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 reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	North Shroud Cay ★ 4.9 Anchorage in North Shroud Cay features good holding and offers easy dinghy access to nearby beaches and creeks. The area is sheltered from east winds and has favorable depths, making it comfortable for various vessels. Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery and abundant marine life while exploring.
	Pipe Cay NW ★ 4.9 This anchorage is well protected from northeast to southeast winds and offers multiple beaches for exploration. Visitors reported a peaceful environment with opportunities for activities like swimming and paddleboarding, making it a favorable stop in the Exumas.
	Norman’s Pond ★ 4.9 Entry can be challenging due to shallow depths, requiring careful navigation especially near markers. Norman's Pond provides excellent shelter from winds and swells. The holding is reliable, with soft sand for anchoring, making it a secure place to wait out storms.
	Cambridge Cay ★ 4.9 Cambridge Cay features excellent protection from easterly winds and offers deep anchorage with high holding quality. Visitors can explore nearby beautiful beaches and trails. Multiple reports mention complications from tidal currents that may affect boat positioning.
	Bitter Guana Cay anchorage ★ 4.8 This anchorage provides good protection from NE to SE winds, with clear water and a sandy beach nearby. Visitors enjoy hiking opportunities and observing friendly iguanas. It is considered a calm anchorage, though there may be some chop when entering.
	Little Bay ★ 4.8 Little Bay provides excellent protection from prevailing winds and is known for good holding in sandy bottom. Visitors appreciate the clear water and beautiful beaches. Nearby activities include a walk to Black Point and access to dinghy landing, enhancing the overall experience.
	Monument Hill, Stocking Island ★ 4.8 Provisions, fuel, and water taxi services are accessible from the anchorage. Holding is generally good, offering decent protection from easterly winds. Visitors have enjoyed various nearby hiking trails and the comfortable beaches.
	Shroud Cay ★ 4.8 Shroud Cay offers good holding for anchoring, with sandy bottoms and decent protection from eastern winds. Visitors highlight the excellent opportunities for exploring mangroves and encountering diverse wildlife, including turtles and nurse sharks. The area can experience rolly conditions under certain wind patterns.
	Prime Cay Middle ★ 4.8 Good anchorage with depth considerations, only accessible at high tide. The area is noted for its beautiful marine life, including turtles and rays. Space is limited, accommodating around four boats.
	Stocking Harbour, Stocking Island ★ 4.8 Moorings are available and well-maintained, providing easy access. A vibrant community offers a variety of activities, with feedback on beaches and local spots like the Coconut Club. Reports indicate wakes from resort boats may affect some visitors.

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Marinas

	St Francis Resort Marina ★ 4.7 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.
	Highbourne Cay ★ 4.3 The marina features solid docks and a well-stocked shop. Staff are commonly described as friendly and accommodating. Visitors have noted the beauty of the location along with issues such as elevated electrical voltage affecting some boats.
	Farmers Cay Yacht Club ★ 4.2 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.
	Emerald Bay Marina ★ 3.9 Visitors find the floating docks and staff helpful. Free laundry facilities are available, though some washers require repairs. Several reviews mention issues with power access on docks and general disrepair in some areas.
	Compass Cay ★ 3.8 Recent Reviews highlight mixed experiences at the marina. While some visitors enjoyed the attractions and helpful staff, others found the pricing excessive and reported rude treatment. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

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Moorings

	Warderick Wells Cay - North Field ★ 4.9 The mooring field is protected and provides stunning views and marine life. Visitors highlighted helpful staff and the presence of strong currents. Reservations are necessary due to limited mooring availability, and navigation through the narrow channel requires care.
	Sand Dollar Beach ★ 4.8 Access to a beautiful beach and hiking trails enhances the visitor experience. The mooring fields are well-regarded for stability in various weather conditions. A friendly cruiser community adds to the appeal, with activities and facilities within reach.
	Red Shanks 1 ★ 4.7 Many visitors appreciate the protection from strong winds and good mooring conditions noted in several Reviews. Some reported issues with local powerboat traffic creating wakes in the mooring area. Easy access via dinghy to nearby amenities was highlighted positively.
	Emerald Rock mooring field ★ 4.7 Emerald Rock offers peaceful mooring with excellent holding and wind protection. Visitors appreciate easy access to snorkeling spots and hiking trails, with various amenities available nearby. Many reported comfort even in challenging wind conditions, enhancing the overall experience.
	Cambridge Cay ★ 4.7 Cambridge Cay features a well-protected anchorage with beautiful surroundings. The anchoring conditions are reliable and well-rated, although there may be challenges with swings due to current and wind. Visitors also appreciate the accessibility to nearby attractions.

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Boat services

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

Chandlers

	Browns Marine Store & Fuel ★ 5.0 A variety of products is consistently available, meeting diverse boating needs. Reports confirm a well-stocked inventory covering hardware, fishing gear, and outboard spares. Customers appreciated the friendly staff and effective service, especially during repairs.
	Isles General Store ★ 4.8 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.
	Island Marine Services ★ 4.5 Service includes new and used outboard parts, with staff showing helpfulness. Visitors noted inconsistency in open hours, requiring multiple visits to establish contact. No Tohatsu parts are available at this location.

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Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Bahamas: