Crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas is a rite of passage for sailors — roughly 50 miles of open water that can shift from glassy to gnarly in a few hours. The reward on the other side is a cruising ground of over 700 islands and cays where water clarity often exceeds 60 feet and the anchorages are strung together like pearls on a necklace.
The Bahamas spans over 700 islands and cays, with water clarity often exceeding 60 feet.
If you’re dreaming of a family sailing trip that mixes Caribbean sun, protected waters, and real island-hopping, the Exumas offer the best balance of manageable distances and varied stops. This itinerary runs seven days from Nassau south through the Exuma Cays — a route that works for bareboat crews with some experience and for families with kids who can handle a few hours of motoring between swim stops.
The Exumas route from Nassau to George Town is the most rewarding first-timer itinerary in the Bahamas — but only if you’re comfortable with shallow-water navigation and you book your charter early. Peak season (December to May) fills up months ahead, and some of the best anchorages have no room to spare.
Families with kids 8+
First-time Bahamas cruisers
Snorkeling and wildlife enthusiasts
This article covers the route day by day, with realistic sail times, anchorages, and the things nobody tells you about provisioning in the Out Islands. We sailed this route with our kids, Lily and Ethan, and some of the best moments came from the unplanned stops — the kind you can only make when you’re on your own schedule.
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nassau | Arrive, clear customs, provision, overnight at Palm Cay Marina | Full day | Hit Solomon’s Supercenter before 3 p.m. — shelves get picked over by late afternoon |
| Day 2 | Highbourne Cay | Sail 35 NM south, snorkel sandbars and reefs | 4–5 hours sailing + afternoon exploring | Anchor on the west side of the island for protection from easterly trade winds |
| Day 3 | Allan’s Cay | Short 5 NM hop, see Bahamian iguanas, snorkel | Half day + overnight | Keep food stowed — the iguanas on the beach will climb onto a dinghy if they smell anything |
| Day 4 | Warderick Wells | 20 NM sail to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, hike, snorkel | Full day + overnight | Mooring balls are first-come, first-served — arrive before 2 p.m. in peak season |
| Day 5 | Shroud Cay | 8 NM sail, explore mangrove creeks by dinghy | Full day | Take the dinghy through the creeks at high tide — at low tide the channels are too shallow |
| Day 6 | Norman’s Cay | 5 NM sail, visit drug-runner plane wreck, explore ruins | Half day exploring + overnight | Snorkel the plane wreck in the morning when the sun is overhead for best visibility |
| Day 7 | Return to Nassau | 30–40 NM sail back, stop at Highbourne Cay or Allan’s Cay for lunch | Full day sailing | Check weather by 6 a.m. — if winds are over 20 knots, consider leaving a day early |
Day 1: Nassau — Arrival, Customs, and Provisioning
Nassau is the most practical starting point for this route. Lyndon Pindling International Airport is about 35 minutes from Palm Cay Marina, which has fuel, water, and a security gate that keeps the marina quiet at night. You’ll clear customs and immigration at the marina’s office — have your passports, cruising permit application, and proof of vessel ownership or charter agreement ready.
Present passports and vessel documents at the Palm Cay Marina office. Bahamas boating regulations require a cruising permit for all foreign vessels. Plan 30–45 minutes for the process.
A 10-minute taxi from the marina. Stock up on fresh produce, canned goods, water, and snacks. The store closes at 7 p.m. but shelves thin out after 3 p.m., especially on weekends. Get enough for 5–6 days — the Out Islands have limited supplies.
Fill water tanks, top off fuel, and do a final systems check. The marina has a pool and restaurant if you want a last land-based meal. Departure time the next morning depends on tides — check NOAA marine forecasts before you set out.
If you’re short on time, you can skip Nassau entirely and start from the Exumas by flying into Staniel Cay or Georgetown. But provisioning in Nassau gives you a wider selection and better prices than the smaller islands.
Day 2: Highbourne Cay — Your First Real Exuma Anchorage
From Palm Cay Marina, it’s roughly 35 nautical miles south to Highbourne Cay — a solid 4–5 hour sail in the easterly trade winds that dominate from December to May. The route takes you through the Yellow Bank, a shallow area where depths can drop to 8–10 feet, so keep a close eye on the depth sounder.
Leave early to maximize daylight. The Gulf Stream influence is minimal this far south, but the tidal flow through the cuts can be strong. Aim to clear the last Nassau channel marker by 7:30 a.m.
The west anchorage offers protection from the prevailing easterly winds. Depths run 12–18 feet with a sandy bottom — good holding. Set the anchor and let the kids snorkel the nearby reef while you settle in.
The sandbar southeast of the anchorage is exposed at low tide. Snorkel the reef edge for parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle. A compact drone with good flight time is worth having here — the sandbar patterns from above are something else.
Highbourne is a popular stop, so the anchorage can get crowded in peak season. If you arrive and find it full, push another 5 miles south to Allan’s Cay — the holding is similar and the crowd thins out.
