Rat Race | Exuma Traverse

Ability

For this adventure, you need a base level of fitness but you do not need to be an experienced kayaker.

Pace

On the kayaks, you will travel as a group, moving together at a similar pace. Your group will be supported by a dedicated kayak guide. From day 4 onwards, the catamaran will also provide support.

On the water, there are specific target points - your campsites - and you will need to reach these locations each day. On days 1 and 2, you will travel together as a self-contained group. If anyone is struggling, paddlers can switch within the boats to rest tired arms if needed. Once the catamaran joins you from day 4, you can take a break from the kayak stages by boarding the boat if you wish. You are welcome to resume paddling the following day, subject to medical advice.

You will set off early on some days to give you the best possible window for completing the route. Support is always close at hand if you need it. The key is that you enjoy this incredible journey in paradise at your own pace and within your own limits.

You will be travelling in a remote part of the world, and plans may need to change. If the weather shifts or safety requires it, the group may be brought together to travel in close formation, particularly on sea stages. These decisions will be made in the field, based on conditions and the most up-to-date weather information available at the time.

Navigation

On the kayaks, you will be travelling with the group and with a guide, so there is no need to worry about having a navigational device for this section. Of course, you are more than welcome to track your journey on your own device but there won't be sharing GPX file for the water section as the route can and most likely will change based on the conditions, and there will be a guide to lead the way, meaning you can focus on what is important, the adventure ahead!

Terrain

The kayak stages take place in incredibly clear, warm waters surrounding amazing tropical islands. There is a mix of what we would call ‘inshore’ and more exposed sea stages, giving a real selection of potential sea conditions to be experienced on this routing. There will be some absolutely serene paddling and there will be some pretty arduous paddling.

Accommodation

The accommodation is characterised by three comfortable hotel nights, 1 night on a catamaran and 4 nights’ beach camping either in hammocks or tents. You can also spend additional nights on the catamaran if camping isn't your thing. 

Meals

You will enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotels. At beach camps, hot water will be provided so you can prepare your own expedition meal, and on some days breakfast will be freshly prepared on the catamaran support.

At hotels and restaurants, dinner will be a relaxed sit-down meal. When beach camping, you will either bring your own expedition meal or enjoy a dinner prepared on the catamaran support.

Kit list

A comprehensive kit list with mandatory and recommended kit is available.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

The overall distance is approximately 220km. This adventure unfolds at sea level, with the crystal-clear waters enveloping you and white sand stretching out underneath and all around you, as far as the eye can see.

The following schedule outlines the proposed itinerary. Distances, daily stages and in-trip logistics may change between now and departure and even during the trip, such is the nature of this major adventure undertaking at sea.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Great Exuma, kayak skills

  Fly into Great Exuma (early arrival recommended). Transfer to your beachside hotel for kit checks, safety briefings and kayak orientation. Get comfortable with your boat and gear, then ease into island life with an informal dinner by the water as the sun sets.

• Day 2 | The Exuma Files begin! Paddle past the Tropic of Cancer Beach

  Transfer to Little Exuma and launch from the southern tip. Paddle along the shores of Little and Great Exuma before landing back on solid ground for the night. You’re underway.

• Day 3 | Wave goodbye to civilisation

  Enjoy your final stage alongside the main island. Tomorrow, you head out into open water and desert islands. Return to the hotel for your last night in a real bed before expedition mode begins.

• Day 4 | Paddle into paradise: Barreterre to Lingumvitae Cay

  Launch north from Great Exuma and begin the island-hopping traverse. Paddle around 25km to Lingumvitae Cay, which is a perfect introduction to what’s ahead. Land on a deserted beach, string up your hammock and eat dinner with the sand between your toes.

• Day 5 | Lagoons, a sunken piano and island camp: Lingumvitae to Blackpoint

  Glide through shallow turquoise lagoons between the cays. Stop at Musha Cay to snorkel a submerged piano resting on the seabed. Refuel at Blackpoint, then continue to Great Guana Cay to camp among the iguanas. Fall asleep to the sound of the sea.

• Day 6 | Swimming pigs and tidal races

  This is the biggest mileage day so far. Paddle to Staniel Cay to meet the famous swimming pigs, then head into the protected Exuma Land and Sea Park. Navigate tidal channels and exciting crossings as you move deeper into the wilderness.

• Day 7 | The crossing: O’Briens Cay to Hawksbill Cay

  Warm up with shorter crossings before committing to a longer, more exposed open-water stretch to Hawksbill Cay. Expect swell, space and the full force of the ocean. Reach sheltered waters and camp on one of the most beautiful beaches of the journey.

• Day 8 | Journey’s end via a sunken plane wreck: Hawksbill Cay to Normans Cay

  Tackle a few final crossings and paddle through mangroves before reaching Norman’s Cay. Stop to snorkel a shallow plane wreck resting in clear water offshore. Then complete your final kilometres and land on the beach for a celebratory drink. You’ve crossed the Exumas under your own power.

• Day 9 | An extraordinary way to end an extraordinary trip – private catamaran back to Nassau

  Step aboard a private catamaran and sail back to Nassau. Help crew the boat or simply relax with the wind in your hair. Arrive at the marina and say your goodbyes — sun-soaked, salt-streaked and stronger than when you began.

Included

• Accommodation

  8 nights hotels and camping.

• All meals

  Most meals during activity days included.

• Transfers

  Airport transfers and private Catamaran return to Nassau included.

• Guides and support

  Professional water safety support and private catamaran support vehicle.

• Safety

  Professional local and UK safety staff, medics, drivers, route safety staff and experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.

• Equipment

  Includes kayak and associated equipment rental.

• Transfer policy

  Flexible event transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure.

• Extras

  High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.

Trip leader

Abbi is your leader for this adventure. She's a highly experienced Expeditions Manager with more than 10 years of exploring under her belt.

Seriously this one is going to be a blinder. I am in love with it already! I didn’t realise I would fall in love with the place so much. To be able to run, kayak, SUP, bike and jump in the sea in the most stunning of locations. With great and very cheap wine! What more could you ask for?

Age

16 and 17 year olds will be considered on an individual basis, if taking part with a responsible adult.

Instalment plan

eg. Pay £276.89 per month.

Choose how many months you want to spread the cost over, totally interest free. There is no credit check required to use this facility. When you sign up to the instalment plan a recurring payment will be set up and your card will be debited on the same date each month.

Refund protect

Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance.

Costs

Meeting point

Great Exuma Island
George Town
Bahamas

It was unbelievable and very memorable. Abbi

Definitely one for everyone’s adventure list. Cath

Highly recommended this trip. It’s pricey but includes a catamaran, private plane and desert islands. Kristian

Environmental pledge

This adventure has made a firm commitment to really elevate its approach to a sustainable and environmentally aware way of working. Each activity has been assessed to improve its environmental impact, including:

• race t-shirts to be collected at the event and not shipped across the world
• wooden medals instead of metal
• phasing out single-use plastics
• local event catering
• tighter recycling activities

This event is on track to achieve carbon-neutral in its day-to-day business activities and is making progress with carbon off-setting for worldwide travel, including ground-breaking ways to make a difference in some of the host locations.