Last updated on October 4, 2023
Why take a cruise to the Exumas Islands?
Like little pearls in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, the Exumas Islands are like a picture-postcard landscape! This archipelago, part of the Bahamas, has many surprises in store for its visitors. With 365 islands and islets to explore, every day offers a unique panorama of crystal-clear waters, fine sandy beaches and underwater treasures. Meet the iconic swimming pigs, dive with the nurse sharks and enjoy unforgettable moments of relaxation by opting for a yacht charter in the Bahamas.
Types of boats to rent in the Exumas
Depending on your budget and your navigation plan, several types of boats are available:
- Monohull sailboat charter: this is the perfect choice for those with some sailing experience, looking for pure sensations. Its compact size opens the doors to secret coves and exclusive anchorages in this paradisiacal archipelago. Sailing on a monohull will fully immerse you in the wonders of the Exumas, with its characteristic inclines at sea.
- Catamaran charter: a popular option because it adapts perfectly to the topography of the archipelago. The Exumas Islands, dotted with secluded bays and unspoiled beaches, are jewels where ports are rare. The catamaran, with its great stability and spaciousness, offers a luxurious and relaxed cruising experience. In this region, many choose the catamaran, which is suitable for shallow waters and coral reefs thanks to its shallow draft.
- Motor yacht charter: a frequently chosen solution due to its often more affordable cost, ideal for those wishing to explore the archipelago on a day trip.
Services offered for your yacht charter in the Exumas
Here are the different services we offer for renting a boat in the Bahamas:
- Bareboat yacht charter: ideal if someone in the crew is experienced in navigation. You will enjoy the boat in complete privacy, and this will add a personal adventure dimension to your trip to the Exumas with your loved ones.
- Yacht charter with skipper: the ideal alternative if no one in your group has the skills to sail or if you are looking to enjoy a totally relaxing vacation. The skipper, thanks to his in-depth knowledge of the Exumas, will guide you to the most beautiful bays and the must-see local restaurants.
- Crewed yacht charter: a common option for luxury yachts over 20 meters in the Exumas. For catamarans from 10 to 20 meters, this option is usually offered as an add-on. A typical crew in the Exumas includes a captain, a cook, and a hostess, all dedicated to making your stay a memorable experience.
- Cabin cruise: you book a cabin on board a top-of-the-range, people-sized boat that you share with other travelers and a professional crew responsible for navigation, cooking and hotel service on board. This option is preferable if you want to go as a couple or if you don't have the budget to privatize the boat.
How much does a yacht charter in the Exumas cost?
The following table gives you a dead reckoning of the average prices for a sailboat charter in the Exumas. Note that these rates may vary depending on the season, availability, type of model, age of the boat and other factors.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid-season May, June and September | Low season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 3,800 USD | 3,000 | 3,000 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 4,500 USD | 3,500 USD | 3,500 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 5,500 USD | 4,500 USD | 4,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 30 and 40 feet) | 7,000 USD | 6,000 USD | 5,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 50 feet) | 14,000 USD | 12,000 USD | 10,000 USD |
- The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).
- The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, the skipper, hostess, cleaning (which is often included in a compulsory package), extras (kayak, paddle sup, etc.) and provisions taken on board.
If you are tempted by a yacht charter in the Bahamas, please don't hesitate to contact us directly to consult our rates. Costs can fluctuate considerably depending on the type of yacht. Lina, our specialist in high-end crews and boats, will be delighted to present you with our best offers.
We suggest you choose our cancellation insurance when you take out your yacht charter in the Bahamas. It offers protection to the whole crew, unlike personal cancellation insurance or that offered by your credit card, which generally only protects the holder.
We also recommend that our customers take out damage waiver insurance. Even the most experienced sailors are not sheltered from incidents at sea. With this insurance, you will be able to recover a major part of your deposit in case of damage during navigation.
Where to sail in the Exumas?
