Announcing Exumas Castaway Cruise!

This is it. The trip you have dreamed of if you are a true Castaway at heart, an escape from the humdrum and the stressful. The Exuma Cays sit waiting for you this coming July 24th – July 31st. (It’s already selling out, so another trip Exuma trip is being offered July 11th-19th.)

Update: There is only a single bed cabin left for one person for July 24th – 31st. Or I could do a discount price for 2 people willing to sleep in the two couches in the main salon. The July 11th – 18th is looking to be full as well. Captain Mike and I are adding another Exumas cruise for July 2 -9th. Contact me or Captain Mike (info at bottom) if interested, space does go fast!

The Exumas

Exotic vistas, spectacular sunsets, a million shades of blue, white and pink beaches, calm gentle waves washing away footprints, meals off the aft deck, waters sparkling like daytime stars – this is the stuff of dreams. Come join me, along with Captain Mike aboard the 70ft. motor yacht, Mermaid Tales.

Trip Details

We will meet in Nassau at the Atlantis Resort marina. If you choose to come in a day or two early, dockage gives us free run of all the resort facilities at no extra cost.

For 8 days we’ll cruise the deserted cays and sand bars of the Exuma Islands. Strung from just South of Nassau South-Southeast for 130 miles, the Exumas feature the most well protected aquatic habitat in the Bahamas, the Exumas Land and Sea Park. The park is more than 200 sq miles with only a small amount of cays land. Only Wardrick Wells Cay, with the ranger’s house, is permanently occupied. With 4 mi of land trails and miles and miles of empty beaches, it redefines the word deserted as well as castaway.

Allens Cay on the Northern end of the Exuma chain will be a first day stop. The beachcombing is outstanding, and then a chance to see the giant land iguanas up close.

Next is Norman’s Cay which is lightly populated. Most interesting is its history, it was the base of Columbian drug king Carlos Leder, up until he was captured in a joint US and Bahamian raid in 1986. A ditched drug cargo plane is in shallow water and offers great snorkeling and photographic opportunities. A small deserted cay in the center of the sound is another perfect photo shoot.

The Exumas are such a unique set of cays that it is hard to decide where we want to spend our limited time. We’ll plan our schedule around some key stops, but leave it flexible to adjust for weather or excess of pesky tourists, or non-Castaways.

Sampson Cay is in the middle of the Exumas and has a nice marina, good bar and somewhat of a hurricane hole. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, as well as stunning of sand bars for exploration.

Staniel Cay is our furthest South destination. Home of the swimming pigs and famous for its Thunderball Grotto. This underwater cavern is easily accessible for snorkelers and was used in several scenes for the Bond film, Thunderball. Staniel Cay Yacht Club has the major marina, plus an excellent bar and restaurant. There are numerous deserted cays to explore, plus swimming with the friendly aquatic pigs.

On the return trip we will touch on some of the cays and sand bars we may have bypassed for whatever reason on the way down. We will be back no later than Sunday morning August 2nd. After the passenger list is complete we can discuss our timing options for the return.

Additional Cruising Options Around This Trip

Captain Mike will be trying to fill a second trip either on the front or back end of our Castaways trip. As such additional days may be available at a reduced rate for either the trip to Nassau or the return. As we get closer to the departure date we can discuss what additional days may be available.

Harbour Island with its gorgeous pink toned beaches is close and is an option on departure or return. It’s a stunning island with bungalows and bars right on the water.

The Berry Islands lie between Nassau and Bimini, a bit off a direct course, but doable for a side exploratory trip. Mostly deserted, it offers excellent fishing and hundreds of cays and perfect beaches.

Exuma Castaway Cruise Pricing

I have worked hard to keep the price as reasonable as possible. This is cruising in exotic islands and marinas are spread out across 130 miles so we will plan on being self-sufficient.

The price for the 7 days, July 24th-July 31st, is $999pp, all-inclusive (except as noted below). There is an extra $65 charge per person which covers Bahamian cruising fee and immigration/customs fees. Use of the dinghy, kayak and floats are included. You may come in on the 24th and stay aboard for an additional $75pp (expensive at Atlantis dock), or stay an extra day aboard on return for $75 at the Atlantis dock. Airfare and airport transfers are not included to and from Nassau.

Continental breakfast is included each day, plus 5 on board dinners. Lunches will be a mix of sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and light fare. Cold drinks and water are included. You may have me pick up your liquor request before departure from Miami or purchase in Nassau. There are especially good prices on rums in Nassau.

This is a Share-the Cruise trip and staterooms are assigned as reservations are made and payment completed. There are 4 staterooms with ensuite heads and baths or showers.

The yacht MERMAID TALES is 70’ with plenty of seating and relaxation space scattered about the yacht from bow, to aft deck, salon and top side. You will not feel crowded anywhere aboard. Safety is paramount to our cruising and your yacht has multiple redundant safety, navigation, mechanical and lifestyle options for your utmost comfort and peace of mind.

Every effort has been made to keep the costs down. As a Share-the-Cruise trip you are sharing in the operating expenses of the yacht. It is not a charter, per se, but the sharing of an adventure, an opportunity to create your own tales and memories to keep and to share.

This will be an unforgettable trip in waters and on cays that may not have ever been touched by human toes. So place your buns in the sand, your toes in the crystal clear, warm tropical waters and savor this fabulous experience.

Castaway Cruise Booking

To book this Castaway Cruise please email Captain Mike at [email protected]

You can learn more about Mermaid Tales and Tropical Escape Yacht Charters on their website – TropicalEscapeYachtCharters.com – and on Facebook.

I’m looking forward to sailing with you! Cheers!

RumShopRyan