Exuma is a district of The Bahamas consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays. The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, and this is the most popular “home base” for exploring the region.
The Exuma islands are known as the “Adventure Isles” because they’re famous for their water sports, especially snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and boating. If you want an active Bahamas trip where you’re not staying at your resort all day, Exuma is for you.
Great Exuma Island
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This island is known for some of the best beaches in the country, Stocking Island, and being the most popular “home base” for exploring the Exuma island region.
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Getting To & Around Exuma
The main airport in this region is Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma. This is a tiny airport – two gates share a waiting room, and no food or drink options inside. Before your flight, you can enjoy the airport “lounge” (which is just a local restaurant outside the airport).
Exuma International Airport
@lucyonlocale
A small airport that is the "gateway" to the Exuma islands in The Bahamas.
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If you’re staying on one of the other Exuma islands, you’ll take an inter-island flight to Staniel Cay from Great Exuma, then take a boat to other islands.
Staniel Cay
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This island is known for Thunderball Grotto, swimming pigs, pristine beaches, and snorkeling.
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Your transportation options on Great Exuma are hiring a taxi or renting a car. Taxi rides can be very expensive, so if you want to leave your resort more than a couple of times during your trip, renting a car will save you money. When considering renting a car, be aware that you’ll be driving on the left side of the road.
If you’re staying on another Exuma island, you won’t need a rental car.
What To Do
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Thunderball Grotto
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A famous snorkeling site that was a filming location for Thunderball (1965), Never Say Never Again (1983), Splash, and Into the Blue.
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Bitter Guana Cay
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Interact with the lizard natives of this uninhabited island that will make you feel like you're in a Jurassic World movie.
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Compass Cay
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Swim with The Bahamas' famous nurse sharks here.
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I recommend doing these first four activities as part of a full-day boat tour.
Stocking Island
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This island is a short boat ride from Great Exuma, and it's famous for the Chat ‘N Chill’s restaurant and beach club.
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Tropic of Cancer Beach
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A pristine white-sand beach on one of the world's most famous lines of latitude.
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When To Visit
Exuma’s high season is from December to April because of the perfect weather in the mid-80s (29°C). All tours, businesses, and restaurants will be open with regular hours of operation. But accommodation prices can be double what they are the rest of the year, and tourist numbers are at their highest. So you need to make all of your reservations in advance.
The Shoulder months are May and June. The weather will still be mostly dry, crowds will be less, and businesses and tour operators will still be open.
The Low Season is from July to November during the rainy season. Hurricanes and tropical storms can happen, and rain is common. Many shops, restaurants, and tour operators close or reduce their hours during these months, and you can score some heavily discounted rates during these months.
Where To Stay
Grand Isle Resort And Residences
@lucyonlocale
This is my favorite hotel on Great Exuma, the largest island in the region and the most popular “home base” for exploring Exuma. At this all-villa resort (a filming site for The Bachelor), you’ll have access to one of the best beaches on the island, two restaurants, a tiki bar, a main pool, an adults-only pool, golf carts, and complimentary water sports.
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Kahari Resort
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Located on Stocking Island, just a short taxi boat ride from Great Exuma, this resort has a remote and exclusive ambiance. There’s a restaurant, pool, fitness center, bar, garden, sun terrace, concierge service, and complimentary breakfast. Each room also comes with a patio and water views.
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Hideaways at Palm Bay
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You’ll love this hotel’s location on Palm Bay Beach on Great Exuma. Every apartment has a terrace with a seating area and a kitchen. You’ll have a pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, complimentary daily breakfast, free kayaks and paddleboards, and a free shuttle service to Georgetown.
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Embrace Resort
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This hotel on Staniel Cay in the middle of the Exuma island chain is near the famous Thunderball Grotto and swimming pigs. The coastal apartments are cozy, and every unit has a patio. The hotel has a fabulous pool, and restaurants and shops are just a short walk from the resort.
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Saint Francis Resort & Marina
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Located on Stocking Island, just off the coast of Great Exuma, this resort feels like a secluded paradise. Every room has a seating area and terrace, and the resort has a restaurant, bar, lounge, garden, complimentary breakfast, and a private beach.
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Peace & Plenty
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This resort’s location in downtown Georgetown is hard to beat. You’ll love the harborfront pool, sun terrace, and gardens. Plus, you’ll have access to the exclusive Peace and Plenty Beach Club on Stocking Island across Elizabeth Harbour with complimentary boat shuttles.
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Where To Eat
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Know Before You Go
-Bars and restaurants run on “island time,” meaning that service will likely be slower than you’re used to. You may have to get the server’s attention rather than waiting for them to approach. This is a cultural difference, not a sign of poor service.
-Many restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, and most don’t update their Google business profiles. So you’ll want to call restaurants for their opening hours and reservations instead of relying on the internet.
-Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels and car rental agencies, but most shops and restaurants don’t take credit cards. Most shops and restaurants that take credit cards charge a 2.5-5% processing fee, which can add up quickly. So I recommend paying for meals and souvenirs with cash.
Plan The Rest of Your Bahamas Trip
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