- staniel Cay : This little pearl of the Exumas is best known for its crystal clear waters. It serves as a base for many pleasure boaters. Don't forget to visit Thunderball Grotto, a sea cave where several James Bond films have been shot. Snorkeling is a must in this magical place. Just a few miles from Staniel Cay is Major Cay and its famous "Pig Beach", an astonishing island populated by wild pigs.
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: This is a protected area covering almost 180 square miles. A real open-air aquarium, this marine park is the ideal place for diving, with exceptional underwater flora and fauna.
- Great Exuma and Little Exuma: Known for their sumptuous beaches and turquoise waters, these two islands are the beating heart of the archipelago. Visit George Town, the capital of the archipelago, before setting off on a cruise and discovering Tropic of Cancer Beach, a paradise beach with powdery sand.
- Compass Cay: This private island is famous for its friendly nurse sharks. Visitors can swim safely alongside these amazing creatures, a truly unique experience in the Exumas.
- Highbourne Cay: It offers eight attractive beaches, all facing in a different direction, making it an excellent stopping point for those who love to explore. The anchorage to the north of the island offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding islets and the nearby barrier reef.
When to sail in the Exumas?
The Exumas have two distinct seasons: the dry season, which lasts from December to April, and the wet season, from May to November. During the dry season, rainfall is rare and the water temperature is around 25°C, offering ideal conditions for sailing. During the wet season, although showers are more frequent, they generally occur in the evening or during the night. Temperatures rise slightly and the water temperature can reach 29°C. Sailing in the Exumas is therefore pleasant almost all year round, although it is advisable to avoid September and October due to the risk of hurricanes.
Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in the Exumas:
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 19° | 19° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 23° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 21° | 19° |
| Air max (°C) | 23° | 23° | 25°C | 25° | 26°C | 27° | 31° | 32° | 32° | 31° | 29° | 27° |
| Sea water (°C) | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25°Seawater (°C)25°25°25 | 26°C | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 26° |
Useful information for your yacht charter in the Exumas Islands
Which currency is used in the Exumas Islands?
The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). However, the US dollar (USD) is also widely accepted on a par with the Bahamian dollar in most places.
How do I get to the Exumas?
Obviously, from France, you only have one option: the plane. To get to Nassau (the Bahamian capital), you can leave from Paris or Nice with companies such as British Airways, Air France or Air Canada with a stopover in London (Heathrow), Atlanta or Toronto. From Nassau, you just need to take one of the many planes that fly daily to Georgetown, for a 40-minute trip to George Town, and then catch your boat to set off on a cruise to discover the Bahamas!
What are the prices of berths in ports or moorings in the Bahamas?
There are few ports in the Bahamas. In fact, many of the islands are wild or very sparsely inhabited. You will therefore spend most of your time at anchor in the sand, which is safe. In some places, anchoring is prohibited, and you will then have access to free buoys. At Exuma Land and Sea Park, the price of one night at a buoy will cost you $35 for a 40-foot boat.
Does a cruise to the Exumas involve long periods of sailing?
Sailing in the Bahamas is very short and very visual. You will sail between the islands and islets in the Exumas archipelago without spending long hours at sea.
What boat license is required for a sailboat charter in the Exumas Islands?
In the Bahamas, a boat license is not required to sail. However, you will be asked to fill in your nautical CV, attesting to past experience on a boat similar to the one you are renting. For peace of mind, you can also take the skipper option and let a professional steer your boat while you enjoy the scenery!
How do I finalize the booking of my boat in the Exumas?
As soon as we receive your charter request, an advisor will contact you to discuss your cruise plans. They will then email you a list of suggested yachts tailored to your needs. Once you have selected the yacht of your choice, you can pay a deposit from your customer area to confirm the charter and book the yacht.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 429 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer, Mechanic |
| Average price per week | $62,896 |
| Minimum weekly price | $2,354 |
| Maximum price per week | $995,138 |