Overview
The Exumas are a chain of islands and cays in The Bahamas known for clear shallow waters, white-sand beaches, marine life, and small-island cruising. The region includes Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays, with experiences ranging from snorkeling and beach stops to protected marine areas and well-known sites such as Thunderball Grotto and Pig Beach.
Use this guide to learn about the main areas of the island chain, things to see and do, when to visit, how to get there, and what type of traveler may enjoy the destination most.
About The Exumas
The Exumas, a district of the Bahamas, is an archipelago with over 365 islands and cays. The Lucayan Natives inhabited this place before the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492. However, Spanish colonizers enslaved them in the 16th century, leaving the islands uninhabited.
Today, the islands are known for a relaxed atmosphere, clear water, and small communities spread throughout the chain.
Explore Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays
The Exumas are generally divided into three main areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Moreover, each offers a different way to experience the destination, from the services and beaches around George Town to quieter coastal areas and smaller cays reached by boat.
Great Exuma
Great Exuma is the largest island in the chain and home to George Town, the region’s main settlement. It is also where travelers will find Exuma International Airport, along with a larger selection of accommodations, restaurants, services, and access to nearby beaches and islands.
Little Exuma
Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by bridge and has a quieter, less-developed feel. One of its best-known natural attractions is Tropic of Cancer Beach, a long stretch of pale sand and clear blue-green water.
Exuma Cays
North of Great Exuma, the Exuma Cays include many of the destination’s best-known boating and marine attractions. Visitors can explore Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Big Major Cay, Compass Cay, and protected areas within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Staniel Cay and Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay is a well-known base for exploring the central Exuma Cays and can be reached by both boat and air. Just west of the cay is Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system known for snorkeling, diving, coral, and tropical marine life.
The grotto became especially well known after appearing in the James Bond film Thunderball, released in 1965.
Big Major Cay and Pig Beach
The famous swimming pigs are found on Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, near Staniel Cay. The island is accessible only by boat, making it a common stop on boating and island-hopping excursions through the Exuma Cays.
Compass Cay
Compass Cay is known for the nurse sharks that gather around the marina. Visitors should follow local guidance and responsible wildlife practices when viewing or interacting with marine animals.
Experiences in The Exumas
Things to Do
The Exumas offer more than beaches alone. Clear water, shallow banks, protected marine areas, small cays, caves, and wildlife make the destination especially well suited to travelers who enjoy spending time outdoors and on the water.
Hike through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where iguanas sunbathe on ancient trees, and the sand feels like silk between your toes. Moreover, dive into the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and playful dolphins. You may also rent a kayak and explore hidden coves at your own pace.
Responsible Travel
The natural environment is one of The Exumas’ greatest attractions, so visitors should take extra care when exploring beaches, reefs, protected areas, and wildlife habitats.
- Avoid touching, standing on, or removing coral.
- Follow posted rules in marine parks and protected areas.
- Give wildlife space and follow local guidance during animal encounters.
- Do not remove shells, plants, coral, sand, or marine life from protected areas.
- Dispose of trash properly and avoid leaving waste on beaches or cays.
- Support locally operated businesses, guides, restaurants, and services when possible.
Within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, fishing, shelling, conching, and the removal of marine or plant resources are prohibited. Also, visitors should review current Bahamas National Trust regulations before entering protected areas.
Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Snorkel and Explore Marine Life
The clear waters around it make snorkeling one of the destination’s most popular activities. Visitors can explore coral, tropical fish, shallow reefs, and underwater formations at locations throughout the island chain, including Thunderball Grotto and areas within the Exuma Cays.
Spend Time on Beaches and Sandbars
Beaches and sandbars are a defining part of it. From Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma to smaller beaches found throughout the cays, travelers can find both easily accessible shorelines and more secluded places reached by boat.
Visit the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects more than 112,000 acres of land and sea. Visitors can explore coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass habitats, beaches, hiking trails, and areas known for birds, turtles, fish, and iguanas.
Kayak and Paddle Through Shallow Waters
Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a quieter way to explore sheltered coves, beaches, and shallow coastal areas. Thus, conditions vary by location and weather, so travelers should follow local guidance before heading out independently.
See the Wildlife
Wildlife is part of what makes it distinctive. Depending on where you visit, you may encounter marine life, iguanas, birds, nurse sharks, and the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Meanwhile, wildlife encounters should always follow local rules and responsible viewing practices.
Explore The Exumas with Charter the Caribbean
For travelers who want to explore several islands and cays during one trip, traveling by yacht can provide access to beaches, anchorages, and smaller destinations that are difficult to reach from a single resort base.
