The Exumas

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Exumas in the Bahamas depends on what you're looking for in your vacation. Factors to consider include the weather, tourist crowds, and specific activities you're interested in. Here's a general guide:

Weather

The Bahamas, including the Exumas, enjoy a tropical climate year-round. However, there are differences between seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the peak tourist season, featuring warm temperatures and low humidity. Temperatures usually range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). This is considered the best time to visit if you're looking to escape colder climates and are seeking reliable, sunny weather.

• Wet Season (May to October): This period is warmer and more humid, with greater chances of rain and storms, particularly from June to November, which is the Atlantic hurricane season. However, the showers usually are brief and can offer a refreshing break from the heat.

Crowds

• High Season (December to April): Expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. It's advisable to book well in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

• Low Season (May to November): Fewer tourists visit during these months, so you may find lower prices and fewer crowds, but you also run the risk of experiencing rain and hurricanes.

Activities

• Water Activities: Snorkeling, diving, and boating are popular year-round but are generally best enjoyed during the dry season when visibility is optimal due to less rainfall.

• Fishing: Different fish are in season at various times of the year, so if fishing is a high priority, you'll want to plan your visit accordingly.

• Swimming Pigs: The famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay can be visited year-round, but you'll likely find the experience more enjoyable during the drier months.

• Local Events: Keep an eye on the calendar for events like the annual George Town Cruising Regatta in March, which could either be a draw or something to avoid depending on your vacation preferences.

Cost

• Peak season travel will generally be more expensive in terms of flights and accommodations. If you're on a budget but want to avoid hurricane season, consider visiting during the shoulder months of November or May.

How to Get There

Getting to the Exumas in the Bahamas involves flying, as the islands are most commonly accessed by air. Here are some options for how you can get there:

International Flights

• Nassau: Most travelers fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, which has connections to many cities in the U.S., Canada, and other international destinations.

• Miami/Fort Lauderdale: These Florida cities are also popular jumping-off points for flights to the Exumas due to their proximity and frequent flight options.

Domestic Flights to the Exumas

Once in the Bahamas, you can take a domestic flight to the Exumas. Exuma International Airport (GGT) in George Town serves Great Exuma, the largest island in the chain.

• Bahamasair and Western Air are among the carriers offering flights to Exuma International Airport. The flight from Nassau to George Town usually takes around 40 minutes.

• Charter Flights: Another option is to take a charter flight, especially if you're traveling with a group or prefer a more customized experience.

By Boat

• Ferries: Some operators offer ferry services from Nassau to the Exumas. The journey can be a scenic experience but is generally slower than flying.

• Private Boat or Yacht: If you're looking for a luxurious travel experience, you can also charter a private boat or yacht to take you to the Exumas.

• Boat Rentals: If you're an experienced sailor, you may choose to rent a boat and sail it yourself, although this requires careful planning and knowledge of the local waters.

By Cruise

• Some cruise lines include stops in the Exumas as part of their Bahamas or Caribbean itineraries. However, this option won't provide you with much time to explore the islands.

How to get Around

Transportation Within the Exumas

• Boat Rentals/Tours: Many of the Exumas' most famous attractions are best accessed by boat, so consider booking a boat tour or renting one.

• Car Rentals: Available on Great Exuma, car rentals can be a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace.

• Taxis: These are available but may be less frequent than what you're used to in larger cities. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey.

• Walking and Bicycling: These are viable options for short distances, especially if you're staying close to a town center or your specific activities are nearby.

Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in The Exumas

Top 12 Beaches in The Exumas

The Exumas are renowned for their pristine, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. While it's difficult to rank them objectively, several beaches stand out as particularly beautiful or unique. Here are some of the top beaches in the Exumas based on popularity, beauty, and unique features:

Great Exuma

• Coco Plum Beach: Famous for its sandbars that appear at low tide, it's a popular spot for shelling and wading. This beach is also great for sunset walks.

• Tropic of Cancer Beach: Also known as Pelican Beach, this is one of the most photographed beaches in the Exumas. The beach is named for its location on the Tropic of Cancer latitude line.

• Jolly Hall Beach: A perfect beach for families, offering calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

• Emerald Bay: Located near Sandals Resort, this beach is known for its green-blue waters, hence the name. It's also near a golf course, making it popular among golfing enthusiasts.

• Three Sisters Beach: Legend has it that the three rocks off the shore represent sisters who drowned at sea. The beach itself is beautiful, with calm and clear waters.

Little Exuma

• Little Exuma Beach: Less crowded than the beaches on Great Exuma, offering a peaceful setting for relaxation and swimming.

• Forbes Hill Beach: Known for its powdery sand and clear waters, it's another less crowded option for those looking to escape and relax.

Exuma Cays

• Big Major Cay: While not a traditional beach for sunbathing, this is the famous "Pig Beach," home to the swimming pigs of the Exumas. It's a must-visit for the unique experience.

• Compass Cay: Known for its nurse sharks, you can swim freely with these creatures who are accustomed to human visitors.

• Saddleback Cay: Featured in the Fyre Festival's promotional material, this private island has seven uninhabited beaches, although you'll need permission and a boat to visit.

• Leaf Cay: A privately-owned island that is home to endangered iguanas. Visitors often come here to feed grapes to these friendly creatures.

• Staniel Cay: This cay is near Thunderball Grotto, a popular snorkeling spot, and also has beautiful beaches of its own.

Top 12 Attractions in The Exumas

The Exumas are known for more than just their breathtaking beaches. They offer a range of attractions that showcase both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the islands. Here are some of the top attractions in the Exumas:

Natural Attractions

• Thunderball Grotto: Located near Staniel Cay, this underwater cave system is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. It was featured in the James Bond film "Thunderball," hence the name.

• Moriah Harbour Cay National Park: This is a great spot for kayaking and exploring various ecosystems, from mangroves to sand dunes and sea grass beds.

• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: Covering 176 square miles, this is a no-take marine reserve where all fishing is prohibited. It's a great place for snorkeling and diving to see preserved marine life.

Animal Encounters

• Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay: While technically located on a beach, the pigs themselves are a major attraction. These friendly creatures swim out to greet boats, looking for a snack.

• Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay: Here, you can swim with nurse sharks in a protected marina. The sharks are generally harmless and used to human interaction.

• Iguanas at Allen's Cay and Leaf Cay: These islands are home to endangered iguanas. You can feed them fruits and snap some photos, but be sure to maintain a respectful distance.

• Stingray Feeding at Stocking Island: Just off Great Exuma, Stocking Island allows you to feed and swim with stingrays in a natural environment.

Historical and Cultural Sites

• George Town: The capital of the Exumas on Great Exuma, this town offers a glimpse into Bahamian culture, with various shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

• Elizabeth Harbour: Located near George Town, it's a famous spot for boaters and yachtsmen and offers a glimpse into the maritime lifestyle of the Exumas.

  
  

Adventure and Activities

• Fishing: Whether it's deep-sea fishing, bonefishing, or fly fishing, the Exumas offer various options for anglers.

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The clear, shallow waters of the Exumas are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, especially around Moriah Harbour Cay National Park and other protected areas.

• Sailing and Yachting: The Exumas are a popular destination for sailing and yachting, with many cays to explore and anchorages to enjoy.