Are you thinking about signing up for an Exuma tour? An Exuma excursion from Nassau is the best way to meet the Swimming Pigs on Big Major Cay.
However, while the pigs are a highlight of such a trip, they’re not all you get to see on tours in Exuma.
Below we’ve highlighted all seven of the attractions you can look forward to seeing on a Nassau to Exuma day trip that travels by plane.
Exuma Tour: 7 Nassau to Exuma Day Trip Attractions
Keep reading to find out more!
1. Staniel Cay
Many travelers in Nassau sign up for boat tours Exuma Bahamas from the capital. However, air travel is the best way to enjoy an Exuma tour as it’s faster, more comfortable, and offers incredible views.
When you fly from Nassau (or Miami), you’ll arrive at Staniel Cay, an island near Pig Island. Home to a regional airport, many know the island as the Gateway to Exuma.
After landing, you’ll then switch over to boat tours Exuma Bahamas to explore the area.
On tours in Exuma that travel by plane, you’ll also enjoy lunch on the beautiful island before returning to your original destination.
2. Big Major Cay (Pig Island)
The Swimming Pigs live on Big Major Cay in Exuma.
Officially known as Big Major Cay, Pig Island (as many call it) is home to the world-famous Swimming Pigs.
Inhabiting an island without people, nobody knows for certain how the Swimming Pigs arrived at their island home. However, they’ve lived there for decades and have become accustomed to visitors over the years.
Today, you can look forward to feeding the pigs, swimming alongside them, and exploring their island home on an Exuma tour from Nassau.
3. Compass Cay
Another island you’ll stop by on your Exuma tour is Compass Cay Marina. The owner of the island’s marina is a shark lover, and over the years, he’s managed to “tame” a school of nurse sharks.
These sharks have resided in the waters by the dock for years, helping the island become one of the best places to go swimming with sharks.
Whether you choose to float amongst the docile animals or just want to observe them from the docks, the visit to Compass Cay is many travelers’ favorite stop on an Exuma from Nassau trip.
4. Beautiful Sandbars
The sandbars at Pipe Creek are one of the most beautiful attractions you’ll see.
Pipe Creek sand bar is one of the prettiest destinations you’ll see on your Exuma tour. Home to pristine sandbars, the site resembles something out of a postcard.
At low tide, you can traverse these sandbars, soaking up the tapestry of blues and greens around you.
When you visit the Pipe Creek sandbars, there’s a good chance you’ll have the entire area to yourself.
5. Thunderball Grotto
Home to both natural beauty and Hollywood history, Thunderball Grotto is a system of underwater caves in Exuma. The site was a filming location for the James Bond film Thunderball.
Besides appreciating the superspy connection on your Exuma tour, Thunderball Grotto is an excellent snorkeling destination. When doing so, there’s a chance of seeing:
- Tropical fish
- Coral
- Bahamian lobster
- Sea turtles
- Other marine animals
The best time to visit Thunderball Grotto depends on tidal levels. If the water is too high, you won’t be able to enter the system without diving equipment.
The attraction is another popular favorite on an Exuma excursion.
6. Bitter Guana Cay (Iguana Island)
Staniel Cay boat tours Exuma Bahamas take you to Iguana Island.
Much of the Bahamas is home to threatened and endangered plants and animals, and on the island of Bitter Guana Cay, you can see one such species.
The northern Bahamian rock iguana calls the island home, leading many to refer to the location as Iguana Island.
On your visit to Bitter Guana Cay, you’ll see the colorful lizards creep out of the island’s vegetation as your boat moors nearby.
You shouldn’t touch or feed the lizards, but seeing them on the beach of their stunning island is another highlight of an Exuma excursion.
7. An Underwater Plane Wreck
The Bahamas is home to several underwater plane wrecks, many of which are in the warm Exuma Cay waters.
On your Exuma tour from Nassau or Miami, you’ll stop by one of these near Staniel Cay.
Having crashed decades ago, the vessel has become a home for marine life in the years since. Today, it’s a home for coral, fish, and other marine species.
As the water around the plane is comparatively shallow, it’s another great snorkeling destination. It’s easy to swim down and observe the plane up close, unlike some of the other wrecks in the area.
Exuma Tour: Sign up for an Exuma from Nassau Excursion
When you sign up for a Nassau to Exuma day trip, you’ll get to see several amazing attractions. These include the Swimming Pigs, nurse sharks, iguanas, and much more.
Just make sure to book an Exuma tour that travels by plane. Air travel is the best way to traverse the Bahamian archipelago.
Contact us today to learn more about tours in Exuma!
