Discover the Exumas, in the Bahamas

An idyllic paradise located just 56 kilometres southeast of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, the Exumas offer an unparalleled paradise in the heart of the archipelago. With more than 700 islands and islets, and 16 unique island destinations, the Caribbean country provides the perfect trip for those who want to get away from the daily routine to relax and enjoy themselves in the midst of nature.

Divided into three main areas, Great Exuma, Little Exuma and Exuma Cays, the Exumas offer a wide variety of experiences for all types of travelers. From secluded beaches with turquoise and sapphire waters to vibrant wildlife, don't hesitate: every corner of the Exumas promises an unforgettable adventure! Among the most famous attractions are the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, the underwater cavern Thunderball Grotto and the historic stromatolites of Stocking Island.

The Exumas have a rich history that includes periods as a salt mining colony, a haven for pirates, and cotton production. The island was first settled by the Lucayan Indians and later by the Spanish in the 16th century. During the American Revolution, European legalists and landowners established cotton plantations, most notably John Rolle, who freed his slaves and granted them land. One

thing that is striking about the Exumas is that there are no traffic lights. This is in keeping with the pace of destiny. Another curiosity of the island is that it hosts several sailing competitions, including the prestigious National Family Island Regatta.

To add to your itinerary!
Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, from sailing, fishing, and diving to exploring underwater caves and historic shipwrecks. Points of interest include:

Big Major Cay: This is the official home of the swimming pigs, a place where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the most famous four-legged animals in the Exumas.

Thunderball Grotto: An underwater cave located west of Staniel Cay, this famous grotto offers snorkelling, scuba diving and exotic marine life. It was used as a location for scenes from the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never.

The Straw Market: This traditional market consists of a series of stalls along George Town’s main street. It offers a wide variety of handicrafts, including handbags, straw hats and more.

Stocking Island: A boat trip from Elizabeth Harbour takes you to this island, which is best known for being the perfect place to stroll along the beach and relax completely. Stromatolites, the oldest known macrofossils on Earth, can be found on the beaches on the Atlantic side of the island.

The Austin Smith Wreck: Popular with scuba divers from around the world, this imposing shipwreck is home to a huge living coral reef.

Allen's Cay Iguana: This is one of the few places where you can still find these scary-looking but very friendly lizards. 

Tropic of Cancer Beach: Also known as Pelican Beach, this white sand beach is the longest in Little Exuma and is named after the meridian line (Tropic of Cancer) that runs through it.

To complement this paradise experience, the Exumas boast a range of luxury accommodations, such as the Grand Isle Resort & Residences, with beautifully designed, tranquil villas that are an ideal choice for romantic getaways or family vacations.

The charming Peace & Plenty Resort, located in the heart of George Town, offers an authentic Bahamian experience with stunning views of Port Elizabeth. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a hidden gem in the Exuma Cays, a perfect private island retreat with 14 intimate bungalows and a full-service marina. While Augusta Bay is a boutique beachfront resort with spacious suites and private balconies, ideal for those seeking luxury and casual elegance.

And finally, we can't forget to mention Sandals Emerald Bay, which closed its doors on August 15 to undergo a comprehensive transformation that will bring the Beaches Resorts brand to The Bahamas. The same dreamy beach and the same spectacular golf course will reopen for the whole family! The new Beaches Exuma will be the first Beaches in The Bahamas, officially becoming the first all-inclusive family property in the Exumas.

We will be providing more information soon with the news of the all-inclusive hotels in The Bahamas.

The Exumas, with their unspoiled beauty and diversity of experiences, are the perfect destination for those seeking a combination of adventure, relaxation and luxury. And it can be reached via Exuma International Airport (GGT), the island’s main arrival and departure point, making it easy to access this tropical paradise that awaits you. So pack your bags and get ready to discover and be enchanted by the best that The Bahamas has to offer.

The island fits perfectly with the concept of “Barefoot Luxury”, offering an elegant and comfortable luxury experience, but without the ostentation and artifice that is sometimes associated with traditional luxury. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful and immersive natural environment on these islands, combined with top quality services in a calm and relaxing environment, and they often have a “shoes off” policy (hence the barefoot concept), allowing for a more direct connection with nature.