Exuma, The Bahamas Travel Guide

Discover Exuma, a tropical paradise in The Bahamas known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life—perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Nestled in the heart of The Bahamas, Exuma is a dream destination for travelers seeking pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an unspoiled natural environment. Comprising over 360 islands and cays, Exuma is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life. It is renowned for its stunning blue waters that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon, creating a picturesque backdrop for any adventure. Exuma offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. Visitors can lounge on the soft, white sands of Tropic of Cancer Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For those seeking adventure, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a must-visit, offering snorkeling, diving, and the chance to explore one of the oldest marine reserves in the world. Don't miss the chance to swim with the famous Exuma pigs at Big Major Cay, a truly unique experience. The local culture in Exuma is rich and inviting. From the friendly locals to the delicious Bahamian cuisine, there is much to explore beyond the beaches. Sample fresh seafood, dance to the rhythms of Junkanoo music, and immerse yourself in the laid-back island lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous escape, Exuma offers something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Exuma.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs while enjoying water activities.
Rent a boat or take a guided tour to explore the numerous cays and hidden beaches.
Visit during the off-peak season (May to November) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Try the local dish, conch salad, for an authentic Bahamian culinary experience.
Bring cash, as some small vendors and remote areas may not accept credit cards.

Explore Exuma: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Discover the flavors of the Bahamas at Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill, the ultimate beachside dining experience on Stocking Island.

4.2

Powerboat Adventure's Ship Channel Cay

Experience the ultimate tropical getaway at Ship Channel Cay, where adventure meets relaxation amidst stunning natural beauty.

4.8

Iguana Beach

Discover the tranquil beauty of Iguana Beach on Leaf Cay, where pristine sands and vibrant wildlife create a tropical paradise for all travelers.

4.7

Exuma Point Beach

Experience the pristine beauty of Exuma Point Beach in Rolleville, where soft sands and turquoise waters create the ultimate tropical getaway.

4.9

Best landmarks in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Sandals Emerald Bay

Experience unparalleled luxury at Sandals Emerald Bay, a premium all-inclusive resort on Great Exuma, where romance meets adventure in paradise.

4.2

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Experience the ultimate beachside dining at Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill, where delicious food meets stunning ocean views in the heart of Stocking Island.

4.2

Santanna's Bar & Grill

Experience the best of Bahamian cuisine at Santanna's Bar & Grill, where fresh seafood and vibrant culture come together in a tropical paradise.

4.5

Grand Isle Resort And Residences

Experience luxury and tranquility at Grand Isle Resort and Residences, your ultimate tropical getaway in Great Exuma, Bahamas.

4.6

Best restaurants in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Discover paradise at Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill on Stocking Island—where delicious food meets stunning ocean views.

4.2

Santanna's Bar & Grill

Discover authentic Bahamian cuisine at Santanna's Bar & Grill in William's Town - where flavor meets affordability.

4.5

Shirley's Seafood Restaurant

Discover fresh seafood delights at Shirley's Seafood Restaurant in the Bahamas—where every meal is a taste of island paradise.

4.4

Splash Beach Bar

Discover the vibrant ambiance and delicious grilled cuisine at Splash Beach Bar in George Town – a tropical paradise for food lovers.

3.9

Best bars in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors and laid-back vibes of the Caribbean at Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill on Stocking Island.

4.2

Santanna's Bar & Grill

Experience the flavors of the Bahamas at Santanna's Bar & Grill, where seafood delights and local charm meet in William's Town.

4.5

Splash Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors and relaxed atmosphere at Splash Beach Bar in George Town, the perfect spot for food and fun by the sea.

3.9

Tropic Breeze

Tropic Breeze: A Beach Bar & Grill Experience in William's Town with Fresh Flavors and Stunning Ocean Views.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Experience the tropical bliss of Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill, where mouthwatering flavors meet stunning ocean views on Stocking Island.

4.2

Santanna's Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas at Santanna's Bar & Grill, a top dining spot in William's Town offering fresh seafood and tropical drinks.

