The Exuma Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Exuma Cays

by Stephen J. Pavlidis

This is the new full-color version of the famous guide to The Exuma Cays by Stephen J. Pavlidis. Long known as the most all-encompassing cruising guide ever written on the Exuma Cays, much of what Steve has written in The Exuma Guide is not available from any other publication. Local knowledge is the key and in The Exuma Guide you get information previously known only to those who live there. The Exuma Guide contains 59 charts, lists of information on GPS waypoints, marine facilities, customs regulations, beacons and navigational aids, distances, ham and weather radio broadcasts and stations, anchoring tips, tides and currents, as well as phone numbers, reference reading, and even local recipes, holidays and customs. The Exuma Guide 3rd. ed. now includes all full-color charts and full-color aerial photography, a chart index, table of contents and bibliography.

237 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2009

Reviews

[Numidica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference for sailors working their way through the Exuma chain. There is a good bit of weirdness in the Exumas, such as (at Steventon) six foot tides, and cuts through the island chain from the Exuma Bank to the Sound that can be quite treacherous, so timing one's entry / exit with tidal currents is essential, and if winds are too strong from the east, the cuts can be impassable for small boats, regardless of currents. And never transit a cut with wind against current, if possible. Ask me how I know....;-)

While this is a really good resource, it is best to combine the information in this book with that from other sources, like the Waterway Guide, and online resources like Active Captain, especially considering this book is nearly ten years old. The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South is quite dated with regard to on shore amenities, but is perfectly relevant with regard to the "cuts" through the Exumas, recommended anchorages and routes, sailing strategies, and the like. The writing is quirky, but the information provided therein is valuable. Explorer Chartbooks is also an essential text (both physical and digital). I'm looking forward to transiting the area in late October, hopefully without striking a coral head.....;-)