The Best Boat Rentals in Exuma

Expect shared group tours to run about $150–$400 per person depending on route and length. Private half‑day charters usually start around $800–$2,000 for small to mid‑size powerboats, while full‑day private charters commonly range from $2,500–$6,000+. Luxury yachts and large group boats can be $5,000–$10,000+ per day. Most charters include a licensed captain, fuel for the standard itinerary, ice and drinking water, and snorkel gear; many also include soft drinks and a local beer or rum punch. Not typically included are gratuity, pick‑up transfers, special landing fees at certain stops, and restaurant lunches during full‑day itineraries. Always review the listing details before you book so there are no surprises.

You’ll find a wide mix: fast center consoles for sandbars and snorkeling, comfortable power catamarans and motor yachts for groups and celebrations, and sailing yachts and catamarans for a more laid‑back cruise. If you want to cover long distances to the northern Exuma Cays in a day, a twin‑engine center console or larger motor yacht is usually the most time‑efficient choice.

Most visitors choose captained trips—it’s easier, safer, and lets you relax while a local expert handles the reefs, tides, and routes. For self‑operated (bareboat) options, a formal Bahamian boating license is generally not required for recreational use, but renters are expected to be 18+ and demonstrate experience and competence. Commercial operations require licensed masters, which is why captained charters are the norm. If you prefer to drive yourself, look for smaller day boats close to Elizabeth Harbour and stick to fair‑weather, short‑range exploring.

Common departure points include the Government Dock/Exuma Yacht Club area in George Town on Elizabeth Harbour for Stocking Island, Moriah Harbour Cay, and nearby sandbars; Barreterre Government Dock in North Great Exuma for runs to the northern cays; Staniel Cay Yacht Club if you’re already staying up-island; and the Marina at Emerald Bay near the resort corridor. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed by your captain after booking—plan to arrive a little early for boarding and safety briefing.

Highlights include the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, the James Bond–filmed Thunderball Grotto near Staniel Cay, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, endangered rock iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay, mirror‑calm sandbars around Pipe Creek, and the pristine Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Closer to George Town you’ll cruise Elizabeth Harbour, stop at Stocking Island for rays and beach bars, and drift the “lazy river” cuts and cays inside Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. Wildlife is wild—follow your crew’s guidance, keep reefs hands‑off, and pack a reef‑safe sunscreen.

For most trip planners, a captained charter is the stress‑free choice. Local captains time tides for grotto entries, know the shifting sandbars and cuts, and adjust plans for wind and sea state. Self‑drive boats are best for confident boaters staying near Elizabeth Harbour on calm days. Note that parts of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park are idle‑speed/no‑wake and have anchoring restrictions, so a knowledgeable skipper can keep your day both fun and compliant.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry life jackets for all ages and sizes, and many captains bring children’s masks and floats. Tell the owner your children’s ages and approximate weights so they can stage correctly sized PFDs. Shade, hydration, and sun protection matter in the tropics; pack hats, UPF layers, and snacks, and consider a morning start for calmer seas. If you’re traveling with infants, message the owner for suitability and seating recommendations.

On most charters you can bring your own snacks and beverages, and many boats already include water, ice, and soft drinks. Some provide local beer or a rum punch; others can arrange catering on request. Glass is often discouraged for safety, and the operator must remain sober on any self‑drive rental. Full‑day northern‑cays trips typically stop for lunch at a marina or beach bar—confirm whether lunch and any dock fees are included.

Pet‑friendly boats are available with advance approval. If your itinerary includes beaches inside Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, dogs must remain leashed ashore and may be restricted from sensitive areas. Bring fresh water, a non‑slip mat, and plan for shade breaks. For wildlife stops—like pigs, iguanas, or shark encounters—pets generally can’t go ashore or in the water.

Tropical weather can change quickly, and brief showers are common even on nice days. Captains monitor local conditions and will reschedule or adjust routes if needed; safety calls are at the captain’s discretion. On Getmyboat, each listing has its own cancellation policy, and many owners offer a flexible reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1–November 30, so if you’re booking then, consider travel flexibility and trip insurance.

Absolutely—boats in the Exumas regularly host milestone celebrations. Private charters make it easy to dial in your playlist, decorations, and photo stops, and many vessels have Bluetooth sound and shaded seating. Share your headcount and any special requests up front so your captain can match you with the right boat and suggest a route with calm anchorages and a scenic lunch stop.

Boating is year‑round. December through April is peak season with breezier trade winds and the biggest crowds; May and early June are warm and often calmer; late summer brings glassy seas but hotter temps and afternoon squalls. Hurricane season runs June–November, with the highest storm risk typically in August–October. Notable local draws include the George Town Cruising Regatta in late February to early March and the National Family Island Regatta in late April. U.S. holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up fast, so reserve early. For smoother water and easier dock space, choose weekdays and aim for a morning departure.

From George Town or Barreterre on Great Exuma, the “pigs‑grotto‑sharks‑iguanas” loop is typically a full‑day agenda with an early start, a lunch break near Staniel Cay, and a few sandbar swims along the way. If you’re staying in the northern cays (for example, on Staniel Cay), the same highlights can often be done as a shorter day. Your captain will time Thunderball Grotto for a favorable tide and advise about any local landing fees on the day.