nassau the exumas 7-day

I T I N E R A R Y
NASSAU
N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
THE EXUMAS 7-DAY
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
OVERVIEW
Deserted sugar sand beaches, shallow reefs teeming with
colorful undersea life, endless crystalline turquoise waters; not
only are the islands of The Bahamas exquisitely breathtaking,
they are one of the world’s best kept secrets.
The Bahamas’ proximity to the U.S. mainland makes this island
chain the ideal destination for a weekend, long weekend, or
7-day yacht charter. Those seeking a touch of true Bahamian
culture, with a flair that harkens back to its British colonial roots,
will enjoy the islands of The Abacos, to the north. Restaurants
and nightlife are the attraction of the Middle Bahamas and
Berry Islands. But for an idyllic retreat, look no further than the
Exumas, a small island chain that offers both natural wonders
and magnificent luxury.
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
Atlantis
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 1: NASSAU TO HORSESHOE BAY
SNORKELING, HUNGRY IGUANAS AND A GLORIOUS SUNSET
Your charter begins in Nassau, Paradise Island, which is easily serviced by commercial
and private flights. Arrive a day before to take advantage of the local boutiques and the
nightlife at the Atlantis resort and casino, or fly in the day of your charter to be met by
your crew at the airport and whisked to your awaiting yacht for a refreshing welcome
cocktail marking the beginning of a fabulous getaway.
Relax as your yacht embarks on a picturesque cruise toward the Exuma island chain.
Lunch will be served al fresco on the aft deck at the secluded Allen’s Cay, a national
park only accessible by boat, where you’ll likely spot one of the large, indigenous and
endangered rock iguanas. After a quick dip in the warm turquoise waters, the cruise
continues to Highbourne Cay, known as the gateway to the Exumas. Anchored out in
Horseshoe Bay, which features a beautiful deserted beach and fabulous reef, you can
also explore the nearby Exuma Sound, which offers amazing dive sites and fishing. Tour
around the charming marina by tender and watch nurse sharks congregate, or head
ashore to relax in beach hammocks as the sun sets.
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 2: HAMMERHEAD GULCH TO NORMAN’S CAY
INTRIGUE, ADVENTURE AND UNDERSEA EXPLORATION
Depart early this morning – after a sunrise swim or beach walk, of course – for
the highly rated Hammerhead Gulch, for a drift dive or a bit of snorkeling. After a
satisfying lunch of local conch salad, your yacht will set off for a world of adventure
and intrigue with a visit to Norman’s Cay. This island once served as the bustling
headquarters for the famed Carlos Lehder’s cocaine smuggling operation, but today
enjoys a quieter life with incredible bays, stunning beaches, lagoons and spectacular
views. Fishing enthusiasts can take to the water today, while beach lovers can tender
to Twinkie Beach, a charming beach littered with sea shells and highlighted by a
lone palm tree. A snorkel amidst the infamous partially submerged wreck of a drug
smuggling Curtiss C-46 Commando is a must. Guests may also try their hand at
spearfishing or hire a local flats bonefishing guide. Late in the afternoon, tender around
the island to visit Norman’s Cay Beach Club, formerly known as McDuff’s, for a burger,
cocktail and island stories as the sun sets.
Curtiss C-46 Commando
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T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 3: WARDERICK WELLS TO COMPASS CAY
HIKING, BUBBLE BATHS AND SWIMMING PIGS
The old pirate’s hideaway of Warderick Wells is the destination of the morning.
Serving as the headquarters of the Exumas Land and Sea Park, due to its wide variety
of naturally occurring ecosystems, Warderick Wells is home to the skeleton of a 53foot sperm whale and over 7 miles of hiking trails. Hike Boo Boo hill for scenic vistas
and driftwood souvenirs left by visitors before you, or explore the beaches and reefs
that provide for fabulous snorkeling. To the south is Pirate’s Lair, a hidden anchorage
accessible via a longer day hike or tender ride.
In the afternoon, cruise south to the Rocky Dundas, two high cays featuring interior
caves that provide an exceptional snorkeling experience. Nearby is the north end of
Compass Cay, home to a famous natural whirlpool known as Rachel’s Bubble Bath.
Affected by the tide, this pool can either be a bubbling bath or a flat lagoon.
Continue on through the inviting shallow waters of Pipe Creek to Big Major’s Spot,
where you may be treated to a welcome by the famous swimming pigs.
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 4: STANIEL CAY
FISHING, SNORKELING AND HIDDEN CAVES
Enjoy breakfast while underway to Staniel Cay and the Thunderball Grotto this morning.
Featured in the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, the cave
can be accessed via snorkel and, once inside, features breathtakingly colorful corals that
shimmer in the light. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy another day on the water, whether
bone, reef or deep-sea fishing. Anglers are treated to some of the best bonefishing flats in
the world and local guides are always available.
Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay Yacht Club
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 5: STANIEL CAY TO ROCK SOUND
CRAGGY CLIFFS, PINK SANDS AND SPECTACULAR CRUISING
After a leisurely breakfast and a dip in the crystal clear waters this morning, relax as your
yacht gets underway, bound for the 125nm cruise to the beautiful island of Eleuthera.
Settled in 1649, Eleuthera boasts long stretches of pink sand beaches and long outcrops
of coral reef inviting plenty of undersea exploration. Eleuthera is also known as the
Pineapple Capital of the World, with pineapple farming established in the 18th century.
Your yacht may pick up a pilot in Spanish Wells to assist in navigating the Devil’s
Backbone reef, after which you may anchor in Rock Sound. If time permits, stretch your
legs with a walk ashore to the charming town where the bakery’s key lime tarts will make
for a tasty dessert or breakfast treat. Return aboard for a relaxing dinner as the sun sets.
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 6: HARBOUR ISLAND AND DUNMORE TOWN
COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, FINE CUISINE, CORAL EDGED HIDEAWAY
Explore Harbour Island and the charming Dunmore Town today, with its quaint shops, old
churches, art galleries and beautiful gardens. Beach lovers must spend some time on the
magnificent pink sand beaches and a golf cart rental for the day will allow you to take
in all of the sights of this popular island. After a leisurely lunch at the famed Pink Sands
Hotel, spend the afternoon snorkeling, diving the reefs or curled up with a good book on
the sun deck. If time permits, enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Dunmore Beach Club.
W W W . M O T O R Y A C H T U S H E R . C O M N A S S A U
T H E E X U M A S
7-D A Y
DAY 7: HARBOUR ISLAND TO NASSAU
BAHAMIAN BREAD, WATERSLIDES AND MEMORIES
Homemade Bahamian Bread is a must for breakfast today, along with a final stroll
through the town for pictures and a bit of shopping. Then it’s back aboard for the return
cruise to Nassau. Upon arrival at the Atlantis resort, bid farewell to your crew and spend
the afternoon delighting in the resort’s exciting waterslides and casino before your return
home the following morning.
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1
Harbour Island
I T I N E R A R Y
M A P
Nassau
T
2
Norman’s Cay
H
E
E
3
Warderick Wells
X
U
M
4
5
Staniel Cay
A
S
THE BAHAMAS
Atlantic Ocean
Miami (170mi)
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