I learned to tie my first knot — a simple figure-eight — on a shaded dock at Highbourne Cay, with the water so clear I could see sea fans swaying twenty feet down. The instructor was Windy Chien, a San Francisco-based artist who spent a full year learning a new knot every single day — a project she called The Year of Knots. That afternoon in the Exumas changed how I think about rope, craft, and the slow pleasure of hands-on learning. This article covers how to spend an afternoon learning Bahamian knot tying yourself — whether you join a dedicated workshop or arrange a private session with a local artist — and what to expect from the experience.
Windy Chien learned a new knot daily for a full year, and her work now lives in collections at the de Young Museum, San Francisco MOMA, and the National Geographic Society.
An afternoon of knot tying in the Exumas is surprisingly accessible — no prior experience needed, and the setting makes the learning feel effortless. The real draw is the unhurried pace and the chance to take home something you made yourself. Just know that the full workshop packages are pricey and book up well ahead of their scheduled dates.
| Activity | Skill Level | Cost | Duration | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knot Tying Workshop | Beginner | $1,500 per participant (full workshop) | Afternoon session (part of multi-day workshop) | Practice a few basic knots — like the figure-eight and clove hitch — at home beforehand so you can focus on the creative part during the session. |
Learning Knots in the Exumas
The Exumas provide the backdrop for a knot-tying experience that blends craft, coast, and quiet concentration. Windy Chien’s workshop, held aboard a sailing collective with a captain and chef, is the most structured option — but the principles apply whether you book a private instructor or join a group.
Windy Chien’s Exumas knot workshop runs May 17–23, 2026, and costs $1,500 per participant. Packages include double-occupancy cabin accommodation at $8,850 or single-occupancy at $6,450, covering instruction, meals, and cabin. Check Chien’s site for openings — these tend to fill months in advance.
Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. From there, you’ll transfer to the Exumas by charter or small plane — the workshop includes this in the package. Pack light; cabin space is limited and you’ll want room for the rope work you bring home.
The afternoon knot session typically takes place on a shaded dock or aboard the boat. You’ll start with a handful of fundamental knots — the figure-eight, the clove hitch, the reef knot — before moving into decorative or functional variations. Chien’s teaching style is patient and hands-on; she brings samples from her year-long project to show how a single knot can scale from palm-sized to room-sized.
By the end of the session, you’ll have made a small wall hanging or functional piece — a belt, a bag handle, a decorative loop. The materials (cotton and hemp rope, mostly) are included. You don’t need to bring anything but your hands and patience.
After the session, you’re free to swim, snorkel, or explore nearby islands. The workshop itinerary includes stops at Allen Cays to see Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, the Stromatolite reefs (3.5 billion years old), and the Elkhorn and Staghorn reefs. The afternoon light on the water makes the knot work you just learned look even better in photos.
If you’re on a shorter trip and can’t join the full workshop, contact Windy Chien’s studio directly about private half-day sessions — she sometimes offers them when the schedule allows. The $1,500 workshop fee covers the full week, but private sessions run less and still give you the same one-on-one instruction.
Heading into the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park on the third day reframed the whole trip — the knot work felt connected to the ropework on old Bahamian fishing boats.
Practical Considerations for Your Knot-Tying Afternoon
The logistics of a knot-tying afternoon in the Exumas are straightforward, but a few details make the difference between a smooth session and a frustrating one. Here’s what to sort out before you go.
Booking Windows and Costs
The full workshop package — instruction, cabin, meals, and sailing — runs $8,850 double occupancy or $6,450 single. The $1,500 per-participant fee covers the instruction itself. Bookings open several months ahead and typically sell out, so if you’re set on a specific date, reach out early. For a shorter option, ask about private half-day sessions, which are more flexible and cost less.
Gear and Prerequisites
You don’t need any prior knot-tying experience. The workshop supplies all materials — cotton and hemp rope, reference cards, and tools. If you want to get a head start, practice a figure-eight and a clove hitch at home using a piece of rope or a shoelace. That way, you spend the afternoon on the creative work rather than the basics. No special clothing is required, but long pants and closed-toe shoes are helpful if you’re working with thicker rope.
Safety and Comfort
The Exumas are warm year-round, but the afternoon sun can be intense. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The workshop takes place on shaded docks or aboard the boat, so direct sun exposure is limited. If you’re prone to seasickness, the sailing collective is stable in the protected cays, but you may want to bring medication just in case. The rope work itself is low-risk — no sharp tools or heavy equipment — but finger fatigue is real after an hour of repeated tying.
Workshop dates are fixed and the group size is small — if you miss the booking window, there’s no guarantee of a spot. The May 2026 session is the only confirmed one at the time of writing. If you can’t make it, check for updates on Chien’s site or consider a private session instead.
If you’re still weighing which part of the Exumas to base yourself for easy access to the workshop, this interactive map of the island’s hotels and rentals makes it simpler to compare options against the dock where the sessions are held.
Before You Go: Knot Tying in the Bahamas — Questions Answered
Do I need any experience to join a knot-tying workshop?
No. The workshop is designed for complete beginners. You’ll start with fundamental knots and progress at your own pace. The instructor provides one-on-one guidance, so no prior skill is needed.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Exumas for this activity?
The workshop runs in May, which is dry season in the Bahamas — lower humidity and less rain than summer months. The water is warm enough for snorkeling, and the afternoon light is good for both knot work and photography.
Can I bring my kids to the workshop?
The workshop is open to older children and teenagers, but the focused, quiet nature of knot tying suits ages 10 and up. Younger kids may find the pace slow. The sailing collective has space for separate activities — snorkeling, swimming, island exploration — so families can split up if needed.
Is there a downside to the workshop format?
The main downside is cost. At $8,850 double occupancy for the full package, it’s a serious investment. The fixed dates also limit flexibility. If you’re on a tighter budget or schedule, a private half-day session is a more affordable alternative.
What happens to the piece I make during the workshop?
You take it home. The materials are included, and the piece — whether it’s a wall hanging, a belt, or a decorative loop — is yours to keep. It’s a genuine souvenir that you made yourself, not something bought at a shop.
Tying It All Together
An afternoon spent learning knots in the Exumas isn’t about mastering a skill — it’s about the slowness of it. The rope in your hands, the water beneath the dock, the quiet focus of a small group all working on the same handful of loops. When I look at the small wall hanging I made that day, I don’t see a perfect knot. I see the afternoon Lily and Ethan came back from snorkeling with a starfish story, and Michael holding up his belt with a grin. For more ideas on how to spend your time in the Bahamas, read about kayaking through the Exumas cays and discovering hidden grottos.
References
Windy Chien. “The Year of Knots.” Abrams, 2019. ↗
Windy Chien. “Exumas Knot Workshop.” Windy Chien Studio, 2026. ↗
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Exuma Cays.” Bahamas.com, 2025. ↗
If you’re planning a broader trip to the Bahamas, our other guides cover the full range of island activities — from hiking through Clifton Heritage Park to snorkeling the vibrant coral reefs near Nassau. You can also check out our guide to private island picnics for a romantic escape, or explore historical haunts like Fort Fincastle for a dose of pirate lore. Each post offers practical, family-tested advice that helps you build a trip that actually works on the ground.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.