More than 300 islands and cays scattered across the central Bahamas, the Exumas are renowned for blissfully isolated beaches, world-class diving, and serene resorts that effortlessly dissolve anyone’s troubles away. There’s Great Exuma and Little Exuma. Both are wonderful in their own right! And then there’s the stunning Exuma Cays! A string of mostly uninhabited ocean outposts surrounded by blooming reefs and astonishing ecological bounty. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Exuma.
Dry land, especially that of Great and Little Exuma, supports historic ruins, lively settlements, blissful beaches and some exceptional hotels, resorts and restaurants. Whether you visit just the principal islands, sail through the gorgeous reef-fringed Cays, or are lucky enough to combine the two, your time in Exuma will be a highlight of your Bahamian adventure.
Check out my top things to do in Exuma, Bahamas! You can actually take a look and book the many tours & excursions here.
Exuma Hotel Spotlight
Sandals Emerald Bay (Couples Only)
A premier destination for lovers of all things exclusive, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a distinct enclave of refinement. Tucked within the exotic Exuma, in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, discover this breathtakingly luxurious, all-inclusive Caribbean resort.
Grand Isle Resort
Island luxury and Caribbean life come together beautifully at Great Exuma’s Grand Isle Resort. Experience footloose freedom on Emerald Bay’s ivory sands and sparkling blue waters. Swim with Exuma’s famous pigs or golf the Caribbean’s longest course.
Kahari Resort
Kahari Resort is a one-of-a-kind, boutique, eco-friendly resort secluded on Great Exuma’s pristine barrier island, Stocking Island. Enjoy an authentic and intimate Bahamian experience.
Swim with the Pigs
Easily one of the most popular things to do in Exuma is swimming with the pigs. Pig Beach located on Big Major Cay is a beach on an uninhabited island located in Exuma, the Bahamas. The island takes its unofficial name from the fact that it is populated by a colony of feral pigs which live on the island.
Wondering how the pigs got to Pig Beach? We don’t know for sure. Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some say they were left by a group of sailors, who planned to come back and cook them. Or that the pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby. Wherever they came from, there are now about 20 pigs and piglets living the easy life. Enjoying daily visits from Bahamians and tourists. This is one experience you definitely CANNOT miss while you’re visiting Exuma.
Pro Tip
Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Established in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first marine reserve in The Bahamas. Covering 112,640 acres of land and sea, it is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, species biodiversity, secluded beaches, amazing views and safe anchorages. Throughout the park you can explore the underwater magnificence of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses. Or, stroll along pristine beaches, traverse several hiking trails, and observe tons of wildlife. Here you’ll spot birds, fish, turtles and iguanas.
Compass Cay
Swim with Nurse Sharks at the Compass Cay Marina on a Bahamas Day Tour to the Exumas. Whilst in the most part harmless to humans, these gracious marine animals have been acclimatised to visitors for many years and are known as pet sharks by the Marina’s owners.
While on the tour, you can swim with the famous Compass Cay sharks which live at the Compass Cay Marina and visited by over five million people year round.
The Compass Cay sharks found in the marina are a species called Ginglymostoma cirratum (commonly known as “Nurse Sharks”). These animals can live up to 25 years and grow up to almost ten-feet-long. A fully grown adult can weigh anywhere from 200 to 330 pounds.
Exuma Cays Sandbar
Though there are many sand bars spread across the Bahamas, the Exuma cays sand bar at Pipe Creek is often noted as the finest in the region. Get a close up view of the Exuma Cays sandbar. You will be rewarded with exotic marine life, seclusion, and water so blue you will think you are imagining things. This was such an incredible experience! It felt like I was living in a dream. A very idyllic piece of paradise! One of the most iconic things to do in Exuma!
What is a Sandbar?
Bitter Guana Cay
On a small island in the Bahamas called Bitter Guana Cay, an endangered species of Bahamian Rock Iguanas roam the land. Visit these prehistoric animals on a day trip to the Exuma Cays and Staniel Cay. The iguana island in the Bahamas (Bitter Guana Cay) is home to the only remaining Bahamian Rock Iguanas in the world.
The Bahamian Rock Iguanas that live on Iguana Island are an endangered species of reptiles. Known as ‘Cyclura’ in the scientific community. The name can be translated from Greek to mean circular tail — probably because of its distinct thick-ringed tail. Scientists believe this species has evolved over the course of 3 million years into three different subspecies. The Andros Island iguana, the Allen’s Cay iguana, and the Exuma Island iguana.
Becoming Extinct?
Stocking Island
Easily reachable by boat from Elizabeth Harbour, Stocking Island has some of the finest white sand beaches in The Bahamas. Snorkelers and divers love to explore the island’s blue holes, coral gardens and undersea caves. The Island is also home to Stromatolites. Said to be the oldest known macro-fossils on the planet, found on the Atlantic-side beaches.
Thunderball Grotto
Located just west of Staniel Cay, this fantastic underwater cave system is great for snorkeling, diving, and wading. It is teeming with exotic marine life and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored coral reefs and fish. Like yellow-tail snappers, Angel fish, Sergeant Majors and the like. The grotto’s mystique is heightened by the small, almost hidden entrance. It is advised to enter at ebb tide (low or slack tide) and snorkeling equipment is optional. At high tide, however, diving equipment is necessary.
Sunken Plane in Staniel Cay
After spending some time with the cute piggies, it’s time for a history tour! Most of the full-day Exuma tours will include a quick visit to the sunken plane. You might be wondering about the significance.
As Bahamas Air Tours explains “The intriguing underwater plane wreck at Staniel Cay is a fascinating tour highlight in the turquoise waters not far from Staniel Cay airport. The famous Staniel Cay Plane Wreck is one of the most accessible in the world. This is because of its location in shallow sea water. The wreck happened just a half of a mile away from the busy Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Making it a heavily toured spot and one of the top things to do in Exuma today.
Eat the Local Cuisine
One of the best ways to get familiar with a country is to taste the local cuisine. Bahamian food is going to offer Caribbean staples like rice and peas, coleslaw, and Bahamian macaroni and cheese. Of course you’ll get the chance to also sample some of the freshest seafood! Like a conch salad.
Chat N Chill Beach Bar & Grill
Relax after spending time enjoying fun in the sun. Chat N Chill, located on Stocking Island, is where you go to chat n chill. Seriously, enjoy swimming with the local stingrays, relax in a hammock, make fresh conch salad, or play some volleyball. This spot is the perfect way to reconnect with friends and family. Grab a beer, and enjoy the ultimate beach hang out. You can ready my full review of Chat N Chill here.
Heading to Exuma, Bahamas?
