The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands and cays, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, strung for about 120 miles (190 km) across the shallow Great Bahama Bank south-east of Nassau. The water here is the stuff of screensavers: every shade from pale aquamarine over white sandbars to deep sapphire in the channels. Great Exuma and Little Exuma in the south hold most of the people, the airport, the resorts and George Town, the laid-back capital on Elizabeth Harbour. To the north, the Exuma Cays are a scatter of tiny islands reached only by boat or small plane: Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first protected marine park in the Bahamas. Come for boat days, snorkeling, sailing, bonefishing and empty beaches. December to May is the best time; June to November is hot, wetter and hurricane season.
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Top tours in Exuma
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Exuma at a glance
- Best for: boat trips through the cays, snorkeling, sailing, the swimming pigs, bonefishing, quiet beaches and slow island life.
- How long: 4 days for George Town and one boat day; a week to add Staniel Cay or a sailing trip.
- Best time: December to May for dry weather and calm seas, with highs of about 79–86 °F (26–30 °C). June to November is hot and hurricane season.
- Getting there: fly to Exuma International Airport (GGT) near George Town, direct from several US cities or via Nassau; small planes fly to Staniel Cay. Bahamas Ferries sails from Nassau.
- Getting around: a rental car on Great and Little Exuma; boats and water taxis everywhere else.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, departure tax and general safety are in our Bahamas travel guide; for US entry rules on the way home, see our United States travel guide.
Exuma’s areas and who each one suits
George Town and Great Exuma
Great Exuma is the largest island, with most of the hotels, Exuma International Airport and George Town, according to the Ministry of Tourism. George Town is a small, friendly harbor town with a straw market, grocery stores, a few bars and restaurants, and a busy anchorage in Elizabeth Harbour, full of visiting sailboats in winter. Across the harbor, Stocking Island has long, empty beaches and the famous beach bar at Volleyball Beach. Best for first-timers who want shops and restaurants close by, and a base for boat trips.
Little Exuma
Linked to Great Exuma by a short bridge, Little Exuma is quieter, with small settlements, the Tropic of Cancer Beach and long stretches of sand. Best for people who want a beach house and a car.
Staniel Cay and the central cays
A tiny island in the middle of the Exuma Cays, with a marina, a yacht club, a small airstrip (TYM) and a few cottages and villas, according to the Ministry of Tourism. It is right next to Thunderball Grotto and a short boat ride from the swimming pigs. Best for boaters, snorkelers and anyone who wants to wake up in the cays.
The northern cays and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Uninhabited or privately owned cays, many with small luxury resorts, and the protected park. Mostly visited by yacht, on charter sailing trips or on day tours from Nassau.
Top things to see in Exuma
Prices and hours below were checked on official sites in October 2026 where they were available; check again before you go.
Big Major Cay: the swimming pigs
The Exumas’ best-known residents live on Big Major Cay, nicknamed Pig Beach, near Staniel Cay. According to the Ministry of Tourism, it all began in the early 1990s with five piglets, and the pigs have grown in number and fame ever since; today they swim out to meet the boats. Visit with a licensed tour operator and follow the guide’s instructions: don’t feed the pigs on the sand (they can swallow sand with food), don’t chase or ride them, keep alcohol and sugary snacks away from them, and keep small children close, as the pigs are big and can bite and nip.
Thunderball Grotto
A hollow limestone islet west of Staniel Cay, with a cave you can swim into at low tide, lit by shafts of sunlight through holes in the roof and full of reef fish, according to the Ministry of Tourism. It appeared in the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again. Go at slack low tide with a guide, as currents can be strong at other times, and don’t touch the coral.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Established in 1958, the park is the first marine reserve in the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, according to the Bahamas National Trust, which runs it. It is a complete no-take zone: no fishing, conching, collecting shells or lobstering of any kind. Park headquarters is on Warderick Wells Cay, with hiking trails, a skeleton of a sperm whale and moorings; boaters pay park and mooring fees, which carry 10% VAT, through the trust’s ParkPay app, and the park does not take mooring reservations. Most day visitors see the park on boat tours or charter sailing trips.
Stocking Island and Elizabeth Harbour
A long, thin island sheltering George Town’s harbor, a 10-minute water taxi ride away, with powdery beaches on both sides, a hilltop monument with views of the harbor and the Atlantic, and Volleyball Beach, where stingrays glide in the shallows. Elizabeth Harbour hosts the National Family Island Regatta every April, when traditional Bahamian wooden sloops race, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
More to see
- Tropic of Cancer Beach (Little Exuma): a curving white beach near the line of the Tropic of Cancer.
- Compass Cay: a marina where nurse sharks gather in the shallows; swim only on a guided visit.