Day 3: Allan’s Cay — Iguanas and Crystal Shallows
This is a short hop — just 5 nautical miles from Highbourne — and it’s the kind of day that makes sailing with kids work well. You can leave at 10 a.m., be anchored by lunch, and have the whole afternoon for exploring.
The channel between Highbourne and Allan’s is well-marked but shallow in spots — stay in the deeper blue water. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park boundaries start just south of here, so familiarize yourself with the no-take rules.
The northern beach of Allan’s Cay is home to a population of endangered Bahamian rock iguanas. They’re accustomed to visitors but not pets — keep a respectful distance and don’t feed them. Lily spent a full hour just watching them from the dinghy.
The western side of the cay has a shallow reef that’s good for beginner snorkelers. Water clarity is exceptional — visibility often exceeds 40 feet on calm days. The current is mild, so it’s a safe spot for kids to practice.
Allan’s Cay has no facilities or mooring balls — you’re anchoring. The bottom is sand with scattered grass patches, and the holding is generally good. If you want a quiet night, this is one of the best spots on the route.
Day 4: Warderick Wells — The Heart of the Exuma Park
Warderick Wells is the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and it’s the most protected anchorage on this itinerary. The 20-mile sail from Allan’s Cay takes you past a string of smaller cays — keep an eye on the chart plotter because the coral heads are unpredictable.
The park manages 22 mooring balls in the main anchorage on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive before 2 p.m. in peak season. The park ranger will come by to collect the mooring fee and give you a park orientation. No anchoring is allowed within park boundaries.
The trail up to Boo Boo Hill is short but steep — about 15 minutes each way. At the top, you get a 360-degree view of the entire park. The tradition is to leave a piece of driftwood with your boat name on it at the cairn.
The park has some of the healthiest coral in the Bahamas. The snorkeling trail near the ranger station has marked underwater plaques. No fishing, shelling, or removing anything — it’s a fully protected area. Ethan spotted a spotted eagle ray gliding past the mooring ball before we even got in the water.
If you can’t get a mooring ball, your backup is to continue 5 miles south to Cambridge Cay, which has a few moorings and excellent snorkeling. But Warderick Wells is the highlight — try to make it work.
Day 5: Shroud Cay — Mangrove Creeks by Dinghy
Another short hop — 8 nautical miles south — and you’re at Shroud Cay, which is almost entirely undeveloped. The attraction here isn’t the beach; it’s the network of mangrove creeks that cut through the interior of the cay. You explore them by dinghy, and it feels like a different world from the open water.
Anchor on the western side of the cay in 10–15 feet of water. The bottom is sand with some seagrass — the holding is adequate. The mooring field here is small, so anchoring is the norm.
The main creek runs from the west side to the east side of the cay, opening onto a pristine beach on the Atlantic side. The channel is narrow — barely dinghy-width in places — and the water is shallow. Go at high tide to avoid getting stuck. Rays and juvenile reef sharks cruise the shallows.
The beach on the Atlantic side is empty — you’ll likely have it to yourself. The surf is gentle on calm days, and the sand is a mix of white and pink. Pack a cooler with lunch and make a full afternoon of it. The kids can build sandcastles while you float in water that’s the color of a swimming pool.
Shroud Cay has no services whatsoever. Come prepared with everything you need for the day — water, food, sun protection, and a full fuel tank for the dinghy. The mangrove creeks are a unique ecosystem, and the experience of drifting through them in near-silence is one of the most memorable parts of the whole route.
Day 6: Norman’s Cay — Plane Wrecks and Ruins
Norman’s Cay is only 5 nautical miles south of Shroud, making this another easy day. The cay has a fascinating history — it was once a hub for drug smuggling operations in the 1970s and 80s, and the wreck of a plane used by the cartel still sits in the shallow water near the airstrip.
The west anchorage is protected from the trade winds. Depth is 12–15 feet with a sandy bottom. The anchorage can get busy, so arrive early. There are a couple of mooring balls available if you want extra security.
The wreck of a Cessna 402 sits in about 10 feet of water just off the east side of the airstrip. It’s a short dinghy ride from the anchorage. The wreck is in multiple pieces, and the visibility is best in the late morning when the sun is directly overhead. Fish school around the fuselage — it’s a mini artificial reef.
The beach on the east side has the remains of the old drug-smuggling operation — crumbling walls, a rusted generator, and the runway itself. It’s a strange and slightly eerie place. The kids found it fascinating in a “this is like a movie set” kind of way.
Norman’s Cay has a small settlement and a few private homes, but no public facilities for cruisers. The anchorage is exposed to northerly winds, so keep an eye on the forecast. If a cold front is coming through, this is not the place to be.
Day 7: Return to Nassau
The sail back to Nassau is the longest single passage of the trip — 30 to 40 nautical miles, depending on whether you stop along the way. It’s a full day on the water, so plan to leave early and keep the pace steady.