4.5

Splash Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Splash Beach Bar, the perfect grill destination in George Town, Bahamas.

3.9

Exuma Yacht Club Restaurant and Bar

Experience the flavors of the Bahamas at Exuma Yacht Club Restaurant and Bar, where tropical ambiance meets delicious local cuisine.

3.9

Best shops in Exuma

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Experience the tropical charm of Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill on Stocking Island, where great food meets stunning ocean views.

4.2

Exuma Markets

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas at Exuma Markets, your go-to grocery store for local produce and gourmet delights in George Town.

4.1

Smittys Grocery & Convenience

Discover the authentic flavors of the Bahamas at Smitty's Grocery & Convenience, your go-to spot for local goods and warm hospitality in George Town.

4.4

Prime Island Meats, Deli and Grocery Store

Explore the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas at Prime Island Meats, your go-to grocery store and deli in Hoopers Bay.

4.6

Explore Exuma on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Exuma, mapped for you.

Exuma Essentials

Exuma is located in The Bahamas and is accessible via air and sea. The main gateway is Exuma International Airport (GGT), located near George Town. There are direct flights from major US cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. For those preferring a scenic route, ferries operate from Nassau to Exuma, though schedules can vary. Private yachts and charters are also popular among travelers.
Transportation options in Exuma include rental cars, taxis, and bicycles. Rental cars are available at the airport and in George Town, providing flexibility for exploring the island at your own pace. Taxis are also readily available, especially near tourist areas and hotels. Bicycles are a great way to explore the smaller cays and enjoy the scenic views. Water taxis can be used to visit nearby islands and cays.
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is on par with the US Dollar (USD). Both currencies are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips. ATMs are available in George Town and other major areas.
Exuma is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. While there are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, it is always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables secure and be cautious when dealing with strangers.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. George Town has a medical clinic for minor health issues, and more serious cases may require transport to Nassau or the US. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in George Town for over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Swimsuits are appropriate at the beach but not in town areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do use water taxis for inter-island travel. Don’t expect extensive public bus services. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like conch salad and fresh seafood. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Exuma like a local, visit the fish fry in George Town for authentic Bahamian cuisine. Participate in community events and festivals, like the annual Regatta, to immerse yourself in local culture. Explore the lesser-known cays and beaches for a more secluded experience. Renting a boat or joining a guided tour can provide unique opportunities to see the famous swimming pigs and other hidden gems.

When is the best time to visit Exuma?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Exuma

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Exuma. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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?]
- 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]
- 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

During the American Revolutionary War, many British Loyalists fled to the Bahamas to escape persecution. In 1783, a group of Loyalists settled in Exuma, bringing with them enslaved Africans and European colonial customs. These settlers established cotton plantations, which had a significant impact on the island’s economy and social structure.
The British Empire abolished slavery in 1834, which had a profound effect on Exuma. The freed African-descended population began to establish their own communities and livelihoods. Many of the former plantations were abandoned, and the island’s economy shifted from agriculture to fishing and small-scale farming.
Exuma's strategic location and numerous hidden cays made it a favorite haunt for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1730). Infamous pirates like Captain Kidd and Blackbeard are said to have used the island's coves and inlets as hideouts. Their legacy is still evident in local folklore and some historical sites.
Established in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was the first of its kind in the world. This protected area is a sanctuary for wildlife and marine life, covering 176 square miles. Its creation marked a significant milestone in conservation efforts and has since become a major attraction for eco-tourists.
Exuma played a role in the broader movement for Bahamian independence from British colonial rule, achieved in 1973. Local leaders and communities actively participated in the push for self-governance, which led to the establishment of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The Exuma Regatta, first held in 1954, is a celebrated annual event that showcases traditional Bahamian sloop sailing. This event not only highlights the island's nautical heritage but also serves as a major social and cultural gathering, attracting visitors from all over the world.
John Rolle, a former British Lord who owned vast estates in Exuma, had a significant impact on the island. Upon his death, he bequeathed much of his land to the formerly enslaved people. This act of generosity allowed many Exumians to become landowners, shaping the social and economic landscape of the island.