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Exuma
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Exuma, The Bahamas, pairs George Town heritage with clear-water beaches, sailing, snorkelling, island culture and extraordinary cays across the Atlantic.

An Archipelago of Blue

Exuma is not a conventional single city but a long chain of islands and cays in The Bahamas, centred on Great Exuma and the small administrative capital of George Town. Its defining landscape is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected world of limestone islets, mangrove creeks, reefs and extraordinarily clear water stretching north-west through the archipelago. Great Exuma offers the most developed base, while Little Exuma, joined by a bridge, retains a quieter rural character. Roads, settlements and beaches are scattered rather than arranged around one dense urban centre.
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George Town and Great Exuma

George Town sits around a sheltered harbour on Great Exuma's southern coast. Government offices, churches, small shops and local services give the town a practical, unhurried character, with Elizabeth Harbour opening towards Stocking Island and the cays beyond. The town is useful for provisioning boat trips and exploring the island by road, but Exuma's strongest impressions are often found away from the centre: at broad Atlantic beaches, shallow tidal flats, coral gardens and low hills brightened by scrub and palms. Little Exuma adds historic sites associated with the island's plantation era and beaches such as Tropic of Cancer Beach.

Island Life and the Sea

Exuma's culture is shaped by seafaring, fishing, boatbuilding, church communities and the annual George Town regatta, a celebrated sailing event rooted in Bahamian maritime life. Visitors encounter a destination where the sea is both scenery and transport network, and where organised excursions commonly reach sandbars, snorkelling sites and uninhabited cays. The pace is relaxed, but distances, weather and boat conditions matter; the experience is best understood as an exploration of an island district rather than a city sightseeing break.

When is the best time to visit Exuma?

Best: January–March · 27–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2755
February (best)2748
March (best)2946
April3039
May3129
June3324
July3324
August3325
September3330
October3239
November3043
December2952

Getting to and around Exuma

How to get there

Exuma is served primarily by Exuma International Airport, also known as Moss Town Airport, on Great Exuma. It has scheduled connections with Nassau and may have international or seasonal services depending on the operating timetable. George Town and the settlements of Great Exuma are reached by road from the airport, with taxis, pre-arranged transfers and car hire commonly used for onward travel. Travellers arriving by sea can reach Elizabeth Harbour and other anchorages by private or chartered boat; there is no conventional inter-island railway or long-distance coach network. Flight schedules to island destinations can change seasonally, so connections should be checked carefully when arranging onward travel.

Transportation

A hire car is often the most flexible way to explore Great Exuma and Little Exuma, whose beaches, settlements and historic sites are spread along a main road and smaller side roads. Driving is on the left, although many vehicles are left-hand drive imports, so extra attention is sensible. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers serve the airport, accommodation and George Town, while water taxis, private boats and organised excursions connect the harbour with Stocking Island and nearby cays. Walking is practical within parts of George Town and at individual beaches, but distances, heat and limited roadside infrastructure make it unsuitable for covering the islands as a whole.

Best attractions in Exuma

Exuma's attractions are spread across Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the surrounding cays rather than concentrated in George Town. The harbour town offers a glimpse of everyday island life, while nearby Stocking Island combines broad beaches, trails and clear shallows reached by boat. Great Exuma's coastline is lined with sandy stretches and lagoons, including Jolly Hall Beach and Hoopers Bay, known for calm water and seasonal encounters with turtles. Little Exuma brings a more historical dimension through plantation-era remains associated with Rolle Town and the salt beacon near Salt Pond, as well as the long sweep of Tropic of Cancer Beach. Boat excursions venture towards sandbars, snorkelling reefs and the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, which lies in the northern Exumas rather than on Great Exuma itself. For dedicated sailors and divers, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park provides the archipelago's most extensive protected marine landscape.

