Island-Hopping Itinerary: 3 Days on the Water from Nassau
Three days might not sound like much—but out here, it’s enough to feel like you’ve left the world behind.
When guests ask me what they can see in three days from Nassau, I don’t give a generic list. I give a real itinerary—built on what’s possible, what’s worth it, and how to make every stop count without rushing. I’ve captained this exact route more times than I can remember. It’s the right mix of open water, quiet anchorages, wildlife, and a soft bed under the stars.
This 3-day plan covers three islands, two overnights, and all the reasons people keep coming back to the Exumas. It’s designed for first-timers or experienced travelers who want a short but unforgettable escape.
Ready to cruise? Here’s one way to do it.
What a 3-Day Yacht Charter Allows You to Cover
Let me say this upfront—you won’t visit ten islands in three days. And that’s a good thing. The biggest mistake people make is trying to cram too much into a short window. A yacht charter isn’t a race—it’s an experience.
Here’s what’s realistic:
- Three anchorages max
- 50 to 70 nautical miles total
- 3 to 5 hours underway each day, tops
- Plenty of time for snorkeling, exploring, paddleboarding, and relaxing
The goal is to move with purpose, not pressure. On this route, we head into the Exumas, which means long, open stretches of water and quiet places most tourists never reach. You’ll sleep on board—no packing, no transfers, no hotels. You wake up where you want to be.
This itinerary hits my personal sweet spot for time vs. distance. It also leaves room to pivot. If weather changes or you fall in love with a spot, we can stay longer. That’s the difference when your captain isn’t following a script.
Route Overview — Where We’ll Go and Why
This 3-day itinerary is designed for a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully experience each destination without feeling rushed. We’ll cover approximately 70 nautical miles, with daily cruising times between 2 to 4 hours, depending on sea conditions.
Day 1: Nassau to Allen’s Cay → Overnight at Highbourne Cay
We begin our journey heading southeast from Nassau to Allen’s Cay, approximately 35 nautical miles away. Allen’s Cay is renowned for its population of endangered Bahamian rock iguanas, which are native to this area. These gentle creatures often greet visitors on the beach, offering a unique wildlife encounter.
After spending time with the iguanas, we’ll cruise a short distance to Highbourne Cay for our overnight stay. Highbourne Cay Marina is a well-equipped facility offering fuel, water, and provisions, making it a convenient and comfortable stop.
Day 2: Highbourne Cay to Norman’s Cay
Departing Highbourne Cay, we’ll head approximately 10 nautical miles south to Norman’s Cay. This island has a colorful history, once serving as a base for drug smuggling operations in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, it’s a peaceful destination known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
One of the highlights here is snorkeling around the submerged wreckage of a drug-smuggling plane, now home to a variety of marine life.
AI Image Prompt:
Underwater view of a sunken aircraft near Norman’s Cay, Bahamas, surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish. Clear blue water with sunlight filtering through, creating a serene snorkeling scene.
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Sunken aircraft near Norman’s Cay, Bahamas, surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish.
Day 3: Norman’s Cay to Shroud Cay → Return to Nassau
On our final day, we’ll cruise approximately 15 nautical miles to Shroud Cay, part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This uninhabited island features a network of tidal creeks and mangroves, perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. The area is protected, preserving its natural beauty and providing a serene environment for exploration.
After enjoying the tranquility of Shroud Cay, we’ll begin our return journey to Nassau, covering about 40 nautical miles.
AI Image Prompt:
Aerial view of Shroud Cay, Bahamas, showcasing winding tidal creeks through lush mangroves, with a paddleboarder navigating the waterways. Clear skies and vibrant green vegetation.
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Aerial view of Shroud Cay, Bahamas, with tidal creeks and a paddleboarder navigating through mangroves.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Nassau → Allen’s Cay → Overnight at Highbourne Cay
We leave Nassau mid-morning and head southeast across open water. It’s about a 2.5-hour cruise depending on the weather. I always plan this leg to catch the calmest part of the day.
Our first stop is Allen’s Cay, where the endangered Bahamian rock iguanas live. They’ll be on the beach when we pull in. I’ve had families, couples, even solo travelers light up when those big lizards stroll down to meet them. We drop anchor just off the beach and take the dinghy ashore.
After lunch back on board, we’ll make a short run—just under an hour—to Highbourne Cay Marina. We tie up, settle in, and relax. The marina is quiet, the beach is private, and the dockside restaurant serves one of the best grilled snapper plates you’ll find in the Exumas. This is where we spend our first night.
Day 2: Highbourne Cay → Norman’s Cay
After breakfast on deck, we pull off the dock and head south to Norman’s Cay. This island used to be wild for all the wrong reasons—it was a drug smuggler’s stronghold in the ‘80s. These days, it’s quiet, clean, and full of history beneath the surface—literally.
The plane wreck is the main draw. We anchor nearby, and you can snorkel over the rusting fuselage that’s now home to coral and tropical fish. It’s not every day you get to swim over a piece of history and see marine life using it as a reef.
