Exuma Islands of the Bahamas
These are possibly our favourite cruising grounds ever... although that’s a tough call!!
If you are thinking of sailing here we have made a number of videos to help you plan your cruise.
2014 Spring/Summer Update
What a great cruise in the Exumas. Here are some pictures of these wonderful islands from this cruise (2014) and below from previous cruises in 2007 and earlier in the 1990s.
From the numerous sharks to the many dangerous reefs, there is no shortage of hazards in the Bahamas. But we wouldn't have it any other way. Come along as we explore these amazing islands, going from Ragged Island and the Jumento Cays up to the Exumas and Compass Cay to meet the sharks.
Water colour in the Exumas is amazing!!!
There are many anchorages in these islands. This is a more complicated anchorage in Pipe Creek. Nearby Staniel Cay is a regular favourite with cruisers. This is an anchorage by Thunderball Cave near Staniel Cay.
Lovely George Town Harbour in summer - it will be much busier in peak season - December-April.
Exploring shallow sand banks...
Check out this clip from the Exumas - our TV show has much more of this quality of sailing Video.
We first visited the Bahamas back in 1989 when we started filming the undersea life. We eventually made a video for cruisers planning a Bahamas Adventure called "Cruising the Bahamas" We included a great section on "shallow water piloting", planning a gulf-stream crossing, setting the boat up for warm weather cruising and much more.
Revisiting the islands on our Southerly 42 we made 3 more movies on the Exuma Chain in 2008 (Distant Shores Season 5) as we sailed up the whole length of the crystal-blue islands. We came across from Acklins to Georgetown and up to Allens Cay stopping at many of the Exuma hotspots on the way! We revisit the Bahamas in Season 6 as well!
Diving in the Exumas is excellent!
Diving in the Exumas is excellent!
Distant Shores not broadcast in your area?
If you do not receive one of the channels broadcasting Distant Shores in your country, you can download episodes on Vimeo-On-Demand.
The "Super Pack" contains all episodes to download and view on all your devices or view online. 130 episodes of sailing adventure for just $99. That's only 76¢ per episode!
If you do not receive one of the channels broadcasting Distant Shores in your country, you can download episodes on Vimeo-On-Demand.
The "Super Pack" contains all episodes to download and view on all your devices or view online. 130 episodes of sailing adventure for just $99. That's only 76¢ per episode!
It is hard to imagine a place where the swimming pool blue waters stretch to the horizon... but its here in the Exumas.
Coming in a cut between two islands. We enter from the deep water of the sound onto the shallow banks. These can be tricky and should always be treated with caution. Coming in with high sun means you can easily see into the water to judge the depth. These cuts are rarely marked so should never be done at night.
The Shards put together a great show! It's a wonderful way to see the world with a great insight into the cruising lifestyle. Top notch entertainment that will keep you wanting more Well done indeed!
Marc (Vimeo Viewer)
The cuts are also usually good places to dive since the water flow encourages coral growth.
Filming in the cut at Cave Cay. You only have 45 minutes or so at slack water.
The fabulous channels at the Exumas Land and Sea Park.
Eagle rays were a favourite of our diving there. They can be up to 8 feet long to their whip tails and 5 feet across their muscular wings.
The anchorage at Georgetown in the Southern Exumas is a real cruisers hangout. Some people stay here the whole winter. We used it as a base to drop in and get groceries, laundry etc.
Georgetown anchorage with Great Exuma in the background.
FREE Video on the Exumas
This is a complete 30 minute video on sailing the Exumas. You can sign up for our newsletter and check it out. Click below.
One year ago for my birthday I got the Distant Shores Super Pack. We have watched every episode - together. Probably nothing has helped us come together (as a family) on a vision more than that experience. We have learned a lot, talked a lot, and enjoyed your wonderful show.
T.B. via Facebook
Distant Shores not broadcast in your area?
If you do not receive one of the channels broadcasting Distant Shores in your country, you can download episodes on Vimeo-On-Demand.
The "Super Pack" contains all episodes to download and view on all your devices or view online. 130 episodes of sailing adventure for just $99. That's only 76¢ per episode!
If you do not receive one of the channels broadcasting Distant Shores in your country, you can download episodes on Vimeo-On-Demand.
The "Super Pack" contains all episodes to download and view on all your devices or view online. 130 episodes of sailing adventure for just $99. That's only 76¢ per episode!