Our latest getaway takes you to the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. The Exumas Cays consists of 365 islands and cays that span 176 miles through a land and sea nature reserve. You’ll find endless white-sand beaches, sapphire blue waters, and some very unique animal encounters.
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Things to do in the Exuma Bahamas
I always thought of the Bahamas as being touristy and crowded until we took a vacation to The Exuma Cays. However, if you’re envisioning crowds of people and hoards of cruise ships when picturing the Bahamas, think again. In the Exumas, you’ll find one of the most romantic destinations on earth.
Luxury Exuma Vacations
We knew we were in for something special when we looked out the window of our small commuter plane to witness one of the most beautiful views of islands I had ever seen. I’ve seen similar scenes from planes in the Maldives and Fiji, but I had no idea that the Bahamas rivaled these exotic destinations.
Places to Visit in the Exuma Cays
The Exuma Cays are famous for their gin-blue waters, earning their name from the beautiful turquoise hue reminiscent of Bombay-Sapphire Gin. Yes, it is that blue! We couldn’t wait to touch down and dive into that crystal-clear water beckoning us.
Home to celebrities like Tyler Perry, Johnny Depp, and Oprah Winfrey, the turquoise waters and pristine white sands of Exuma Bahamas are undeniably paradisiacal. It’s no surprise that films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Into the Blue, and James Bond have all been filmed here.
1. Staniel Cay Exumas
Many people are only familiar with Great Exuma Bahamas, yet another excellent Exuma Island is Staniel Cay. It is closer to many top Exuma Cays attractions than Great Exuma. Approximately 100 residents live on Staniel Cay, and the only accommodation besides apartment rentals is Embrace Resort and The Yacht Club, which has been a staple since the 1960s.
2. Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Even if you are staying on another Exuma Island, a visit to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is essential. This is where everyone congregates in the Exumas. The Yacht Club has been operational since the 1960s, attracting celebrities and the affluent who anchor their mega-yachts offshore. It offers the perfect island vibe, allowing you to escape and immerse yourself in the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.
3. James Bond and Staniel Cay
James Bond’s Thunderball cast and crew spent countless nights enjoying Kalik (Bahamas local beer) and cracked conch at its bar in 1964. Sean Connery graced the yacht club, along with many other celebrities over the years. You can find photos of the famous James Bond film inside, alongside other stars that have joined for fun in the sun. A hot suggestion is the 3-day island hopper tour from Nassau.
We stayed at Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay. Locally owned by the amazing Nikki, she also provides a concierge service to assist visitors in planning tours around the 365 islands in the Exumas.
All major Exuma attractions are just a boat ride away from Staniel Cay, where you can easily arrange tours to explore.
4. Thunderball Grotto
Our favorite excursion was visiting Thunderball Grotto, renowned for its underwater scenes from James Bond’s Thunderball. At low tide, you can swim through arches to enter the cave. This breathtaking cavern in the middle of an unassuming island is a spectacle, both above and beneath the water!
The sunlight illuminates the vibrant rocks and corals, and the colors of the fish sparkle in the beams of sunlight. Looking back towards the opening of the Grotto resembles a giant fishbowl, offering a mesmerizing view that truly takes your breath away.
5. Pig Beach at Big Major Cay
One of the most iconic attractions in the Exumas is the opportunity to swim with the pigs of Big Beach at Major Cay. Originating from colonial days, this group of pigs now roams freely in the woods off the beach and comes out daily for a swim.
When I heard we would be swimming with pigs, my imagination ran wild. I envisioned tiny aqua pygmy pigs swimming with webbed feet. However, to my shock, the pigs of the Exumas are actual farm pigs!
Visitors bring cabbage to feed them, and while you can swim with them, be cautious; they’ll nip at you if they think you have food. This phenomenon emerged after boaters began visiting, and the pigs eagerly swam out to meet them.
6. Swim with Nurse Sharks
The popular location for swimming with nurse sharks in the Bahamas is at Compass Cay Marina. Swimming with nurse sharks is a wonderful experience that you must include in your itinerary when visiting the Exumas Cays.
7. Sharks Eating at the Docks of Staniel Cay
Sharks are a popular attraction in the Bahamas due to their friendly nature. They gather by the dock every evening as fishermen clean their catch, ensuring they are well-fed. If you prefer not to swim with sharks, you can enjoy watching them come in at sunset as the fishermen clean their catch!
