Let’s Get Lost in Paradise Together!
A Week Among the Uninhabited Exumas: Snorkeling, Sailing & Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments With Friends and Family
This is the story of our unforgettable Exumas adventure on the All Star Cat Ppalu.
From the moment we landed in the Bahamas, we knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip. We were welcomed at the airport and instantly felt in good hands. What followed was a week sailing through uninhabited islands and swimming with marine life you truly have to see to believe, eating spectacular homemade meals, and reconnecting with the people we love most — all while surrounded by the clearest turquoise waters on Earth.
- Destination: Exuma Islands, Bahamas
- Style: Sailing, snorkeling, wildlife encounters
- Perfect For: Families, friends, ocean lovers, divers, snorkelers, photographers, anyone who needs a deep breath of island freedom
- Trip Vibe: Barefoot liveaboard life, wild, peaceful, delicious, and full of “firsts” we’ll remember forever
Life on the All Star Cat Ppalu Liveaboard, Our 6 night – 5 Day Exuma Snorkeling & Wildlife Journey Begins
When we boarded the boat, snacks and cold drinks were already waiting — a small detail, but it set the tone: we were about to be pampered, well-fed, and cared for like family. Sails were raised (by anyone who wanted to help!) and we sailed across teal-blue water toward our first island. That moment — the wind in the sails, everyone smiling — this truly is paradise!
DAY 1 — Highbourne Cay & A Sunset to Remember
Our first stop was Highbourne Cay, where we walked a powdery beach glowing with sunset colors. Every direction was a photo opportunity — perfect shells, coral treasures, and a sky of orange, pink, and gold.
That night, after an amazing dinner, we celebrated a birthday onboard with a made from-scratch cake, candles, singing, and soft dim lights that made the whole moment feel warm and special.
We anchored for the night. Enjoyed the trampoline space and fresh salty air with glasses of wine, while chatting about a day well spent and sharing photos… one by one retiring to our cabins for the night.
DAY 2 — Sunrise Coffee, Sand Spray Paradise & Wild Encounters
We woke to hot coffee and the most breathtaking sunrise — the boat surrounded in an orange glow, the sea calm as glass. This feeling, this view, and a big cup of coffee, priceless!
After a breakfast buffet, we sailed to Hammerhead Gulch, a picture-perfect sand spray where we set up umbrellas, snorkeled, shelled, and sipped tropical rum punch. This spot was tropical vacay magazine worthy!
Then came the moment everyone waits for:
Pigs. Rays. Sharks.
At Ship’s Channel Cay:
- Yes, the pigs really swim — straight to you, happily posing for photos.
- Rays glided right into our laps to feed gently from our hands.
- We snorkeled with nurse sharks, so curious beneath us.
It was a full, exhilarating day followed by another delicious meal, card games, laughter… and (of course) homemade dessert.
DAY 3 — Reefs, Sharks & Iguanas
We sailed to a spot called Lobster No Lobster, where we snorkeled over shallow reefs with parrotfish, cobia, and even a couple of reef sharks — the perfect amount of adrenaline for everyone.
Next was one of the coolest creature encounters:
Iguana Beach
We took the dinghy ashore, carrying grapes for the friendly rock iguanas. They came out the moment they heard the boat, prehistoric little locals that love visitors.
In the shallows we found:
- A small sunken boat, perfect for exploring
- More conch than we could count
But the day wasn’t over.
1 Palm Tree Cay — The Cove That Looks Unreal
We snorkeled (of course — we snorkeled everywhere), paddle boarded, kayaked, and explored the island. Just along the sandy beach was a large shade tree where we discovered the “Tree of Lost Souls” — where, when you swing beneath it, the “souls” swing with you. It was magical, and completely unexpected. The crew brought a snack over and we enjoyed this shady tree for a while. There was a feeling of peace here that’s beyond words.
MIDWEEK — Camp Driftwood & Mangrove Magic
By midweek we reached Camp Driftwood, one of the most peaceful places in the Exumas. Here, the water is so clear and the sand so soft it feels unreal.
We spent the day here:
- Floating with the natural current through shallow channels
- Walking on white sand as fine as sugar
- Snorkeling the mangroves and spotting lionfish
- At low tide realizing there was a turtle hanging out with us
- Stayed almost the entire day, breaking only to eat (and boy, did we eat…)
It was a place none of us wanted to leave.
FINAL DAY — Sand Bagels, Snorkeling & A Keg Rodeo
On the way back toward New Providence, we spotted more reef sharks so we had to jump in! We then realized we were in a sweet spot for sand biscuits or sand bagels.
While at anchor and since we finished a keg… there was only one logical thing to do:
The Keg Rodeo
We tied our empty keg to the stern and took turns trying to straddle it for as long as possible as it rolled. Let’s just say… it’s harder than it looks, but absolutely hilarious.
That night, back on land, we celebrated the end of our trip with dinner and drinks at a marina restaurant and bar. Returning to the Cat Ppalu, the crew sang and played guitar under a full moon, and it felt like the perfect closing chapter.
The Food (AKA: A Love Letter to the Galley)
The running joke was:
“How can they possibly top the last dinner?”
Every day brought delicious surprises
- Made from scratch pies
- Fresh baked cookies
- Warm cakes
- Flavorful veggies
- Grilled meats
- Fresh salads, breads and pastas
- Big, beautiful breakfasts and fruit art
- Endless snacks
It was comfort food meets island style, made with love.
Wildlife We’ll Never Forget
- Swimming pigs
- Hand-feeding rays
- Nurse sharks circling calmly
- Rock iguanas eating grapes
- Reef sharks beneath us
- Parrotfish, turtles, reef sharks
- Lionfish in the mangroves
- Too many conch to count
What I’d Pack Next Time
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash guard
- Drybag
- Snorkel gear
- Extra bathing suits (you will be wet constantly)
- Polarized sunglasses
- GoPro or waterproof camera
Things I Wish I Knew Before Going
- You will never be dry — embrace it.
- Disconnecting feels amazing.
- The crew’s homemade desserts are dangerously addictive.
- Sunscreen is your best friend.
- Take more photos than you think you need — you’ll be glad you did!
- History of the Exumas (there are so many books rich in history)
Final Thoughts: A Trip We’ll Talk About Forever
This wasn’t just a vacation.
It was so much more:
- A string of picturesque islands
- A week with people we love
- The clearest water imaginable
- New experiences every single day
- A crew that felt like family
- Moonlit music, laughter, and memories
We all knew — even as it was happening — that this was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. One we hoped to relive someday, and one we will never stop talking about.