With a bewildering choice of seven hundred islands and innumerable cays, these stunning cruising grounds have so much to offer.
Whether you are looking to dive into the beautiful blue depths or enjoy “catch of the day” for lunch at a local beach cafe, this island-strewn archipelago will not disappoint. History enthusiasts,carnival-seekers or those wanting complete relaxation will find what they are looking for in this multi-faceted paradise.
This itinerary brings all perfect ingredients together for a memorable cruise: short passages between destinations, tranquil seclusion, beautiful scenery, fresh seafood and great watersports opportunities. Combine this with sun, breeze and the Bahamas’ colourful character, and this a recipe for success.
WHY VISIT?
- Beautiful beaches
- World class restaurants
- Big game fishing
- Wreck diving
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day One - Three Nassau to compass bay
Cruise from Nassau to Compass Cay (approx. 70nm) where you can swim with the nurse sharks right in the marina or take a stroll down the quaint nature paths to the secluded beach on the other side. The walkway here is painted with colorful buoys and signage along the way giving you a true local feel. From here you can anchor off near Rocky Dundas Caves. These two caves are hidden inside a large rock with natural skylights at the top. In order to enter the cave you must swim into a shallow hole where you end up inside a cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. It is quite awe inspiring. With a mask, snorkel and fins, the sea life surrounding this rock is so colorful and it’s shallow.
Day Three - Four Compass cay to staniel cay
On to Staniel Cay (10nm) where you can dock at the marina or anchor nearby in several well protected areas. With its handsome stone architecture, good food, and friendly bar, the small but intimate Yacht Club attracts adventurers from around the world. Next door at Sampson and Big Major is home to the native wild pigs which often swim a few yards out to greet you. A must see is “Thunderball Cave” where the fish eat right out of your hand. You may want to dine ashore at Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay a private resort island, which is run by ex-yachties.
Day Four - Five staniel cay to little bells cay
Cruise from Staniel Cay back north to Little Bells Cay / Cambridge Cay for the night (10nm). There is a hidden, shallow cut in between the long stretch of beach where no boat would venture as it does dry up at low tide. Enjoy a swim and let the current carry you through as if riding a small rapid. White sand and crystal blue water is the perfect canvas to see a few small sting rays swim by. A short hike up to the lookout will give you an amazing vantage point of the surrounding islands.
Day Five - Seven little bells cay to highbourne cay
Head from Little Bells to Highbourne Cay and Allan’s Cay (approx. 20nm) to see the famous Iguanas roaming the beach and traverse through this jagged yet beautiful cut. You may opt for a short snorkel around the Norman’s Cay sunken airplane which sits in shallow water not far from this northern spot in the Exuma chain. There is a marina at Highbourne or you can choose to anchor further down in a more protected location. Cruise back to Nassau from Highbourne and if time allows, a quick dip off of Rose Island.
