Ideal for Summer Season
With a reputation for tranquillity, seclusion, and natural splendor, the Southern Out Islands are an ideal destination for a crewed yacht charter if you're looking for a social distancing vacation as a result of Coronavirus. There’s so much more to this popular part of the Caribbean than the hustle of Nassau and the bustle of the Exumas, so set course for this remote string of islands and experience 10 days of solitude and self-isolation.
- Day 1
Fly privately into the ExumasDistance: 40 nm*
For our American readers looking to stay even closer to home this summer as a result of the Coronavirus, the Bahamas is right on your doorstep, and offers so much to see and do as part of a social distancing yacht charter.
Begin your Bahamas yacht charter vacation in style by arriving by private jet in the Exumas. The collection of islands are well-connected to Nassau and the USA by air, with plenty of private aviation options at your disposal.
You can fly into the main hubs of George Town Airport or Exumas International Airport on Great Exuma, or you could also fly directly to one of the Exumas’ outer islands; Black Point Airport or Staniel Cay Airport are two great options for private flights. From here, it’s simple and straightforward to meet your yacht at one of the marinas to embark on your charter.
- Day 2
Be an Explorer at Conception IslandDistance: 15 nm*
Your yacht will likely drop anchor at West Bay, in front of the pristine crescent beach. Then launch your tender or kayak to explore the shores and interior rivulets like Christopher Columbus did in 1492.
A protected national park, the untouched nature and remote location of this island mean you’ll have only the wildlife for company. Swim through transparent waters, carefully navigate reefs of endangered staghorn coral, and snorkel amongst the teeming marine life.
For an even deeper sense of seclusion, head further inland by following one of the hiking trails leading to the east side of the island, before heading back through the trees in anticipation of what is sure to be a stunning sunset back on-board.
- Day 3
Dive in at Rum CayDistance: 70 nm*
One of the best undisclosed locations in the Out Islands, Rum Cay will greet you with its immaculate sands and thrilling waters. Don your diving gear and slip beneath the waves to explore the shipwreck of HMS Conqueror.
A playground for snorkellers, divers and relaxation seekers alike, this blissfully desolate Caribbean nook is as authentically Bahamian as it gets. The waters teem with life and the underwater explorations for divers are sure to satisfy the adventurer in you. There’s even a beach cave with ancient writings on its walls if you’re searching for a taste of this small island’s history.
When you’re ready to slow down the pace, find your peace on the perfect sands with a rum cocktail from a nearby beach bar, before heading back to your crewed yacht charter for dinner and settling in for an overnight cruise.
- Day 4
Be at one with nature on Acklins IslandDistance: 30 nm*
You’ll arrive early morning at Long Cay, and begin your day in one of the most preserved areas of the Bahamas. After breakfast on deck, take your tender across to Acklins Island and start soaking up the absolute tranquillity of the barely disturbed nature around you.
The almost complete seclusion means you’ll be making your own adventures on this stunningly rustic island. The pristine beaches, majestic cliffs and rich wildlife will give you a sense of privacy, as you lounge in the sun and snorkel in the coral gardens.
Ask your crew to pack you a picnic lunch and enjoy it uninterrupted on the beach. And if you’re a fishing enthusiast, Acklins Island boasts shallow waters and is famous for its bonefish flats, so grab your rods and indulge in a spot of bonefishing while you’re here.
- Day 5
Drop off the radar in Plana CaysDistance: 25 nm*
The next stop on your itinerary, these two tiny islands offer some of the highest calibre diving you can imagine, in an absolutely secluded setting.
Here you’ll be in one of the most isolated destinations in the Out Islands, with only the Bahamian Hutias for company. This is the only place in the world you’ll find them, so see if you can spot one amongst the vegetation. Take advantage of the unique reef structure by drift diving down the spectacular drop-offs, and navigating the coral forests bursting with colour and life.
There’s also excellent bird watching sites, beach caves, and plantation ruins to explore. If you visit between December – February, you may be lucky enough to spot whales heading north.
- Day 6
Visit one of the most remote regions in the Bahamas; MayaguanaDistance: 70 nm*
Reach Mayaguana by mid-morning and drop anchor at the public dock in Abraham’s Bay.
The most easterly islet in the Bahamas Out Islands chain, there is little here in terms of infrastructure but plenty of footprint-free beaches, small fishing villages and inconceivable beauty. The miles of remote shoreline are just waiting to be explored, and the locals will be only too happy to help you navigate your way.
Dive the sea caves, try your hand at crabbing or visit the settlements, completely undisturbed. There is an airport here which offers chartered and scheduled services, giving you the option to round off your vacation and fly home.
- Day 7
Bird watch at Little InaguaDistance: 40 nm*
Prepare your binoculars and grab your cameras for this unique destination. Said to be as natural and undisturbed as when Christopher Columbus discovered it, it doesn’t get more ‘out’ than this Out Island.
An entirely uninhabited National Park brimming with incredible birdlife, Little Inagua is a protected habitat for endangered sea turtles and home to an abundance of bright flamingoes. Their pink feathers contrast beautifully against the white sand and glassy blue waters, while beneath the waves is a vast reef with some of the best visibility snorkelling and diving you’ll find anywhere else.
Pre-approval for visits here is necessary due to its incredible environmental importance, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll likely have this stunning and fascinating island all to yourself.
- Day 8
Jump in to Hogsty ReefDistance: 70 nm*
On your journey back towards the Acklins, this unique atoll rises up out of 6000ft deep waters and is not to be missed. A rare highlight on your luxury yacht charter around the Out Islands, very few ever venture out this far.
On your approach you’ll spot 2 shipwrecks on the horizon, entrapped atop the reef. There have been hundreds of shipwrecks here over the years, some of which await your discovery beneath the waves, others which have been lost to the depths.
Drop anchor on the west side of the atoll, between the two cays. Northwest Cay is home to the ruins of an old lighthouse, and the other is a small sand spit with little feature. The real show is under the vibrant blue waves, where the colours and marine life create a new world for you to lose yourself in, before heading back to your yacht to enjoy a sundowner on deck.
Find out more:
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Hogsty Reef
Landmark
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Hogsty Reef
- Day 9
Step back in time on Crooked IslandDistance: 75 nm*
Separated from Acklins Island by the Bight of Acklins, this island is steeped in history and intrigue. Many attractions are only accessible by boat, so launch your tender and live out your desert island explorer fantasy for the day.
Once a major trading post, there are plenty of relics left over to hint at history gone by. Seek out limestone caves with meandering passageways, wander abandoned cotton plantations and get lost in the serene allure of the lagoon. Sail between the deserted bays along the shoreline and imagine the wonder of the early explorers.
Although Crooked Island is the main island in the Acklins, it’s still sparsely populated and you’ll feel as though you’re uncovering your very own Bahamian secret. Revelling in the tranquil beauty of this Out Island is the perfect way to spend your last day before, begrudgingly, heading back to civilisation.
- Day 10
Disembark in The Exumas
Your final stop on the itinerary will bring you back where you started, but with a renewed sense of peace and calm. It’s a long journey from Crooked Island, so opt for an overnight cruise.
Before disembarking, spend the morning in a quiet anchorage taking the toys out for a spin one final time. Enjoy lunch on deck, before heading home with the cherished memories of 10 days spent in one of the most idyllic and beautiful places on Earth. If you're interested in learning more about social distancing vacations, you can read our Coronavirus and Yacht Charter Guide.
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*All distances are approximate
