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.
	Norman’s Pond	5.0 ★	Review summary: Entering Norman's Pond demands careful navigation at high tide due to depth challenges and sandbars. This anchorage offers excellent hurricane protection with strong holding in soft sand for anchors, ensuring comfort during high winds, as experienced by several visitors during adverse weather conditions.
	Green Cay	5.0 ★	Review summary: Green Cay anchorage is known for its excellent setting, requiring an additional swell anchor for comfort. Most visitors appreciate the location's favorable conditions and highlight this necessary adjustment for anchoring effectively.
	Emerald Rock	5.0 ★	Review summary: Accessing Emerald Rock requires care when navigating shallow waters, with recommendations to follow marked paths. It offers a spacious anchorage area with good holding over sandy bottoms. Anchoring beyond marked lines allows for comfortable stays, while access to the main basin is straightforward by dinghy.
	Cambridge Cay	5.0 ★	Review summary: Sheltered waters make Cambridge Cay an appealing anchorage for sailors. Visitors highlight the area's excellent protection and proximity to Rocky Dundas caves. The anchorage supports cell connectivity with both Aliv and BTC networks without needing a signal booster.
	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.
	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.
	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.

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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: Visitors often find Highbourne Cay Marina a welcoming destination with friendly service and well-stocked provisions. Several Reviews highlight the marina's reaction to unfavorable weather conditions as a reason for their visit. Some visitors encounter electrical challenges, specifically relating to voltage compatibility.
No image	Exuma Yacht Club	3.0 ★	Review summary: Exuma Yacht Club offers convenient access to Georgetown amenities, with nearby services including a supermarket and customs. Recent updates on dock facilities have been reported, but fuel and consistent power are currently unavailable, with slips costing $2.50-$3 per foot. Fuel availability restricts use unless renting a slip.
	Staniel Cay Yacht Club	2.7 ★	Review summary: Staying on a mooring ball at Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a common choice for visitors. The mooring balls are in good condition and available at a fee. Visitors experience additional charges, including a notable $25 convenience fee when using a credit card.
	Compass Cay	2.7 ★	Review summary: Accessing Compass Cay requires landing a dinghy at the north beach, with a fee of $15 per person payable by credit card for access to the nurse sharks experience. One review noted the marina does not have drinking water available, contrary to expectations from their website description.

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Moorings

	Red Shanks 1	5.0 ★	Review summary: Staying at Red Shanks 1 provides excellent protection from winds and waves, making it a popular mooring spot even during frontal passages. Many reviews highlight the well-maintained moorings and calm conditions, allowing for a quiet and enjoyable visit.
	Warderick Wells Cay - North Field	4.9 ★	Review summary: Tightly arranged mooring buoys in a narrow channel provide a well-maintained and picturesque setting at Warderick Wells Cay. Strong currents in the channel present snorkeling challenges and require careful navigation. The location attracts marine life such as sharks and rays, adding to its allure.
	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.
	O’Brian’s Cay Moorings	4.7 ★	Review summary: Access to O'Brian's Cay Moorings offers good protection and a short dinghy ride to the Sea Aquarium. Visitors noted that while mooring balls are available, they might require additional safety measures due to wear on the loops. Overall, it's an appealing destination with nearby attractions.
	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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Boatyards and services

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

Chandlers

	Isles General Store	5.0 ★	Review summary: Isles General Store offers a comprehensive selection of both chandler and grocery items, accommodating a wide range of visitor needs. The store is known for reasonable pricing, especially on fishing gear, with locals frequently choosing it as a preferred destination. Staff assistance is described positively.
	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.

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

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