Exuma: Nature, Culture and Island Experiences

Exuma offers a range of experiences for your trip, from protected coastal areas and distinctive beaches to caves, sailing events and cultural spots in George Town. The Exuma island chain comprises Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the Exuma Cays. To plan your trip, start by deciding whether you want to focus on nature areas, water activities or events.

Landscapes and protected areas

The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park covers 176 square miles and was established in 1958 as the world’s first land and sea park. Between Great Exuma and Little Exuma lies Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, covering 13,440 acres. Its landscape includes sand dunes, beaches, mangrove channels and seagrass beds. In and around Moriah Harbour Cay, visitors can kayak, snorkel, kitesurf, go bonefishing, hike and take photographs; conditions may vary. Basil’s Classroom is one of the park’s key visitor experiences.

Stocking Island is known for its white sand beaches, blue holes, coral gardens and underwater caves. Stromatolites can also be found along the Atlantic beaches. For a different coastal landscape, visit Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach: this crescent-shaped beach lies on the coast of Little Exuma, combining white sand with blue-green water. It is the longest beach on Little Exuma.

Water experiences and island destinations

Big Major Cay is an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays, an island group made up of 365 islands. It is home to the famous swimming pigs, and is also known as Pig Beach. Big Major Cay is accessible only by boat; check the specific boat transfer options before planning your visit. This helps distinguish the destination from experiences located on Great Exuma or Little Exuma.

Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system where you can snorkel, dive and wade; its special features include abundant marine life and coral reefs. At low tide, visitors can swim through the grotto. Since tides and conditions affect activities, check the best time to visit in advance. The grotto also served as a filming location for the James Bond films “Thunderball” (1965) and “Never Say Never Again” (1983).

Sailing, regattas and local culture

The Exuma Cays and sheltered coves offer opportunities for sailing. Bahamian workboats compete in the National Family Island Regatta in April. For more than 45 years, sailors from around the world have gathered in George Town for the George Town Cruising Regatta, a two-week event featuring games, boat races, music and island entertainment. The regatta also includes an annual hands-on workshop at Volleyball Beach: participants make a working conch shell horn from an empty conch shell. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the latest dates.

The Exuma Straw Market has operated in George Town since the early 1960s, selling locally handcrafted souvenirs. The market also offers a selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, with availability varying by season. St. Christophers Anglican Church on Little Exuma offers another glimpse into local history: it was built of wood in 1939, using timber salvaged from a stranded schooner.

Getting to Exuma and finding your way around

Exuma International Airport is on Great Exuma, a few miles from the main settlement of George Town, and serves as the main gateway to the Exumas. Staniel Cay Airport is an official port of entry in the Exuma Cays, with customs and immigration services. Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by a bridge. These geographic reference points help distinguish the three areas of the island chain.

Elizabeth Harbour is one of the world’s largest natural harbours and is a popular port of call for yacht owners from November to May. Stocking Island is accessible by boat from Elizabeth Harbour. You can also reach Chat ’N’ Chill on Stocking Island with a five-minute boat ride across the harbour; a water taxi runs during the day. Check the schedule before planning your trip. Chat ’N’ Chill serves Bahamian and American cuisine in a casual setting. Its Sunday Pig Roast has been a social event since 2001.

When choosing a hotel base, you can plan your trip around what matters most to you: nature and water activities, the beaches of Little Exuma, or culture and the regatta in George Town. Start with the experiences that matter to you, then plan the rest of your trip around them.

Discover more destinations: Farmer's Hill, Moss Town, Hartswell, William's Town, Steventon, Rokers Point Settlement, Alexander, George Town.

For the main travel overview: Bahamas.