Exumas, Bahamas

With over 300 islands and cays spread across 120 miles of sparkling turquoise and deep blue waters, the Exumas promise endless private spots and hideaways. Nestled in the heart of the central Bahamas, southwest of Nassau and just a day’s sail from Eleuthera, the Exumas are renowned for their exceptional snorkeling, diving, sailing, and pristine beaches.

Begin your Exumas adventure in Nassau at the full-service Sunsail base in Palm Cay. The base features a restaurant, hotel, pool, dive shop, and private beach, providing an excellent start and end to your sailing vacation. Nassau is easily accessible via flights from major North American and European cities, with a thirty-minute trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport to Palm Cay Marina.

What makes the Exumas so special? Is it the sparsely populated islands with their serene, untouched beaches? The incredible reefs and crystal-clear waters? The delightful year-round weather? Or is it the countless places to explore, from secluded beaches where your footprints may be the only ones to charming waterfront dining in scattered towns on populated islands? The Exumas are perhaps the most tranquil and pristine island chain in the Bahamas, a shining gem among precious stones.

A few hours of sailing from Palm Cay Marina takes you to Highbourne Cay, the gateway to the Exumas and the start of a lifetime adventure. After exploring Highbourne’s eight beaches, snorkeling the blue holes or the Octopus Garden Reef, or dining with breathtaking views from the hilltop restaurant, set your course south and discover something unique.

Norman’s Cay boasts more beautiful beaches and a lagoon with a crashed DC3 for snorkelers. At uninhabited Shroud Cay, float along the mangrove creek to the “washing machine” slide at the river’s mouth. Shroud lies within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, offering moorings for visitors keen on exploring the abundant land and marine wildlife.

If you pass Big Major, make sure to swim with the friendly pigs, a highlight of many Exumas vacations. Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto on Staniel Cay is a must for movie enthusiasts, as it was the filming location for two James Bond films. The Exumas Land and Sea Park headquarters on Warderick Wells Cay is also a worthwhile visit.

AMENITIES

Restaurant

Hotel

Pool

Dive Shop