The Exumas

The Exumas chain has over 365 islands and cays, with clear, shallow banks, numerous anchorages, and relatively few marinas, so most cruising yachts spend the majority of their time at anchor in this area.​ Navigation calls for watching depths, sandbars, and coral heads in good light, but established routes mean prepared crews can move through the chain with relative ease.

The Exumas boast many attractions, some of the most popular include:

On Shroud Cay, the Washing Machine is a narrow tidal cut where visitors can enjoy a drift swim in the strong currents and clear water. It can be reached via Sanctuary Creek, a shallow mangrove creek passable by dinghy at high tide, filled with turtles and rays, with short walks possible from the small beach landings.

When passing Norman's Cay, don't miss the opportunity to snorkel on the Sunken Plane, a smuggler's plane that crashed here in the 1980s.

Warderick Wells, at the heart of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, is a popular highlight for many cruisers, with marked moorings, clear sand‑bottom channels, and nearby reefs and trails that showcase the best of this protected marine park.

Animal lovers have plenty to enjoy in the Exumas, from dinghying ashore to the Iguana Reserve on Gauna Cay South, to swimming with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay and, love them or hate them, rounding it off with a visit to the pigs on Pig Beach at Big Majors.

At the southern end of Great Guana Cay, near Little Farmer's anchorage, take sturdy shoes and a waterproof flashlight to visit Oven Rock Cave and explore this underwater pool and its adjoining limestone chambers.

A must for James Bond fans is a visit to Thunderball Grotto, a cave where you can swim in water backlit from underwater by shafts of sunlight entering through openings in the rock walls.

When you've finally made it all the way south to Georgetown, relax with a cold drink at the iconic Chat ’n Chill beach bar on Stocking Island, where cruisers gather for conch salad, volleyball, Sunday barbecues, and a laid‑back anchorage vibe.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park runs roughly from Shroud Cay in the north to Cambridge Cay in the south. Anchoring restrictions and park fees apply throughout the park. In some locations, such as the mooring fields at Warderick Wells, use of park moorings is compulsory and anchoring is not permitted. Refer to the park’s official website for the latest rules and fee schedule.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Emerald Rock	5.0 ★	Review summary: Spacious anchorage features great holding in sandy bottoms with clear waters. Visitors reported safe access and enjoyable activities, including snorkeling and mingling during beach happy hours. Reservations for mooring can be complicated, so many choose to anchor instead.
	North Shroud Cay	4.9 ★	Review summary: Holding in the anchorage is generally good with easy access to nearby beaches and creeks. Visitors reported calm conditions with east and southeast winds, and noted some coral heads that require attention when anchoring. Enjoyable snorkeling opportunities exist in the area.
	Pipe Cay NW	4.9 ★	Review summary: The anchorage provides excellent shelter from northeast to southeast winds. Multiple visitors appreciated proximity to several beaches, with options for activities such as paddleboarding and exploring nearby attractions. Clear water and good holding conditions add to the positive experience for stays.
	Norman’s Pond	4.9 ★	Review summary: Entering Norman's Pond requires caution due to shallow water, especially near the entrance. At high tide, depths were reported safe for larger drafts. Visitors appreciated the beautiful anchorage that offers shelter from various wind directions.
	Little Bay - Great Guana Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Little Bay is favored for its deep sand holding and shelter from north and east winds. Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and proximity to Black Point, with clean beaches and good access for walks. Conditions can vary with swell impacting comfort, particularly from the south.
	Shroud Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: The anchorage offers good holding and ample space for vessels to anchor. Visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings and proximity to exploring coral reefs and mangroves. Some mention encountering marine life, including sharks and turtles, enhancing the overall experience.
	Cambridge Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Water depth of 10-12 feet is available with good holding reported during rough conditions. Wind protection is effective from most directions, although westerly winds pose some exposure. Access to nearby beaches and trails enhances the anchorage experience.
	Stocking Harbour, Stocking Island	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchorage offers a vibrant atmosphere with many activities and a friendly community. Visitors appreciate the access to town and the ease of dinghy rides for provisioning. Some report disturbances from resort boats passing by with wakes.
	Big Majors Pig Beach	4.7 ★	Review summary: Plenty of room exists for anchoring, with great holding reported. Visitors also enjoyed watching pigs on the beach. Nearby activities are easily accessible via a short dinghy ride.
	Monument Hill, Stocking Island	4.6 ★	Review summary: A protected anchorage with ample room for boats. Visitors should avoid the marked channel to ensure safety for both themselves and commercial vessels. Nearby hiking and beaches offer enjoyable activities, although the area can become crowded, especially during peak seasons.

