Exuma Islands

There are many beautiful places on Earth. You can probably think of a few wonderful locations that you have already visited that make you wish you were there all the time. If you close your eyes, you can probably picture yourself in one of those places right now… Are you imaging a place with perfect weather—soft breezes and a warm, non-humid temperature? Are you picturing a spot that is not a tourist trap—no high-rise hotels, not over-developed? Is the water an unbelievable, clear aqua-marine color that leaves you staring at the horizon. Does your ideal spot have endless nooks and cays to explore—you feel like you could never run out of things to see and do there?

Day 1

Hundreds of small cays make the Exumas a prime cruising ground. The waters here are legendary for deserted islands, coves, bays and harbors begging to be explored by boat. Fly into Georgetown on Great Exuma and board your yacht at lovely Elizabeth Harbor. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres on the comfortable aft deck while sipping "welcome aboard" cocktails.

Day 2

Cruise north to Staniel Cay to dive the exotic Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This 176-square mile site can't be left off your itinerary if divers are onboard who appreciate impressive reefs, drop-offs, blue holes with freshwater springs, caves and marine life unspoiled by commercial development. Thunderball Grotto, featured in the famous James Bond movie, is also located on Staniel Cay.

Day 3

Spend a lesiurely morning sunning on deck before having lunch at Sampson Cay Club Marina. Anchor off High-bourne Cay for an exquisite alfresco dining experience after and evening of soak and stargazing from your fly bridge Jacuzzi. .

Day 4

Lee Stocking Island, home to the Caribbean Marine Research Center, provides a protected anchorage. Visit the labs where scientists conduct numerous undersea marine experiments and collect data from surrounding waters, which are full of fascinating marine life.

Day 5

Little Palm Island has quickly become one of the state's top resorts. The only way in is by boat and the amenities and accommodations are first-class. This is a great lunch in the French/Continental-style restaurant or even over nightspot before pushing on to Key West.

Day 5

The seven-by-12-mile island of San Salvador provides isolation, great diving and history dating back to Christopher Columbus' discovery of America. In fact, San Salvador claims to be the explorer's first landfall in the New World. Among the many monuments and ruins that warrant a visit are the Columbus Monument on Crab Cay and Farquharson Plantation, known by locals as "Blackbeard's Castle." A few miles south of Graham's Harbor on San Salbador, you can climb 160 feet to the top of Dixon Hill Lighthouse to enjoy a 19-mile view. Built in 1887, it is one of the last hand-operated, kerosene-lit light-houses still in existence in the world.