Turquoise Experience -Exuma Cays -Southern Exuma Private Charter

Exploring the Exuma Cays with a Private Charter: A Practical Guide

When you think of the Bahamas, images of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and pristine beaches often come to mind. For those seeking an authentic, high-end experience away from crowds, the Turquoise Experience offered by Platinum Boat Tours delivers just that. This private 8-hour excursion, costing around $6,500 for up to 15 people, takes you deep into the Southern Exuma Cays on a luxurious boat, with plenty of time to explore, relax, and marvel at nature’s beauty.

What really sets this tour apart are the secluded cays and interactive marine encounters. Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the chance to swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay and the opportunity to feed and swim with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay. Plus, the onboard Wi-Fi makes sharing your adventures easy and fun.

One potential consideration? Given the private tour nature and the price point, this experience is best suited for groups wanting a customized, intimate day on the water. Travelers who enjoy comfort, exclusivity, and personalized service will find this tour to be a fantastic value. Perfect for families, friends, or special occasions, it’s an adventure that combines luxury with authentic Bahamian charm.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Secluded islands: Visit untouched cays and enjoy peace away from crowds.
• Marine encounters: Swim with nurse sharks and pigs, unique highlights of the tour.
• Comfort and amenities: Wi-Fi on board, restroom facilities, and included drinks and lunch.
• Flexible itinerary: Multiple stops allow for a well-rounded day of exploration.
• Advanced booking recommended: The tour is popular, booked on average 70 days ahead.

The Itinerary: A Day of Discovery and Fun

This private charter begins early, with check-in at 7:30 am at Fort Montague Dock, giving you plenty of time to settle in before departure at 7:45 am. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour to the first stop: Leaf Cay, where rock iguanas roam freely. Seeing these rare reptiles in their natural habitat is a highlight, especially since they’re often considered a symbol of the Bahamas’ unique wildlife. The 30-minute stop provides a peaceful chance to observe, photograph, and maybe even get close to these fascinating creatures.

Next, the boat heads toward the Pablo Escobar Sunken Plane, an intriguing underwater relic with a bit of a story that your guide will share. Though just a 15-minute stop, it offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into the island’s more unusual sights.

The tour continues through the Exuma Cays to Compass Cay Marina, famous for its nurse sharks. Here, you’ll have 30 minutes to swim and pet these gentle, misunderstood creatures. The experience is both exciting and calming, as these sharks are known for their calm demeanor, and many travelers find the encounter to be a surprisingly memorable highlight.

From there, it’s on to Big Major Cay, home to the world-famous swimming pigs. You’ll have 45 minutes to feed and swim with the pigs, which is often the most talked-about part of the tour. As one reviewer joyfully put it, “Unforgettable memories were made with my family thanks to Captain Leslie and Vi,” highlighting how special this interaction can be.

After animal adventures, you’ll stop at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for a delicious Bahamian lunch. This well-regarded spot offers a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting—perfect after a busy morning of exploration. The 1-hour break allows you to unwind and enjoy the island vibe.

Finally, the tour wraps up at the Sandbar, a picturesque spot where you can lounge, collect sea shells and sand dollars, and snap incredible photos of the stunning surroundings. With 45 minutes to relax and enjoy, this is the perfect way to soak in the scenery before heading back to Nassau.

The return boat ride takes about 45 minutes, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the beautiful waters one last time.

Authentic Marine Encounters and Secluded Islands

One of the main reasons travelers flock to this tour is the chance to interact with marine life in their natural habitat. Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay is nothing short of extraordinary, especially since these gentle sharks don’t pose a threat, making it suitable for most swimmers. The pigs at Big Major Cay are another highlight, and many say the experience of feeding and swimming with them is truly unforgettable.

The stops at Leaf Cay and the Sandbar emphasize the peaceful side of the Bahamas, away from the crowded resorts. These locations offer pristine scenery and opportunities for relaxation and photography.

The Pablo Escobar Sunken Plane adds an intriguing touch of history and mystery, and the detailed storytelling from the crew enhances the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Comfort and Convenience

This tour scores highly on comfort and amenities. With Wi-Fi on board, you can share your photos instantly or catch up on messages. The boat is equipped with restroom facilities, which is a considerate touch during a full-day adventure. Included are bottled water, sodas, local beer, and a delicious Bahamian lunch—good value when you consider the comprehensive nature of the tour.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for customized pacing and a more intimate experience. The flexible itinerary ensures you get the most out of your day without feeling rushed.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

While $6,500 for up to 15 people may seem steep at first glance, the per-person cost drops significantly with a larger group, making it cost-effective for families or groups of friends. The private nature means you won’t be sharing your adventure with strangers, which many travelers find worth the premium.

The all-inclusive aspect—drinks, lunch, entrance fees—adds to the convenience, and the personalized service from experienced, culturally rooted captains like Leslie and Vi makes the trip stand out. They bring stories and local insights that enrich the journey beyond just the sights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private charter is ideal for adventurous families, groups of friends, or couples celebrating special occasions. If you value authentic encounters, secluded spots, and personalized service, this tour will likely exceed expectations. It’s perfect for those who want to see the real Bahamas away from the crowds and are prepared for a full day of activity and discovery.

FAQs

How early should I book?
The tour is usually booked around 70 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the boat, all stops and activities, bottled water, sodas, local beer, lunch at Staniel Cay, restroom facilities, and entrance fees for the Pig Beach. Gratuities are not included.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?
Yes, the boat provides Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected during your adventure.

Can children join?
Yes, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. The tour notes that toddlers under 3 are not specified, so check with the operator for very young children.

Is this tour suitable for people with recent surgery?
Given the physical activity involved, travelers with recent surgery should consult with their doctor before joining.

What happens if the weather turns bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

How long does each stop last?
Stops range from 15 minutes at the sunken plane to 45 minutes at the pigs and Sandbar, allowing ample time to enjoy each activity.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private tour, so only your group participates, offering a more relaxed and personalized experience.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and camera gear. A moderate level of physical fitness will help you enjoy the marine encounters comfortably.

How do I confirm my booking?
Once you book, you’ll receive confirmation. It’s best to book well in advance due to high demand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a luxurious, personalized day exploring the authentic Bahamas, this private Exuma Cays tour is hard to beat. It combines adventure and relaxation, with stops at iconic sites and opportunities to connect with marine life in a genuine way. The emphasis on seclusion and customizable experience makes it especially attractive for travelers wanting a more intimate, memorable outing.

While the price might seem high, the inclusions, comfort, and unique encounters justify the investment for those who value quality, exclusivity, and authentic experiences. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this tour offers a perfect blend of luxury and local flavor.

For travelers eager to see the real Bahamas—away from crowds, with plenty of photo-worthy moments and interactive fun—this private charter delivers all that and more.