Many travelers to the Bahamas stick around Nassau and New Providence Island. And, while the nation’s capital certainly has a lot to offer, the country has 700 unique islands — all of which are worth a visit. That’s why taking a Nassau to Exuma day trip is such a good idea.
Curious about some of the sites you’ll see on Exuma excursions from Nassau? Here’s what to expect on a Nassau to Exuma day trip.
What to Expect on a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip
Getting to the Exumas
The Exumas are around 80 miles to the south of Nassau. Many travel companies that offer Exuma excursions take visitors there by boat, and while that might sound like a straightforward option, it often ends up being more trouble than it’s worth.
Boats that take people on day trips from Nassau to Exuma are often full of people. On top of being crowded, the journey can also be uncomfortable; the open water can be rough, causing many people to experience seasickness. Likewise, on days when the sea is particularly rough, companies often end up canceling Exuma excursions altogether.
The journey is also several hours long, wasting a good chunk of your afternoon and limiting the number of activities you can do on your Nassau to Exuma day trip!
A Smoother Alternative: Fly from Nassau to Exuma
An easier way to enjoy Exuma excursions from Nassau is by flying in the air. Doing so gets you in a fraction of the time — around 30 minutes — giving you more time to make the most of the stunning region.
You also get to enjoy a smoother, more personal experience. There are no throngs of people or rough waves taking away from your tour. You get a guaranteed window seat and the option to travel privately or with a small group of other travelers.
Air travel is the best way to enjoy Exuma excursions from Nassau.
7 Sites to See on Day Trips From Nassau to Exuma
1. Staniel Cay
If you choose to participate in a Nassau to Exuma day trip by plane, your first stop will be the island of Staniel Cay. From there, a boat will take you around to the other sites in the region.
That said, while Staniel Cay serves as a convenient travel hub (including to the famous island with pigs), it has plenty of fun attractions as well. The local Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers delicious food, access to the local marina, and the opportunity to stay at the famous over-water villas.
2. Exuma Pig Beach
The highlight of any Nassau to Exuma day trip is, of course, the chance to see the famous Bahamas swimming pigs on a Pig Island tour. Officially known as Big Major Cay, Pig Island Bahamas features several dozen feral pigs and piglets, as well as a couple of cats and goats.
A Nassau to Pig Beach trip lets you see the remarkable and friendly animals up close. Besides admiring the Bahamas swimming pigs from the boat, a Pig Island tour to Exuma Pig Beach even lets you hop in the water to swim alongside them!
See the famous Bahamas swimming pigs on a Pig Island tour.
3. Bahamian Rock Iguanas
Besides pigs and sharks, a Nassau to Pig Beach excursion also gives you the chance to see endangered iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay.
With a wild population of less than 5,000 wild animals, the Bahamian rock iguana is one of the rarest animals in the world. Bitter Guana Cay is the perfect place to see them, as well as to appreciate the stunning beauty of the Exumas.
4. Thunderball Grotto
If you’re interested in exploring some of the amazing underwater life of the Bahamas, a stop at Thunderball Grotto on your Nassau to Exuma day trip is the place to do it.
Located just to the west of Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto features an underwater cave system that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It was also the set for a James Bond film!
5. Nurse Sharks
The island with pigs is the highlight of any Nassau to Pig Beach tour, but it’s not the only highlight. Another attraction that many people love is the nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
The sharks at Compass Cay are one of the highlights of a Nassau to Exuma day trip.
After the local marina owner formed a bond with a school of nurse sharks, they’ve since stuck around the nearby waters, multiplying in the process. Today, there are several dozen sharks to see and even jump in the water with, if you feel up to it!
6. Plane Wreck
Another great snorkeling spot is the Exuma plane wreck. The plane belonged to the Colombian cartel and crashed into the blue waters when the drug smuggling empire was at its peak.
Today, it’s a great spot to marvel at history and admire the marine life that now occupies the wreck.
7. Sand Bar
The Bahamas are famous for soft, powdery sand, with Pipe Creek being the perfect place to appreciate it up close.
This stunning sand bar is best visited during low tide and offers spectacular views of the nearby islands. Make sure to bring a quality camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of the water as it recedes.
Book a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip Today
If you’re interested in seeing the Exuma Pigs, nurse sharks, endangered iguanas, and all the other sites mentioned, don’t delay in booking a Nassau to Exuma day trip, with our top rated Exuma Tour from Nassau by Plane today. Flying by plane gives you all the time you need to soak up all the stunning attractions.
Looking for an Exuma Adventure from a starting location that is not Nassau? Then have a look at our Exuma Tours from Miami and Georgetown Great Exuma. Reach out to us today to get started!
