The Exumas are a jewel of the Bahamas, a breathtaking chain of 365 islands and cays strung like emeralds across some of the clearest, most turquoise waters on earth. For luxury travellers, few destinations rival the unique combination of natural beauty, exclusivity, and adventure that these islands provide. From untouched beaches that feel like your own private world to vibrant marine sanctuaries teeming with life, every moment in the Exumas offers an invitation to slow down, explore, and indulge.
Discovering the best Exumas anchorages aboard a private yacht elevates the journey to pure art. Each sunrise seems painted just for you, and every bay unveils a new secret waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re wondering where to anchor in Exumas for absolute seclusion or prefer lively harbours where chic island life meets the sea, this archipelago delivers anchorages that are as varied as they are spectacular. From the serene shallows of Pipe Creek to the famous Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs, these Exumas anchorages promise an unparalleled mix of tranquillity and adventure.
At Von der Heyden Yachting, we craft bespoke itineraries designed exclusively around your preferences, curating the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. Every detail is meticulously arranged to ensure your passage through this island paradise is effortless, private, and unforgettable, because in the Exumas, the journey is just as extraordinary as the destination.
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Why the Exumas Are a Paradise for Yacht Cruising
The Exumas are world-renowned for their untouched landscapes and pristine waters. Unlike busier Caribbean destinations, here you’ll find a sense of privacy and calm, perfect for high-net-worth travellers who value exclusivity.
A luxury yacht charter allows you to glide from cay to cay at your own pace, guided by our experienced captains and supported by expert crews. You might spend one morning snorkelling over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, then anchor the same afternoon beside a sandbar where the only footprints are your own.
Highlights of yachting in the Exumas include:
- Exceptional visibility – some of the clearest waters in the world, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
- Abundant wildlife – from nurse sharks and sea turtles to the famous swimming pigs.
- Secluded beaches – many accessible only by yacht, ensuring complete privacy.
- Unique anchorages – each cay offers a distinctive character, whether vibrant and lively or remote and tranquil.
Must-Visit Anchorages
With hundreds of potential stops, knowing where to anchor in the Exumas can feel overwhelming. Here are five of the most enchanting locations that combine natural beauty with premium yachting experiences.
Staniel Cay
Perhaps the most famous of all Exumas anchorages, Staniel Cay is the perfect mix of adventure and charm. Here you’ll find the legendary Thunderball Grotto, a spectacular underwater cave made famous by James Bond. The anchorage offers good holding in sand and access to a small marina, making it a convenient stop for provisioning and shore excursions.
- Highlights: Snorkelling in the grotto, dinner at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and exploring the nearby sandbars.
- Best for: Families seeking activity and couples looking for a lively stopover.
Staniel Cay is perfect for guests who want a balance of vibrant atmosphere and easy access to services while still feeling immersed in nature.
Warderick Wells
As the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Warderick Wells offers a pristine anchorage surrounded by unspoilt nature. Yachts can moor in the horseshoe-shaped bay, with waters so clear you can spot starfish beneath your keel.
- Highlights: Hiking trails with panoramic views, snorkelling reefs rich in wildlife, and absolute tranquillity.
- Best for: Adventurers who appreciate nature and couples seeking solitude.
Big Major Spot
Big Major Spot is famous for its swimming pigs, one of the most iconic experiences in the Bahamas. Drop anchor in sheltered waters and take the tender ashore to meet these unusual residents.
- Highlights: Feeding the pigs, beach picnics, calm anchorage ideal for families.
- Best for: Families with children and fun-seeking groups.
Compass Cay
Compass Cay offers a luxury marina and the unforgettable chance to swim with nurse sharks. The anchorage itself is well-protected, with calm waters that make it a favourite among sailors.
- Highlights: Nurse shark swims, pristine beaches, and exclusive marina facilities.
- Best for: Couples seeking comfort and families who enjoy safe waters.
Norman’s Cay
Norman’s Cay carries an air of intrigue, once infamous for its role in the 1980s drug trade. Today it is a peaceful haven with shallow, sandy anchorages. Wreck divers can explore a sunken plane, while others can enjoy the surrounding lagoons.
- Highlights: Wreck diving, seclusion, and rich history.
- Best for: Adventurers seeking a remote, off-the-beaten-track anchorage.
Tips for Anchoring and Local Regulations
The Bahamas requires more skill than other yacht charter destinations such as the British Virgin Islands. With shallow waters and shifting sandbanks, it’s vital to have an experienced captain and crew. At Von der Heyden Yachting, our skippers bring extensive knowledge of Bahamian waters, ensuring safe navigation at all times.
- Anchoring rules: Use designated moorings in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
- Environmental protection: Anchoring on coral is prohibited.
- Weather watch: Conditions can change quickly, local expertise is essential.
Our experienced captains and crew handle these details seamlessly, ensuring your focus remains on enjoyment, not logistics.
Our Featured Yachts
Sample Daily Legs and Distances
To give you a sense of cruising pace:
- Nassau to Highbourne Cay – approx. 35 nm (5–6 hours)
- Highbourne Cay to Norman’s Cay – approx. 8 nm (1–2 hours)
- Norman’s Cay to Staniel Cay – approx. 25 nm (4–5 hours)
- Staniel Cay to Warderick Wells – approx. 15 nm (2–3 hours)
This balance of short passages and longer legs makes the Exumas ideal for a relaxed yacht charter.
Decision Table for Choosing Your Anchorage
Anchorage | Accessibility | Sailing Style | Family Suitability | Budget |
Staniel Cay | Marina access | Moderate | Excellent | Mid-range |
Warderick Wells | Mooring only | Tranquil | Limited (nature) | Moderate |
Big Major Spot | Easy approach | Calm | Excellent | Lower |
Compass Cay | Marina access | Relaxed | Very good | Higher-end |
Norman’s Cay | Remote | Adventurous | Limited | Moderate |
For Families, Couples, and Adventurers
- Families: Big Major Spot offers the famous swimming pigs, calm waters, and safe beaches.
- Couples: Warderick Wells is ideal for secluded picnics and quiet stargazing on deck.
Adventurers: Norman’s Cay rewards you with wreck dives and remote anchorages rarely visited by crowds.
FAQs About Exumas Anchorages
Plan Your Exumas Charter Today
A luxury yacht charter through the Exumas is more than a holiday, it is a journey into untouched beauty. With Von der Heyden Yachting, you enjoy bespoke itineraries, world-class crew, and the assurance that every detail is curated to your preferences.
Discover more about our Bahamas yacht charters, compare routes with the BVI yacht charter, or speak to our team via the Contact page to begin planning your voyage.
At Von der Heyden Yachting, where living is an art, every anchorage becomes a masterpiece.