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Best landmarks in Exuma

Exuma's landmarks express its maritime geography, colonial history and continuing community life. In George Town, the Anglican church of St Andrew's provides a visible religious and civic reference point, while the harbour and Elizabeth Harbour remain working landscapes shaped by sailing, fishing and inter-island movement. Across Little Exuma, the monument associated with John Rolle commemorates the formerly enslaved landowner whose bequest helped establish a lasting community connection with the island. The Salt Beacon near Salt Pond recalls the importance of salt working and coastal trade, and nearby plantation-era traces point to the Loyalist period and its difficult legacy of enslavement. The Tropic of Cancer Beach landmark on Little Exuma is less architectural than geographical: its name marks the passage of the latitude across the island. Further north, the protected cays and reefs of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park form a major natural landmark of the wider district.

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Explore Exuma on the map

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Best restaurants in Exuma

Exuma's food culture reflects Bahamian home cooking, fishing traditions and the practical character of an island community. Conch is central, served raw with citrus as conch salad, cracked and fried, or incorporated into soups and fritters; fresh fish, lobster when in season, peas 'n' rice, macaroni and cheese, johnnycakes and stewed meats also appear in local cooking. George Town and the settlements along Great Exuma provide the broadest choice of restaurants, takeaways, beach bars and provision shops, while smaller roadside kitchens and casual eateries offer a closer connection to everyday island meals. Local produce can include fruit, vegetables and baked goods when available, although much food is imported and supplies vary. Dining is generally relaxed rather than formal, with seafood and Bahamian dishes sharing menus with Caribbean, American and international fare in visitor-oriented establishments.

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Best bars in Exuma

Exuma's evenings are generally sociable and low-key rather than centred on a large club scene. George Town and the harbour area have the greatest concentration of casual bars, restaurants with drinks and waterfront venues, while beach bars and hotel lounges provide quieter settings elsewhere on Great Exuma. Live music, Bahamian storytelling and informal gatherings may accompany special events, particularly around the National Family Island Regatta and other community celebrations. Some boat excursions include an evening stop or sunset setting, making the sea part of the after-dark experience. Little Exuma is more subdued, with nightlife often connected to local restaurants, small bars and accommodation rather than dedicated nightclubs. Visitors should expect distances between venues, limited late-night transport and island schedules that vary with season, weather and community events.

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Best nightclubs in Exuma

Exuma's evenings are generally sociable and low-key rather than centred on a large club scene. George Town and the harbour area have the greatest concentration of casual bars, restaurants with drinks and waterfront venues, while beach bars and hotel lounges provide quieter settings elsewhere on Great Exuma. Live music, Bahamian storytelling and informal gatherings may accompany special events, particularly around the National Family Island Regatta and other community celebrations. Some boat excursions include an evening stop or sunset setting, making the sea part of the after-dark experience. Little Exuma is more subdued, with nightlife often connected to local restaurants, small bars and accommodation rather than dedicated nightclubs. Visitors should expect distances between venues, limited late-night transport and island schedules that vary with season, weather and community events.

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Best shops in Exuma

Shopping in Exuma is practical, local and dispersed rather than built around a large retail district. George Town has the broadest selection of grocery shops, pharmacies, service businesses, souvenir outlets and small retailers, while settlements along Great Exuma offer provisions and roadside stalls. Visitors may find Bahamian-made crafts, straw work, shell-based souvenirs, paintings, T-shirts, hot sauces, baked goods and locally inspired gifts, though selection varies and genuine handmade items should be distinguished from imported merchandise. Small food shops and markets are useful for assembling supplies for beach days or boat trips, especially because remote cays have few services. Little Exuma has a quieter retail scene, with purchases generally tied to local businesses and community stops rather than dedicated shopping streets. Bargaining is not an automatic expectation in formal shops, and card acceptance can be less consistent with small vendors.