- Allen Cays: home of the rare, protected Allen Cays rock iguana; look but don’t feed.
- The sandbars: shallow white sandbars that appear at low tide, a classic stop on boat tours.
- Staniel Cay Yacht Club: the social hub of the central cays, with nurse sharks under the dock.
Other things to do in Exuma
Boat days and sailing
A full-day boat trip from George Town or Staniel Cay is the essential Exuma experience: the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, the sandbars, Compass Cay’s nurse sharks and iguana islands in one long, sun-drenched day. Book with an established operator, check that the boat carries life jackets and a radio, and expect a bumpy ride if the wind is up. Bareboat and crewed sailing charters are popular in winter and spring.
Snorkeling and diving
Snorkeling is excellent at Thunderball Grotto, around the park’s reefs, on the coral heads off Stocking Island and from many beaches. Dive operators in George Town run dives to reefs, walls and blue holes. Respect the park’s no-take rules everywhere, never stand on coral, and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
Bonefishing and fishing
The flats around Great and Little Exuma are known for bonefishing, with local guides. Visiting anglers need a Bahamas flats fishing license for fishing on the flats, which your guide can usually arrange; fishing is banned inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Beach safety and sargassum
Most Exuma beaches are shallow and calm on the western (bank) side, and more exposed on the eastern (Exuma Sound and Atlantic) side, where waves and currents can be strong. There are no lifeguards. Tidal currents in channels between cays can be powerful, so snorkel near slack tide and with a guide. Sargassum seaweed drifts through the region mainly from spring to late summer, and east-facing Atlantic beaches catch the most; according to the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch, 2026 is at least the second-largest sargassum year on record, though amounts were falling in September. The calm, west-facing beaches and sandbars are usually clear.
Day trips and onward travel
Exuma by day from Nassau
Short on time? Full-day tours from Nassau visit the cays by speedboat or by small plane. See our Nassau travel guide.
Long Island and the southern islands
South-east of Exuma, Long Island has Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the deepest blue holes in the world, and quiet beaches; it was hit by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, so check that the hotel you want has reopened. Flights connect via Nassau.
Nearby destinations
- Nassau198 km
- Paradise Island198 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Exuma International Airport (GGT) is on Great Exuma, about 10 miles (16 km) north of George Town, and is the main gateway, with direct flights from several US cities, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and Bahamasair flights from Nassau of about 40 minutes. Staniel Cay (TYM) has a small airstrip for charter and small scheduled flights, mostly from Nassau and Florida. If you fly home to the US via Nassau, you clear US immigration and customs at Nassau airport’s preclearance facility; direct flights from Exuma to the US clear US border control on arrival in the US.
By ferry and mailboat
Bahamas Ferries sails from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau to Exuma and has an office there; services are slower and less frequent than to Eleuthera, so check schedules. Government mailboats also carry passengers and cargo to George Town and the cays, slowly and cheaply, often overnight.
On Great and Little Exuma
Rent a car to explore Great and Little Exuma; there are no public buses, and taxis are expensive over long distances. Drive on the left on a single main road, the Queen’s Highway, watching for potholes, goats and narrow bridges. Water taxis cross Elizabeth Harbour to Stocking Island.
In the cays
There are no roads in the Exuma Cays: get around by boat, rented skiff (with experience), water taxi or small plane. Golf carts are the main transport on Staniel Cay.
When to go and how long to stay
The Exumas are warm all year, a little warmer and drier than Nassau, with cooler, breezy winters and hot, humid summers. There is no official 1991–2020 climate summary for an Exuma station, so the table uses the nearest official one: the WMO normals for Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, about 140 miles (225 km) north-west, submitted by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. Expect similar or slightly higher temperatures and a little less rain in the Exumas.
| Season | Average high / low (Nassau) | Rainy days per month (Nassau) | What it’s like in Exuma | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 79–80 °F (26–27 °C) / 65–67 °F (18–20 °C) | 5–7 | Dry and sunny; cold fronts bring windy days and choppy crossings | Sailing season, beaches, peak prices |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 81–86 °F (27–30 °C) / 66–72 °F (19–22 °C) | 6–10 | Warm, calm and clear; the best boat-day weather | Snorkeling, boat tours, the April regatta |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 89–91 °F (32–33 °C) / 76–77 °F (24–25 °C) | 15–18 | Hot, humid, very calm seas between short storms | Diving, fishing, lower rates |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 90 °F falling to 83 °F (32 to 28 °C) / 76 °F falling to 70 °F (25 to 21 °C) | 17 in September, 9 in November | Peak hurricane season; some businesses close in September and October | Deals, with flexible bookings |
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa crossed the south-eastern Bahamas, making landfall on Long Island and San Salvador, according to the NHC’s report on the storm; the Exumas, to the north-west, were not directly hit. As of early October 2026, the 2026 season had produced eight tropical storms and no hurricanes, according to the NHC. Small islands have limited shelter and services, so follow the Bahamas Department of Meteorology and leave early if a storm threatens. Buy travel insurance that covers hurricanes.