We spend the afternoon exploring beaches or just lounging on deck. There’s no rush. By evening, we’re tucked into a protected anchorage nearby, swinging on the hook while the sun sets behind us. You’ll sleep better here than any hotel on land.
Day 3: Norman’s Cay → Shroud Cay → Return to Nassau
We raise anchor early and make a short hop to Shroud Cay, part of the protected Exuma Land and Sea Park. No buildings, no noise—just water, mangroves, and silence.
This stop is all about getting in the water, not on it. I’ll guide you through the creeks by paddleboard or dinghy, depending on the tide. If you want to feel like you’re the only people on earth, this is the place.
After a quiet lunch on board, we begin the return leg to Nassau. It’s a longer run—around 4 hours—but we time it to cruise with the wind and sun behind us. It’s the perfect way to end a trip: tired, content, and sun-warmed.
Who This Itinerary Is Perfect For
I’ve taken hundreds of people on this exact 3-day loop—and not everyone’s looking for the same thing. But when this route works, it really works. Here’s who I recommend it to:
Couples Who Want Privacy Without Being Cut Off
If you want space, peace, and a change of scenery every day, this trip delivers. The anchorages are quiet. The beaches are empty. And the boat is yours. You’ll have sunrise coffee, sunset dinners, and time in between where nobody’s asking anything from you. No airport, no check-in desk, no schedule.
Families Who Want Adventure—Without Losing Structure
Kids love the wildlife (especially the iguanas and fish), and the yacht gives you just enough routine: eat here, sleep here, move somewhere new each day. You’re never more than a few hours from your next stop, and you’ve got shade, snacks, bathrooms, and space for downtime whenever someone needs it.
Adventure Travelers With Limited Time
If you’re not the “sit on a beach all day” type but don’t have a full week to burn, this 3-day loop gives you a full cross-section of the Exumas—wildlife, wrecks, mangroves, and open water—without backtracking or wasting hours on logistics. You’ll move. You’ll see. You’ll still sleep well.
New-to-Chartering Guests Who Want to Try Before Going Bigger
A lot of my guests book this trip as their first-ever charter. They want to try a sleep-aboard without jumping into a weeklong commitment. After three days, they know if it’s their thing. (Spoiler: it usually is.)
Want to customize this trip for your group? Easy. That’s the whole point of a private charter. 👉 Book Your Dates Now and we’ll design the route to match your crew.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of a 3-Day Charter
You’ve only got three days. That’s not a limitation—it’s a reason to do it right. Here’s what I tell every guest before we leave the dock:
1. Time Your Trip for the Weather, Not the Calendar
Everyone wants to book “sometime in March” or “after school’s out.” That’s fine—but always check the forecast. Wind matters more than temperature out here. Calm seas make for smoother travel, better snorkeling, and more time at anchor instead of bouncing from place to place.
2. Tell Me What You’re Hoping to Remember
Don’t just tell me what you want to see—tell me what you want to feel. Do you want to swim with turtles? Sit in silence in a creek? Catch the best sunset of your year? That’s how we shape the itinerary. Your job is to dream a little. Mine is to make it real.
3. Don’t Overpack, and Don’t Overplan
You’ll live in your swimwear and a light shirt. And as for planning—bring a few hopes, but leave room for detours. I’ve had trips where a guest wanted to spend 30 minutes on a beach and ended up staying four hours. That’s what this charter is for.
4. Choose a Crew That Adjusts to You, Not the Other Way Around
Every boat has gear. Every boat has a route. But what makes a trip worth it is the crew. We don’t run a program—we respond to people. If you’re quiet, we give you space. If you’re curious, we show you what we know. You’re not on a ride. You’re on a journey.
Conclusion — Three Days Well Spent
You don’t need a week to disappear—you just need the right three days. I’ve captained this route enough times to know exactly where to go, when to move, and when to just stop the engine and let the moment take over.
This itinerary isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about letting the water slow you down. Allen’s Cay. Norman’s. Shroud. Each one gives you something different—and together, they give you what you actually came here for, whether you knew it or not.
If this trip feels right, it probably is. You bring the questions, I’ll bring the map.
👉 Book Your Dates Now and let’s plan the kind of three-day escape that lasts a lot longer in your memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many islands can I realistically visit in a 3-day yacht charter from Nassau?
On a 3-day private yacht trip, we usually cover three key destinations. This lets you explore each island without rushing, enjoy your time on the water, and still get back to Nassau comfortably. The goal isn’t to check off the most stops—it’s to make each one memorable.
Do I sleep on the yacht overnight?
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a sleep-aboard experience. You’ll stay on the yacht each night, anchored in safe, quiet bays. The vessel has private staterooms, air conditioning, and all the comforts you need—including meals, drinks, and full crew service.
Is this itinerary good for first-time charter guests?
Absolutely. This is the trip I recommend most often to new guests. It’s short enough to feel manageable, but long enough to give you a real taste of what a yacht charter is like. I’ve had dozens of first-timers start with this 3-day route—and most come back next season asking for five days.
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Captain Dian
Pura Vida Yacht Charters
