Exuma Yacht & Boating Guide: Marinas, Routes & Day Trips
The Exuma Cays are among the most beautiful boating destinations in the world—an island chain of more than 365 cays stretching like a necklace across electric-blue water. With shallow sandbars, hidden lagoons, vibrant reefs, and celebrity-owned islands, the Exumas attract yacht owners, charter captains, and high-end travelers who want to explore a world that can only be reached by boat.
From the luxury marina at Emerald Bay to remote anchorages where the water glows neon turquoise, Exuma offers an unparalleled marine playground. Whether you’re captaining your own vessel, chartering a yacht, or taking a guided day trip, this comprehensive guide covers the best marinas, navigation tips, routes, and must-see destinations across the Exuma Cays.
Best Marinas in Exuma
Exuma offers a small but high-quality network of marinas that serve private vessels, superyachts, sailing boats, and charter operations. Below are the island’s top marina options.
1. Emerald Bay Marina (Grand Isle & Sandals Area)
The premier marina in Great Exuma, Emerald Bay accommodates yachts up to 260 feet and offers world-class facilities. Located next to Sandals Emerald Bay and Grand Isle Resort, it’s the best option for luxury travelers.
Features:
It’s the ideal base for long-term docking or starting multi-day voyages into the northern cays.
2. George Town / Elizabeth Harbour Moorings
George Town doesn’t have a conventional marina, but it offers protected moorings, dinghy docks, and one of the most scenic natural harbors in the Bahamas.
Great for:
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Sailing yachts
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Long-term cruisers
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Smaller boats
Nearby services include markets, marine supplies, restaurants, and water taxi access to Stocking Island.
3. Highbourne Cay Marina (Northern Exumas)
If you're exploring the Exuma Cays by yacht, Highbourne Cay is often the first major marina heading south from Nassau.
Highlights:
It’s a perfect overnight stop en route to Norman’s, Shroud, or Warderick Wells.
4. Staniel Cay Yacht Club (Central Exumas)
One of the most iconic boating hubs in the Bahamas, Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC) is the gateway to several famous attractions.
Amenities:
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Fuel station
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Dockage for mid-size yachts
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On-site restaurant and bungalows
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Proximity to Thunderball Grotto & Pig Beach
SCYC is a must-visit port for private captains traveling through the central cays.
Popular Boating Routes in the Exuma Cays
Whether you're planning a full yacht itinerary or a single perfect day trip, these are the signature routes Exuma is known for.
1. Great Exuma → Stocking Island (Short Route)
Distance: Less than 1 mile
This is the most accessible boating route in Exuma. Many visitors take water taxis, but private captains enjoy exploring at their own pace.
Why go:
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Calm water
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Sand Dollar Beach
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Snorkeling reefs
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Chat ’N’ Chill stingrays
Perfect for beginners or relaxed half-day boating.
2. Great Exuma → Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Distance: 2–6 miles depending on route
A national park filled with mangroves, lagoons, sandbars, and hidden beaches. This shallow paradise is perfect for kayaks, small boats, and experienced boaters who understand tidal conditions.
Best features:
Go at mid-tide or high tide to avoid grounding.
3. Great Exuma → Staniel Cay (Full Day Trip)
Distance: 50–60 miles north
This is the most famous day trip in the Exumas, typically done via powerboat or private charter.
Stops include:
For yacht travelers, this route is a top bucket-list experience.
4. Highbourne Cay → Compass Cay → Staniel Cay Route
Distance: 15–30 miles depending on stops
This route is extremely popular with yachts starting in Nassau.
Highlights:
Ideal for multi-day itineraries through the northern and central cays.
5. Staniel Cay → Warderick Wells (Exuma Land & Sea Park)
Distance: 15–20 miles
Warderick Wells is the heart of the Exuma Land & Sea Park, a protected marine sanctuary.
Why yacht travelers love it:
This area offers some of the best anchorages in the Bahamas.
Best Day Trips by Boat in Exuma
Whether you prefer captained charters or self-driven boats (only recommended for experienced navigators), these are the top day trips.
1. Pig Beach & Compass Cay Sharks
The Exumas’ most iconic experience. A typical tour includes:
This trip alone brings millions of social media impressions every year.
2. Stocking Island Beaches & Stingrays
A low-cost, close-to-shore day trip perfect for families.
Activities:
You can spend an entire day here without needing a long boat ride.
3. Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Ideal for nature lovers.
Experience:
This is one of the most peaceful boating destinations in Exuma.
4. Great Exuma to Little Exuma Coastline Cruise
This route features:
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Hermitage Beach
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Tropic of Cancer Beach
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Rum distillery ruins
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Uncrowded shorelines
A great half-day exploration of Exuma’s southern waters.
Anchoring & Navigation Tips for the Exumas
The Exumas are stunning but require careful attention to tides, charts, and shallow water.
1. Tides are significant
Large areas become extremely shallow at low tide—plan.
2. Watch for coral heads
They appear dark from above. Stay in light-colored water when navigating.
3. Use official Bahamas charts
Highly recommended:
4. Avoid risky narrow cuts
Only experienced captains should pass through certain reef cuts between cays.
5. Follow no-wake zones
Especially near Stocking Island, marinas, and mangroves.
6. Respect marine life
The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park prohibits fishing and shelling.
Final Thoughts
Exuma is one of the world’s most spectacular boating destinations. With its glowing sandbars, calm harbors, luxury marinas, protected national parks, and iconic stops like Pig Beach and Thunderball Grotto, it’s a paradise for private captains and yacht guests. Whether you're planning a single day on the water or a multi-day yachting adventure through the Cays, the routes and marinas in this guide offer everything you need to explore Exuma with confidence.