Itinerary · The Bahamas
Seven days in the Exuma Cays by boat
A week from Nassau through the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park to Compass Cay, Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto and the swimming pigs, and back.
7 days by boat
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Day 1
1Palm Cay Marina
Fuel and provision on New Providence before heading south-east to the cays.
Day 1, afternoon
2Highbourne Cay Marina
First night in Highbourne’s sheltered harbour; book the slip ahead.
Day 2
3Shroud Cay
Into the park: a slow day of mangrove creeks and empty beaches.
Day 3
4Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Warderick Wells, the park headquarters: pick up a mooring and walk the trails.
Day 4
5Compass Cay Marina’s nurse sharks
Swim with the resident nurse sharks, following the marina staff’s lead.
Day 5
6Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Tie up at the hub of the central cays.
Day 5, slack tide
7Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel the James Bond grotto at low or slack tide.
Day 6
8Big Major Cay (“Pig Beach”)
The swimming pigs: feed only at the trough, follow the signs, never on the sand.
Day 6, evening
9Sea Level at Staniel Cay Yacht Club
A last dinner over the water (book by email).
Day 7
10Bay Street Marina
Cruise north back to Nassau, or leave the boat and fly out from Staniel Cay.
Book marina slips ahead in season, pay park mooring fees online through the Bahamas National Trust, and check weather and tides every day. No fishing, conching or shelling inside the park.
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