Nassau & Exumas

Nassau & Paradise Island

Home to the Atlantis and several upscale luxury resorts, most EXUMA Charters begin and end out of Nassau. You’ll find all the action you could want before or after your charter. Hit the casino, shop along the marina, listen to live music, catch fireworks during the holidays and then board your charter yacht to escape the masses! Your captain can schedule in a little marina dockage time if Nassau is on your punch list of things to do and see.

The Exumas

EXUMA is a district of the Bahamas with over 365 islands (a.k.a. “cays.”). The draw to The Exumas is the 50 shades of turquoise waters and the sense of tranquility around every cay. Many of the islands are uninhabited but there is still plenty to do on this island hopping charter.

Itinerary Highlights

Swimming with the Pigs

There is nothing more unique than seeing a family of pigs run the beautiful stretch of white sand beach and diving in to meet and greet a boat and its guests. Charter guests will not want to miss a visit to Big Major Cay where they can swim and feed the famous pigs in their “natural” habitat. We don’t know for sure how they arrived. Legend has it they were left behind by a group of sailors who planned to come back and cook them or you might tend to believe another version where they were stranded by a nearby shipwreck and swam to shore. Either way, they are living the good life! Although the island is uninhabited, the pigs are well fed by visitors and tagged and monitored by the conservation department. If it’s not already on your bucket list let’s add #Swim with the Pigs in the Bahamas!

Thunderball Grotto

Thunderball Grotto is another “can’t miss” unique cave experience to snorkel and discover the brightly colored fish who call the rock formation home. If you are the adventurous type, you may find yourself drawn to a climb up the rock (take your swim shoes) and jump through the middle—or just watch as the other crazy visitors do it! Your captain will need to time this visit according to the tides and will advise you on the safest conditions for snorkeling and jumping here. A fun fact to know is the grotto got its name from the 1965 James Bond spy film “Thunderball,” which was filmed here. A second James Bond film, “Never Say Never Again” was also filmed here in 1983. You can pretend you are on the movie set as you explore, discover and frolic through the magical dome.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Staniel Cay Yacht Club is your laid back “beach bar” option that we highly recommend. Enjoy the local bartenders and get yourself on island time while sipping on a Rum Punch or better yet, their famous Gumbay Smash rum drink! If you are a true pirate, add an extra float to really kick your day in gear! Staniel Cay is a hub at the end of the fishing day when the locals filet up their catch right there and toss the excess to the swarming nurse sharks while you watch in awe. Soak in the sounds of the pelicans scrambling for their own dinner, the feel of the sea breeze and the sights of the bright island bungalows in the background of the marina yachts. You will be inspired to ask your captain to do a little deep sea fishing. Test your fishing skills and see what you can pull out for dinner. Hopefully it’s better than the barracuda we caught!

Highborne Cay & Soldier Cay

Referred to as “The Gateway to the Exumas,” Highborne offers a marina setting that attracts catamarans and motor yachts alike. It’s a great place to dock for a night, get your land legs on and dine at the open-air restaurant. Wake up in the morning, put your jogging shoes on and explore.

Have you ever visited an aquarium and wondered what it would be like to be in with all of the fish? Visit the magical spot at Soldier Cay and you’ll know!

Chat’N’Chill Beach Bar

Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach Bar is nestled in the cove of Stocking Island in Exuma. Experience the full effect of the Bahamas lifestyle when you visit Chat’N’Chill Beach Bar. This laid-back atmosphere is perfect for rum runners and good times with the people you love. If you want to give your charter chef a meal off, then dig into the tasty options here–fresh conch and cold Kalik (Bahamian Brewed Beer) and Bahamian style Mac ‘N’ Cheese. Your group will enjoy visiting with the local bartenders and meeting other beach bar bums from across the world while sipping on your tropical delights! While you are at it, why not take a swim on the beach and snorkel here with the stingrays and colorful fish of the Caribbean. People call it heaven on earth. Let us get you there to see for yourself!

So much more along the way…

Your captain/crew will have plenty of hidden gems to show you along the way on your Exumas adventure. You can picnic on secluded beaches, feed rock iguanas in their natural habitat, shell along the seashore, snorkel or dive the deep blues within the protected national park waters, discover a stretch of white sand beach that only pops up at low tide, explore the historic lighthouses and so much more! An excellent place to begin or end your week-long charter is out of Nassau. We recommend shopping at Marina Village for your island wear and souvenirs or the Shops of Baha Mar for your luxury goods, jewelry and one-of-a-kind Bahamian arts and crafts. You will also have spa opportunities, shore excursions, golf or a go for a day pass at the Atlantis Paradise Island for additional land playtime. The sea and land adventure is a synergy of happiness for your Chillaxin’ Charter Vacay!

Featured Yachts

Paradise Awaits