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Exuma essentials

Currency and Payment
The Bahamian dollar, coded BSD, is the national currency and is maintained at parity with the United States dollar, which is also widely accepted. Card payments are available at many established hotels, restaurants, shops and tour businesses, but smaller operators, roadside vendors and remote settlements may prefer cash or have unreliable connectivity. Carry a modest supply of Bahamian or US notes for taxis, tips, small purchases and places away from the main service centres. ATMs are available in populated areas but are not as widespread as in larger destinations, and international visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign transaction or cash-withdrawal charges.
Safety
Exuma is a dispersed island destination, so practical safety concerns include unfamiliar roads, limited lighting, heat, strong sun, changing sea conditions and sudden weather. Keep valuables secure, avoid leaving belongings visible in unattended vehicles and take normal care around isolated beaches after dark. Follow local advice before swimming, paddleboarding, diving or boating, particularly where currents, reefs or exposed Atlantic conditions are involved. Use reputable, properly equipped excursion providers and confirm how communications and emergency support are handled on remote cays. Travellers should also allow extra time for road journeys and avoid assuming that every beach, path or anchorage has nearby facilities.
Emergency Situations
In The Bahamas, call 911 or 919 for police, fire or medical emergencies. State that you are in Exuma and give the clearest available location, including a settlement, road, beach, dock or nearby landmark; on the water, provide the vessel's position and route. Medical facilities and emergency resources are more limited than on New Providence, so travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is prudent, especially for boating, diving and remote-island excursions. For non-urgent assistance, accommodation staff, local clinics, tour operators or the Royal Bahamas Police Force can help direct visitors to the appropriate service.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually in beach areas but wear respectful clothing when entering churches or visiting local communities, and ask before photographing people, boats or private property. Greet residents politely and be patient with island schedules, weather disruptions and services that operate at a slower pace than in major cities. Do not touch coral, feed wildlife without expert guidance, remove shells or anchor carelessly on reefs; protected areas may have specific rules. Tipping is customary for good service in hospitality, taxis and organised excursions, while restaurant service charges should be checked before adding more. Avoid littering and keep noise low near homes and beaches.
Local Tips
George Town is useful for groceries, supplies, local services and orientation, while Great Exuma's beaches and Little Exuma's historic and coastal sites are best explored with realistic driving time. Stocking Island is close to George Town by boat and offers a very different, largely undeveloped setting from the settled island. Bring a reusable water bottle, dry bag and a light layer for windy boat trips, and download essential directions before travelling beyond reliable mobile coverage. Ask locally about tides and sea state rather than relying only on a generic weather forecast, particularly when planning sandbar visits, snorkelling or passages between cays.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[Heh-loh]
GoodbyeGoodbye[Good-bye]
YesYes[Yes]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[Pleez/Yur wel-kum]
Thank youThank you[Thank yoo]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[Eks-kyoos mee/Sor-ee]
How are you?How are you?[How ar yoo?]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[Fyn. And yoo?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[Doo yoo speek Ing-lish?]
I don't understandI don't understand[I dohnt und-er-stand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[I'd lyk to see the men-yoo, pleez]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I dohnt eet meet]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheerz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[I wood lyk to pay, pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Go away![Go a-way!]
Call the Police!Call the Police![Kawl the Po-lees!]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![Kawl a dok-ter!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm ill[I'm il]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[I'd lyk to buy...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[I'm just look-ing]
How much is it?How much is it?[How much iz it?]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[Thatz too ex-pen-siv]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[Can yoo low-er the prys?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[Wat tym iz it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's wun o'klok]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[Haf past (ten)]
MorningMorning[Morn-ing]
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[Eev-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[Yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[To-mor-row]
11[Wun]
22[Too]
33[Tree]
44[For]
55[Fyv]
66[Siks]
77[Seven]
88[Ayt]
99[Nyn]
1010[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[Werz a/the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[Wats the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[Can yoo show mee (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[Wenz the nekst (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[A tik-et (to ....)]

