Stunning and mesmerizing – these two words are the perfect description of Exuma, the Bahamas. Exuma is dubbed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet by popular websites, and if you come to visit, it definitely won’t disappoint. It is one of the districts in the Bahamas which is home to more than 365 islands. This small but lovable Bahamas district is popular amongst tourists for holding the yearly Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival. Another thing that makes Exuma unique is that the number of breathtaking nature sites is abundant and spread out well on the island – you’ll never run out of beautiful scenery to take in. Indeed, Exuma is a perfect place to escape from the bustling city life. There will never be a dull moment with so many things to do in Exuma, the Bahamas. We’ve curated the following things to try so be sure to scroll down until the end of the list.
1. Go on a fun-filled group tour at Pig Beach (from USD 438.0)
Pig Beach is legendary for an unusual attraction. This exciting beach at Staniel Cay is found near Big Major Cay. Though uninhabited, there are adorable, absolutely sociable creatures that will greet you and charm you during your stay here. These are about 20 feral pigs and piglets which have been living on the beach since the pirate bay days. Thus, the name Pig Beach was given to this pristine beach by the folks of Exuma. The friendly critters are not the only features to experience on the island. There are freshwater springs, nearby diving spots, and caves to explore, perfect for an adventurous day out.
Full-Day Small-Group Tour to Pig Beach in the Bahamas by Powerboat
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
2. Enjoy a picnic at Cocoplum Beach
Cocoplum Beach is the perfect spot for a family picnic. The beach is made up of smooth, pristine sand, the shoreline is wide, and the water remains shallow for a long distance. There are also facilities that dot the beach where you can enjoy shade for unwinding. If you’d like to collect shells, this is in abundance at Cocoplum Beach as well. Should you feel the need to explore nearby islands, transportation is easily accessible from here, too.
3. Explore pristine beaches at Norman's Cay
Norman’s Cay carries an impressively unspoiled environment with its variety of flora and fauna thriving. It is also surrounded by calm seas and clear water – such that it’s currently being developed as a prime property for real estate. Nevertheless, there are measures to preserve the natural habitat to make sure that it remains a great place to visit. There is a diving spot in Norman’s Cay which features the wreckage of a Curtiss C-46 Commando. This crashed in shallow water at Norman’s Cay during the 1980s. Make sure to spot it and the amazing natural features on your island exploration.
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4. Get lost in the history of Lee Stocking Island
Lee Stocking Island is known as a former host to a marine research facility from 1984 to 2012. This was to study the stromatolites in the waters of Lee Stocking Island. You can also take a dive and see these columns of cyanobacteria, which are able to photosynthesize and produce oxygen and made it possible for complex life to develop on Earth billions of years ago. The old marine research facility is also an interesting place full of old buildings, some big machinery out around the overgrown airstrip, and a supplies warehouse. During low tide, there is also a sandbar that surfaces offshore, a great place to take pictures or simply to kick back for the rest of the day.
Lee Stocking Island
Address: Exuma, Bahamas
Website: Lee Stocking Island
5. Be amazed by marine life at Great Exuma Island
One of the special places in Exuma is found in the Great Exuma area. This is where most tourists find themselves fascinated by the undersea life while snorkeling. You better start early in the morning to make sure you find the right spot to snorkel. You’d want to go to the area around Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park where snorkeling and scuba diving is world-class. Aside from exploring underneath the sea surface, you can opt to windsurf and just enjoy touring the shoreline of Great Exuma.
6. Get souvenirs and more at Sandpiper Arts & Crafts
Posted by Sandpiper Arts & Crafts on Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Sandpiper Arts & Crafts is where you’ll find a treasure trove of not just locally made souvenirs but also books and the artwork you can bring home. It’s a beautiful showcase of the rich history and culture of the islands. There are books that adults will love and books for children, too. There are also spices that the island is known for as well as handmade soaps. Clothing, jewelry, sandals, hats – there’s something here for everyone that they’d love to bring home for keeps.
Sandpiper Arts & Crafts
Address: Queen’s Hwy, George Town 0000, Great Exuma
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
7. Dig into amazing seafood at Santanna's Bar and Grill
Posted by Santanna's Bar and Grill on Thursday, 24 August 2017
After all the diving, snorkeling, and exploring the islands of Exuma, Santanna’s Bar and Grill is the place to just sit down and enjoy great food with friends and family. Santanna’s Bar and Grill has been around since the year 2000 and they have also made the best of local ingredients – turning them into dishes cited by journalists. The most recent recognition is by the New York Times for The Best Lobster category. Book ahead or simply walk in, the folks at Santanna’s Bar and Grill will surely make your stay even more unforgettable.
