Bahamas
Exuma Cays
A scattered archipelago of low limestone cays where turquoise shallows stretch endlessly between uninhabited islands.
The Exuma Cays unfold as a 120-mile chain of low-lying limestone islands connected by brilliant turquoise shallows that shift from emerald to sapphire with the depth. Most cays remain uninhabited, their white sand beaches backed by sea grape and casuarina trees. This is a place defined by water rather than land—a marine wilderness where the boundary between sea and sky dissolves into endless blue.
What draws people here
- —vast turquoise shallows perfect for shallow-draft boating and exploration
- —uninhabited cays with pristine white sand beaches accessible only by boat
- —crystal-clear waters revealing coral heads and marine life from the surface
- —remote anchorages where you can spend days without seeing another soul
Island character
islands•water•nature
Island rhythm
morning
Dawn reveals glass-calm waters reflecting pink and orange skies, with rays of sunlight illuminating the sandy bottom twenty feet below your boat.
afternoon
The sun reaches its peak intensity, turning the shallows electric blue and driving you to seek shade under beach casuarinas or in the cool water.
night
Stars reflect perfectly in still water, with only the gentle lap of waves and distant generator hum from the few inhabited settlements.
Best ways to experience Exuma Cays
- 01pilot a shallow-draft boat through the turquoise flats between uninhabited cays
- 02island-hop by kayak through protected waters and hidden lagoons
- 03anchor in remote cuts and swim to deserted beaches
- 04follow the deep-water channels by sailboat to reach outer cay anchorages