Exumas itinerary

[gussers]

Sailing up from Georgetown to Nassau for 10 days. I know south of Staniel Cay but it's been over 20 years since I sailed north of there. Any recommendations apart from Warderick Wells and Norman's Cay and is there anywhere to have a bite to eat and drink. I know of the marina at Highbourne and heard of MacDuffs on Norman's (if it's open in June). Any other recommended anchorages appreciated.

[Navicula]

Shroud cay is a must... travel up the two rivers on high tide to the other side....just stunning and clean....great holding as well for anchoring

[gussers]

That's one place I've not been. Any particular anchoring spot on the west side? I have the cruising guides.

[Navicula]

the explorer charts have very detailed info about the anchorage there....there are about 4 mooring balls if you wish to use....about 30 bucks a night depending on your size....or you can anchor just south of the balls....it is part of the sea park so it is a no take zone.....

Normans is just a couple of miles away and on a calm day its a great dinghy ride to the sunken plane....or you can just anchor your vessel right near the sunken plane...6 feet deep no problem

[gussers]

Yes did the plane 25 years ago but missed Shroud Cay. Thanks

[bvander]

For food and drinks Black Point is superb.
For Land and Sea park check out their website , Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - Bahamas > Exuma Park Home
Which includes snorkle and trail maps.
We love Cambridge, spent 3 weeks there, good spot to hike, explore and dingy to amazing snorkle sites, include rocky dundas and rachel's bath.
Other great anchorages: Rudder, Plane Bay, Sampson, Halls Pond, Bell, Hawksbill, Hog, Waderick, Shrould. Just a few.
Highborne nice but very pricey. $25/person to tour cay.
Check out Allans.
We average 4 months in exumas/year so hard to advise on 10 days. I would pick a few and focus rather than trying to hit a bunch. Try and spend at least 2 nighrs at each anchorsge, gives you a full day at a spot.
Have a hidy hole identified in case of foul weather.

[gussers]

Thanks. I've anchored a few of those so will look for the ones I haven't. Not done Cambridge.

[bvander]

Originally Posted by Navicula

Shroud cay is a must... travel up the two rivers on high tide to the other side....just stunning and clean....great holding as well for anchoring

There are 4 creeks into the mangrove interior of shroud, but only the northern most creek are motorized dingies allowed. Need mid tide or higher if dinging in. Gorgeous ocean beach at far end.

[gussers]

Thanks but are there any beach bars or places to eat north of Staniel?

[bvander]

Norman, if open, but character has changed past coupke of years.
Best beach bar in Exumas is Ty's on Little Farmers Cay.
Highborne is high end expensive bar/restaurant and not on beach, but overlooks one.
Best beach bar is quiet beach at sundown with your own drinks.

[gussers]

Originally Posted by bvander

We love Cambridge, spent 3 weeks there.

Did you have to pay for moorings every night?

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by gussers

Did you have to pay for moorings every night?

If you use them, you should pay for them. And yes, it is a per night fee.

[bvander]

Originally Posted by gussers

Did you have to pay for moorings every night?

If you grab a mooring then yes, you must pay for it, payment box located on small sand cay to the SW of mooring field.
There is room for anchoring to the south of the mooring field, good holding but need good tackle as current swift and changes direction 180 degrees.

[gussers]

I suppose I should now add where's good to provision if you don't go down to Georgetown? I've done a run down there before but I'd rather head north from Emerald Bay instead of a trip south first. Is it reasonable to get a taxi down there? Anyone know of any place to get a few basics around Emerald Bay or just North at least for a couple of days until Little Farmers or Black Point for example?

[bvander]

Originally Posted by gussers

I suppose I should now add where's good to provision if you don't go down to Georgetown? I've done a run down there before but I'd rather head north from Emerald Bay instead of a trip south first. Is it reasonable to get a taxi down there? Anyone know of any place to get a few basics around Emerald Bay or just North at least for a couple of days until Little Farmers or Black Point for example?

You can cab from Emerald, but looking at ~$100 for a grocery run to GT. If your chartering from Navtours they can probably arrange a grocery run to GT. there used to be a groc store at Emerald but gone now, there is a small groc store about 3km S of the marina. There was a Bristol booze store in Emerald, not sure if still there.
Other option is rent a car for a day.

About 4 kms north of GT is an amazing butcher/deli, recommend getting meat there, good quality and good prices.