Discover the Remote National Parks of the Bahamas: The Abacos & Exumas

Welcome back to our Bahamas Series! In this episode, we’re setting course for the National Parks of The Bahamas where untouched natural beauty abounds and every stop promises to leave a lasting impression.

The Bahamas are more than just white-sand beaches and turquoise waters; they’re also home to an extraordinary network of marine and island national parks, many of which are only accessible by boat. For yacht charter guests looking to explore beyond the typical island hop, the national parks in the Abacos and the Exumas offer pristine nature, vibrant coral reefs, wildlife sanctuaries, and secluded anchorages you won’t find in any resort brochure.

With a Dream Yacht charter, you can step into these untouched worlds aboard your own private yacht, creating a one-of-a-kind sailing itinerary through some of the Bahamas’ most spectacular marine preserves.

Why Charter a Yacht to Explore These Parks?

Most of these national parks are remote, undeveloped, and unreachable by land. That means fewer crowds, healthier reefs, and a level of tranquility that’s become rare in the modern Caribbean. Chartering a yacht, bareboat or crewed, is your ticket to experience them on your own schedule, with the luxury of anchoring in protected coves and swimming in some of the clearest waters on Earth.

The Abacos: National Parks Accessible Only by Boat

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park

This 2,100-acre park is only reachable by boat and features vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and abundant sea life. Snorkeling and diving here is spectacular, with eagle rays, turtles, and colorful fish around every corner. More than 170 species have been documented within park boundaries. Drop anchor nearby and dinghy in to explore. The pristine beaches are inviting for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picnicking in this remote and idyllic corner of the world.

Tilloo Cay National Reserve

Protecting critical nesting habitats for seabirds like yellow-crowned night herons and white-tailed tropicbirds. Tilloo Cay offers a serene stop for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. The calm anchorages nearby are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking along the 11-acre coast. You’ll also find a natural blowhole here, which shoots seawater into the air with dramatic force when waves crash at high tide. Well-marked hiking trails wind around the island, guiding you through lush vegetation and offering glimpses of native wildlife along the way.

Fowl Cays National Park

This marine park between Man-O-War Cay and Scotland Cay is a snorkeler’s paradise. Expect crystal-clear visibility, healthy reefs, and an impressive variety of coral and fish species. There’s no better way to reach it than aboard your own private yacht. Anchor on the Sea of Abaco side and navigate around to the designated dinghy mooring buoys. The moment you slip into the water, you’re instantly surrounded by towering coral formations and graceful sea fans. Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of the third-largest barrier reef on Earth and leave the dry world behind for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure.

The Exumas: Untouched Beauty Off the Beaten Path

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Spanning over 176 square miles, this is the crown jewel of Bahamian marine conservation—and it’s boat-access only. No fishing, no anchoring on the reefs, and no development: just nature in its rawest form. You’ll find rare sea life, blue holes, sandbars, and hiking trails on uninhabited cays. Moorings are available for overnight stays.

Highlights

• Snorkel the underwater cave at Thunderball Grotto (yes, the one from the James Bond film).
• Hike Boo Boo Hill for sweeping views and legendary sailor lore.
• Kayak through mangroves or relax on Shroud Cay’s winding tidal creeks.

Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

Just south of Georgetown, this park protects 22,833 acres of pristine beaches, mangroves, and a rich variety of birds and marine life. It’s an ideal anchorage for yacht charters exploring southern Exuma. The shallow flats are also great for bonefishing and kiteboarding. 

Create Your Own Park-Hopping Sailing Itinerary

With Dream Yacht, you can craft a custom itinerary that connects these remote national parks. Whether you’re chartering from Marsh Harbour in the Abacos or from our Exuma base in Nassau. Combine snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing, and stargazing all in one seamless, sea-bound adventure. Make sure to always check local regulations and pay the required park fees so that this beauty can be protected for generations to come.

Sustainable Sailing, Natural Wonders

As stewards of the sea, Dream Yacht is proud to support sustainable yacht tourism. When visiting these parks, we encourage all guests to respect local guidelines: use mooring balls where available, avoid single-use plastics, and leave only footprints (or wake trails) behind.

These parks exist thanks to decades of protection and the work of the Bahamas National Trust. Your visit helps fund their continued preservation and ensures these wild places remain for generations to come.

_{Take a moment to briefly step into the Bahamas for a look at what awaits you with this video.}

Plan Your National Park Yacht Adventure Today

Explore the Bahamas like few ever do. Whether you want a relaxed week of snorkeling and sunsets or an ambitious island-hopping itinerary through protected waters, Dream Yacht can help you make it happen. 

Get in touch today to start planning your yacht charter through the stunning national parks of the Abacos and Exumas—and discover a Bahamas you’ve never seen before.