Discover 6 of the best of Great Exuma Things to Do in and around Great Exuma, Stocking Island, Little Exuma, and beyond. Welcome to Great Exuma, the Gem of the Southern Bahamas
Tucked away in the southern stretch of the Bahamian archipelago, the Exumas are a chain of 365 islands that embody tropical perfection. This dazzling destination is divided into three main areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Each offers something unique, but for first-time visitors, the base for exploration is almost always Great Exuma.
Great Exuma is the largest island in the chain and home to the capital, Georgetown. With a laid-back charm, stunning beaches, and a hub for excursions, it serves as the perfect starting point. Connected to Little Exuma by a bridge and surrounded by tiny cays, this island opens the door to endless adventures.
Welcome to Exuma Bahamas
Travelers can fly directly into Exuma International Airport (GGT), just minutes from Georgetown. Direct flights from Nassau, Miami, and Atlanta make it accessible yet still blissfully uncrowded.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a mix of charming boutique hotels, beachfront villas, and all-inclusive resorts. Whether you’re here for relaxation or adventure, Great Exuma has it all.
From snorkeling coral reefs to meeting iguanas and pigs on remote islands, the activities are as breathtaking as the scenery. To help you plan, we’ve compiled the top great exuma things to do. These curated experiences will take you from the shores of Stocking Island to the remote reaches of the Exuma Cays.
Let’s dive into the very best that Great Exuma and its neighboring islands have to offer.
1. Full or Half-Day Tour to the Surrounding Islands
One of the most exciting great exuma things to do is to take a boat tour to the nearby cays. Departing from Georgetown or Barraterre, these tours showcase the pristine beauty of the Exuma archipelago.
Choose from a half-day visit to the Great Exuma pigs near Barraterre or a full-day adventure reaching as far as Big Major Cay.
On the half-day tour, you’ll meet friendly pigs lounging on a beach, visit Leaf Cay to see endangered iguanas, and cruise turquoise waters dotted with sandbars.
Great Exuma things to do at Leaf Cay, visit the Bahamian Rock Iguanas
For a full-day experience, head north to the famous swimming pigs a Pig Beach, snorkel a sunken plane wreck, and swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo explorer, these tours are unforgettable. It’s the ultimate way to explore hidden gems and wildlife. Book online here:
2. Visit Stocking Island
Just a short water taxi ride across Elizabeth Harbour from Georgetown lies Stocking Island, a favorite retreat for both locals and travelers. The island is best known for its chill beach bar, Chat ‘N’ Chill, where you can feast on grilled conch and sip rum punch with your toes in the sand.
Stocking Island and the Chat n Chill restaurant bar
But Stocking Island offers more than lazy beach days. Follow the clifftop trail to the Monument, a stone obelisk offering panoramic views over turquoise waters and coral shallows. Along the way, you may spot stingrays or sea turtles gliding through the bay.
The combination of nature, food, and fun makes a trip to Stocking Island one of the must-do great exuma things to do. Plan to spend a full afternoon here relaxing, hiking, and maybe even joining in a game of beach volleyball.
Whether you’re here to socialize or simply soak up the sun, Stocking Island is unforgettable.
3. Kayaking through Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Adventure meets tranquility when you paddle through the mangrove creeks and lagoons of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. Located between Great and Little Exuma, this protected area is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s a peaceful place filled with marine life, seabirds, and untouched beaches.
Moriah Harbour National Park
The calm waters make it beginner-friendly, and rentals or guided eco-tours are available from local operators in Georgetown. As you paddle through winding channels, keep an eye out for juvenile fish, baby sharks, and even sea turtles. The surrounding mangroves are a crucial habitat and make you feel like you’re inside a secret world.
This is one of the best great exuma things to do for nature lovers. It’s active, yet serene. Adventurous, yet safe. And entirely off the beaten path.
You can also stop at sandbars along the way to take a dip or enjoy a beach picnic. Just don’t forget your waterproof camera.
4. Tropic of Cancer Beach
Arguably the most beautiful beach on the island, Tropic of Cancer Beach is located on Little Exuma, a short drive from Georgetown. Known for its crescent-shaped bay and powdery white sand, it’s the longest beach on the island and a perfect place to relax.
This iconic beach is named after the latitude line that cuts across it, marked by a small blue sign. It’s a quiet escape with clear, calm water — ideal for swimming, shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sun.
Unlike more commercial beaches, Tropic of Cancer has no resorts or crowds. It’s just natural beauty, pure and untouched. Visiting here is definitely one of the top great exuma things to do.
Bring a picnic, some drinks, and spend a few hours in absolute paradise. The views are postcard-perfect, and the solitude is hard to beat. Make sure to visit on a sunny afternoon for the best color in the water.
5. Emerald Bay
If you’re staying near Emerald Bay, you’re in for a treat. This upscale area is home to a stretch of peaceful beaches, a deepwater marina, and the luxurious Beaches Emerald Bay Resort (Formerly “Sandals”). Even if you’re not staying at the resort, the area is worth exploring.
Grand Isle Resort and Emerald Bay Golf Course.
The beach here is wide, pristine, and backed by palm trees and soft dunes. It’s ideal for sunbathing, strolling, or swimming in calm surf. You can also play golf at the championship Greg Norman-designed course nearby.
For a more laid-back day, walk the marina to see stunning yachts or dine at a waterfront café. The vibe here is refined but welcoming, and it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day exploring.
Emerald Bay offers another side of island life and is high on the list of great exuma things to do for those seeking relaxation with a touch of luxury.
6. Full-Day Tour to the Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay
No visit to Exuma is complete without seeing the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. While these pigs live farther north in the Exuma Cays, the best way to reach them from Great Exuma is by booking a full-day tour from Georgetown.
Original Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay Pig Beach
This action-packed tour includes visits to multiple attractions: the swimming pigs, iguanas at Leaf Cay, the plane wreck, sandbars, and nurse sharks at Compass Cay. The pigs swim out to your boat, eager to greet you and pose for photos.
These animals are world-famous for a reason, and swimming with them is an experience unlike any other. They’ve been featured in travel magazines, on TV, and in viral videos. Now, you can see them for yourself.
If you’re picking only one activity from our list of great exuma things to do, make it this one. Book your full-day tour here.
Plan Your Perfect Exuma Escape
From kayaking through mangroves to lounging at Chat ‘N’ Chill, there are countless great exuma things to do. The island is bursting with nature, history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring by land or sea, Great Exuma offers a diverse and unforgettable experience.
For the best way to discover the highlights, book a tour with us departing from Georgetown. Choose from half-day tours to nearby islands or full-day excursions to the Exuma Cays. Every journey is guided by experts who know these islands inside and out.
Ready to start planning? Visit our Exuma destination guides for travel tips and browse our detailed Exuma Islands map to plan your perfect itinerary.
The Exumas are calling — and your tropical escape begins on Great Exuma.
