BREEZY BAHAMAS

After arriving into Nassau airport (NAS), you’ll make your way to Palm Cay Marina where you’ll check into your floating accommodation, a premium catamaran. There’ll be some time to drop your bags and settle in before getting to know your captain, crew and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner on board.

This morning we’ll set sail southeast from Nassau, heading towards the Exumas. The first port of call is at Allen Cay, where, after lunch on board, you can hop ashore to meet the mohawk-sporting iguanas that call the island home. From here, it’s on to beautiful Highborne Cay, where we’ll drop anchor for the night – and give you the rest of the afternoon to explore its powder-soft beaches and take a warm sea dip.

Today, after breakfast on board, we’ll head to the 455sqkm (176sqmi) stretch of protected cays, mangroves and coral reefs that makes up Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The first of its kind in the Caribbean, and one of the most successful marine parks in the world, it’s a chance to experience the Bahamas in their rawest, unspoilt form. Wander the deserted beaches, snorkel with tropical fish and dine out under the stars back on board, before turning in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

You’ll no doubt have seen them on social media – the feral pigs that have taken over this little island in the centre of the Exumas. They’re so famous in these parts, that they’ve had a beach named after them: Pig Beach, which is where we’ll drop anchor this morning, so you can meet them for a swim. Afterwards, it’s on to Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system so beautiful, it was chosen as the filming location for (and subsequently named after) the classic James Bond film. Afterwards, we’ll stop at nearby Staniel Cay where you might want to order up some refreshments at the Yacht Club – shaken, not stirred, of course.

So far, your captain and crew have been doing all the hard work while you kick back – which is the way it should be. Today, however, you’ll have the chance to chart your own course – by kayak, through the lush mangroves of Shroud Cay. This sheltered, marsh-like environment is the ideal hiding place for numerous marine species, from conch to sea turtles – so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.

It’s your final full day in the Exumas, but don’t despair – we’ve saved one of the best experiences for last. Today we’re off to Norman’s Cay, infamous in these parts for once belonging to a member of Pablo Escobar’s Medellín drugs cartel. Evidence of its nefarious past is still visible below the water – in the form of a sunk WWII plane, which was bought on a whim and flown drunk, clipping the runway and ditching into the water. There are more natural sights to explore here, too, such as the rich coral reef, teeming with confetti-like shoals of tropical fish.

After breakfast, we’ll set sail back towards Nassau. Spend the afternoon on a comprehensive exploration of the Bahamian capital, taking a history, landmark architecture and food tasting tour. This evening, you’ll have a final dinner on board – so don’t forget to raise a toast to new friends and unforgettable experiences!

After a final breakfast on board, this trip comes to an end as you disembark at Palm Cay Marina. Make your own way back to the airport (NAS) to catch your flight home – or onwards, to other adventures.