📍 Bahamas

EXUMA CLASSICS: TURQUOISE POSTCARD ISLAND PARADISE

Cays emerge from crystal waters, pigs wade through champagne-colored shallows, silver tarpon dart past. Exuma's waters are the Caribbean's crown jewel.

≈ 10
Days
308
Km
7
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Set out from Nassau to discover the Exumas: turquoise lagoons, Pig Beach's swimming pigs, iguanas, wrecks and diving. A paradise to explore island by island.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage

capital island casino culture

Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage - Photo 1Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Nassau Downtown (Bay Street, Parliament Square)
2
Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle
3
Atlantis - The Dig (large aquarium) on Paradise Island
🎯

Activities

→
Beach walk at Nassau port entrance and maritime traffic observation
→
Preparation for navigation to the Exumas (weather window, tides, routes)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 4h20
2
Day

Shroud Cay

sheltered lagoon anchorage sanctuary

Shroud Cay - Photo 1Shroud Cay - Photo 2Shroud Cay - Photo 3Shroud Cay - Photo 4Shroud Cay - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Shroud Cay - exploration of mangroves and interior channels
2
West beach of Shroud Cay (emerging sandbanks)
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming downstream with the current in the main river of Shroud Cay
→
Snorkeling on seagrass beds and sandy patches at the mouth
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 1h30
3
Day

Warderick Wells Cay Hq Moorings

national park dive site

Warderick Wells Cay Hq Moorings - Photo 1Warderick Wells Cay Hq Moorings - Photo 2Warderick Wells Cay Hq Moorings - Photo 3Warderick Wells Cay Hq Moorings - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Warderick Wells Cay - park's arc channel (ECLSP moorings)
2
Boo Boo Hill Trail - 360° panorama and driftwood plaques
3
North beaches and dune trails of the marine park (ECLSP)
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling on coral heads at the anchorage (moderate current)
→
Small marked coastal hike (park fauna and flora)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 1h20
4
Day

Staniel Cay Main Anchorage

cliff dive thunderfish swimming

Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 1Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 2Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 3Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 4Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 5Staniel Cay Main Anchorage - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Little Pipe Cay - pristine beaches and sandbanks
2
Crystal clear creek of Compass Cay (favorable tide)
3
Staniel Cay - main anchorage and village
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the turquoise waters of Little Pipe Cay
→
Dinghy exploration of channels around Pipe and Compass Cays
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage

famous swimming pigs beach

Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage - Photo 1Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage - Photo 2Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage - Photo 3Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage - Photo 4Big Major Cay Pig Beach Anchorage - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Thunderball Grotto near Staniel Cay - iconic marine cave
2
Big Major Cay - pig beach (no feeding)
3
O'Brien's Cay - Sea Aquarium (very fish-rich snorkeling site)
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling in Thunderball cave at low tide slack
→
Snorkeling on the Aquarium spot (current to monitor)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57 km
Travel time: 3h
6
Day

Normans Cay Anchorage

shipwreck dive history site

Normans Cay Anchorage - Photo 1Normans Cay Anchorage - Photo 2Normans Cay Anchorage - Photo 3Normans Cay Anchorage - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Norman's Cay - submerged plane wreck (snorkeling)
2
Northern beaches of Norman's Cay
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling around the wreck (weak current window)
→
Coastal walk on exposed sandbanks
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 1h
7
Day

Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage

primitive iguana reptile island

Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 1Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 2Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 3Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 4Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 5Allen Cays Iguana Reserve Anchorage - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Allen Cays - observation of Bahamian rock iguanas (protected species, no feeding)
2
Small coves and beaches of Allen Cays
🎯

Activities

→
Light snorkeling on sandy bottoms and seagrass beds around the anchorage
→
Scouting the return route to New Providence (weather and tides)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 64 km
Travel time: 3h40
8
Day

Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage

capital island casino culture

Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage - Photo 1Nassau Paradise Island Anchorage - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Paradise Island - beaches and walkways (view of the entrance channels)
2
Nassau Straw Market and walks through the historic districts
🎯

Activities

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Observation of large ships at the port entrance (from the beach or pier)
→
Last swim on the beach at the port entrance

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

BAHAMAS: TURQUOISE EXUMA & HISTORIC NASSAU

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (December-March): Peak tourist season, hottest weather, Carnival season, highest prices, crowded beaches, vibrant atmosphere.

Fall (April-June): Excellent weather, fewer crowds, good prices, ideal for most regions, comfortable temperatures.

Winter (July-September): Dry season in most regions, perfect for Pantanal wildlife, cooler temperatures, great for cultural activities.

Spring (October-November): Good weather returning, moderate crowds, reasonable prices, excellent for outdoor activities.

Regional Variations: Amazon best May-September (dry season), Northeast beaches year-round, South cooler June-August.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Bahamas?

Crystal-clear waters and swimming pigs create unique Caribbean adventures across 700 islands. Experience Atlantis resort excitement, conch fritters, and perfect beaches just miles from Florida. The islands offer incredible diving, fishing, and luxury resorts with authentic Bahamian culture. Perfect for tropical getaways with easy accessibility and diverse experiences.