3 min read
Chartering a boat in The Bahamas: crewed, bareboat or a day with a captain
How boat charters work in The Bahamas: crewed yachts, bareboat sailing and captained day boats, where each works best, what is included and what operators ask.
Exuma boat charters: captained day boats, private tours and crewed yachts
The Exumas are the finest boating water in The Bahamas, and the best way to see them is on a boat you have to yourselves. Private captained day boats are the most popular charter here; crewed yachts cover the whole chain over several days; and skiffs with guides fish the flats. This page explains the options and how to book them.
Captained day boats
A centre console or small cruiser with a local captain, for your group alone, departing from the north of Great Exuma or from Staniel Cay. You set the pace: the pigs early before the crowds, a long sandbar stop, snorkelling where the captain knows the fish are. Boats typically carry six to twelve guests; fuel for the standard cays route, snorkel gear and ice are usually included.
Crewed yacht charters
For a week on the water, crewed sail and motor yachts board in Nassau or George Town and work through the cays, anchoring off the Land and Sea Park, Staniel Cay and the sandbars at Pipe Creek. Crew, meals and water toys are included; park mooring fees, dockage and crew gratuity are usually extra. The Exumas have few marinas and little provisioning in the cays, so crewed boats stock up before they leave.
Rentals and fishing
Experienced boaters can rent small powerboats on Great Exuma for the day, with operators advising on routes and weather. Bonefishing guides pole skiffs on the flats around George Town, Barraterre and Little Exuma, and offshore charters work the drop-off east of the island.
What we can arrange
Private cays day with a captain
Pigs, grotto, sharks and sandbars on your own schedule.
About this placeCrewed yacht through the Exuma Cays
Several days from Nassau or George Town with crew and meals.
Small boat rental
Day rentals on Great Exuma for experienced boaters.
Bonefishing or offshore charter
Guided flats days and deep-water trips.
Ready to plan it?
Send your dates, group and what you have in mind. We check availability with verified local operators and reply with real options, free of charge.
Common questions
How much boat do I need for the swimming pigs?
Any captained day boat from Great Exuma reaches Big Major Cay in about an hour. Larger groups need a larger boat; most carry six to twelve.
Can I charter a boat in Exuma without a captain?
Small powerboat rentals are available to experienced boaters on Great Exuma. Bareboat sailing charters are based in the Abacos rather than the Exumas.
Guides
3 min read
How to visit the swimming pigs of Exuma
Where the swimming pigs are, how to reach Big Major Cay from Great Exuma, Staniel Cay or Nassau, what a day trip includes, and how to behave around the animals.