6 boat rentals in Exuma, The Bahamas

The price for a private charter in Exuma varies depending on whether you are exploring the southern "Great Exuma" area or the central "Exuma Cays." On average, a daily rental costs around $1,100, though smaller powerboats for local beach hopping can range from $600 to $950. For high-speed center consoles that can reach the swimming pigs from George Town, prices typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 per day. Weekly sailing catamarans generally range from $7,000 to over $25,000, while luxury motor yachts with a full crew can exceed $12,000 per day.

A quintessential Exuma itinerary centers on the iconic "Big Three": swimming with the pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling the "007" sea caves at Thunderball Grotto, and swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Other highlights include visiting the prehistoric rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, snorkeling the sunken drug runner’s plane near Staniel Cay, and walking the endless white sandbars at Musha Cay. For nature lovers, a day spent in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers some of the most pristine coral reefs and untouched beaches in the Caribbean.

The Exumas are famous for "skinny water"—extremely shallow areas with shifting sandbars and coral heads that can be treacherous for those without local knowledge. A locally certified captain manages these technical challenges and understands the specific tidal windows needed to enter certain cays or grottos safely. Hiring a captain also allows you to focus on your guests while a professional handles the technical anchoring and ensures you stay clear of the protected no-take zones within the national park.

Pickup locations in Exuma are divided into two main regions. In the south, most charters depart from George Town (Government Dock or Elizabeth Harbour). In the central Cays, the primary hub is Staniel Cay, which is the gateway to the swimming pigs. Other frequent boarding spots include Barraterre, Black Point, and Highborne Cay. Because the islands are spread out, it is essential to confirm if your boat is based near your accommodation, as a boat in George Town is nearly 80 miles away from the pigs at Staniel Cay.

Yes, all charters are subject to the 14% Bahamian Charter Tax. Furthermore, if your itinerary enters the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (a protected 176-square-mile zone), you must pay mandatory mooring or anchorage fees. In addition to a daily mooring ball fee (ranging from $30 to $150+ depending on boat size), there is often a park usage fee of roughly $14 per person, per day. Most hosts also apply a 10% VAT to these government-mandated park fees.

For crewed weekly catamarans and luxury motor yachts, the experience is typically all-inclusive, featuring a private chef and a full open bar. For daily powerboat rentals, the policy is generally BYOB, though hosts almost always provide a large cooler with ice and bottled water. Many itineraries include a stop at world-famous waterfront spots like Chat ‘N’ Chill on Stocking Island or the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for a fresh conch salad or a "Goombay Smash" cocktail.

If you choose a captained rental, no license or certification is required from you as the captain’s professional credentials cover the legal operation of the vessel. For bareboat (self-drive) rentals, you must provide a comprehensive boating resume and a valid international navigation license. Due to the high risk of grounding on coral reefs, many private owners in Exuma require a "check-out" ride or a local guide for the first day, even for experienced sailors.

For sailing catamarans, fuel for local cruising is frequently included in the total price. However, for high-speed powerboats—which often cover 50+ miles in a single day to reach the pigs—fuel is typically an additional expense charged at the end of the day based on actual consumption. For luxury yachts, an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of 30-35% is standard to cover fuel, dockage, and premium provisions throughout your trip.

Most private recreational powerboats are certified for 6 to 12 guests to ensure comfort and safety in open water. If you are planning a larger celebration like a wedding or a corporate retreat, Exuma has a selection of commercial catamarans and "party boats" available on Sailo that are certified to carry 20 to 40+ passengers. These larger vessels are typically based in George Town or Staniel Cay and feature expansive decks for social events.

Safety is the primary concern, and the captain has the final authority to determine if conditions are safe to cross the "Exuma Sound" or navigate the shallow banks. If a trip is canceled by the captain due to dangerous conditions like high winds or tropical storms, your Sailo host will work with you to either reschedule the charter or provide a full refund. Most captains are still willing to sail in light tropical rain as long as the sea remains calm and visibility is safe.