4 Days, 3 Nights Sailing Catamaran Experience in the Exumas, Bahamas

A private catamaran in the Exumas is interesting because you do not just visit the Bahamas, you live on the water. With Captain Glenn Wakefield and a route you can flex from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau, the trip feels like real island hopping, not a checklist.

I love the comfort piece most: up to three en-suite bedrooms, so your group is not sharing one bathroom or crowding a single lounge. I also love that the boat comes ready for water time, with snorkeling gear, scuba gear, and a stack of extras for an all-day play style.

One possible drawback to plan for: food and drink are not included. You’ll want to budget for meals, or arrange them ahead, especially if you want everything to run smoothly.

Key things that make this Exumas sailing feel special

• Three en-suite bedrooms for a true private-boat stay, designed for up to 6 guests
• Captain charting your course, with flexible departure options from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau
• Snorkeling and scuba included, with tanks and a compressor on board for scuba use
• Lots of water toys, including paddleboards, kayaks, fishing gear, and an included floating rear beach
• Mangrove dinghy trips and tiny islets, so you get more than open-water swimming stops
• Use of the full kitchen and BBQ setup, helpful if you arrange food for your group

Why a private Exumas catamaran beats the usual resort rhythm

If you have ever done a beach vacation where you jump from one crowded spot to the next, this is the counter move. On this trip, you are based on a sailing catamaran, so the Bahamas come to you. That matters in the Exumas because so much of what makes the islands special is best experienced from the water, not from a shoreline chair.

I like that the trip is positioned around relaxing plus active water time. The boat is built for hanging out outside, not just sleeping and going back and forth to land. And because it is private, your group sets the tone, whether you want a fast day full of snorkeling stops or a slower pace with more floating and shade.

The other big win is the “your priorities first” setup. The captain charts the route, but the trip is structured so you get plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, and try extras. This is not a cruise where you feel herded. It is a living, sailing vacation.

The catamaran setup: three en-suite bedrooms and a real space to breathe

This catamaran is set up like a floating residence. It has three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, which is a big deal for groups. Nobody has to do bathroom math in the morning, and families or friend groups usually appreciate having their own private space.

It is also described as new with strong outdoor living space. That helps in the Exumas, where the best part of the day is usually outside: sunlight, wind, salt air, and the constant shift of water color. If you want a trip where you can actually spread out, this boat layout is a strong match.

You also get practical comforts that make “boat life” less stressful. There is a full kitchen on board, plus fridge and freezer storage. There is also an outdoor BBQ setup. If you arrange food for your group, the kitchen access can make the experience feel more personal and less like you are constantly ordering from scratch.

Getting on board: Staniel Cay Yacht Club start, then back to the same spot

The meeting point is clear. You start at Staniel Cay Yacht Club on Main Street in Staniel Cay, The Bahamas, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. That means you are not landing in a different place and hoping your return ride works out.

Departure can still be flexible. The experience notes flexible departure and route options from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau. In other words, you might not always start exactly the same way, but your overall loop ends back where you begin, which helps planning.

Because food is not included, it is smart to think about how you want the first day to feel. Some groups prefer to settle in first, then do a light water session. Others want to jump in right away. Either way, your captain and setup make it easy to shift gears without needing a separate excursion company for each stop.

Captain Glenn charts your course, so you sail more than you schedule

The captain is responsible for charting your course. That is what you want, especially in a place like the Exumas where conditions and best snorkeling spots can change. The point is simple: you are not tied to one rigid plan carved in stone.

In the reviews connected to this same captain and boat, there is a theme of using real-world judgment when conditions change. The itinerary adjusts based on weather, and that usually turns a potential disappointment into a better day on the water. For you, that means less stress and more time actually enjoying the trip.

One thing I would watch for: because the route is flexible, you should expect a schedule that adapts. If you are the type who loves exact times and exact locations, this may feel slightly more free-form than you expected. But if you like sailing because the sea controls the day, you will probably love it.

Day-by-day flow: what your time on the water looks like

You are in for 4 days and 3 nights. You will spend a lot of time in the water, plus real downtime between activities. The “Sailing SummerCamp” concept is built around rotating experiences, not just one big event.

Here is the kind of rhythm you can plan for, based on the included activities and how these trips are typically run:

Day 1: settle in, then start exploring right away.

You get on board, get oriented, and then it is straight into the good stuff. Expect snorkeling opportunities and plenty of chances to test the water toys. This is also usually when you’ll figure out where you like to hang out on the catamaran, whether that is lounging in the shade or spending the day on deck.

Day 2: reefs and water games, with scuba optional or planned.

Snorkeling and scuba are both included with the proper gear. There are scuba tanks and a compressor on board, so you are not reliant on off-boat equipment. You also have paddleboards, kayaks, and the floating rear beach, so even if you do not want to go under for scuba, you still have plenty to do.

Day 3: mangroves, tiny islets, sand bars, and beach-style stops.

The trip includes dinghy trips through mangrove rivers and tiny islets, plus sand bars and private beaches. This is where you often feel the “Exumas factor” most. The scenery shifts from open water to calmer channels, then back to beach time.

Day 4: a final run of swimming and snorkeling, then back to the dock.

On the last day, you usually get one more chance to enjoy the water before heading back. Because the trip ends back at the meeting point, it keeps your last day feeling straightforward instead of logistically messy.

Even without naming every single stop, the activity mix gives you enough structure. If you are chasing a sailing vacation that feels like it has momentum, this format works.

