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 An anchorage well-sheltered from NE to SE winds allows for peaceful stays. Numerous surrounding beaches and interesting marine life enhance the experience. The area supports various activities, making it suitable for extended visits.
	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 Protection from easterly winds and good holding are frequently noted advantages of anchoring in Cambridge Cay. Several reviews highlight beautiful scenery, accessible beaches, and available activities, although current variations can lead to boat movement and potential collisions.
	Bitter Guana Cay anchorage ★ 4.8 The anchorage provides excellent holding and protection from prevailing winds. Visitors enjoy activities such as hiking and swimming, with friendly iguanas adding to the experience. Conditions are generally calm, though occasional rolly conditions may occur with south winds.
	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 Anchorage offers excellent holding with protection from wind, especially from easterly directions. Amenities nearby include hiking trails and access to Coconut Club. Multiple visitors reported experiences with crowded conditions due to nearby traffic and parties.
	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 Highbourne Cay marina benefits from friendly staff and beautiful surroundings, with nearby beaches, a well-stocked grocery, and a restaurant. Visitors noted good customer service and activities like observing sharks. Some experienced issues with noise from a transformer and power reliability.
	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 Floating docks are available but some require maintenance as noted in multiple Reviews. Visitors appreciate the helpful staff and amenities like free laundry, while issues with electricity and limited provisioning options have been reported. Access during entry may depend on timing with tides and wind.
	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 at Warderick Wells Cay is beautiful and well protected. Visitors noted strong currents and the need for caution, especially near sandbars. Helpful staff offer guidance, but reservations for mooring balls are essential.
	Sand Dollar Beach ★ 4.8 Sand Dollar Beach features excellent holding for moorings, with many visitors enjoying the tranquil setting and proximity to local attractions. The beach offers beautiful conditions for swimming, along with friendly cruiser community activities. Regular access to services enhances the overall experience.
	Emerald Rock mooring field ★ 4.8 Emerald Rock offers peaceful mooring conditions with strong holding and wind protection. Visitors appreciate access to snorkeling and hiking opportunities, although some note that it can be rolly during west winds. The facility is generally well-maintained and operates with a fee structure.
	Red Shanks 1 ★ 4.7 Mooring conditions are favorable with well-maintained buoys providing solid protection against winds. Visitors find access to nearby amenities convenient and enjoy a generally peaceful atmosphere. Dinghy access to town is straightforward and the site remains largely quiet.
	Shroud Cay ★ 4.6 The anchorage at Shroud Cay offers good holding and accessibility to beautiful beaches and wildlife. Many visitors appreciated the clear waters for a varied marine experience. Recent reports indicate limited visibility of mooring balls, causing some to anchor instead.

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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 wide range of marine products is available at Browns Marine Store & Fuel. The store is well stocked with diverse items, including boat parts and fishing gear. Dinghy access is possible to a small floating dock.
	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.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

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