Exumas Yacht Charters
An Exumas yacht charter is the ideal sailing vacation for those who enjoy solitude, unspoiled natural beauty and quaint, low-key beach settlements.
What’s on this pageHighlights
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Famous swimming pigs
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Pristine coves
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Swimming with sharks
Bahamas yacht charter, the Exumas
Our base is located at Palm Cay Marina in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas on the island of New Providence. Less than 30 miles south-east of here, you can discover the Exumas island chain with its 365 cays.
The cays of the Exumas in the Out Islands of the Bahamas offer amazing diving, and snorkeling. Visit Highbourne Cay to snorkel the Octopus Garden reef at Horseshoe Bay, or dive the 3.5 billion year old stromatolite reefs on the east coast. It’s located in the south of the Abacos, another favorite bahamas sailing destination.
Any animal lovers on your Exuma yacht charter can swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, encounter swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay and feed the iguanas at Allen Cays.
When sailing the Exumas, we’d recommend anchoring at Highbourne Cay Marina, from where you can relax on the beach, hike the island trails and unwind during happy hour at the marina restaurant overlooking the gorgeous bay.
Staniel Cay, where you’ll find the beautiful grotto seen in the James Bond movie Thunderball, is another highlight of any Exuma yacht charter. Or why not visit Warderick Wells Cay, the perfect jumping off point for exploring the area of outstanding natural beauty that is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Choose charter type below to see available charters options
Easy crewed
The simplest, hassle-free way to charter a crewed private yacht.
SailShare
Low package rates for island-hopping aboard a sailing yacht.
Aqualodge
Get closer to nature on the perfect self-catering Caribbean vacation.
Power Catamaran
Cruise faster and see more on the perfect charter boat.
Things to do in the Exumas
Head to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
This 176 square-mile park can only be reached by boat or seaplane. The park is a great find for divers, with its underwater world of limestone, reefs and caves. Animal lovers will marvel at the numerous tropical birds, iguanas and hawksbill turtles.
See the famous swimming pigs
Vacationers from around the world have flocked to Big Major Cay to see the famous Bahamas swimming pigs. It’s one of the most popular things to do in the Exumas. Wade into the clear waters and feed these friendly hogs pitted fruits and vegetables.
Swim with nurse sharks
Make for Compass Cay during your Exuma yacht charter and swim with friendly nurse sharks. You can also feed the sharks fish, if you have any to spare.
Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto
Head to Staniel Cay and, just across the water from the yacht club, you’ll find the amazing Thunderball Grotto where the James Bond movie Thunderball was filmed. Snorkel this marine cave at low tide and marvel at the shafts of sunlight that illuminate the cavern.
See the rare Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas
Sail to Allen’s Cays to see the rare Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, which are only found in the Exumas. You can feed these gentle creatures with grapes, but beware because these iguanas can grow quite big and jump pretty high.
Weather insights
When is the best time to go to the Exumas?
Temperatures in the Exumas cool very slightly to between 82-88ºF in the high season between December and April, which is the best time to visit. The hottest months in the Bahamas are July and August and the wettest months are May and June.
What are the sailing conditions in the Exumas?
Sailing conditions in the Bahamas include easterly winds between 10-15 knots and care is needed as the water can have very shallow depths. The tidal range is up to 3.5ft.
Sailing the Exumas with Dream Yacht Charter
Exumas yacht charter
Sail the Exumas and enjoy one of the world’s most unspoiled sailing destinations. Choose from our bareboat yacht charters and cutting-edge catamarans and monohulls.
Exumas skippered charters
Can’t sail? Hire a skipper and make the most of your vacation by sailing the islands of the Exumas. Your skipper will sail you and your guests while you relax.
Exumas by the cabin charters
Enjoy the Exumas without any planning, sailing or cooking with our by the cabin charters. We do everything, so you don’t have to. Just reserve your own private cabin and bathroom.
Exumas crewed charters
Take your vacation to a new level of luxury with our personalized Exumas crewed charters. Hire your own private luxury yacht and relax while our captain and chef look after you and your guests.
Exumas sailing itinerary
Take a look at our Bahamas sailing vacation suggestions
Nassau 7 Days
Other Itineraries
8-day itinerary Exumas
Useful information for an Exumas boat charter
Where are the Exumas located?
The Exumas is an archipelago that is part of the Bahamas and starts southwest of Nassau.
How to get to the Exumas from the US?
To get to the Exumas you can fly direct to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau with Delta, United, American and Air Canada airlines.
We can arrange airport transfers on request and the airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away from our base.
What is the language spoken in the Exumas?
The language spoken in the Exumas is English.
What is the currency for the Exumas?
The currency in the Exumas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). US dollars (USD) are also widely accepted.
What documents do I need to sail the Exumas?
To enter the Bahamas you will need a US passport valid for the duration of stay.
Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel for your Exuma yacht charter.
How do I get around the Exumas?
Major car rental companies operate their offices at all airports, so please refer to airport websites for working hours and contact details. We can arrange airport transfers on your behalf.
Taxis are regularly available in front of the airport buildings and at most marinas, but make sure you have some cash as they don’t take credit cards. On the Out Islands, taxis aren’t metered and fares should be agreed in advance. They can also be shared with residents in carpool arrangements.
What is the Wi-Fi like in the Exumas?
There is free Wi-Fi in our marina to use on your Exuma yacht charter. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi in downtown Nassau and Freeport if you visit cafes and restaurants. The access is intermittent in the Exuma Park.
What regulations are there in the Exumas?
Spearfishing is illegal in the Bahamas.
Where can I find weather forecasts in the Exumas?
You can find Exumas weather forecasts on WindGuru.com website. The Cruisers Net broadcasts weather forecasts and tides each day on VHF channel 68 at 8.15am.