Charter the Caribbean can help you compare crewed yachts and cruising options based on your travel dates, group size, preferred activities, and the type of experience you want.
Interested in Exploring The Exumas by Yacht?
Tell us what you have in mind. Charter the Caribbean can help you compare crewed yachts, itinerary options, charter styles, and onboard experiences based on your travel plans and preferences.
If traveling between islands and cays is part of the experience you want, a crewed yacht can provide a flexible way to explore the islands and cay. Share your dates, guest count, activity preferences, yacht preferences, and approximate budget with our team. A Charter Advisor can help you compare suitable options based on your plans.
Ask our Charter AdvisorExplore more Bahamas destination and yacht charter resources to compare cruising areas, arrival options, and trip ideas.
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Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Exumas depends on the weather, activities, and travel experience you prefer.
The winter and spring months are popular for visiting The Bahamas because conditions are generally drier and temperatures are comfortable for spending time outdoors and on the water. This also tends to be a busier travel period, so accommodations, flights, and yachts may have greater demand.
Summer and early fall can bring warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and a greater chance of rain. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June through November, so travelers visiting during this period should monitor current forecasts and understand the applicable cancellation, travel insurance, and charter terms before booking.
Weather and sea conditions can change throughout the year. Thus, confirm current conditions closer to travel, especially if your plans depend heavily on boating, snorkeling, or other water activities.
Getting to the Exumas
How to Get to The Exumas in The Bahamas
Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma is the primary air gateway to The Exumas and is located near George Town. The airport receives domestic and international flights.
Travelers heading farther into the Exuma Cays may continue by boat or use smaller airports where available. Staniel Cay Airport, for example, provides air access to Staniel Cay and serves as an official Port of Entry with Customs and Immigration.
Some travelers also connect through Nassau before continuing to Exumas. The best route actually depends on where you are staying, where a yacht or other accommodation is based, and your planned arrival time.
Before booking nonrefundable flights, confirm your final destination and transfer arrangements so your arrival route matches your itinerary.
Is The Exumas Right for You?
The Exumas may be a good fit for travelers who want their trip to revolve around clear water, beaches, boating, snorkeling, wildlife, and island hopping rather than large cities or a busy nightlife scene.
The destination can work especially well for:
- couples looking for quieter beaches and time on the water;
- families who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor activities;
- groups interested in boating and visiting several islands or cays;
- travelers who prefer nature and smaller communities over heavily developed resort areas; and
- returning Bahamas visitors who want to explore beyond Nassau and the larger resort centers.
Travelers whose priority is nightlife, major shopping districts, large entertainment venues, or a highly urban vacation may find another Bahamas destination better suited to their plans.
FAQs
Where are The Exumas?
The Exumas are an island chain in The Bahamas made up of Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Thus, the Great Exuma is home to George Town and the destination’s primary airport.
What are The Exumas known for?
The Exumas are known for clear blue-green water, beaches, boating, snorkeling, smaller cays, marine life, and attractions such as Thunderball Grotto and the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.
What are some of the best things to do?
Popular activities include snorkeling, beach visits, island hopping, exploring Thunderball Grotto, visiting Pig Beach, seeing nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and also, spending time in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Where is Pig Beach?
Pig Beach is located on Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays, where the island is accessible only by boat and is known for its swimming pigs.
How do you get to Exumas?
Many travelers fly into Exuma International Airport on Great Exuma. While other islands and cays may be reached by smaller aircraft, boat transfers, or private vessels depending on the itinerary. Staniel Cay also has its own airport.
What is the best time to visit?
There is no single best time for every traveler. Winter and spring are popular for generally drier weather, while summer and fall can bring warmer temperatures, more rainfall, and hurricane-season considerations.
Is Exumas suitable for families?
The Exumas can work well for families who enjoy beaches, swimming, snorkeling, boating, and nature-based activities. The best fit depends on children’s ages, swimming ability, accommodations, and planned activities.
Can you explore it by yacht?
Yes. Traveling by yacht can make it easier to move between smaller islands, beaches, anchorages, and cays. The best yacht and itinerary will depend on the group, trip length, weather, and preferred activities.
Ready to Explore The Exumas?
If The Exumas sounds like the right destination for your Caribbean plans, our Charter Advisors can help you explore ways to experience the islands based on your dates, group size, preferred activities, and travel style.
- Compare available yachts
- Review charter inclusions
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First Time Yacht Guide
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