Just 25 minutes across the water from the raucous ritzy shores of Nassau Paradise Island, you will find the sandy little sweep of Rose Island. Aptly named, this stunning island captures the simple grace and beauty of life in the Caribbean (with some special surprises along the way too). Rose Island is uninhabited save for the local famous swimming pigs. There is nothing more enchanting than watching these sandy snouted pink pigs escape the heat with a swim in the pure blue waters. Raised here on Rose Island, these pretty pigs are part of the protected wildlife sanctuary on Rose Island and swimming alongside them is pure to be the highlight of your charter trip. There’s also plenty of opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, secluded picnics, and leafing through the pages of your favourite book as you sway in a hammock.
Highborne Cay is a beautiful private island that is dedicated to the protection of the delicate ecological balance of marine life that encircles the island. Enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of Highborne’s aquatic gallery with its vast area of coral heads and soft coral that stretches about a mile long. The reef is perfect for drift snorkeling or diving. There are several hiking and fitness trails around the island for guests to use if they wish to stretch their legs.
Norman’s Cay is known for the plane wreck that is just off the island, sunk in clear turquoise waters. Norman’s Cay used to be a stopping point for drug transportation and this plane is thought to have crashed after taking off because the “load” was too heavy. The yacht's tender can take guests on a snorkeling expedition around the plane wreck and the nearby reefs.
The Norman's Cay is beautiful and small, which makes it easy for you to walk along the secluded beaches and snorkel the stunning reefs in the crystal-clear waters. Guests can be taken ashore by the tender to the eastern beaches which are deserted and beautiful. The beach and lagoon NNE of Boot Cay is also very beautiful! If guests would like to cruise around in the tender, the crew can take them to Normans Pond, between the arms of the Cay to the N. Bone fishing can be enjoyed along the shallow flats around the island.
LISA MI AMORE can relocated close to Shroud Cay depending on weather for the day. The crew can setup the beach at the end of the labyrinth so when guests have finished exploring, they can relax and enjoy the serenity of this beautiful place.
In the Exuma National Park, you will find the pink sands and velvet green mangroves that make up Shroud Cay. Part of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, Shroud Cay is all about putting mother nature on a pedestal and for good reason. Gone are the crowds and the whirr of motorized boats and in its place is simply the silence of water lapping against the shore, the scuttle of lizards, sleeping turtles, and the cry of wild birds. This wetland delight offers a labyrinth of creeks to explore on the kayak, not to mention sublime snorkeling in the clear blue shallows. Whether a nature lover, fantasy island escapist, or charter guest wanting to delve deeper into the wilder delights of the Bahamas, Shroud Cay offers you the chance to see the land and sea completely untouched by human hands.
Warderick Wells, a protected area with many incredible anchorage spots depending on the weather. Guests can enjoy this glorious stretch that sits between Hog Cay and West Stroud Cay that captures the true essence of the Exumas. You will know you have arrived to Waderick Wells thanks to the 50ft skeleton of a sperm whale marking the entrance.
Waderick Wells is home to many incredible walks leading through the decadent flora and fauna, and the chance to see Stromatolites (one of the rarest life forms on earth). There are seven miles of trails crisscross throughout the island allowing you to hike from one end to the other. Boo Boo Hill is a hike that takes you around the blow holes. The Wall Trail leads east from Beryls Beach and provides stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding water. There is also a short trail that leads to the southwest end of the island which used to be used as a Pirates Lair.
For guests who love to snorkel and dive, Warderick Wells takes you on an underwater journey where you can admire flourishing coral gardens and the brightest shoals of fish.
The yacht's tender can take guests over to visit Compass Cay so they can see the Nurse Sharks snoozing around the dock, coasting amongst the pilings waiting for scraps as the fishermen fillet their fresh catch. A visit to Compass Cay is a step back in time to how Bahamas and island life used to be. This unspoiled, two-mile long island is home to only a few homes and one marina. There are many marked trails on the island to explore. Cruise or hike over to Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a lagoon on the northern side of the island that is considered the island’s more picturesque spot.
The yacht's tender can take guests for a visit to Big Major to see the colony of the famous swimming pigs! The crew can prepare all the pigs their favorite snacks and water for a fun filled morning. Care does need to be taken when feeding the pigs since these are wild animals though used to human contact.
On the way back to Staniel guests can snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto which was used in the filming of two James Bond movies. This fantastic underwater cave system is great for snorkeling, diving, and wading. It is teeming with exotic marine life and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored coral reefs and fish, like yellow-tail snappers, Angel fish, Sergeant Majors and the like. It is a must see for divers and snorkelers!
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club invites you to immerse all your senses in the beauty of the Bahamas. Sitting in the sweet south of the Bahamas where blue skies meld with blue seas, it’s no surprise that this corner of the world tempts sailors and beach lovers. Boasting a full service marina, a ton of watersport opportunities, and all the modern entertainment and dining amenities you need, life on Staniel Cay works a charm. Littered with white sands, you can sprawl in turquoise surroundings or for more active adventurers, there’s snorkeling, scuba diving, and plenty of opportunity to fish and kayak around the coast.
Enjoy your last morning on the way while you enjoy a delicious breakfast. When you are finished breakfast, the crew can assist you with your luggage. Go for one last swim in the beautiful blue waters before departing. A float plane can be arrange to meet you at the yacht to take you to either Nassau or Florida and this is the perfect way to depart your Exumas yacht charter!