The Bahamas, and especially the Exumas, are a natural paradise unlike any other. The underwater world, like an aquarium, invites endless snorkeling excursions. Fine white sandy beaches, lapped by crystal-clear turquoise water, beckon you to linger, and on top of all that, we are constantly surprised by natural spectacles that seem to be lined up one after another, staged like a theme park.
The Bahamas archipelago is a vibrant mix of highlights, both above and below the water, offering a feast for the eyes, senses, and soul, allowing you to unwind undisturbed. Everything outside of Nassau is pleasantly small and manageable, yet diverse, with a recurring infrastructure, a touch of extravagance, and still an authentic island life on the "public islands."
Highlights:
- Norman Cay – Snorkeling at Pablo Escobar's smuggler's plane wreck
- Shroud Cay – A Dingy Adventure to the "Washing Machine"
- Compass Cay - Raechel's Bubble Bath & Amen Sharks
- Staniel Cay – Swimming Pigs and the Thunder Ball Cave from James Bond
- Rudder Cay – Snorkeling at Copperfield's Mermaid at the Piano
- Waderick Wells Cay – One of the most spectacular anchorages in the Bahamas
Itinerary:
Our sailing trip begins in Nassau, where the existing infrastructure allows for easy arrival and there are good shopping opportunities for provisioning.
From Nassau we set sail for the first time to the southeast through the shallow waters to Highborne Cay, where after about 30 nautical miles we drop anchor for the first time in the sand of the Bahamas.
We'll end our first day here with snorkeling and swimming. The following morning, after breakfast, we'll sail on to Norman's Cay, where we'll snorkel in the shallow water to explore the wreck of Pablo Escobar's plane.
Next stop is Shroud Cay. This island is crisscrossed with channels, allowing you to travel by dinghy in the crystal-clear waters of the channels all the way to the east side.
At the exit of this is "The Washing Machine." The water flowing in and out here forms a large whirlpool in which you can drift in a continuous loop without moving. From Shroud Cay, continue southeast to Compass Cay.
In the north of the island, a visit to Raychel's Bubble Bath – a natural pool near the east coast – is a must. In the southern lagoon, there is a beautiful marina that blends picturesquely into the natural surroundings.
From here you can easily explore the island's interior and observe the marina's pets – Amen sharks – on a flat underwater platform, and if you dare, even pet them.
Next, we head towards Staniel Cay. Here you'll find a small airport, another marina, people, and infrastructure. On the nearby island of Big Majors Spot, we'll first visit the swimming pigs of the Bahamas, and later snorkel in the Thunderball Cave off Staniel Cay.
This is where the James Bond film of the same name was once filmed. We continue following the island chain until, after several more stops, we begin our return journey to Rudder Cay, heading northwest. The island is now owned by magician David Copperfield, and, as befits a magician, he promptly lowered a sculpture of a mermaid, complete with a piano, to the seabed in the crystal-clear water. On the way back to Nassau, we visit the islands we deliberately skipped on our southeastern journey to leave some highlights for the return trip. These include Johnny Depp's Bell Cay, as well as one of the absolute highlights of this trip – Waderick Wells Cay. Prepare to be amazed; the Bahamas offer a truly superlative cruising experience!
Precinct:
The Bahamas are located northeast of Cuba and southeast of Florida. The Abacos in the north and the Exumas southeast of Nassau are particularly interesting for sailing. Our focus is on the latter. The Exuma island chain, which stretches southeast from Nassau, is the absolute highlight of the Bahamas. The western interior of the archipelago features turquoise shallow waters, while the eastern coasts drop steeply into the sea. Channels provide access to the open ocean. Shallow waters and strong currents make the Bahamas a challenging yet extraordinary sailing area. The underwater world is colorful, diverse, and pristine. Furthermore, the natural spectacles on land and in the water define this sailing trip.
Yacht:
Moorings 5000 (Leopard 50). On our Bahamas cruise, we'll be sailing an exceptionally comfortable and modern cruising catamaran, the Moorings 5000 (Leopard 50) – a true highlight of its class. This premium catamaran combines sporty sailing characteristics, innovative technology, and impressive living comfort at the highest level. With five spacious double cabins, each with its own bathroom, the yacht offers space and privacy for up to 10 guests. The expansive salon with panoramic views, the raised helm station with a comfortable lounge area, and the large cockpit create a feeling of spaciousness and freedom. A powerful generator and fully air-conditioned interiors ensure maximum comfort, even in tropical environments. Thanks to a watermaker, solar panels, and comprehensive onboard technology, the catamaran is completely self-sufficient and perfectly equipped for multi-day stays in secluded bays.
Wind & Climate:
Sailing conditions in December are generally pleasant, but somewhat more changeable than in spring. It's the beginning of the winter season with stable, mostly dry weather, although occasional cold fronts can pass through. Air temperature: approximately 22–26 °C during the day, slightly cooler at night. Water temperature: approximately 24–26 °C. Wind: predominantly from the northeast to east, averaging about 12–20 knots. Precipitation: light to moderate, mostly short showers.
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