About The Exuma Islands
The Exumas are a stunning range of 365 different cays and islands in the south of The Bahamas. This remarkable set of picturesque islands are an ecological oasis offering a tremendous variety of activities above & below the sea. Take an adventure to the Exumas where you can sink your toes into unspoiled beaches, uncover exquisite underwater scenery, and experience the eclectic Bahamian culture ashore.
Come aboard with CetoSea for a unique journey into the hidden paradise of the Exumas. During our multi-day tour of The Bahamas, you’ll snorkel in lush protected waters, dive secret plane wrecks, relax on a sandy island all to yourself, and even swim with the famous friendly pigs! Best of all, you’ll feel great knowing your conservation efforts throughout the cruise are leaving these ecosystems healthier than when you arrived. Join us on the ultimate escape to the Exuma Islands this year!
What’s Included?
Head over to our Onboard Amenities page to see a complete list of what’s included with your exclusive CetoSea vacation!
Exuma Islands, Bahamas Spotlight
Population: 7,314
Currency: Bahamian Dollar, USD
Highest Point: Perry’s Peak (128 ft)
Marine Reserves: 176 sq. mile MPA & 47 dive sites
CetoSea Recorded Microplastic Data: 11,168 fragments / sq. mile
Famous For: Exuma Land & Sea Park – first of it’s kind & swimming pigs of Big Major’s Cay
Sample Trip Overview
Recommended duration: 7+ Days
Distance Sailed: 105 nautical miles
8 Microplastic Samplings
6 Beach Clean-up Options
6 Snorkeling & Dive Spots
5 Marine Protected Areas Visited
3 Guided Nature Walk Options
(NAS) Lynden Pindling Int’l Airport or (TYM) Staniel Cay Airport
Sample Itinerary Option
Welcome To Staniel Cay, The Bahamas
Your unique tour of the Exumas begins in Staniel Cay. To reach the yacht, guests will first need fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau then board a private flight to Staniel Cay. A golf cart taxi will be waiting to take you to our yacht in the harbor where you’ll check in and be welcomed ashore by your Captain & Crew. Our first night features dinner aboard followed by a social at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club bar.
Swim With the Friendly Pigs of Big Major’s Cay
Start your morning off with a snorkel at low tide in Thunderball Grotto (James Bond 007 fans?). Then, walk across to the windward side of Staniel Cay to survey and clean up the beaches. We’ll begin sailing after lunch to spend the afternoon at Big Major’s Cay playing with the famous Exuma swimming pigs! Along our journey, you’ll also learn how to trawl for microplastic samples as part of our citizen science research efforts. Finally, enjoy your second Bahamian night under the stars in unspoiled Compass Cay.
Exploration Of Exuma Land & Sea Park
Awaken from your starry sleep to snorkel the caves of Rocky Dundas in the morning. Grab a quick snack before getting back in the water for an exhilarating drift dive or snorkel along south Cambridge Cay. Our tour continues with an afternoon trawl of Exuma Sound and the spectacular mooring fields of northern Cambridge Cay. We’ll stop to explore the Exuma Land & Sea Park and clean up windswept Bell Rock beach.
A Bahamian Beach Cookout At Sandy Cay
Spend the morning at O’Brien’s Cay to dive the sea plane wreck site and snorkel along the coral gardens of the Exuma Land & Sea Park. Come ashore to explore Halls Pond Cay and trawl for microplastic along the sandbanks. Quickly sail to the deserted island of Sandy/Osprey Cay and enjoy a beach cookout while the sun sets over the sea.
Warderick Wells Cay Conservation & Hiking
Enjoy the calm waters and warm sea breeze of the early morning as we sail to Warderick Wells Cay to visit the Exuma Park HQ. Our friends the Park Rangers will teach us about conservation in The Bahamas followed by a lovely nature hike to the BooBoo Hill Blowhole. In the afternoon we’ll sail back to Hawksbill Cay to swim, snorkel, and float down a crystal clear mangrove creek nursery.
Uncover The Mysteries of the Mangroves in Shroud Cay
From Hawksbill Cay, sail to Shroud Cay where you can float, swim, or SUP to uncover the meandering mangrove creek’s hidden marine life. Follow the creek north all the way to the ocean where you can find an amazing run of smooth white sand beaches. After a quick beach survey, we’ll sail to Norman’s Cay plane wreck site to snorkel. Our last stop of the day is Allen’s & Leaf Cay where you can wander the deserted beaches until the sun goes down.
Return To Port & Farewell!
On our last morning together, we’ll sail 42 nautical miles back home to Staniel Cay (or Nassau, depending on your flights). The Captain & Crew will share concluding remarks and reflect on the immense positive impact we made over the past seven days. When we arrive back in the harbor, a golf cart taxi will be available to drive passengers going to TYM airport.
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
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