How long to stay: 4, 5 and 7 days
4 days: day one, settle into George Town and Stocking Island by water taxi; day two, a full-day boat tour through the cays (pigs, Thunderball Grotto, sandbars, Compass Cay); day three, drive Great and Little Exuma to the Tropic of Cancer Beach; day four, snorkel or kayak off your hotel’s beach.
5 days: add a bonefishing morning or a dive. 7 days: split the week between George Town and Staniel Cay, or charter a sailboat through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Where to stay in Exuma and the hotel tax
- George Town and Great Exuma: small hotels, beach resorts and the largest choice of villas and rentals.
- Little Exuma: beach houses and small inns, for privacy.
- Staniel Cay: marina cottages and villas in the heart of the cays.
- Private-island resorts in the cays: very expensive, reached by boat or seaplane.
The Exumas are expensive: almost everything is shipped in, and choice is limited in high season, so book early for Christmas, March and the April regatta. According to the Department of Inland Revenue, VAT is charged at the standard rate of 10%, and it applies to hotel rooms and villa rentals as of October 2026. Resorts may add service charges and resort fees; check the total price before you book.
Practical tips for Exuma
- Bring cash: ATMs are few, mostly in George Town, and small businesses and water taxis prefer cash in US or Bahamian dollars.
- Groceries: stock up in George Town; shops on the cays are small and depend on supply boats.
- Boat days: leave early, carry water, and check the wind forecast; calm days are best.
- Respect the wildlife: don’t feed pigs on the sand, touch sharks or feed iguanas, and never take anything from the park.
- Off-season closures: some restaurants and hotels close in September and October.
- Emergencies: call 919 or 911; serious cases are flown to Nassau, so carry travel insurance with evacuation cover.
What to pack for Exuma
Pack for boats and beaches: swimwear, a rash vest, a wide-brimmed hat that ties on, polarized sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen and a waterproof dry bag. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you like a good fit, water shoes, a light windproof jacket for fast boat rides, insect repellent for sandflies at dusk, and seasickness tablets. Add any medicines you need, as pharmacies are limited, a power bank, and US dollars in small notes.
Exuma travel FAQ
How do I get to Exuma?
Fly to Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma, direct from several US cities or via Nassau (about 40 minutes). Bahamas Ferries and mailboats also sail from Nassau, more slowly.
Where are the swimming pigs in Exuma?
On Big Major Cay, called Pig Beach, near Staniel Cay in the central Exuma Cays. Visit on a licensed boat tour from George Town, Staniel Cay or Nassau.
Can you feed the swimming pigs?
Only as your guide directs, and never on the sand, which the pigs can swallow. Don’t give them alcohol or junk food, and keep children close, as the pigs can bite.
How many islands are in the Exumas?
365, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, in three areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the Exuma Cays.
Is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park free?
Day visitors on tours usually have any fees covered by the operator. Boaters pay park and mooring fees through the Bahamas National Trust, plus 10% VAT. The park is a complete no-take zone.
When is the best time to visit Exuma?
December to May, for dry weather and calm seas; April and May are often ideal. September and October are the peak of hurricane season, and some businesses close.
Do I need a car in Exuma?
On Great and Little Exuma, yes, if you want to explore; there are no buses. In the cays, you get around by boat or golf cart.
What is Thunderball Grotto?
A limestone cave near Staniel Cay that you can swim into at low tide, full of fish and lit through holes in the roof. It appeared in two James Bond films. Go with a guide at slack tide.
What is the hotel tax in Exuma?
Hotel rooms and rentals carry 10% VAT, as of October 2026. Some resorts add service charges and resort fees on top.
Was Exuma affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Not directly. Melissa made landfall on Long Island and San Salvador, south-east of the Exumas, in late October 2025, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. The number of islands, Great Exuma, George Town and the airport, Staniel Cay’s airstrip, the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, the park’s founding and the regatta from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com); park rules, fees and moorings from the Bahamas National Trust; ferries from Bahamas Ferries; VAT from the Department of Inland Revenue; US preclearance from US Customs and Border Protection; hurricane season, Hurricane Melissa and the 2026 season from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; sargassum from the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch; climate from the WMO 1991–2020 normals for Nassau’s airport, the nearest official station. Airport distances, flight routes, pig-feeding guidance, Compass Cay, the Allen Cays iguanas, fishing licenses and closures are general references flagged for checking. Prices and schedules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules and money, see our Bahamas travel guide; for US rules on the way home, see our United States travel guide.
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