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    • Bahamas Sailing Itinerary

    Sleepy, remote islands with white sandy beaches and the clearest water in the world, it has to be the Bahamas. The Exumas chain of islands are a nature lover’s paradise; feed the iguanas, swim with nurse sharks, and meet the famous swimming pigs. Snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters and relax Bahamian style – the best conditions for an ideal sailing charter itinerary.

     

    bahamas sailing itinerary

    Bahamas itinerary and highlights for your sailing holidays

    With steady trade winds all year round and a warm tropical climate, the Bahamas are an ideal sailing destination. The Exumas chain of islands that run for 90 miles south of Nassau is perfect for a downtempo getaway. With an Island or cay (pronounced key) for every day of the year, you are sure to find your little piece of paradise. 

     

    We have created this guide so that you can start planning your vacation. What information can you find in this guide?

    • Key information about the Bahamas 
    • Travel advise. 
    • Useful telephone numbers
    • Island highlights.
    • Provisioning.
    • Sample Bahamas sailing itinerary.
    • Packing list. 

    The Exumas are made up of over 365 islands and cays and are just a few hours sail from Nassau, where most people will fly into and pick up their boat. Lynden Pindling International Airport, formerly Nassau International Airport, is the largest airport in the Bahamas and the largest international gateway. A valid passport is required for entry, with two blank pages for entry stamp. US citizens do not require visas. Taxis and transfers are available from the airport, with most destinations on Nassau no more than a 30-minute ride.  

     

    Provisioning your boat is simple, and you have several options. you can order your provisions online and have them delivered to your boat (download our guide for more info). Order directly with your boat provider, or shop in the local supermarkets around the marinas when you get there. It is recommended to stock up as the availability of fresh food outside of the main Islands in the Bahamas relies on mail boat schedules.   

     

    Experiencing the Bahamas by boat.

     

    The Bahamas is all about the turquoise sea and white sand, so it is perfect for exploring by boat, we will provide you with the perfect 7-days Bahamas sailing itinerary. Make sure you have snorkel gear with you, and you may also want to add a couple of stand-up paddle boards to your boat. Check out our guide to boat extras here. 

     

    Exumas sailing charter highlights 

    The Iguanas 

    The Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, better known as the Exumas iguanas can be found on Allen’s Cay, Southern Allen’s Cay, and Leaf Cay. Most people visit them on Allen’s Cay as it’s the most significant and the second stop after leaving Nassau. Download the guide for a 7-day Exumas itinerary. As long as the sun is out, so will the iguanas’. You can feed them fruits and veggies, but grapes on the end of a stick are best; they have been known to bite fingers or toes that they’ve mistaken for food.

     

    The washing Machine

    Located in Shroud Cay and part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (a protected area in the Exuma Cays) is a natural waterpark ride known as the Washing Machine. The waterslide is formed from one of the mangrove waterways that goes through the island. Jump in at high tide, and the current will wash you out towards the ocean. The current isn’t strong enough to wash you away; it is also known as “lazy river.”

     

    Swimming Pigs

    Meet the locals at Big Major’s “Pig Beach.” The insta famous pigs that inhabit the island are a sight to be seen. Said to have been left by sailors or maybe survivors of a nearby shipwreck, they live happily on the island, waiting for tourists to bring them a snack.  

     

    James Bond Grotto

    Located between Staniel Cay and Pig Island and made famous by the James Bond film Thunderball the grotto is a firm Bahamas favorite for those who can find it. You could be forgiven for thinking it’s just another island rock. However, put your fins on, swim through the hidden entrance, and enter a spectacular grotto full of colorful fish like Seargent majors, yellowtail snappers, and angel fish.

    It is recommended to visit at low tide; otherwise, you will need scuba equipment to access the underwater tunnels. 

     

    Wherever your itinerary takes you, you are sure to have a fantastic vacation in the Bahamas, and the best part, with so much to do and see, you will always have a reason to come back and visit. 

     

    Ready to start planning? 

    FIND YOUR PERFECT BOAT

     

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