What provisioning is there in the Exumas?
There is plenty of choice and you can stock up at the local supermarkets. Please refer to the base guide.
You can also arrange provisioning in advance by ordering from Nassau Grocery online.
What baggage can I take on my Exumas sailing vacation?
Please only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.
What is the electrical current in the Exumas?
The electrical current in the Exumas is 110V.
What is the dialing code for the Exumas?
The dialing code for the Exumas is +1 242.
Downloads
Bar Menu On Board Bareboat Bahamas
doc 31.00 KB
Base Guide Bareboat Bahamas
pdf 1.53 MB
Base Guide Cabin Exumas
pdf 1.22 MB
Beverage Order List Bareboat D Y W
xlsx 45.76 KB
Cabin Alcohol Order E N
xlsx 269.14 KB
Terms Conditions Crewed 1.pdf
pdf 288.82 KB
Crew List Bareboat 11
doc 104.00 KB
Itinerary Cabin Exumas Dream Premium
pdf 84.78 KB
Navigation Area Map Bareboat 26012016
pdf 131.63 KB
Provisioning List Bareboat D Y W
xlsx 43.75 KB
Sailing Resume Bareboat 1.doc
doc 87.50 KB
Special Diets Cabin
pdf 125.25 KB
The Country Of The Bahamas Bareboat 1.pdf
pdf 44.61 KB
FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have 40+ exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance for my bareboat charter?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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Simply wonderful! Fred + Isabelle were so accommodating and did so much for us. Isabelle’s food was incredible. Thank you so much!
Laura
Exumas CabinGreat class. Very professional and great service!
Thomas
Antigua BareboatJust what we needed to get out of a year of lockdown, see new places and connect with nature. Highly recommended for your next sailing adventure!
Johan
St. Martin BareboatExcellent cruise and wonderful stay on board. Skipper attentive, very pleasant and very professional.
Maxime
Guadeloupe SkipperedI have just returned from another fantastic week of sailing at your base in Pula and would like to thank everyone involved for making this possible at such short notice and without any problems.
Mathias
Croatia BareboatThe marina itself is a perfect base with super facilities! The Lagoon 42 was in good condition and the skipper was fantastic and knew the area very well.
Jonathan
Croatia SkipperedWhat an EXCELLENT experience. We just returned from a week long charter with skipper from Corfu, sailing around the beautiful islands of the Ionian Sea. Paxos, Antipaxos and the old town of Corfu were beautiful and the secluded bays we got to visit thanks to our local skipper Nicholas were simply stunning. Fly and Flops was yesterday – we will only charter with Dream Yacht for the foreseeable future.
David
Greece SkipperedOur group of 10 had a WONDERFUL time in French Polynesia from May 21-28, 2022! The food was fantastic: captain and cook, husband and wife: Henry and Mehee (sp) were amazing and the whole experience on board was a dream! We can’t wait to book another trip through Dream Yacht
Katie
Tahiti Crewed PremiumDream Yacht provided a great sailing experience for my extended family on 2 monohulls from Scrub Island. The boats were in very good condition and perfectly prepared, the staff friendly and helpful. I had worked for a number of charter companies over the years but Dream Yacht is one of the
Charlie
British Virgin Islands BareboatThe new boat was in perfect condition and best condition for exploring bays and islands. I could never have imagined that this could be so much fun and enjoyable and we are already looking forward to the next upcoming trip in the Ionian Sea.er.
Vytautas
Scandinavia BareboatBaja is now my favorite place. There was something for everyone: sailing under northerly winds with mostly calm evenings, snorkeling, fishing, secluded sandy beaches, pelican feedings, being greeted by barking sea lions, and exploring the geology of Ispiritu Santo Island. Dream Yacht Base La Paz provided competent professional support with a well-equipped and maintained boat. We were wonderfully cooked by an on-board chef arranged with Dream Yacht, which meant more free time for all of us. An unforgettable vacation and adventure connected with nature.
Taiyoko
Mexico Crewed PremiumAll the staff were fantastic and made our trip a memorable one. Incredibly friendly and welcoming, the food was fantastic. The service throughout the trip was always top notch!
Tommy
Thailand CabinAbsolutely recommendable. Perfect service. Will charter again and recommend Dream Yacht Charter anytime.
Zahradnik
Turkey BareboatI just returned from 3 weeks of fantastic sailing with my family on one of your catamarans in Sardinia. My thanks to our skipper Simone and Daniela, our cook.
Giles
Sardinia SkipperedFor a first cruise as a skipper, the Mediterranean is perfect. The service of Dream Yacht is too!
Thomas
France BareboatWe had an incredible trip and got engaged on our very first night of sailing! We will surely come back one day. We were beginners, we were guided very well and that gave us a lot of confidence.
George
Australia BareboatThe experience on board far exceeded our expectations. Isabelle provided exceptional three course meals. Her creativity and delicious meals were incredible. Thomas was an excellent skipper, he “felt” our needs. Thanks guys!” Spira, bareboat with crew in New Caledonia.
Spira
New Caledonia Crewed PremiumOnce again a fantastic sail with a great crew. Thanks again to a great captain and cook. Was totally fantastic.
Connie
Seychelles CabinA very excellent sailing vacation – especially the crew was fantastic. I would sail with Dream Yacht again and highly recommend them.
Mark
Guadeloupe BareboatI loved the vacation and am not sure this trip can ever be topped. Everything about it was incredible. The captain and crew were great, helpful, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. We loved it.
Trina
Greece Crewed PremiumWe just returned from one of your Lagoon 52F’s last week in St. Thomas! We had the trip of a lifetime sailing around St. Thomas and St. John!
Megan
US Virgin Islands BareboatWhat’s new?
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