8. Snorkelling and Diving in The Exumas
The Exumas are an extraordinary destination for diving and snorkeling. The water is an incredible shade of aquamarine—crystal clear and warm. You’ll encounter starfish, turtles, lobsters, and colorful fish.
Bahamians take pride in their clear blue waters, and with good reason. PADI certified diving is available on Great Exuma and Staniel Cay at Staniel Cay Adventures. While scuba diving in the Exumas Bahamas, you’ll discover sea caves, untouched coral reefs, wall dives, and even a 400-foot deep blue hole.
Barracuda
I don’t normally mention Barracuda in a best-of list, but our encounter was unforgettable. We were lucky to see two curious barracudas during our trip, and they stayed around for a while, allowing us to enjoy a closer look. It was even possible that they followed us later to the Grotto!
9. Mile-Long Sandbar
The mile-long sandbar in the Exuma Cays provides numerous leisurely activities. This natural wonder is ideal for shelling, sunbathing, and picnicking while surrounded by tranquility.
Located just south of Big Farmer Cay, walking on this sandbar is unique. Accessible only during low tide, it allows for a peaceful stroll across pure white sand, making it an ideal spot to unwind and let the gentle waves caress your feet.
10. Emerald Bay – Great Exuma Island
Great Exuma Island is the largest island in the Exuma Cays, yet it remains a quiet getaway. There are direct flights to George Town from Miami, making travel easy. Renting a car is the best way to explore this island.
A highly recommended resort for couples is Sandals at Emerald Bay, an all-inclusive luxury resort located on a secluded mile-long beach. Offering various amenities, including three pools, it’s a popular choice for romantic getaways.
Grand Isle Resort is another luxury option on Great Exuma, providing all the necessary amenities for an enjoyable stay. You can easily arrange day trips to swim with pigs or golf at the Caribbean’s longest golf course.
11. Sailing Trips Around the Exumas
With plenty to see and do in the Exuma Cays, you can rent a boat to explore or hire a boat for a day or two. Additionally, Nikki offers a three-day island-hopping tour, which is a fantastic way to see many beaches and attractions. With 365 islands, there’s so much to discover!
12. Exumas Regatta
We coincidentally visited during the annual regatta, but if you miss it, rest assured there are numerous other festivals, regattas, and fishing derbies occurring frequently in the Exumas. The locals know how to celebrate, so if you’re out on a boat, it’s likely that a festival will be happening nearby.
13. Isolated Beaches of the Exuma Cays
The Exuma Cays boast pristine beaches, and on Staniel Cay, we discovered numerous swimming spots without a single person in sight. Island hopping is the ideal way to find your own private beach, free from the bustling crowds.
Tropic of Cancer Beach, located on Little Exuma Island, is particularly renowned for its stunning beauty, while Stocking Island Beach is also noteworthy for its excellent snorkeling and soft white sands.
14. Water Sports in the Exumas
From paddleboarding and kayaking to snorkeling and diving, The Exumas offer an array of water sports for everyone.
15. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1958, is the first marine reserve in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. This park is not only a pioneer in marine conservation but also one of the most successful marine parks globally.
Covering 176 square miles of protected territory, it acts as a vital habitat for various species. It is an ecological preserve and wildlife refuge, showcasing a rich biodiversity that thrives due to its no-take zone status.
Exuma Cays Resorts
Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay is an upscale venue featuring eight villas, a spa, fitness center, and a dining area. The resort provides all-inclusive options while allowing guests to explore the island via provided golf carts, as there are no motorized vehicles on Staniel Cay.
While traditional hotels are scarce, several Airbnbs and vacation rentals are available, including entire villas on secluded beaches that can be booked easily. Check prices onTripAdvisor.
You won’t regret a visit to Exuma Bahamas
How to Get to the Exuma Cays
To reach the Exuma Cays, the two primary options are by ferry and by plane. Taking a ferry is the most popular choice; however, flying has gained popularity in recent years.
If you’re traveling from Nassau, the most efficient path to Exuma is via an organized plane tour, offering a short 30-minute flight with beautiful aerial views of the Cays. These flights can be arranged through travel portals, which provide essential details regarding departure times and locations.
For those already within the Exuma region, such as in Georgetown, boat travel presents a viable inter-island travel option. The Exuma Cays deliver countless adventures, from feasting with swimming pigs to swimming alongside Bahamian rock iguanas and nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
