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.

Within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, especially in popular areas like Warderick Wells, anchoring is prohibited to protect marine life, and visitors are required to use moorings provided by the park.

Places to stay

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

Anchorages

	Great Guana Cay	5.0 ★	Review summary: Strong protection makes Great Guana Cay a favored anchorage, although conditions vary slightly with current and sheltering. Visitors enjoy the close proximity to beaches and the ease of reaching the shore by dinghy, creating opportunities for a wide range of activities.
	North East Allan's	5.0 ★	Review summary: Approaching North East Allan's Anchorage can be smooth with ample deep spots for anchoring, even for boats with up to an 8 ft draft. However, visitors should be aware of uncomfortable swells from the south-southwest during wind direction changes.
	North Shroud Cay	4.9 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at North Shroud Cay is favored for its excellent holding and beautiful surroundings. Visitors particularly enjoy snorkeling opportunities and find the wind conditions comfortable from the east and south. The anchorage is also noted for having minimal crowding, offering a peaceful experience.
	Pipe Cay NW	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchor safely at Pipe Cay NW, a preferred stop in the Exumas. Visitors appreciate the protection from NE through South winds and the anchorage’s ease of access to nearby attractions. The water is clear and holding excellent, making it a delightful destination for most sailors.
	Stocking Harbour, Stocking Island	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Stocking Harbour offers a vibrant community experience. The location is appealing for its convenience and lively atmosphere, with good anchoring conditions noted. However, it is not particularly secluded or peaceful, as seen in one Review indicating a bustling ambiance.
	Big Majors Pig Beach	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at this spot is popular due to its great holding and calm conditions with minimal current, particularly in easterly winds. Although busy, the anchorage provides plenty of space and easy access to nearby attractions. Visitors enjoy watching activities like the pigs on the beach.
	Little Bay - Great Guana Cay	4.7 ★	Review summary: Little Bay offers a peaceful anchorage, particularly effective against north and eastern winds, providing good holding. It is known to be quite bumpy with winds from the south or west. Access to the picturesque area is noted for its straightforward nautical approach with clear waters.
	Shroud Cay	4.7 ★	Review summary: The anchorage at Shroud Cay is noted for its good holding conditions, particularly when winds are from the east. Visitors enjoy the easy access to dinghy routes and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
	Williams Bay	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Williams Bay is favored for its excellent holding and shelter from eastern winds. The area provides picturesque surroundings and ample space, making it a popular anchorage for exploring nearby beaches.
	Cambridge Cay	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Cambridge Cay is often marked by strong tidal currents that can rotate boats frequently, creating an erratic anchorage experience. Protection varies, with good east wind shelter but notable exposure to westerly winds. Visitors report beautiful scenery and accessible beaches.

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Marinas

	Farmers Cay Yacht Club	4.3 ★	Review summary: Farmers Cay Yacht Club sees frequent visits from sailors who appreciate its cleaning facilities and friendly atmosphere. Notably, visitors enjoy its convenient amenities such as Wi-Fi and local access without needing a vehicle. The marina's location facilitates easy interaction with staff for docking assistance.
	Highbourne Cay	3.8 ★	Review summary: Highbourne Cay marina provides access to a private island with beaches and a general store. Several reviews highlight friendly service and a well-protected location. Visitors have experienced excellent marina service support, although electricity issues have caused concern for some.
No image	Exuma Yacht Club	3.6 ★	Review summary: Staying at Exuma Yacht Club offers convenience with its proximity to Georgetown amenities. Fuel and power services are temporarily unavailable, with docks undergoing upgrades. Visitors report attentive staff and enjoyable activities, but also note high fees for docking and power, regardless of actual use.
	Emerald Bay Marina	3.3 ★	Review summary: Approaching Emerald Bay Marina can present challenges, especially with concentrated waves at the entrance. Reviews mention decent amenities, though some facilities are in need of maintenance. Prices for water and electricity tend to be on the higher side.
	Compass Cay	3.3 ★	Review summary: Sailors frequently visit Compass Cay for its protected environment and quiet ambiance. There is a landing fee for shark viewing, with facilities limited to a beverage cooler and burgers. Visitors report a lack of drinking water availability despite prior information indicating otherwise.

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Moorings

	Red Shanks 1	5.0 ★	Review summary: The mooring field offers excellent wind and wave protection, ideal during strong winds. Easy dinghy access to town is available. Visitors report high satisfaction with the condition of the moorings, which held fast in winds exceeding 40 knots.
	Warderick Wells Cay - North Field	4.9 ★	Review summary: Mooring at Warderick Wells Cay is particularly favored for its robust wildlife encounters, including manta rays and sharks. While the buoys are generally well-maintained, some visitors note tight swinging room on larger boats, highlighting the importance of navigating cautiously through the narrow channel.
	Sand Dollar Beach	4.8 ★	Review summary: Access to Sand Dollar Beach's mooring field is highlighted by its proximity to Georgetown's activities and amenities. Visitors enjoy a one-mile dinghy ride to local shopping and eateries. The mooring field is noted for its reliable infrastructure and active cruiser community.
	Cambridge Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Staying at Cambridge Cay offers a unique experience with mooring fields that are well protected. Many visitors encounter occasional tour boats and currents that may cause boats to swing. Visitors enjoy seeing eagle rays, sharks, and partaking in nearby excursions when conditions permit.
	Hawksbill Cay	4.4 ★	Review summary: Shelter is better at Hawksbill Cay anchorage with a south-easterly wind, offering ample space for anchoring despite the presence of mooring buoys. Visitors appreciate the area's beaches and hiking opportunities, with accurate charts aiding navigation in variable water depths.

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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: Browns Marine Store & Fuel is notably well stocked, offering a wide range of items including boat parts, kitchen goods, and fishing gear. Visitors commend the availability of Yamaha and Suzuki outboard spares. Access is via a small floating dock, making it convenient for boaters.
	Island Marine Services	5.0 ★	Review summary: Island Marine Services specializes in offering fuel parts and has a selection of both new parts and discarded boat components. Although the shop is generally well-stocked, it is noted for the absence of Tohatsu parts on occasion. Aaron, a staff member, provides helpful assistance.
	Isles General Store	4.8 ★	Review summary: The Isles General Store has a varied selection, including fishing gear and some groceries. The store occasionally closes when the mail boat arrives. Staff interactions are noted to be kind and accommodating.

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

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