Exuma Cays Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Things to Do, Prices & Local Tips

1. Why Visit the Exuma Cays

The Exuma Cays are a chain of over 365 islands and cays in the Bahamas, famous for their unreal turquoise water, powdery white sand, and untouched natural beauty. This is one of the most photogenic destinations in the Caribbean — often described as having the clearest water on Earth.

The Exumas offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, from island-hopping and snorkeling to secluded beaches and luxury villas.

The Exuma Cays are ideal for:

Beach and island lovers
Couples and honeymoons
Adventure travelers
Yacht and boat enthusiasts
Luxury and nature-focused vacations

If you dream of empty beaches, shallow sandbars, and crystal-clear lagoons — the Exuma Cays are unmatched.

2. Best Time to Visit the Exuma Cays

The best time to visit the Exuma Cays is during the dry season from December to April.

Season	Months	Weather	Notes
High Season	Dec–Apr	Sunny, dry	Best weather, higher prices
Shoulder Season	May–Jun & Nov	Warm, fewer tourists	Good deals
Low Season	Jul–Oct	Hot, humid, rain	Cheapest prices, hurricane risk

Best months: February to April
Tip: Visit early morning for the calmest water and best colors.

3. How to Get to the Exuma Cays

Most travelers fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma Island.

Getting There:

Direct flights from Nassau, Miami, Atlanta, and seasonal US cities
From GGT, access the cays via:
- Boat tours
- Water taxis
- Private charters

Island-hopping is essential — many highlights are only reachable by boat.

4. Best Areas to Stay in the Exumas

Area	Best For	What to Expect
Great Exuma	First-time visitors	Hotels, airport access
Stocking Island	Adventure & beaches	Beach bars, snorkeling
Staniel Cay	Iconic attractions	Swimming pigs, caves
Private Cays	Luxury travelers	Seclusion, villas

Recommendation:
Stay on Great Exuma for convenience, then explore the cays by boat.

5. Best Things to Do in the Exuma Cays

1) Swim with the Pigs (Big Major Cay)

The Exumas’ most famous attraction — friendly pigs swimming in shallow water.

2) Snorkeling & Diving

Explore coral reefs, blue holes, and vibrant marine life.

3) Thunderball Grotto

A stunning sea cave featured in James Bond films.

4) Sandbars & Beach Hopping

Walk on sandbars surrounded by turquoise water.

5) Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Perfect in shallow, calm lagoons.

6. Best Beaches in the Exuma Cays

Beach	Features	Notes
Tropic of Cancer Beach	Long, pristine	Great Exuma
Coco Plum Beach	Shallow, calm	Sandbars
Stocking Island Beaches	Snorkeling	Accessible by boat
Pig Beach	Unique experience	Big Major Cay

Insider Tip:
Visit sandbars at low tide for walking on water.

7. Where to Eat: Local Food Guide

Dining is simple, fresh, and seafood-focused.

Must-Try Dishes:

Conch salad
Grilled lobster (seasonal)
Fried snapper
Bahamian peas & rice

Popular Spots:

Chat ’N’ Chill (Stocking Island)
Santana’s Bar & Grill
Big D’s Conch Spot

8. Nightlife & Entertainment

The Exumas are quiet and relaxed.

Beach bars with live music
Sunset drinks by the water
Bonfires and stargazing

If you want nightlife, stay near Great Exuma or Nassau.

9. Prices & Budget

Estimated average daily budget (per person):

Traveler Type	Budget/Day	Notes
Budget	$90–130 USD	Guesthouses
Mid-range	$180–300 USD	Hotels, boat tours
Luxury	$500–1,500+ USD	Villas, charters

Typical Costs:

Boat tour: $150–350 USD
Snorkeling tour: $50–100 USD
Local meal: $12–20 USD
Car rental: $60–90 USD/day

10. Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Great Exuma beaches → Sunset at Tropic of Cancer Beach
Day 2: Boat tour: pigs → Thunderball Grotto → sandbars
Day 3: Stocking Island → snorkeling → Chat ’N’ Chill