Four days on the water can feel like freedom. On this private Exumas catamaran trip, you sail with Captain Glenn Wakefield, live like you’re on a small floating resort, and spend the days swimming and snorkeling around the islands. You also get up to three en-suite bedrooms, so your group can actually spread out instead of living out of a suitcase.

What I like most is the mix of comfort and real water time. The catamaran comes with snorkeling, plus scuba gear including tanks and a compressor, and a full set of water toys like paddleboards, kayaks, and even an underwater flyboard. The other big win is the private setup, meaning your group sets the tone while the captain charts the course.

One drawback to plan for up front: food and drink are not included. That means you’ll want to budget extra, or arrange meals in advance so you are not scrambling at the start.

Key things to know before you go

• Private catamaran for up to 6 with up to three en-suite bedrooms for real comfort
• Captain Glenn Wakefield charts your course and keeps the sailing plan moving
• Scuba and snorkeling gear included, plus paddleboards, kayaks, and more
• Mangrove dinghies, sand bars, and private beach time shaped around the day’s conditions
• Flexible departure and route from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau
• Food and drink are extra, but you can use the onboard kitchen

Why the Exumas work best from a private catamaran

The Exumas have a way of making you slow down. From shore, it can feel like you’re hopping between stops. From a boat, it feels like you’re living in the water, because that is where your day happens.

This trip leans into that simple idea. You’re not sharing a big group boat with a rigid schedule. You have a modern catamaran with outdoor living space, plus multiple private sleeping spots. That matters because the Exumas are not just about the photos, they are about long, unhurried hours, salty air, and being able to rest between activities.

And because your captain is actively charting the route, you’re not stuck watching the same scenery at the same pace. You get the advantage of sailing through different areas, stopping when conditions and locations make sense.

Meeting at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, then getting on island time

Your trip starts and ends back at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Main Street Staniel Cay, The Bahamas. The schedule window is listed as open all day in the provided hours, but you should expect your exact start time to be confirmed after booking, since confirmation is sent within 48 hours.

Here is what I’d tell you to do practically: arrive ready to move. Between check-in, finding the right setup, and getting everyone settled on board, you do not want to start with stress. Once you’re aboard, the whole pace changes fast. A private sailing trip works best when you let the day happen to you.

Because departure and route can be flexible and can be coordinated from Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau, you should also be ready for small changes. Think of the first day as the setup day, when you get oriented, stock your snacks or supplies if needed, and let the captain take the lead.

Your floating home: up to three en-suite cabins that actually feel private

Most sailing adventures sell comfort, but you still end up sharing space. Here, the setup is different. The catamaran has three bedrooms, and each has its own bathroom. That means up to six people can sleep comfortably, with private time built in.

If you are traveling as a couple, the en-suite rooms help because you can keep the vibe romantic without constantly squeezing past each other. If you are traveling with family or a group of friends, the bathrooms are a big deal. Nobody fights over morning routines, because everyone has their own space.

The boat is also described as new, with great outdoor living space. That is not just a nice-to-have. Outdoor space is how you make this kind of trip worth the price. You want shade to recover, a place to rinse off, and room to hang out when you are not actively snorkeling or on a dinghy.

Included water time: snorkeling, scuba, SUP, kayaks, and the fun stuff

This is a water-heavy experience, and the equipment is part of what you are paying for. You get use of snorkeling gear and scuba gear, including tanks and a compressor. That means scuba on your schedule is more realistic, because the right gear is on the boat.

On top of that, you have an impressive list of included water activities:

• Paddleboards and kayaks
• Dinghy trips, including through mangrove rivers and tiny islets
• A floating rear beach setup
• Underwater flyboard
• Swimming and diving equipment, plus beach towels and shade
• Fishing gear
• Beach time, sand bars, and private beach moments

Now the practical part. If you have never used paddleboards or kayaks in saltwater, the first hour can feel like you are learning the island. That is normal. The good news is you are not doing this with a crowd. You can take your time, get comfortable, and then spend the rest of the trip feeling confident.

If you are a scuba person, the tanks and compressor being onboard is a real convenience. You are not relying on a separate operator for gear or timing, which usually turns into waiting around. Instead, the day stays fluid.

And if you are not a gear person, you still benefit from the setup. Snorkeling gear plus beach towels and shade makes it easy to do short stints in the water, then return to rest without thinking too hard.

How Captain Glenn charts the course, and why weather matters

The captain is responsible for charting your course, and that influences everything. Sailing is part physics, part timing. On a private catamaran, your captain has the freedom to adjust route and activities based on wind, visibility, and how the day is shaping up.

Here’s what that means for you: flexibility is not a marketing buzzword. It is the difference between a fun day and a frustrating one when conditions change. If the weather shifts, you are not locked into one plan. The point is to keep you sailing and keep you doing activities that fit what the sea is offering right now.

Also, because your trip includes informal sailing lessons if you want them, you can take a more active role. Even if you do not go full hands-on, you still get a sense of how the boat moves, what the captain watches for, and why certain stops work better than others.