Santanna's Bar and Grill
Address: Queen’s Highway, Williams Town, Exuma, Bahamas
Website: Santanna’s Bar and Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)
8. Give into cravings at Fish Fry Shacks
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
An adventure to a new place is never complete without trying the local street food fare. Going to Fish Fry Shacks, a local favorite, will be a fun way to try this out surrounded by sand and sea. It’s a group of shacks located on the water’s edge that serve fresh fish and seafood.
Fish Fry Shacks
Address: George Town, Exuma
Opening hours: 1pm - 1am (daily)
9. Stop by St. Christopher's Anglican Church
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Take time to pass by and check out St. Christopher’s Anglican Church. This is a remarkably quaint chapel that was built in the 1800s. It was built from the timber of a shipwreck coming from The Abacos. It bears witness to how the Exuma and the Bahamas evolved through the years.
St. Christopher's Anglican Church
Address: Queen’s Highway, The Ferry, Little Exuma
Website: St. Christopher’s Anglican Church
10. Visit the world-famous Thunderball Grotto
Thunderball Grotto was part of a James Bond movie whose title, “Thunderball” is what the place was named after. This was also part of, “Never Say Never Again”, yet another James Bond film. Its breathtaking beauty and unusually clear water made its mark on the movie viewers, much more so when the Staniel Cay Yacht Club was established here. You should book ahead and make this part of your vacation. It is a perfect spot to take pictures and relish your adventure in Exuma.
Thunderball Grotto
Address: Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas
11. Head to Chat 'n' Chill for their Sunday pig roast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Let your hair down and bring on that bohemian spirit at Chat ‘n’ Chill Sunday pig roast. One of the popular haunts, it’s known for its delectable pig roast as well as the Caribbean cuisine of the islands. They also serve classic trips-to-the beach favorites like barbecues, burgers, and awesome drinks. A great way to end a day of fun in the great outdoors of Exuma.
Chat 'n' Chill
Address: Georgetown, Exuma, Bahamas
Website: Chat ‘n’ Chill
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
12. Get a big catch with Bonefish Stevie
Captain Stevie Ferguson, also known as Bonefish Stevie, will be your friendly and boisterous guide on the details and fun of bonefishing. It’ll be a full day when you embark on this unusual adventure. Stevie will be helping you discover the details of the sport and keep you entertained with stories both from land and sea. He will keep you company as you hook up your first catch. Remember to take a picture with him to remind you later on how you mastered bonefishing on this fun tour. Plan ahead to get your perfect spot.
Bonefish Stevie
Address: Great Exuma, Bahamas
Website: Bonefish Stevie
13. Savor heavenly desserts at Mom's Bakery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Exuma, Bahamas won’t be complete without the homemade desserts from Mom’s Bakery. This establishment has seen several generations of tourists and locals flock to their store and enjoy the heavenly baked goodies. The most popular choice on the menu is the super moist and delicious vanilla rum cake. Momma herself still manages the bakery and welcomes all visitors with her sunshiny disposition. It is another great way to experience the wonderful culture at Exuma.
Mom's Bakery
Address: William’s Town, Little Exuma
Website: Mom’s Bakery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
14. Go to the secret, white-sand Tropic of Cancer Beach
It’s considered as one of the best-kept secrets in Exuma. Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach, is shaped like a crescent of white-powder sand bordering the aquamarine water along the coast of Little Exuma. This is the longest beach on the island, and also one of the most breathtaking in its beauty. You’ll find that this is yet to be discovered by a lot. There is no crowd here that will hamper your time basking under the sun.
Tropic of Cancer Beach
Address: Queen’s Highway, William’s Town, Little Exuma
Website: Tropic of Cancer Beach
Exuma is such an exciting place to visit
With many sorts of interesting things to do in Exuma, The Bahamas, you must be excited by now upon seeing our list. Just make sure to plan your itinerary for a more organized trip. When in Exuma, leave all your day-to-day worries and just have fun. Have a safe trip!
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