Renting a Boat in Exuma: Bareboat vs Private Captain Charters

Getting out on the water is the whole point of an Exuma trip, and you've got two real options: rent a boat yourself, or hire a private captain. Each suits a different kind of traveler.

Bareboat Rental

Renting a 17-26ft center console gives you total freedom to set your own route and timing, and it's the cheaper option per day. It does assume real boating experience — Exuma's sandbars and cuts shift with the tide, and running aground on an outgoing tide can end a rental early.

Private Captain Charter

A local captain already knows which cuts are passable at low tide, where the current sandbars have moved to, and which spots are worth a stop that day. It costs more, but removes the navigation risk entirely and usually includes a lunch stop built in.

Booking Direct

Several of our villas offer a boat tour with captain as an add-on when you book — ask about it directly rather than arranging one separately once you've arrived.