Shroud Cay Yacht Charters

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a must-visit destination on a Bahamas yacht charter. The protected ecosystem – encompassing more than 170 acres – boasts amazing snorkeling, sea kayaking, hiking, and ultra-secluded white sand beaches.

One stop you won’t want to miss is Shroud Cay. The northernmost cay in the park, Shroud Cay is known for its naturally occurring lazy river, called the “Washing Machine,” great diving nearby, and fun hikes. Not to mention, the uninhabited cay is home to several great beaches.

Can’t wait to visit? Here’s a Shroud Cay visitor’s guide offering a look at what to expect and do.

Getting to Shroud Cay

Shroud Cay is uninhabited and unconnected to other Exumas islands by ferry. A private yacht charter is the best way to visit Shroud Cay. The cay has 10 moorings, which can accommodate yachts up to 150-feet.

Located about 43 nautical miles from Nassau and just 10 nautical miles from Norman’s Cay, Shroud is a popular destination for yacht charters from Nassau.

Shroud Cay Yacht Charters: What to Expect

Like most of the Bahamas, Shroud Cay is blessed with incredible weather year-round (70s in winter, and 80s in summer). You’ll notice the island’s natural beauty as soon as you arrive. Wrapped in beautiful aquamarine water, the cay is pristine and almost always devoid of crowds.

You won’t find much in terms of amenities; in fact, aside from the mooring field, there aren’t any facilities here. But the natural beauty makes up for it. The island is bisected by several mangrove creeks and salt marshes, offering the perfect place for a lazy paddle or tender ride. The island’s tranquility is intoxicating; you’ll want to spend hours here, soaking it all in.

Shroud Cay: What to Do

Whether you’re planning to spend an afternoon, or a night or two, Shroud Cay offers plenty to do and explore. Some of the cay’s must-see sites and natural wonders include:

Explore Camp Driftwood: Camp Driftwood was built in the 1960s, and although it sounds like a spot to pitch a tent, it’s more of a scenic overlook. Located at the “summit” of the cay, you’ll get incredible views and great photo opportunities if you make the climb.
Paddle the Mangroves: There are several amazing mangrove channels and tidal creeks through the cay, all of which are perfect routes for kayaking, paddle-boarding or low-speed tender ride.
“Ride” the Washing Machine: The tidal currents that run through cay create a perfect lazy river experience. Hop in on one side, and the currents swirl you around to the other side of a sandy peninsula.
Birdwatch and Sea Turtles: Shroud Cay is home to a variety of wildlife. Birders might catch a glimpse of white-tailed tropicbird or Wilson’s Plover. And the cay’s mangroves provide refuge for conch and sea turtle.
Plan a Dive Trip: Just north of Shroud Cay is an incredible dive site: The Wax Cay Cut. A drift dive, the Wax Cay Cut is rich with coral and protected on either side by sandbanks. Nurse sharks, turtles, and rays are all common sights.
Sunset Happy Hours: Enjoy cocktails on the beach for happy hour. The sunsets are stunning, a dazzling array of color. Take it all in with a cool cocktail in hand. The beaches, especially those on the west side of the cay are to-die-for.

What’s Nearby: Exploring Shroud Cay’s Neighbors

Shroud Cay is well-connected to nearby islands, and that’s why it’s a great stop on a multi-day Exumas yacht charter. If you’re planning an itinerary for your yacht charter, a few other nearby destinations to explore include:

Thunderball Grotto – One of the best snorkeling spots in the Exumas, this Thunderball Grotto was made famous in 1965’s James Bond flick
Hawksbill Cay – An uninhabited cay in Exuma Land and Sea Park, this islet is known for its great snorkeling and beautiful sandy beaches.
Warderick Wells – The headquarters of the park, Warderick Wells is home to a tiki beach bar – a favorite pitstop for happy hours – as well as a skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale. There’s also great hiking with more than seven miles of trails.
Compass Cay – Just outside the park’s southern boundary, Compass Cay is known for its resident nurse sharks. Head here to swim with the sharks.

About Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Shroud Cay marks the northern boundary of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park. Founded in 1958, the park was the first land and sea park in the world, and it’s one of the most successful marine preserves in all of the world. That’s due in part to the park’s strict no fishing rules, as well as limits on yachting. A few reasons why Exuma Land and Sea Park and Shroud Cay are such a popular destination include:

Wildlife Experiences – On land and by sea, the park is home to unique and endangered species. Some of the land creatures include the Bahamian iguana (which you’ll find in abundance on Allen Cay), as well as the elusive hutia. Nurse shark, green turtle, and eagle ray are a few species you’ll see in the water.
Excellent Snorkeling and Diving – You’ll find an amazing array of dive and snorkel spots. Thanks to the geographic location, you’ll get the best of conditions: Shallow reefs, colorful walls, and minimal currents. And the wildlife is amazing. Species include eagle rays, barracuda, lobster, and a wide range of corals.
Seclusion and Solitude – Although this is the most visited National Park in the Bahamas, Exuma Cays offers a refuge in the Caribbean. You can escape the crowds and really enjoy the natural paradise in peace.

Interested in a luxury yacht charter to Shroud Cay? Worldwide Boat offers a range of itinerary options in the Exumas. Contact your broker today to learn more.