Emerald Bay

The crescent white sand beach of Emerald Bay is as prominent as it’s unique turquoise water color. With two of Great Exuma’s largest Beach Resorts and close proximity to the Exuma International Airport, Emerald Bay is a favorite for people who want a Big Resort vacation.

While many places in the Caribbean let you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, no place does that better than Emerald Bay Bahamas. Considered by many to be one of the top beaches in the world, Emerald Bay is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts, including Emerald Bay Sandals and Grand Isle Exuma. 

In between getting pampered, visitors to Emerald Bay can also enjoy the surrounding area. Located on Great Exuma, the largest island in the 365-island district of Exuma, the region around Emerald Bay is full of different sites and attractions. From the famous Swimming Pigs to snorkeling and diving at Stocking Island, the Exumas are a can’t-miss part of the archipelago. 

While boat travel is convenient in some instances, traveling by plane is often the better option. Air travel gets you from one destination to the next efficiently and without delay. Depending on where you’re looking to travel, you can even look into signing up for day trips, then returning to your original destination that same evening. From the Exuma Pigs to Harbour Island, there are many day tours you’ll want to consider embarking on. 

Emerald Bay Bahamas: The Best of Tropical Luxury 

Getting in

While the Exumas, in general, are more isolated than other parts of the country, Emerald Bay Bahamas is one of the most accessible places in the archipelago. Great Exuma, the island it’s on, is home to an international airport that’s just minutes away from the beach. 

While the airport isn’t massive, it still manages to accommodate flights from several domestic and international locations. Whether you’re looking to reach Emerald Bay from Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, or even farther places, like Atlanta and Toronto, you can hop on a direct flight and reach the island. 

The Exuma International Airport also makes it easy to then travel to other places in the country. After staying at one of the Emerald Bay Bahamas resorts, consider hopping up to Staniel Cay, another island in the Exuma with an airport. From there, travelers can see the Exuma Pigs and many other fantastic sites. 

The Beach

Unsurprisingly, the highlight of Emerald Bay Bahamas is, of course, the beach itself. Even if you’re someone who’s traveled to beautiful beaches across the world, don’t be surprised if Emerald Bay takes your breath away. 

The area’s name comes from the unique color of water found in the surrounding areas. This translucent, azure water is so vivid that astronauts can identify it from space. Combined with the palm trees behind you and the soft sand under your feet, the bay is a feast for the senses. 

Besides hanging out on and walking along the beach, the waters around Emerald Bay are also worth exploring. They’re teeming with marine life, making them perfect for anyone looking to go snorkeling or diving. On nearby Stocking Island, there’s even a blue hole that you can visit. Other popular water sports in the area include kayaking and swimming. 

Grand Isle Resort Bahamas 

While you can enjoy a day trip to Emerald Bay Bahamas, you’ll probably want to stay for at least a night or two. The island is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the country, and you’d be remiss not to sample all the amenities they offer.

Many consider the Grand Isle Resort Bahamas to be the paragon of luxury. Guests at the resort have 78 different villas to choose from, as well as several beachside restaurants and infinity pools to enjoy once they’re there. Guests can also order grocery packages in advance, ensuring that their villas have all the foods they want once they arrive. If you choose to stay there, you’ll also have your own Grand Isle Exuma golf cart, ensuring you’re never stuck wondering how to get out and explore. 

All of those amenities (and many others) make the Grand Isle Resort Bahamas a top-tier resort that’s worth checking out – even if it’s just for a night.      

Emerald Bay Sandals Resort 

Another luxury resort situated right on the beach is Emerald Bay Sandals. As anyone who’s stayed at one of the chain’s resorts can attest to, Sandals properties offer some of the most upscale accommodations and amenities in the world.

At the couple’s only Emerald Bay Bahamas, it’s no different. Guests get to choose between several accommodation options. While the more basic choices will satisfy almost any traveler, the more expensive options come with amenities like personal butlers. 

If you look at the pricing for Emerald Bay Sandals, it might seem a bit (or extremely, depending on your budget) expensive. However, keep in mind that the resort is all-inclusive. You pay a larger amount initially, but after that, provided you take advantage of the amenities present, you more than get your money’s worth. Not having to worry about paying for food, drinks, or excursions is one of the biggest draws of Emerald Bay Sandals. 

But even if the resort wasn’t all-inclusive, the amenities offered would still make the prices worthwhile. From its 11 restaurants and six bars to its three swimming pools and championship golf course (more on that below), you’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer hotel property. Just remember to try and set aside a day to explore the region on a day trip. 

Emerald Golf Course

While the beach may have put Emerald Bay Bahamas on the map, it’s now famous for another attraction: golfing. Today, golf pros from around the world visit the bay to put their skills to the test. Whether you yourself are a pro, an amateur, or somewhere in between, you’ll also find playing at the Emerald Golf Course enjoyable. 

Designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, the 18-hole championship Emerald Golf Course is more challenging than many expect. That said, even if you are a complete beginner, you won’t ever feel out of place. If nothing else, the course is the perfect spot to gaze at the incredible views surrounding you. With each hole offering a new vista of the sparkling bay, keep your phone on you to snap pictures as you play. 

The first nine holes of the Emerald Golf Course take you through mangroves and palm trees towering over sand dunes. The second half leads you along the rugged, exquisite peninsula of the bay. 

Even if you’re not an avid golfer, a visit to the Emerald Bay Bahamas course is still worthwhile. 

From One Tropical Paradise to the Next 

Emerald Bay Bahamas is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest destinations in the country. With its snow-white sand and translucent emerald water, it’s impossible not to be impressed with the staggering natural beauty around you. 

While staying at Grand Isle Resort Bahamas or Emerald Bay Sandals is a great idea, remember that the Bahamas is an archipelago with 700 amazing islands. Ensure you give yourself time to sample some of the other sites in the country, as well. 

Whether you’re hoping to swim with the Exuma Pigs on Pig Beach or relax on Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, flying by plane is the best way to travel. Island hopping by plane is so efficient that you can even sign up for day trips to specific destinations. 

Sign up for a Bahamas day trip today and bring your dream vacation to life! 

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