Included water time: snorkeling, scuba, SUP, kayaks, dinghies, and more

This is where the value really hides. The experience includes snorkeling equipment, scuba equipment, and all water sports equipment on board. That includes items like paddleboards, kayaks, a floating rear beach, beach towels and shade, plus swimming and diving equipment.

A few highlights that matter in real life:

• Scuba is truly supported, because the boat has tanks and a compressor for use. That reduces the usual friction of finding gear and setup elsewhere.
• You can switch between intensities. If you want easy floating and snorkeling, you can. If you want paddle time, kayaking, or scuba, you can. If you want a break, you have deck space and shade.
• Mangrove dinghy trips add variety. Open-water snorkeling is great, but mangroves and tiny islets change the view and the pace.
• Sand bars and private beaches help the day feel complete. Water time does not only mean “in and out of the ocean,” it includes shore-style breaks.
• Informal sailing lessons may be available if you are interested. That is not required, but it is a nice extra for people who want a hands-on feel.
• Fishing gear is included, so you can try without paying for an additional add-on.

The main drawback is also the simplest one: you should be ready for a vacation built around water activities. If your idea of relaxation is mostly land-based, you might prefer a different trip style. But if you want days filled with swimming, snorkeling, and new-to-you water toys, you’ll likely use more of the included options than you planned.

Food and drink: plan it, or use the kitchen and BBQ access

Food and drink are not included, but you can arrange them for extra cost. The good part is you are not stuck with zero options. The boat has a full kitchen, fridge and freezer, and BBQ outside.

What this means for you: you can choose the vibe.

• If you want simple meals with minimal effort, arranging food through the operator may suit you best.
• If you prefer a grocery-run style approach, the kitchen and storage make it more feasible.
• If you want a mix, you can keep it flexible, as long as you plan ahead since meals are not baked into the price.

My practical tip: decide your food approach early. Because the trip is private and activity-heavy, you will feel it if you scramble. A little planning makes the boat feel like your own place instead of a floating stopover.

Price and value: $7,000 per group, up to 6

The price is $7,000 per group for up to 6 guests for 4 days and 3 nights. On a per-person basis, if you fill all 6 spots, you’re looking at roughly $1,167 per person before any food choices.

Here is why I think the price can make sense. You are paying for:

• a private catamaran experience,
• Captain Glenn charting your course,
• sleeping capacity with three en-suite bedrooms,
• and a package of water activities where equipment is included.

Most island tours nickel-and-dime you for each piece: snorkel gear, scuba tank access, paddle equipment, dinghy rides, and so on. Here, the trip is built around doing those things without adding a separate bill for each activity. And because it is private, you get the best version of flexibility: your group’s time matters.

If you have only two people, the cost per person will be higher than the filled-group math. In that case, you need to ask yourself a simple question: do you want a private sailing lifestyle, or would you be happier sharing a larger tour? This experience is priced for groups who want the whole boat vibe.

Also note the booking pattern. On average, this is booked about 189 days in advance. That tells me you should not wait for a last-minute deal unless your schedule is extremely flexible.

Who should book this Exumas catamaran experience

This trip is described as a good fit for families, couples, or groups of friends. That makes sense given the bedroom setup and private-boat feel.

I think it is especially strong for:

• couples who want a romantic, water-first vacation with their own space,
• families who want kids or teens to spend time in the water with plenty of equipment available,
• friend groups who want to split costs across up to 6 people,
• first-timers to sailing who want a built-in guide and clear support, plus a schedule full of activities that are optional.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• you want meals to be included in the price,
• you dislike water activities enough that the included gear would go unused,
• you need a totally rigid itinerary with exact locations and fixed times.

Practical tips so you feel confident on day one

You will get the most out of this trip if you treat it like a sailing vacation, not a daily excursion tour.

A few smart moves:

• Confirm your departure style: since the trip can depart based on Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau, double-check what your specific plan is when you receive confirmation.
• Decide your food plan early, since food and drink are not included. Use the kitchen and BBQ access if that fits your group.
• Pick your activity balance: you can do lots of snorkeling and scuba, or you can keep it lighter with paddleboards, kayaks, and relaxation. Build in downtime so the day feels fun, not exhausting.
• Use the shade and towels: the included gear includes shade and beach towels, which makes “heat management” easier.
• Bring your own comfort items: think swimwear, a dry layer for boat air, and any personal medications. The boat supplies a lot of water gear, but you still want your own basics.

Should you book this private 4-day Exumas catamaran?

If you want a Bahamas vacation that is less crowded, more flexible, and built around water time, I would say yes, it is a strong choice. The combination of private catamaran living, up to three en-suite bedrooms, and included snorkeling and scuba support is exactly the kind of setup that makes the trip feel like your own.

Book it if you and your group really will use the included gear and you are comfortable planning around food being extra. Avoid it only if you want a land-based vacation style or you want meals included in the base price.

Given that it is booked well in advance on average, if this sounds like your kind of week, you’ll probably want to lock it in early.

FAQ

How many people can this catamaran trip accommodate?

The catamaran can comfortably sleep up to 6 guests, with up to three full en-suite bedrooms. More guests may be possible with children.

Where do you meet, and where does the trip end?

You meet at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Main Street, Staniel Cay, The Bahamas. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What activities and equipment are included?

Snorkeling equipment and scuba equipment are included. The trip also includes all water sports equipment on board, including paddleboards, a floating rear beach, towels and shade, and other water gear listed in the experience details.

Is scuba included, and are tanks provided?

Yes, scuba is included with scuba tanks and a compressor available for use.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included, but you can arrange them for an extra cost.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private tour, and only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount paid is not refunded.