-protected, the marina offers fuel, water, and provisioning, and the restaurant serves fresh conch and local seafood. That mix of facilities, snorkeling, and island character makes Norman's Cay a popular multi-day stop.

Pros:

• Good marina and restaurant facilities
• Excellent snorkeling on nearby reefs
• Historical significance and unique storytelling
• Spacious, protected anchorage

Cons:

• More developed and less remote than other Exuma islands
• Historical wreck site may not appeal to all guests
• Busier than the quieter northern cays

Planning Your Exuma Cays Itinerary by Yacht

A successful Exuma Cays yacht charter depends on realistic planning. The islands span 120 miles, and weather, wind, and sea conditions affect travel times and anchorage choices.

Most multi-day charters follow a similar pattern: depart Miami or Nassau, cruise south to Staniel Cay, explore the central Exumas, and return. A typical four-day itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Miami, cruise to Highbourne Cay or a northern anchorage. Settle in, swim, snorkel.

65ft Prestige | Exumas →

Day 2: Cruise to Staniel Cay, visit Pig Beach and Thunderball Grotto, anchor overnight.

Day 3: Explore Compass Cay (nurse sharks and snorkeling) or Norman's Cay. Anchor, swim, dine.

Day 4: Return to Miami or Nassau, or extend the charter for additional islands.

Longer charters of seven days or more allow additional stops, including Rose Island, Warderick Wells, and the Abacos. The key is not rushing between anchorages; a good captain adjusts the itinerary to weather, wind, and your preferences.

The choice of yacht matters in the Exumas. Shallow-draft catamarans like the 53ft Leopard Power Cat BruSea reach sandbars and flats that deeper monohulls cannot. For larger groups or families on longer charters, the 65ft Lagoon Atlantia offers space, stability, and room for water toys and snorkeling gear. For day charters from Miami, the 65ft Prestige Exumas delivers the amenities and performance to make a full day on the water feel effortless.

Best Time to Visit the Exumas for Yacht Charters

The best time to visit the Exumas depends on your priorities: weather, crowds, or both.

Peak Season (December-March): The weather is warm and dry, with calm seas, reliable wind, and daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The islands are crowded, though, and anchorages fill quickly.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-November): These months offer a sweet spot: warm weather, thinner crowds, and lower prices. Hurricane season officially begins in June, but the risk of major storms in April and May is low.

Summer (June-August): Low season brings the lowest prices and quiet islands, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, the sea can be choppy, and tropical storm risk increases, though major events remain infrequent. Many charter companies reduce their fleets.

Winter Storms (January-February): Cold fronts occasionally sweep through the Bahamas with rough seas and strong winds. These events are brief but can disrupt plans; experienced captains monitor weather closely and adjust itineraries.

For most travelers, the best time to visit the Exumas by yacht is April through May or October through November. You'll enjoy good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable pricing.

Getting from Miami to Exumas by Yacht

The journey from Miami to the Exuma Cays is straightforward for experienced captains and manageable for first-time charter guests. Distance depends on your destination within the Exumas.

Distance and Travel Time:

• Miami to Highbourne Cay (northern Exumas): approximately 50 nautical miles, 4-5 hours depending on sea conditions and yacht speed
• Miami to Staniel Cay (central Exumas): approximately 65 nautical miles, 5-6 hours
• Miami to the southern Exumas: 80+ nautical miles, 6-8 hours

Route and Navigation: Most yachts depart Miami, cruise southeast across the Gulf Stream, and make landfall in the northern Exumas before working south.

Weather Considerations: Check the marine forecast before departing. Rough seas and strong winds can make the crossing uncomfortable, though modern yachts handle typical conditions well.

Charter Yacht Options for the Exuma Cays:

For the Exuma Cays specifically, several yachts from YCN Miami's fleet are exceptionally well-suited:

The 65ft Prestige Exumas is purpose-built for this region. Three staterooms, a flybridge, and multiple outdoor spaces deliver comfort and performance for multi-day charters, with water toys, snorkeling gear, and a professional crew aboard.

The 53ft Leopard Power Cat BruSea is based in Nassau and offers shallow-draft access to the Exumas' best anchorages.

The 65ft Lagoon Atlantia is a larger catamaran built for multi-day comfort.

For day charters from Miami, the 70ft Sunreef Orca offers maximum deck space and stability, ideal for larger groups wanting a full day on the water without an overnight commitment.

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A yacht charter through the Exuma Cays delivers on the promise of turquoise water, white sand, and genuine adventure, whether you're swimming with pigs, snorkeling with nurse sharks, or anchoring in pristine solitude.

YCN Miami has the expertise, fleet, and local knowledge to turn your Exuma Cays vision into reality. Bahamas Yacht Charters through YCN Miami provide personalized itineraries, professional captains, and access to yachts suited to your group size and preferences. Speak with our charter specialists to plan your Exuma Cays itinerary, and discover how a professional yacht charter transforms a vacation into something unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best islands to visit in the Exumas by yacht?

Staniel Cay, Compass Cay, Highbourne Cay, and Norman's Cay top the list for yacht charters. Staniel Cay offers the famous swimming pigs and Thunderball Grotto. Compass Cay features nurse sharks and excellent snorkeling. Highbourne Cay provides pristine anchorages and calm waters. Norman's Cay combines snorkeling reefs with fascinating maritime history. Each island offers distinct experiences, from wildlife encounters to water sports and quiet anchorages.

How many days do you need to explore the Exumas by yacht?

A three-to-five-day charter covers the main islands comfortably, allowing time for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring each destination without rushing. Longer charters, seven days or more, let you venture into the northern cays and Berry Islands.

Can you sail from Miami to the Exumas?

Yes. The journey from Miami to the Exumas takes approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on sea conditions and your destination within the Exumas. Most yacht charters depart from Nassau, which is roughly 35 nautical miles from the northern Exuma Cays.

What is the best time of year to visit the Exumas by yacht?

December through April offers the most favorable conditions: calm seas, pleasant temperatures (70-75°F), and excellent visibility for snorkeling. This season attracts the most visitors. May through November is the hurricane season, with higher winds and occasional storms. However, late April and early May can provide good conditions with fewer crowds. Avoid September and October due to increased storm activity.

Which Exuma islands are best for snorkeling?

Norman's Cay has thriving coral reefs and abundant tropical fish within easy swimming distance. Compass Cay offers nurse shark encounters and clear shallow water. Highbourne Cay features pristine reefs and diverse marine life. Staniel Cay combines snorkeling with the famous swimming pigs experience.