Exuma
Everything you need to know before you go.
Exuma is a massive chain of over 360 islands and cays stretching about 130 miles. The vibe is centered on boating and seclusion. Most of the islands are privately owned, so you will spend most of your time on Great Exuma, Little Exuma, or hopping between smaller spots like Staniel Cay and Norman's Cay. If you want total isolation, there is Musha Cay, a super-exclusive resort that only takes one group of up to 20 guests at a time.
This destination is perfect for sailors and divers since it is a major recreational cruising route. You can fly into the airport on Great Exuma from cities like Miami or Atlanta, then rent a car in George Town to see the main islands. Just remember that they drive on the left side of the road there. If you want to explore further, you will need a boat charter or your own yacht to reach places like Black Point on Great Guana Cay.
You should visit Thunderball Grotto, which is a natural cave where James Bond was filmed. You have to swim through a rock opening to get inside. Another great spot is the Exuma National Land and Sea Park near the northern end of the chain, specifically Shroud Cay, where you can find stingrays and sea turtles in mangrove channels. For a quick trip, take the water taxi from Peace and Plenty Restaurant in Georgetown Harbour over to Stocking Island.
Sightseeing Norman's Cay plane wreck - Snorkel around a crashed cargo plane in the lagoon that is tied to local legends about Carlos Lehder. $X, 2h. Pig Beach - Visit a sandy beach near Staniel Cay to see hungry pigs if you find farm animals on a beach amusing. $X, 1h.
Food & Drink Chat and Chill - A spot to grab food and drinks located at The Point on Stocking Island. $X, 2h.
Outdoor Nature Thunderball Grotto - Swim through a rocky opening into a natural cave filled with tropical fish near Staniel Cay. $X, 2h. Exuma National Land and Sea Park - Explore Shroud Cay's mangrove channels for sea turtles or hike the beaches of Hawksbill Cay. $X, 4h. Compass Cay Marina - Swim with nurse sharks in a controlled environment. $10, 1h. Iguana Beaches - Get close to Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas on the western shore of Bitter Guana Cay. $X, 1h. Stocking Island Hiking - Walk over 10 km of marked trails or climb Monument hill for views over George Town. $X, 3h.
Day Trips Saddleback Cay - Take a one day trip from Nassau to visit Half Moon Beach and see giant nurse sharks. $190, 8h.
Here are some spots to stay and eat in Exuma based on what I know.
Budget Staniel Cay Yacht Club - Staniel Cay. $145 to $255 per night. A solid, straightforward option for those staying on the cay. Hideaways At Palm Bay (Studio Villa) - Georgetown. Prices vary by villa size. It is close to the airport and George Town.
Mid-range Hideaways At Palm Bay (Multi-bedroom Villa) - Georgetown. Prices vary by villa size. These have full or partial kitchens and beachside access. Staniel Cay Yacht Club (Premium Room) - Staniel Cay. $145 to $255 per night. Good for a simple island base.
Luxury Fowl Cay - Private Island Resort. Roughly $1,135 to $2,084 per night (based on weekly rates). It is a private island experience. Hideaways At Palm Bay (Hillside Villa) - Georgetown. Prices vary by villa size. These offer better views of the area.
Restaurants Chat and Chill (Local/Beach) - Stocking Island. Try the Garlic Coleslaw here. Farmer's Cay Yacht Club (Island Fare) - Northern Exumas. This is a locally run spot best for people with their own boats. George Town Waterfront (Various) - George Town. Most of the town's dining options are concentrated here. Black Point Eateries (Local) - Black Point. One of the few towns where you can actually find food.
If you are heading to Exuma, your best bet is flying directly into Great Exuma. It has the only airport in the islands. You can find flights there from Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Nassau.
Flight costs from major US cities vary by season but generally range from $400 to $800 round trip. If you land in Nassau instead, you can take a speedboat to the northernmost islands, which takes less than an hour.
Once you land at the Great Exuma airport, you are about 10 miles north of George Town, the main settlement. You can rent a car right at the airport or in George Town. You will need a US or international driver's license. Keep in mind that they drive on the left side of the road here. You can request a specific wheel configuration for your rental car depending on what is available.
If you do not want to drive, taxis are the standard way to get into George Town. A trip from the airport to town usually costs between $30 and $50. There is no public transit or train system in Exuma.
To see more than just Great Exuma and Little Exuma, you have to get on the water. You can rent a boat in George Town or at the airport. For the other islands in the chain, you will need a private aircraft, a tour charter, or your own sailboat. Since it is a major cruising route, many people just bring their own yachts.
Since the reference data doesn't list specific monthly weather patterns or festivals, I will rely on general knowledge for the timing while using the provided details for what to actually do once you get there.
Peak Season (December to April) This is when most people visit because the weather is mild and dry. It is the best time for sailing through the Exuma chain or taking a speedboat from Nassau to the northern islands. Expect higher prices for boat rentals in George Town and more crowds at spots like Pig Beach near Staniel Cay. Temperatures usually hover between 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit.
Sweet Spot (May to October) If you want lower prices and fewer people, this is your window. The weather is hotter and more humid, with temperatures often in the high 80s or 90s. It is a great time for bonefishing on the flats of Great Exuma and Little Exuma or deep sea fishing for wahoo and yellowfin tuna in the Exuma Sound. Just be mindful that this period overlaps with hurricane season.
Months to Avoid (August to October) The peak of hurricane season makes these months risky. While you can still find great deals on flights into Great Exuma, there is a higher chance of storms disrupting your boat charters or water taxi trips from Georgetown Harbour to Stocking Island.
Practical Tips for Your Trip If you visit during the peak, book your car rental at the airport early. Remember that they drive on the left side of the road here.
For activities, don't spend a fortune on tours just for Pig Beach. Instead, use your time to visit Thunderball Grotto or snorkel the plane wreck at Norman's Cay. If you want to swim with nurse sharks, Compass Cay Marina is a controlled option starting at $10 per person, which is safer than doing it at your own risk at Staniel Cay Marina. For a day trip from Nassau, Saddleback Cay is an option for about $190 per person.