Exuma Cays

Exuma Cays

Bahamas

The Exuma Cays: a chain of some 365 cays and sandbars running about 120 miles south-east from Ship Channel Cay to George Town, with the shallow Exuma Bank to the west and the deep Exuma Sound to the east. Most anchorages lie on the bank side in the lee of the trade winds; the cuts between the cays carry strong tidal current. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no-take marine reserve.

When to go

December through April is the main season, with steady easterly trades. From December to March, cold fronts cross every week or so and the wind swings SE through S, W and NW to N, often 20-30 kt; choose an anchorage that is protected on the bank side for the shift. May and June are lighter and hot. July to October is hurricane season, with the peak from mid-August to mid-October; charter fleets thin out and many operators restrict summer bookings.

Weather and hazards

Cuts: the passages between the cays carry strong tidal current, and when wind or swell from the east opposes the ebb the seas stand up and break. Time every cut for slack or the flood, and do not use the ocean cuts in a strong easterly or a northerly swell. Banks navigation: the Exuma Bank is 6-15 ft with sand bores, grass and coral heads; read the water with the sun high and behind you, and expect to cross the bank between the cays at near-high tide if you draw over 4 ft. Exuma Sound, east of the chain, is deep and exposed to the open Atlantic. Anchorages: holding in tidal cuts is poor and the current reverses, so set the hook twice and swing room is often tight; Warderick Wells and other park moorings fill up in season. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no-take marine reserve with mooring fees and rules (no fishing, no shell collecting).

Hurricane season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking mid-August to mid-October. The Exumas have few secure hurricane holes; most charter operators close or restrict bookings in the autumn. Watch NHC daily and have a plan before departure.

Entry and clearance

Complete the Click2Clear online application before arrival and keep the confirmation number. Fly the yellow Q flag and go straight to a port of entry; only the captain goes ashore to clear. Charter boats leaving Nassau are normally cleared by the charter company before departure, so confirm with the base. Ports of entry in or near the Exumas include Nassau (Palm Cay and others), Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay, Black Point and George Town. Ports and hours change often, so call ahead. Visitors normally receive a 90-day stamp. Check the Bahamas cruising permit, anchorage and fishing fees on Click2Clear before departure, since they were raised in July 2025.

Tides and currents

Semi-diurnal tides with a range of about 2.5-3.5 ft. Current runs hard through the cuts between the cays, often 3-5 kt, and the tide on the bank lags the tide in the Sound, so plan cut transits for slack or the flood. Many shallow bank routes and sandbars are crossed only near half tide or better.

Charter bases

• Nassau (Palm Cay Marina)Southeast New Providence, about 28 nm from Highbourne Cay and the top of the ExumasDream Yacht Charter (Palm Cay base for Exuma itineraries, opened 2018 with partner Navtours), Navigare Yachting (Palm Cay base; Bali, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot catamarans, about 40-54 ft; 3-day minimum, no fixed changeover day), Sunsail (announced Exuma charters out of Nassau in 2019 with Lagoon 424 and 454W catamarans; confirm the base is still operating)

Getting there

• Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) — NASThe gateway for every Nassau-based Exuma charter; Palm Cay Marina is a short taxi ride. Direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other US cities.
• Exuma International Airport (George Town) — GGTGreat Exuma; the southern end of the chain, and the usual airport for one-way charters finishing at George Town.
• Staniel Cay Airport — TYMSmall airstrip in the middle of the Exuma Cays, next to Staniel Cay Yacht Club; light aircraft and charter flights from Nassau.
• Black Point Airport — BPIGreat Guana Cay (Exuma); small-plane service from Nassau.

Charts and guides

• Explorer Chartbook Exumas (and Near Bahamas for the run from Nassau)
• The Exuma Guide (Stephen Pavlidis) / Waterway Guide Bahamas
• Navionics and Garmin ActiveCaptain community data
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park pages at bnt.bs for park rules and moorings