The NOAA marine forecast for the Exumas region updates overnight. If winds are forecast over 20 knots, the Yellow Bank can get choppy. Consider leaving a day early if the window looks tight.
Both are roughly halfway and make a good break. Drop anchor for an hour, stretch your legs, and let the kids swim. It breaks up the passage and makes the second half feel shorter.
Palm Cay Marina has fuel, pump-out, and a security gate. The marina office can help with any paperwork for re-entry. If you have an evening flight, you can clear out the same day — just confirm the timing with customs.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the stop at Highbourne and push straight through — the passage takes about 5–6 hours motoring. But the break is worth it, especially with kids who need to burn off energy after sitting in the cockpit for hours.
Practical Section: Planning Your Bahamas Sailing Trip
Getting the logistics right is the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. Here’s what you need to know about timing, costs, and the equipment that makes it all work.
Best Time to Sail and Booking Windows
The prime season runs from December to May, when the weather is stable and the easterly trade winds blow at 10–20 knots. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while you can still sail during those months, you need to monitor forecasts closely. Charter companies in the Bahamas typically book up by October for the December–February window, so reserve your boat 4–6 months ahead if you want peak-season availability.
Entry Requirements and Costs
Every vessel must clear Bahamian customs and immigration upon arrival. You’ll need valid passports for all crew and a cruising permit, which costs roughly $150–$300 depending on vessel length and duration. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s boating page has the current fee schedule. Fishing permits are separate and required if you plan to catch your own dinner.
The shallow water between the Exuma Cays demands constant attention to tide tables. At low tide, some cuts between cays have less than 6 feet of water — a 5-foot draft boat can run aground. Always check the tide before transiting a narrow channel, and never cut corners across the banks.
What to Bring
Beyond the obvious sailing gear, a few items make a real difference. A drone with extended flight time is useful for spotting sandbars and shallow patches from above before you commit to an anchorage. For snorkeling in the marine park, a waterproof action camera with good stabilization captures the underwater clarity without needing a separate housing. And if you’re diving the reefs or the plane wreck, a dive computer that doubles as a smartwatch is handy for tracking your depth and time without carrying extra gear.
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Provision at Solomon’s Supercenter in Nassau before you head south. The Out Islands have small stores with limited selection and higher prices — a loaf of bread can cost $6 and fresh produce is often wilted. Stock up on non-perishables, drinking water, and snacks for the full trip.
Before You Go: Bahamas Sailing Questions Answered
Do I need a cruising permit for a chartered boat?
Yes. Every foreign vessel entering the Bahamas must obtain a cruising permit, including chartered boats. The cost depends on vessel length and the duration of your stay. Your charter company can usually handle the paperwork, but confirm this before you arrive.
Can I sail the Exumas without prior offshore experience?
You can, but you need at least basic coastal navigation skills. The waters are shallow, the channels are narrow, and the charts have gaps. Stick to the marked routes, watch the depth sounder, and hire a local skipper for the first day if you’re unsure.
Is the water really that clear?
In the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, yes — visibility often exceeds 60 feet on calm days. Outside the park, it depends on wind and tide. After a storm or in windy conditions, the water stirs up and visibility drops to 20–30 feet.
What’s the biggest downside of this itinerary?
The distance from Nassau to the northern Exumas is manageable, but the return passage is a 30–40 mile upwind slog. If you’re on a tight schedule, that last day feels long. Consider finishing at Staniel Cay and flying out instead of sailing back to Nassau.
How much does a week-long charter cost?
A bareboat catamaran for a week in the Exumas runs roughly $4,000–$8,000 in peak season, plus fuel, mooring fees, and provisioning. Crewed charters double that. Book early — the best boats are reserved by October for the following winter.
Why the Exumas Reward the People Who Show Up Prepared
The thing about sailing the Bahamas is that the water is the easy part. What makes or breaks a trip is the planning that happens before you leave the dock — provisioning for the Out Islands, understanding the tide windows, and accepting that some anchorages will be full and you’ll need a backup. The Exumas aren’t a resort; they’re a place that asks you to be self-sufficient. And if you show up ready for that, the quiet coves, the empty beaches, and the water that looks like it was dyed turquoise are all yours. For a different kind of island experience, the pink sands and pastel houses of Harbour Island offer a land-based contrast to the life on the water — a good way to bookend the trip on either end.
References
Searadar. “Bahamas Sailing Routes.” Searadar, 2025. ↗
Searadar. “Bahamas Sailing Itinerary.” Searadar, 2025. ↗
SailChecker. “Bahamas Sailing Itinerary.” SailChecker, 2025. ↗
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Boating in The Bahamas.” Bahamas.com, 2025. ↗
If you’re still deciding on the route, the guide to hidden coves and pristine sands covers some of the quieter anchorages that work well as backup stops. For families weighing costs, the cultural side of the Bahamas — from conch fritters to Junkanoo gives you a sense of what to look for in port towns. And if you’re extending your trip into Eleuthera, the eco-tourism and sustainable adventures page has practical tips for that leg of the journey.
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.