Bahamas: The Beauty of the Exumas

Bahamas: Exumas & Abaco

Sail Bahamas with us!

Set sail with Bora Vida Sailing and explore the beautiful waters of the Bahamas, whether you choose the Exumas or the Abaco Islands. Along the way, you’ll discover amazing cays, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and kick back on gorgeous white-sand beaches. Meet the playful swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkel in the colorful reefs of Thunderball Grotto, or wander through the charming streets of Hope Town. Each island has something special to offer, making this the perfect trip for families and friends looking for adventure, relaxation, and memories you’ll cherish forever.Continue reading to discover why the Bahamas is one of our favorite destinations worldwide—there’s truly no place like it!

Why choose Bahamas?

At Bora Vida Sailing, we’ve been passionate about sailing the Bahamas for decades. One of our founders, Michael, originally from South Carolina, is a true lover of the Bahamas' archipelago. Having spent many years exploring its waters, Michael’s expertise and love for these islands are at the heart of our sailing adventures.We set sail from Nassau, Bahamas, if you choose the Exumas, or from Marsh Harbour for the Abaco Islands. Each route offers a unique experience of the Bahamas, shaped by the islands' distinct beauty and charm.If you choose the Exumas, your adventure begins with the pristine, turquoise waters and breathtaking cays of the Exuma chain. You'll visit Big Major Cay to meet the famous swimming pigs, explore the stunning coral reefs at Thunderball Grotto, and unwind on some of the most picturesque beaches you’ll ever see.Alternatively, if you opt for the Abaco Islands, we’ll set sail from Marsh Harbour to explore the charming islands known for their laid-back boating culture. Visit Hope Town with its iconic lighthouse, stroll through quaint villages, and enjoy peaceful anchorages nestled among lush landscapes.Both itineraries offer incredible experiences—each island brings its own blend of adventure, beauty, and relaxation. No matter your choice, your time in the Bahamas will be filled with unforgettable moments.This itinerary is just a suggestion, as weather conditions may shift the order of stops for a smoother, more comfortable journey.With Bora Vida Sailing, your time in the Bahamas will be the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation, Join us!!

Location

Nassau or Marsh Harbour (depending on the itinerary chosen)

Season

Dec - May

Duration

7 Days, Saturday to Saturday

Packing

We'll send our packing list

Weather

Air: 82ºF / 28ºC Water: 80ºF / 27ºC

Trip Highlights

5 Star Itinerary
Set sail on a 5-star sailing trip through the Bahamas, choosing between the Exumas or Abaco. In the Exumas, visit spots like Compass Cay and Pig Beach. In Abaco, explore Hope Town, Man-O-War Cay, and Green Turtle Cay.
Explore the most famous Cays from the sea
Explore the famous cays of the Bahamas, like Exuma, Staniel Cay, and Shroud Cay. Discover beautiful lagoons, white sandy beaches, and incredible marine life!
Swim with the pigs in Cayo Big Major
Head to Big Major Cay and swim with the famous pigs! It’s a fun, unique experience in the clear Bahamian waters that you won’t forget anytime soon
Taste the best tropical food
Experience the best of Bahamian cuisine with fresh seafood, vibrant island dishes, and juicy tropical fruits. Every meal is a delicious taste of paradise you’ll savor long after a sailing and beach day!
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What's Included?

Explore Bahamas on your private sailboat or catamaran with all of the details taken care of so you can kick back and enjoy. *Indicates items that can be arranged for a fee.

Private Yacht Charter

Professional Captain

Guided, Custom Itinerary

National Park & Anchor Fees

Paddleboard and/or Kayaks

Detailed Support

Provision Shopping & Delivery

Private Island Tours*

Dingy and All Fuel Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bahamas offer warm, tropical sailing conditions throughout the year. The best season for sailing is typically from November to April, when the weather is dry, and the trade winds are consistent, making for smooth and enjoyable sailing. The high season runs from December to February, bringing more visitors, while the shoulder months of November and April offer excellent conditions with fewer crowds.

Our routes vary depending on your chosen region, offering unforgettable sailing experiences. A 7-day charter in the Exumas often includes stops at iconic spots like Staniel Cay, Warderick Wells, Shroud Cay, and the Thunderball Grotto. Meanwhile, the Abaco itinerary might feature destinations such as Great Guana Cay, Hope Town, Man-O-War Cay, and Green Turtle Cay.

Each area boasts unique highlights, including unspoiled natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and tranquil beaches. We also provide customization options to suit your interests, whether it’s snorkeling, beachcombing, fishing, or exploring charming island settlements.

No experience is needed for our crewed charters, as each trip includes a professional captain.

Our charters cover your yacht, captain, customized itinerary, national park and anchor fees, snorkel gear, and other essentials. Additional activities, such as diving or guided island tours, can be arranged for an extra cost.

Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and swimwear. We recommend a dry bag for excursions and water shoes for coral areas. We’ll send a full packing list with helpful tips after booking.

The waters of the Bahamas are typically calm and inviting, especially in protected areas like the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park or the Abaco chain. Gentle trade winds provide a smooth sailing experience, ideal for relaxation and exploration. While the rainy season (June-November) may bring occasional brief showers, they rarely disrupt sailing plans significantly.

Depending on the route you choose, there may be a day (3-4 hours) of open-water sailing that feels a bit more adventurous—whether thrilling or simply invigorating, it often adds a fun highlight to the journey!

Wi-Fi is available on most yachts for an additional fee. Connectivity varies by location, especially in remote areas, so we encourage unplugging to fully enjoy the experience.

 

Activities during your Bahamas charter include snorkeling, paddleboarding, beachcombing, and exploring island trails. For those seeking additional experiences, we can arrange optional excursions, such as visits to historic settlements, local markets, or exploring iconic landmarks like the Thunderball Grotto or the Hope Town Lighthouse.

Absolutely! Our charters are family-friendly, and the calm lagoons and shallow reefs make French Polynesia an excellent destination for kids.

Most nationalities, including U.S. and EU citizens, can stay in the Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days. We’re happy to provide guidance on the documentation you may need, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure you arrive with everything required to pass through passport control smoothly.

Catering options range from self-catering to fully catered. Fresh local ingredients are featured, with menus that include local cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.

Yes, we offer bespoke experiences like sunset dinners, private island tours, or fishing experiences. Let us know, and we’ll make your trip unforgettable.

My first time sailing with Bora Vida was probably the best trip of my life; We chose the Abaco islands itinerary in the Bahamas and we repeated last year in Baja California. The feeling of discovery a new place or country from the sea makes travelling a real adventure; I dont want more inland holidays! In the catamaran you have privacy from the rest of tourists and even more comfort than in a hotel; for me having a proper full kitchen is a deal maker, I love cooking for my friends while we are discovering the world. Highly recommended and already planning our next destination!!
María FL
Group of friends from Spain
I’m not usually a picky person, but my friends are! So, I was a bit worried about organizing a sailing trip in the Exumas instead of staying at a resort. Now I can confidently say that the experience was absolutely unbelievable and incomparable. The level of comfort was top-notch, with all the space and appliances you could imagine, the sea as your backyard, and the added bonus of having a specialist guide onboard. Our dear Captain Marco made the trip truly special.
David P.
Friends
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