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Marinas

	St Francis Resort Marina	4.7 ★	Review summary: Floating docks are in good condition, providing reliable shelter during storms. Staff gives helpful guidance for entry. Restaurant and bar are available nearby, with trails on Stocking Island accessible for visitors.
	Farmers Cay Yacht Club	4.2 ★	Review summary: Facilities include restrooms and laundry services for $11 and $5.50 per load respectively. Staff friendliness is noted, while shallow areas surround the docks, necessitating caution when approaching. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Highbourne Cay	4.2 ★	Review summary: The marina provides a well-protected environment with friendly staff and good amenities including a general store and restaurant. Visitors noted the outstanding service during service issues. Noise from a nearby transformer impacted some stays, and concerns about electrical supply were raised.
	Emerald Bay Marina	3.9 ★	Review summary: Various amenities are available including free laundry and well-maintained floating docks. Staff is regarded as helpful, while some areas need maintenance, such as lighting in bathrooms. Access to nearby restaurants and marina updates are noted.
	Compass Cay	3.6 ★	Review summary: Access to the marina allows for close interactions with nurse sharks, with a landing fee charged. Visitors noted the setting as quiet and well-protected for storm conditions. Facilities are basic, featuring a limited selection of food and drinks.

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Moorings

	Red Shanks 1	4.9 ★	Review summary: Mooring balls are in excellent condition, providing strong protection from winds. Access to town via dinghy is straightforward. Visitors report a quiet atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for relaxation.
	Sand Dollar Beach	4.9 ★	Review summary: Visitors report excellent conditions for mooring with reasonable fees, describing the area as safe and quieter than surrounding locations. The beautiful beach and friendly cruiser community are frequently mentioned, enhancing the overall experience. Access to local amenities and activities is a notable benefit.
	Warderick Wells Cay - North Field	4.9 ★	Review summary: A beautiful and well-maintained mooring field offers strong protection and scenic wildlife. Visitors should be cautious of strong currents while navigating, with advanced reservations required for mooring. Staff appear helpful, enhancing the experience for cruisers.
	Cambridge Cay	4.9 ★	Review summary: Tranquil location with beautiful surroundings and well-protected anchorage. Visitors report observing eagle rays and sharks. Limited mooring availability noted, with strong currents making navigation challenging at times.
	Shroud Cay	4.7 ★	Review summary: The anchorage at Shroud Cay offers excellent holding, with easy access to local beaches and wildlife sightings. Recent experiences noted a reduction in swells, enhancing the anchoring situation. Limited mooring ball availability was observed, with only one or two visible.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

	Browns Marine Store & Fuel	5.0 ★	Review summary: The store is well stocked with a diverse selection of items, including hardware, kitchen goods, fishing gear, and more. Staff interactions are reported positively, with visitors easily locating necessary boat parts and supplies. Access is facilitated by a small floating dock for dinghies.
	Island Marine Services	5.0 ★	Review summary: New fuel parts are available at this chandler. Visitors have reported that the staff, particularly Aaron, is helpful. However, Tohatsu parts are not in stock.
	Isles General Store	4.8 ★	Review summary: A variety of food items are available, including fresh produce, frozen goods, and fishing supplies. The service is noted for being attentive and accommodating. Be aware that the store may close unexpectedly if a mail boat arrives.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Bahamas.

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