The Exumas Hour by Hour

A sample full-day escape from Nassau into the Exuma Cays, designed to show the rhythm of the experience rather than promise a rigid minute-by-minute route.

The Exumas are not one attraction. They are a moving landscape of electric-blue channels, uninhabited cays, sandbars, wildlife encounters and small-island hospitality. This sample itinerary shows how a private speedboat day can unfold when sea conditions, daylight and guest preferences align.

8:00 AM — Private departure

Meet your captain and crew in Nassau for a short safety briefing. Bags and chilled drinks are stowed, music is set, and the route is confirmed around the day’s wind and sea state.

9:15 AM — First Exuma arrival

After the open-water run, the palette changes: deep Atlantic blue gives way to the shallow turquoise banks. The first stop may be a quiet sandbar or a scenic cay chosen for the best conditions that morning.

10:00 AM — Wildlife and water

Depending on the selected route, enjoy a guided encounter such as iguanas, turtles or nurse sharks. Your crew manages timing and approach so the experience feels personal, safe and unhurried.

11:15 AM — Iconic Exuma stop

Continue toward one of the day’s signature locations, which may include Big Major Cay, Compass Cay or another agreed stop. Swim, take photographs and enjoy the water toys carried by your selected vessel.

12:30 PM — Island lunch

Dock for lunch at an island restaurant or enjoy pre-arranged catering aboard. Restaurant meals, premium beverages and special catering are included only when stated in the confirmed package.

2:00 PM — Grotto, reef or hidden beach

The afternoon is shaped around the group: snorkel a reef, visit a grotto when tide and conditions allow, or slow the pace on a secluded beach.

3:15 PM — Final swim and reset

One last sandbar or calm-water stop gives everyone time to swim, relax and change before the homeward run.

4:00 PM — Return toward Nassau

Cruise back with music, refreshments and a final view across the banks. Typical arrival is late afternoon, subject to vessel, route and conditions.

Plan around nature

Every Exuma day is customized. Stop order and timing may change because of wind, tide, sea state, wildlife, dock traffic, guest pace and the captain’s safety judgment. Waves N Wishes coordinates the details before departure and keeps the day flowing while the licensed operator and captain control navigation and safety.