The Exuma island chain in the Bahamas is a renowned destination for shallow-draft cruising. Stretching across 120 miles of clear Atlantic water, this archipelago features white sandbars, protected marine parks, and vibrant coral reefs.
Island hopping by boat allows you to reach remote cays, swim with nurse sharks, and drop anchor on isolated sandbars exposed only at low tide.
Staniel Cay serves as the central hub for exploring the Cays. Just off its shores lies Thunderball Grotto, a hollow underwater cave system named after the classic James Bond film.
At low tide, snorkel inside the grotto to see colorful marine life illuminated by sunlight streaming through holes in the rock ceiling. Nearby Big Major Cay is home to the famous swimming pigs.
Coordinates: 24.1712, -76.4423
Fly into Nassau (NAS) and take a 30-minute Flamingo Air flight to Staniel Cay Airstrip (TYM). Alternatively, charter a yacht directly from Nassau Harbor.
Stay at Staniel Cay Yacht Club for water bungalows, Big Major Spot for beach access, or Black Point for local island living.
Warderick Wells Cay serves as headquarters for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile marine preserve established in 1958. It features pristine coral reefs and protected wildlife habitats.
Anchor in the natural tidal creek to explore miles of nature trails. Hike up Boo Boo Hill for panoramic views across the turquoise park waters.
Coordinates: 24.3981, -76.6234
Accessible only by boat. Sail south from Nassau across the Yellow Bank or north from Staniel Cay. Mooring buoys must be reserved through park headquarters.
Stay aboard an anchored yacht, or book luxury beachfront cottages on nearby Compass Cay or Highbourne Cay.
Compass Cay is famous for its marina basin inhabited by a resident population of friendly nurse sharks. Visitors can walk into knee-deep water or swim alongside them in the clear marina shallows.
Beyond the marina, Compass Cay features Crescent Beach, a mile-long stretch of white sand along the eastern ocean side of the island.
Coordinates: 24.2612, -76.5123
Dock at Compass Cay Marina or anchor in the deep channel outside. Day trips run by powerboat from Staniel Cay or Nassau.
Stay in Compass Cay Marina Cottages, Staniel Cay, or Fowl Cay Resort.
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