What a day on board feels like: reefs, caves, mangroves, and quiet beaches

You are not just sailing from point A to point B. You are stopping in a way that makes the Exumas feel personal.

The trip is designed around a mix of:

• Snorkeling and scuba time in clear water areas
• Exploration via dinghy trips through mangroves and around tiny islets
• Sand bars and private beach sessions
• Hikes that can be short and casual, depending on what the captain and conditions allow
• Relaxation time, including ocean-loving downtime between activities

From the experiences described, one of the best parts of these stops is how varied they can be. You might shift from reef time to mangrove time, then end up on a sand bar where the only schedule is the tide and your own curiosity.

Caves are also mentioned in the broader sailing adventure style associated with this captain. Even if your exact cave opportunity depends on the day and sea conditions, it hints at why this works. The captain is not just looking for the easiest stop, they are looking for interesting water.

One more thing I appreciate: the trip includes a floating rear beach. That changes the feel of the day when you want water time without committing to a full swim session. You can hang out, cool off, and keep things low effort.

Food and drink planning: use the kitchen, but don’t forget extra costs

Food and drink are not included, but you can arrange them for extra cost. The catamaran also has a full kitchen available for your use, including fridge and freezer, plus BBQ outside.

So you have two practical options:

• Arrange meals through the provider ahead of time, if that is your style
• Plan your own groceries and supplies, then cook on board

Either way, the key is to treat this like a real vacation budget decision. $7,000 per group can sound like a splurge until you break it down. What you are paying for is private sailing time, captain-led route planning, the boat, and all the equipment. Food is the one major gap you need to cover.

If you are the group planner, I’d prioritize simple menus that are easy on a boat. Cold items, quick prep meals, and anything that does not require constant stove time helps keep the day on track.

Price and value: $7,000 for up to 6, and when it feels like a steal

At $7,000 per group for up to 6 people, the math depends on who you bring. If you split it evenly among 6 adults, it can pencil out more like a luxury lodge experience than a typical boat excursion. If it is 2 or 3 people, it becomes a true premium, but still potentially worth it when you factor in privacy and how much time you get on the water.

Here is why the value can be strong:

• You are paying for a private catamaran experience, not a shared day tour
• A captain is included, and they chart your course
• Snorkeling and scuba gear are included, including tanks and a compressor
• The boat has enough space for multiple en-suite cabins, so you are not living on top of each other
• The included water activities cut down on extra rentals or on-island add-ons

Also note the booking timing. This is booked on average 189 days in advance. That tells me demand is real, so you’ll get the best odds if you plan early, especially if you want specific dates or smoother availability.

Who should book Sailing SummerCamp, and who should think twice

This fits best if you want:

• A private sailing vacation where your group is the priority
• Lots of water time, including snorkeling and possible scuba sessions
• Comfortable sleeping arrangements with en-suite bathrooms, which matters more than people think
• A lower-crowd way to see the Bahamas, from the water

It also works for families, because up to 3 full en-suite bedrooms can sleep up to 6, or more with children. The mix of beaches, mangrove dinghies, paddleboards, and relaxation can keep different ages happy as long as everyone is comfortable with a boat schedule.

Where it might not fit is if you want food fully handled by a resort. Because food and drink are not included, you either need to arrange it or handle groceries and cooking plans yourself.

And one more practical consideration: you are sailing, so you should be comfortable with a day that can shift. Weather and sea conditions can change what is comfortable and safe, and this captain is expected to manage that by adjusting the course.

Should you book this Exumas catamaran experience?

If your ideal Bahamas trip is private, water-focused, and comfortable, I think this is a strong match. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You are paying for the sailing life, the onboard equipment, and the chance to spend days moving through the Exumas instead of ticking boxes from shore.

I would book it if you are traveling with a group that can use the space, because the three en-suite bedrooms are a real quality of life upgrade. I would also book it if you want snorkeling and the option for scuba without having to coordinate gear off the boat.

Before you say yes, do two quick checks:

• Confirm what you want to do for food and drink, since that cost is on you
• Plan around flexibility, since routes can vary and sailing conditions matter

If you want a vacation that feels like your own small floating world, Sailing SummerCamp is the kind of trip that can change how you think about the Bahamas.

FAQ

How long is the sailing experience?

It runs for 4 days and 3 nights.

How many people can the catamaran accommodate?

The catamaran has up to three full en-suite bedrooms and can comfortably sleep up to 6 guests, or more with children.

Where do we meet for the trip?

The start and end point is Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Main Street Staniel Cay, The Bahamas.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment and scuba gear are included, along with other water sports equipment on the boat such as paddleboards and kayaks, plus items like beach towels and shade. The trip also includes activities such as dinghy trips through mangrove rivers and tiny islets, sand bars, fishing gear, private beaches, hikes, and informal sailing lessons.

Is scuba included, or is it an add-on?

Scuba equipment is included, including tanks and a compressor.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included, but they can be arranged for an extra cost.

Where can the departure and route be coordinated from?

Departure and route can be flexible from either Staniel Cay, Exuma, or Nassau.

Can I change or refund my booking if plans change?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.