History of Exuma

Lucayan Peoples and European Arrival

Before European colonisation, the Exumas were inhabited by Lucayan communities whose lives were closely connected to the sea. Spanish voyages and slave raids devastated the wider Bahamian population during the early sixteenth century, and the islands were subsequently left with very few inhabitants. English settlement expanded in The Bahamas during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, although the Exumas remained relatively remote. Their sheltered channels, shallow banks and abundant marine resources later attracted mariners, small farmers and plantation interests. The archipelago's geography continued to shape its history: settlements developed beside navigable water, while many cays remained sparsely inhabited and dependent on seafaring.

George Town and the Loyalist Settlement

George Town was established in 1793 and named in honour of King George III. The American War of Independence brought Loyalist refugees and enslaved Africans to The Bahamas, transforming settlement patterns and agricultural activity across islands including Great Exuma and Little Exuma. Cotton plantations were established where soil and rainfall allowed, though the environment was less suited to large-scale plantation production than some Caribbean colonies. Enslaved labour supported plantation households and agriculture until emancipation in the British Empire in 1834, with apprenticeship ending in 1838. The churches, roads, fields and family networks of the southern Exumas reflect this era as well as its long social consequences.

Salt, Plantations and Maritime Trade

During the nineteenth century, the Exumas participated in the small-scale economy of the Bahamian Out Islands through farming, fishing, salt production and maritime trade. Salt was especially important in parts of the archipelago where shallow ponds could be worked, while coastal communities exchanged produce and provisions with passing vessels. Plantation agriculture declined after emancipation, and many residents turned increasingly towards the sea for livelihoods. George Town's harbour became a practical focus for administration and commerce, while family connections linked the islands with Nassau and other Bahamian settlements. The resulting culture was neither wholly agricultural nor urban: it was an island economy shaped by seasonal work, navigation and resourcefulness.

A Seafaring Community Takes Shape

In the twentieth century, improved boats, air connections and communications gradually reduced the Exumas' isolation without erasing their out-island character. Fishing, boatbuilding, farming and local trade remained important, while migration for employment connected Exuma families with Nassau, Florida and other Bahamian islands. George Town developed as the administrative and service centre for the district, but settlement stayed dispersed along Great Exuma and Little Exuma. Churches, schools and community organisations became important anchors of local life. The sea continued to determine movement and opportunity, whether through working boats, inter-island travel or the growing interest of visitors in the archipelago's reefs and beaches.

Conservation and Contemporary Exuma

Modern Exuma combines a resident island community with a tourism economy based on sailing, boating, fishing, diving and beach holidays. The creation of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in 1959 established one of the world's notable protected marine areas, helping conserve reefs, mangroves, seabird habitats and important marine environments. Conservation has become central to the archipelago's identity, although pressure from development, waste, anchoring and visitor activity requires careful management. The annual National Family Island Regatta, founded in 1954 and held in George Town, expresses a living maritime tradition through Bahamian sloop racing. Contemporary Exuma therefore looks both outward to international visitors and inward to its seafaring heritage.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Exuma, The Bahamas

Discover Exuma like never before with Evendo. This 100% free app-based travel guide covers attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, tours, and more.

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Plan your perfect trip to Exuma with Evendo! Discover top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more. Book hotels, tours, and experiences easily.

  • History of Exuma and essential travel tips
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips to experience Exuma like a local
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel guide to Exuma, The Bahamas. Imagine exploring the mesmerizing beauty of Exuma with a tool that makes every step of your journey seamless and unforgettable. Evendo is designed to help you uncover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in Exuma.

With detailed information on famous landmarks like the Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay, the Thunderball Grotto, and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. Fancy dining at some of the best local restaurants? Discover spots like Catch A Fire Bar & Grill and Chat 'N' Chill, complete with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.

What sets Evendo apart is its comprehensive booking functionality. Secure your hotel stays, tours, and tickets for experiences directly through the app. No more endless searching; everything you need is right at your fingertips. The app also features the history of Exuma, essential travel tips, and a 'Near Me' feature to easily find attractions around your current location.

Download Evendo today and make the most of your Exuma adventure. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo turns your trip into an extraordinary experience.

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