Crystal blue water, pillowy soft white sand, and a quiet local vibe make Exuma one of the best vacation spots in the Caribbean. You’re rewarded with Bahama blue water without all the crowds you’d find in Nassau! Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Exuma, Bahamas!
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Getting to Exuma
The Georgetown Airport (GGT) is TINY, so there aren’t a ton of flights in and out. I was able to fly direct to Georgetown from Atlanta, but you might need to fly into Nassau first, then take a short 40 minute domestic flight into Georgetown!
Getting Around Exuma
Exuma is a fairly small island with no public transportation. There are a few independent taxi services, but they’re not very numerous on the island so it’s pretty much essential to rent a car here! With that being said, please note that the roads in Exuma are quite rough, and they drive on the left side of the road.
Since Exuma is a very small island, you won’t find big car rental companies here. We rented our vehicle from Airport Car Rental, which seems to be the most reliable on the island – pretty much all the locals recommend them. We were a bit wary after our tire blew our very first night, but they delivered us a new car within an hour of us calling without any hassle or extra charges. Unfortunately after speaking with some locals, tires blow quite frequently due to how rough the roads are.
Where to Stay in Exuma
I recommend staying on Great Exuma somewhat near the Georgetown area. Georgetown is where you will find the supermarkets, gas station, etc. This is also close to the dock that will take you to neighboring islands!
We stayed in the most INCREDIBLE overwater bungalow at Gota Villas. They do have a few on-land villas as well if staying on top of the water isn’t your thing! Our bungalow was complete with a dreamy king-sized bed, kitchenette, and most importantly – a patio with steps leading directly into the water. I would stay here a million more times!
If you want more of the resort feel, I’ve heard good things about Sandals Emerald Bay. However, we really wanted the local experience that is so unique to Exuma!
Things to Do in Exuma
Visit Stocking Island
A short boat ride away from Georgetown, Stocking Island is one of the most popular attractions on Exuma. Just about every local you meet will ask if you’ve visited yet! Stocking Island is popular for two things: Starfish Beach, and Chat n’ Chill.
Starfish Beach is a pristine white beach known for being home to many starfish! There’s a little beach bar serving up bahama mamas and piña coladas, a cute swing set for snapping pics, and some beach chairs and umbrellas you can relax in for the day. We loved Starfish beach and I wish we would’ve spent more time here!
Chat n’ Chill beach bar is famous for their Sunday pig roast and delicious food and drinks. This was my favorite Bahama mama we had the whole week! There’s so much to do here: volleyball, rent kayaks/paddleboards, and of course – lounge on the beach. I found Starfish beach prettier, but Chat n’ Chill definitely has more to do!
Getting to Stocking Island
Head to the Exuma Government Dock and hop on an A1 Water Taxi or Elvis Water Taxi to the island! Starfish Beach and Chat n’ Chill are on different areas of the island, but the water taxis can take you to both. Our trip from Exuma > Starfish Beach > Chat n’ Chill > back to Exuma was $50 per person.
Chat N’ Chill
Swim with the Pigs and the Nurse Sharks
One of the most famous things to do in Exuma! We booked a trip with Coastline Adventures Exuma, who took us on a full day trip around the cays! They offer both private and open tours. The trip was AMAZING. We swam with the pigs at Pig Beach and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, snorkeled in the Thunderball Grotto and over the plane wreckage at Staniel Cay, all before heading to a sandbar to enjoy some fresh conch and cocktails!
See the Sea Turtles at Hooper's Bay
Full disclosure – I visited Hooper’s Bay twice in attempts to the sea turtles and was disappointed both times. However, plenty of people have gotten to see the turtles here, and it’s a beautiful beach whether you catch them or not! When you arrive to the public access, you’ll head down a (kind of sketchy) ramp towards the beach. Once you get to the beach, turn right towards the docks. From what I’ve read, the turtles like to hang out around the docks!
Visit Little Exuma
Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by a short bridge, and it’s even more remote than Great Exuma! It’s about a 30-40 minute drive depending on where you’re staying on Great Exuma. There’s several beautiful and empty beaches here that are worth the trip down.
TROPIC OF CANCER | A long stretch of beach with gorgeous white sand and bright blue water. There’s a little beach bar serving drinks when you get thirsty after a swim!
FORBES HILL | One of the quietest beaches on the island, and a bit of a secret. There’s a dog who lives nearby and likes to hang out on the beach, and I absolutely fell in love with him. (I also almost took him back home with me before finding out he actually had a loving family and was not a stray).
Forbes Hill
Where to Eat
As much as I would recommend Exuma for the beaches, I wouldn’t recommend it for the food. We had quite a few mediocre meals here, but here’s a few spots that we absolutely loved!
Shirley's Seafood
A really casual, local spot. If you sit on their patio you can actually see them out farming the conch that you’ll be eating! Their seafood po’ boy and conch fritters were mouthwateringly delicious!
Rusty Anchor
An upscale restaurant located inside the February Point Estates. Get the seafood pasta to share – it’s huge and it’s divine. Probably our favorite meal in Exuma!
Blu on the Water
A gorgeous restaurant with tons of outdoor seating and event space. Try their bang bang conch!