Exumas in 7 Days: A Practical Itinerary from Premium Crewed to Superyacht
A realistic Nassau-to-Exumas week plan, including route logic, timing, and what shifts when your charter budget moves from $35K to $1M+.
The Exumas are one of those rare places that look better in person than in photos, and the photos are already unfair. But this isn’t a destination for improvisation. Distances, provisioning, weather windows, and marina strategy matter.
Here’s a clean 7-day framework that works whether you’re in a premium crewed charter at $35K+ or stepping into superyacht territory.
Route logic first
Most week charters run from Nassau with an Exumas loop. Why:
- Better access to logistics and provisions at start/end
- Cleaner operational rhythm for a one-week window
- Flexible return options if weather shifts
The week is best treated as three acts:
- Transition + settle
- Signature Exumas days
- Return with buffer and style
7-day sample itinerary
Day 1 — Nassau embarkation + easy first leg
- Board, safety brief, settle into cabins
- Light run south to avoid turning day one into a marathon
- Sunset anchorage, early dinner, reset
Day 2 — Norman Cay / nearby cays
- Swim/snorkel morning
- Light exploration and beach time
- Keep pace gentle; you’re still calibrating the group
Day 3 — Warderick Wells / Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park zone
- Scenic cruising + nature-focused stops
- Hiking/viewpoint window if conditions support
- Quiet evening at anchor
Day 4 — Staniel Cay region
- Signature activity day: caves, iconic stops, water toys
- Option for social energy or private pacing depending on your group
Day 5 — Compass / nearby cays
- Flexible day by design
- Great slot for chef-driven lunch, toy-heavy afternoon, photo day
Day 6 — Begin return north with strategic stop
- Keep one operationally strong stop to avoid a rushed final day
- Crew can rebalance logistics for disembarkation
Day 7 — Nassau return + disembark
- Breakfast, transfer coordination
- Keep departures calm and scheduled
Budget tier differences: same map, different experience
| Tier | What improves most | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| $35K–$75K | Strong core experience, intimate service, excellent water time | Route ambition must stay realistic; prioritize 2–3 highlights per day |
| $75K–$250K | Better toy inventory, stronger galley program, more service bandwidth | Avoid overprogramming just because you can |
| $250K–$1M+ | High customization, deep provisioning, elite hospitality, fast pivots | Complexity grows; clear guest priorities still matter |
A useful truth: in the Exumas, the itinerary quality beats “more miles.” Guests remember pace and moments, not nautical bragging rights.
Cost drivers that actually move your total
- Fuel profile (high-speed runs vs relaxed cruising)
- Provisioning depth (wine program, dietary specialization, premium requests)
- Marina strategy (more dock nights = different spend profile)
- Toy usage (some programs are fuel- and crew-intensive)
- Guest count and event moments (celebration days cost more)
Planning checklist (do this before shortlist)
- Primary trip goal: adventure, reset, celebration, family, or mixed?
- Non-negotiables: toys, chef style, cabin standards, service style
- Pace preference: “see more” vs “feel more”
- Social profile: quiet anchorages vs recognizable hotspots
- Food philosophy: indulgent, health-first, or split programming
What first-timers usually underestimate
1) Packing too much schedule into day 1 and day 7
Protect your edges. Start soft, end smooth.
2) Not declaring meal/wine preferences clearly
The better your preference sheet, the better your week.
3) Assuming weather flexibility is optional
In the Bahamas, flexible sequencing is not a backup plan. It is the plan.
Recommended internal structure for your article cluster
This page should link to:
- Pricing & Booking Basics (APA, taxes, gratuity)
- APA vs All-Inclusive explainer
- Best time for Bahamas charters
And it should receive links from:
- “Bahamas customs checklist”
- “Best family week charter destinations”
- “Superyacht vs premium crewed week charters”
Bottom line
A great Exumas week isn’t about doing everything. It’s about sequencing the right things with enough breathing room to enjoy them.
Whether you’re chartering at $35K or $1M+, the winning formula is the same: clear priorities, realistic pace, and a crew briefed to execute your version of luxury.
Related reads
FAQ
Is 7 days enough for an Exumas yacht charter?
Yes—if the route is focused and not overloaded. A curated Nassau loop can feel premium without becoming rushed. If you’re comparing routing styles, review the Palm Beach to Bimini customs guide.
What is the best Exumas 7-day itinerary structure?
Most successful weeks follow a three-part rhythm: settle-in transit, core signature days, then a buffered return sequence.
What affects Exumas charter cost the most?
Fuel profile, provisioning ambition, and marina strategy usually move totals more than people expect. For pricing model context, see APA vs all-inclusive cost guide.
Is Exumas good for first-time week charters?
Yes, especially for families and mixed-pace groups, provided daily movement stays realistic.