Gah! You’ll love the sparkling waters and sun-soaked sands of the Exumas Bahamas! This stunning chain of islands is a fabulous Caribbean getaway, and I’m thrilled to share why you should pack your bags for this paradise. Here are 10 reasons to visit Exuma Bahamas!
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As a beach lover, I can truly say this part of the Bahamas is one of the best in the Caribbean for beaches! Having visited other Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rico, Aruba, Turks and Caicos and St. Croix, the Exumas are right up there with one of the best Caribbean getaways!
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Anyway, let’s dive into the list of reasons you’ll love the Exumas!
Why you should visit Exuma Bahamas!
I could go on for dayssss…but here are 10 reasons you’ll love these islands.
👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s one of the top tours in the Exumas – Great Exuma ATV Tour! And the best news about this tour is that there are no unethical animal experiences!
1. Unspoiled Beaches
Beaches, beaches and more beaches! But more than that, the white sand beaches are so pristine in the Exumas!
I love that the Exumas are established for tourism but not over commercialized. So you won’t see mega-hotels along every beach. Instead, you’ll find natural coastlines that will quite literally make you swoon!
Check out this guide for the best beaches in the Exumas for my favorites!
2. Laid back vibe
Get ready for Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley vibes when visiting Exuma Bahamas! An island without stop lights, night clubs or heavy traffic, it’s all about the laid back vibe here!
The locals are on island time, businesses seem to open and close when they want (Google’s hours aren’t always correct 😉) and everyone is just in a great mood.
If you want a party town, beach cocktail service or endless restaurant options, this is not the place for you. But if you want to hang out, relax and just soak in the island, you’ve found your place!
3. 365 Islands and Cays
With so many islands and cays to explore, you can literally find a new adventure every day. There are actually 365 islands and cays that make up the Exumas!
Great Exuma and Little Exuma are where you’ll find most of the action. Accommodations, businesses and restaurants are on those islands, which are connected to each other by a bridge.
When you visit Exuma Bahamas, boat tours will take you to some of the other islands to explore. And if you’re really feeling up for it, you can rent a boat and go see more islands for yourself!
4. Stunning teal water (one of the top reasons for visiting Exuma Bahamas!)
Okay, okay, I know the beautiful beaches was mentioned in #1 above. But I cannot in a right mind create a list of what Exuma is known for without listing the gorgeous turquoise waters!
Clear and oh so pretty, these waters will have you falling in love with the Exumas!
Most of the Caribbean has such gorgeous water. But for some reason it seems more translucent and teal here. It’s truly spectacular!
5. Find adventure on this gorgeous island
A fun Caribbean activity, my husband and I love to rent UTVs whenever we can. This Great Exuma ATV tour is perfect for finding some adventure, and new parts of the island you may not have seen otherwise!
Explore hidden beaches, sandbars, historical sites and even a pirate cave. What a fun way to spend the day while vacationing in the Exumas!
6. Luxury or budget friendly
Craving luxury? Check out the Grand Isle Resort & Residences, which is beach-front and everything you’ll want in a beach getaway.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly, find a VRBO or place with a kitchen to reduce restaurant costs, too. A great idea on your visit Exuma Bahamas!
Of course there’s mid-range hotels too. For a small island, there really are quite a few options. If you’re particular or planing to travel with a group, I’d recommend booking as far in advance as possible for best pricing and availability!
And if you’re wondering, “is Exuma Bahamas expensive?” – the question is yes! Especially food and accommodations. Just an honest opinion for planning your trip to The Bahamas.
7. Views, views, views
Can’t stop, won’t stop talking about the views from the Exumas! From the islands dotting the horizon on Tropic of Cancer Beach to the cove of Pretty Molly Beach, the views of the coastline and water are stunning.
If you like to enjoy a cocktail or dinner with your view, be sure to check out Moss Town Beach or Santanna’s Bar and Grill!
8. Sandbars haven when you visit Exuma Bahamas
One of my favorite thing about a vacation in The Bahamas is the endless sandbars! You’ll likely visit one during a boat tour, or you can drive to the end of Great Exuma during low tide and explore Exuma Point Beach.
Check out this tides chart to plan your trip and explore the sandbars when visiting Exumas Bahamas!
9. Starfish galore
Okay, okay. This takes a bit of luck, and maybe even a boat tour! The marine life in the Exumas is simply amazing. Starfish, sting rays, sand dollars, and so much more.
Grab a boat ride to Starfish Beach, or get lucky at low tide and find the starfish at Exuma Point Beach or CocoPlum Beach.
Note: remember to never actually take starfish out of the water. They can’t breathe! If you want to see them, leave them be or hold them close to the surface. My husband and I actually rescued a few on sandbars and returned them to deeper water while visiting Exuma Bahamas.
10. Photographer’s dream
I seriously cannot create this list without saying. Whether you’re into nature photography or just want some amazing family photos, Exumas is the place for you.
As a drone photographer, I absolutely loved photographing in The Bahamas! After jumping through the process to fly a drone in the Bahamas, I found the pristine beaches to be even more beautiful from an aerial perspective!
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🚫Swimming with the pigs (what Exuma is known for)
Did you notice how I didn’t mention one of the top things Exuma is known for? Swimming with the pigs is a popular tour whether you’re staying on the island or taking a day trip from Nassau.
However, I’m a huge advocate for ethical animal tourism. Based on my research, I did not find a single tour in all the Exumas that included truly wild animals, not in captivity, or not used for the sake of tourism.
I was frustrated by this, because based on what I’ve seen online and via social media, I assumed some of the pigs were wild. Based on the reviews I read, most of them seem to be on some sort of “farm” or locked up until the tourists come by.
There are other tours for nurse sharks and rays, too. So just consider how and where you spend your money when you travel!
Beach essentials: Exuma Bahamas travel guide
Before wrapping up this guide to visit Exuma Bahamas, here are a few packing recommendations for a vacation. These items will help your trip go smoothly!
- Reef safe sunblock – protect the ocean creatures while you enjoy the water, in The Bahamas and all other beaches.
- Dry bag. Keep your phone or other electronics dry while you’re on the beach! I have this dry bag in orange.
- Beach hat. Protect your face from the harsh sun – it’s so strong here!
- Rash guard. Perfect for swimming or protecting your shoulders and back from the sun. They even make cute rash guards in one-piece suits now, too. I wore a few during my time on the islands!
- Beach towel with hidden pocket. Perfect for keys or money, this quick-drying beach towel has a zipper pocket that’s just the right size for your valuables. And bonus – you can use it as a blanket on the plane, too!
- Underwater GoPro. Snap photos of yourself, fish, sea turtles and more as you explore the underwater world on these islands. Don’t forget the float strap. 🙂 This GoPro has gone with me to Puerto Rico, the best beaches in Thailand and so many more destinations!
- Travel drone. For the most epic vacation photos, a drone is an amazing option! Just be sure to learn how to fly responsibly, and review this guide to flying a drone in The Bahamas before going to fly legally.
Visit Exuma Bahamas – that’s a wrap!
So, are you ready for an amazing trip to the Caribbean? From gorgeous beaches to fun adventures, Exumas might just be the perfect next vacation for you!
Have fun, be safe and respectful to the islands and the locals!
Related content you’ll love:
Best Exuma Beaches: 7 Stunning Spots in the Bahamas You Gotta See
Can You Fly a Drone in The Bahamas? EXACTLY What You Need to Know (Personal Experience Included)
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