Located between the southeast coast of Florida and Cuba, The Bahamas are a truly magical charter itinerary when cruising aboard motor yacht Loon. Compromising over 700 mostly uninhabited lush subtropical islands and around 2400 cays, the Bahamas offer a wealth of discovery to new and returning guests. Read on to discover all about the Exumas, our first port of call.
The Exumas
The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands located just southeast of Nassau, stretching 120 miles through the central Bahamas. The Exumas are divided into three major areas; Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Known for white sand beaches, the bluest water in the world, and the famous swimming pigs, the Exumas is a destination loved by both Loon’s guests and her crew.
Thanks to the captain and crew’s vast experience of navigating the Bahamas and Loon’s impressive array of yacht toys and luxurious amenities, guests of Loon will discover all the best-kept secrets and beautiful undisturbed areas of natural beauty from the comfort of Loon’s onboard opulence and our lavish private beach setups.
Great Exuma
Great Exuma is perhaps unsurprisingly the largest island of the Exumas. Unlike its name, it’s not great in size. George Town, the capital city, has a population of fewer than 1000. The laidback capital is home to a scattering of stores selling trinkets and souvenirs, as well as supermarkets, food stands, local galleries, and open-air markets. The most famous is the Straw Market. As its name suggests, everything sold at the Straw market is made from straw. Watch locals craft everything from bags, shoes, jewellery, ornaments, and musical instruments.
There are also some great local restaurants, such as Big D’s Conch Shack and Eddie’s Edgewater. Fancy a game of golf? The Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is an award-winning course widely recognized as one of the most scenic oceanside golf courses in the Caribbean.
Little Exuma
The lush island of Little Exuma is just six miles long and is connected to Great Exuma by bridge. Its crystal clear waters make it the perfect spot for scuba, snorkelling, cave diving, and paddleboard excursions. Let us break open Loon’s toybox or simply lie back and enjoy the water. On land, hike to Little Exuma’s highest peak to find the remains and cannons of an old pirate fort. The stunning Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach, marks the northern boundary of the tropics at 23 degrees latitude and is arguably one of the most breath taking beaches in the entire Exumas.
Norman Cay
Norman’s Cay is a beautiful and idyllic island no bigger than a few hundred acres, but if islands could talk, this one would have a lot to say. Over the years, it’s been home to fishermen, writers, explorers, pirates, filmmakers, and drug lords. Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder used the island to smuggle cocaine in the 80s, and more recently, it was the site for the ill-fated Fyre festival.
It’s easy to see why people would want to stay and set up shop here. Its pristine waters are the perfect spot for making use of Loon’s vast collection of yacht toys or exploring the sunken drug runner plane wreak with scuba gear. On land, MacDuff’s restaurant on the three-mile white sandy beach is the perfect spot for sipping Bahamian sundowner cocktails.
Stocking island
Stocking island has a lot to offer serious divers, with several underwater caves located around its perimeter. Mystery Cave, perhaps the most famous, is one of many blue holes in the area and is thought to drop around 70ft down before running more than a mile underneath Stocking Island to the ocean on the other side. There’s plenty of colorful fish and even large barracuda for keen eyes to spot. On land, eager hikers can make the journey up to the old navy beacon, which serves as an excellent viewpoint. Reward yourself with the famous conch burger from Chat & Chill beach bar, then head back to Loon for sunset cocktails on the sundeck.
Shroud Cay
The untouched and uninhabited island of Shroud Cay marks the entrance to the Exuma Land and Sea Park and is the perfect spot to enjoy a day at anchor onboard M/Y Loon. Its waters are among the bluest in the world, and the Mangrove salt marsh creates a playpen for sea creatures such as sea turtles, conch, lobster, birds, and fish of every different color. It’s a paradise for snorkelling.
As the tide drops, board Loon’s tender, and we’ll drop you at the river mouth, where you’ll float down the natural lazy river on a kayak or stand-up paddle board. As you float on by, look out for baby turtles and sharks playing amongst the mangroves.
Warderick Wells
At the entrance to Warderick Wells, the skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale welcomes visitors to the protected environment of the Land and Sea Park and acts as a reminder to treat both land and sea with respect. Let the Loon crew take you on a tender ride to discover the rarest life forms on Earth, Stromatolites. Snorkelers can discover the spectacular coral reefs, and there’s even the chance to dive with sharks at Danger Cay. Finish the day sipping cocktails at sunset with our luxury beach set up on one of the emerging sandbanks at low tide.
Cambridge Cay
At the center of the Exumas Land and Sea Park lies the hidden jewel of Cambridge Cay. The water here is like the color of a rare gemstone and is simply breathtaking. The island also hides a partially submerged cave system called Rocky Dundas. This ancient cave is only accessible by diving under a ledge that leads into an immense and enchanting cavern. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites rise from the rich algae-covered ground.
From here, we can also take a trip to Compass Island, the perfect spot for snorkelling with its natural aquarium. The brave at heart can test their nerve and swim with nurse sharks.
Big Major Cay
Big Major Cay is more famously known as Pig Beach. The island’s swimming pigs have made Big Major one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and while there’s no solid answer to how these non-native animals call the island home, many theorize they escaped a nearby shipwreck.
Staniel Cay
Near Pig Beach lies Staniel Cay. The island is home to around 100 residents, and visitors can find a few bars, cafes, and restaurants, plus grocery stores and luxury resorts. It makes an ideal spot for paddle-boarding and a ride on our floating Schiller bikes, as guests can explore the pristine and deserted white sandy beaches. Staniel Cay is also home to Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system teeming with beautiful marine life in a rainbow of colors, and is a bucket list destination for snorkelling, scuba, and swimming. To enter the cave system, keen divers can swim through the underwater entrances, or daredevils of the group can take the 40-foot jump from the cave roof.
Musha Cay
Musha Cay is one of the islands of Copperfield Bay, a string of private resort islands owned by illusionist David Copperfield. When renting the villa in Musha Cay, you get the whole island. Take the snorkel equipment and search for The Musician, a sunken sculpture in the form of a Steinway concert grand piano and a mermaid ready to play. As divers approach, the piano plays soft classical music, similar to the sound of a whale or dolphin. At low tide, guests can stroll along the famous mile-long sandbank as it surfaces. And, if we get the timing just right, Loon’s Captain knows a secret spot where guests can swim with local Bahamian green turtles.
With over 365 islands and cays, it’s impossible for us to describe all the wonders of the Exumas, and to really believe it, you have to experience it yourself. Join us on M/Y Loon, and let us plan a bespoke charter itinerary to create memories you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.