Great Exuma and Georgetown

The largest of the Exumas islands, Great Exuma, is a fantastic vacation destination. The only Exuma island with direct international flights and large Resort properties makes it both accessible and easy to plan a vacation to. Discover the wealth of beautiful spots to uncover on Great Exuma island;

Whether they realize it or not, when most people think of their dream vacation, they end up thinking of something reminiscent of Great Exuma Bahamas. With picturesque beaches, crystal clear water, and unbeatable weather, Exuma Island Bahamas is one of the many destinations in the country you won’t want to pass up on.

Great Exuma island is in the district of Exuma, a chain of 365 islands that stretch south below the capital, Nassau. Besides housing all the requirements for a dream tropical vacation, the Exumas also boast many unique sites, including the famous Swimming Pigs on Pig Island. 

They also epitomize the easiest way to traverse the region and the whole country, in general: by plane. By flying from one island to the next, you can easily see a host of attractions that would otherwise be inaccessible or difficult to reach. As air travel saves time, it also makes it possible to enjoy Bahamas day trips. Whether you’re looking to travel from Nassau or even Miami, air travel makes it easier to go anywhere in the country. 

Great Exuma Bahamas: What to Do in Exumas 

Georgetown

Georgetown is the capital of the Exumas and, with a population of around 2,500 full-time residents, is one of the largest cities in the region. Like much of the rest of the country, Georgetown has a fascinating history that stretches back hundreds of years. 

In the 17th century, pirates used the deep waters around the harbor in Georgetown Exuma as one of their bases of operation. In the 18th century, plantation aristocrats from Virginia and the Carolinas came to Great Exuma Bahamas, some of them being British loyalists who sought to flee the American Revolution. 

Today, you can find all sorts of shops and restaurants that make Georgetown Exuma an enjoyable place to visit. From the outdoor straw market to poolside parties and live music, the area offers plenty to do. While it’s much quieter than other destinations in the Bahamas, like Nassau, you’ll also never be bored. Especially after spending some time on the nearby beaches! 

The Exuma international airport is also close by. Its presence makes it easy to get into Georgetown Exuma and then leave once you’re ready to explore the rest of the country. 

Hooper’s Bay

If you’re looking for places to interact with the local wildlife, Hooper’s Bay is one of the best places in Great Exuma Bahamas to do it. Located right near Georgetown, Hooper’s Bay is a must-visit site for anyone looking to see sea turtles. 

In the shallow, turquoise waters bordering the beach, you’re almost guaranteed to see turtles swimming around. While you should refrain from feeding them, seeing the beautiful animals and swimming near them will be an unforgettable experience, regardless. 

Besides turtles, Hooper’s Bay is another stunning beach near Georgetown Exuma. Travelers will find it the ideal destination to kick back, relax, and enjoy their time in the beautiful Bahamas. 

Emerald Bay

If Great Exuma Bahamas is a shining necklace, Emerald Bay might be the brightest jewel on it. Named after the translucent emerald waters that caress the area, Emerald Bay is one of the top beaches in the region. Anyone wondering what to do in Exumas should stop by for a visit. 

To take full advantage of Emerald Bay, you’ll need to stay at Sandals Resort. This all-inclusive establishment covers an area of 500 acres. Besides offering prime access to the private beach, staying at Sandals also lets you enjoy all of its 5-star amenities. From 11 restaurants to multiple pools, you’ll find yourself hard-pressed to feel bored at the resort, no matter how long you end up staying. 

Golf-lovers will also be pleased to know that the resort features an excellent course. Designed by golf champion Greg Norman, the course is both breathtaking and challenging. Lessons are available for beginners, while pros will find that the strong breezes offer quite the challenge.

Stocking Island

Located just off the port of Georgetown Exuma is another island worth visiting: Stocking Island. While it may serve as a barrier, protecting Great Exuma Bahamas from rougher ocean waters, Stocking Island is much more than a geographic shelter. It’s another top contender for the prettiest Exuma Island Bahamas. 

If you’re someone who enjoys hiking, you’ll find Stocking Island to be a paradise in more ways than one. The island is full of all sorts of trails that cross through different terrains, from hidden coves and salt flats to sand dunes and dry rainforests. While you should certainly explore, make sure you don’t leave anything but footprints behind. The island is a pristine paradise, and it needs to remain so.

Besides hiking opportunities, Stocking Island also features the gorgeous beaches that make Great Exuma Bahamas famous. In the waters off of these beaches, you’ll find a whole world of marine life, making the area fantastic for snorkeling and diving. When you’re ready to call it a day, stop by Chat ‘N’ Chill for delicious food and refreshing drinks. 

All of that makes Stocking Island a fantastic answer for anyone wondering what to do in Exumas.  

Swimming Pigs in Exuma Cays 

The Georgetown Exuma international airport may be a popular destination to fly into, but it’s not the only airport in the district. Travelers can also fly into Staniel Cay, a nearby island in the Exumas. Doing so is the easiest way to see the famous Exuma Pigs. 

Located on Big Major Cay, a small island in the vicinity of Staniel Cay, the Swimming Pigs have become one of the most popular attractions in the Bahamas. Today, visitors come from across the world to see the famous pigs on their island home.

What makes the Exuma Pigs even more interesting is that no one knows exactly how they arrived at Big Major Cay in the first place. Some locals believe they were shipwrecked and swam to shore, while others will tell you that farmers brought them to the island and never returned to pick them up.

Regardless of how they got there years ago, today, you’ll find the pigs to be friendly and another one of the highlights of the Great Exuma Bahamas region. 

Little Exuma

If you drive south along Queen’s Highway, you’ll reach a bridge. Crossing it will take you from Great Exuma Bahamas to Little Exuma. While the islands of the Exumas are renowned for vividly colored water, Little Exuma features some of the brightest in the world. 

Savvy tourists aren’t the only ones who’ve realized this – Hollywood has too. Franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean have used Little Exuma as a filming location. When the cameras weren’t rolling, actors Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom were said to be huge fans of the island as well. 

Besides lounging on stunning beaches like Tropic of Cancer Beach, visitors to Little Exuma can also explore plantation ruins, an eerie salt lake, and the romantic destination of Williams Town. 

Great Exuma Island Bahamas: A Recipe for Paradise

When you envision paradise, odds are you think of something close to Great Exuma Bahamas. Because of that, ensure that you visit the island and the surrounding areas on your Bahamas vacation. 

Whether you’re looking to swim with the Exuma Pigs or explore other islands in the country, air travel makes it easy to get from Great Exuma Island Bahamas to just about anywhere else. 

Sign up for a day trip today to enjoy all the country has to offer!  

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