Gah! Are you ready for an adventure in the sun-soaked paradise of the Exumas, Bahamas? This stunning archipelago is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, each with its own unique charm. From hidden coves to expansive coastlines, you’ll fall in love with these Exuma beaches!
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Just a short flight from Nassau, the Exumas are a chain of over 365 islands and cays, with pristine landscapes to explore. From the turquoise waters and incredibly powdery white sand beaches, the natural beauty of the Exumas is almost surreal.
While the Exumas are comprised of hundreds of islands, most of them are only accessible via private boat or tour. The most common places to visit – and stay – are Great Exuma and Little Exuma, which are connected by a bridge.
So that’s where we’re focusing this guide to the best beaches Exuma has to offer!
👉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!
Exuma beach map
If you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you plan your trip and visit some of the best beaches in the Bahamas!
Note: because this is a small island chain, some of the destinations you’ll visit don’t have official names on a map, or they are marked with the nearest landmark so you know where to go and park!
Best Exuma beaches
Here’s a preview of all the beaches on the list. Details about why each beach was chosen for this list is yet to come…
- Tropic of Cancer Beach
- Exuma Point Beach
- Pretty Molly Beach
- Cocoplum Beach
- Hooper’s Bay
- Emerald Bay Beach
- Moss Town Beach
Ok – let’s get to this list of the best Exuma beaches that you simply can’t miss!
1. Tropic of Cancer Beach
Amenities: food only
Parking: along the road near the entrance to the beach
Kicking off this list with a bang! Located on Little Exuma, Tropic of Cancer Beach is the longest beach on Little Exuma and is simply stunning. The beach is named after the Tropic of Cancer meridian line that crosses right through it, adding a little geographical magic to your visit!
With its gorgeous white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to swim, sunbathe, or snap the perfect beach photo. It’s also the perfect place to fly a drone in the Bahamas for epic photos!
Tropic of Cancer Beach has great vibes, and truly an island feel!
This beach has plenty of room for everyone, making it a great spot for families. And if you’re seeking a little more privacy and less crowds, walk further away from the entrance down the beach to find it!
While there aren’t many amenities here, you’ll want to bring beach chairs and an umbrella if you have them. There’s a little bit of shade near the entrance if you can snag a spot.
Note: my husband and I were eaten alive by no-see-ums at this beach. Plan to bring bug repellent and apply it after you get out of the water, especially at dusk and dawn. We later found that this bug lotion works like magic for the little pests!
2. Exuma Point Beach
Amenities: none
Parking: along the road (drive to the point)
Exuma Point Beach is where the locals go, and it’s a great place to experience sandbars without a pricey tour. Located at the tip of Great Exuma, it’s one of the most unique spots on this list of the best Exuma Bahamas beaches!
Pro tip: look up low tide for the day you plan to visit. You’ll experience extremely shallow water and you can walk really far out into the bay. It’s also great if you’re traveling with young kids since the water is so shallow.
To actually swim here go during high tide or walk further out. It’s a fun area to explore the sand, and try to find starfish. My husband and I saw about a dozen of them while we enjoyed Exuma Point Beach
3. Pretty Molly Beach (my favorite on this list of best beaches Exuma)
Amenities: none
Parking: some parking in the alley near the entrance – more on the street
One of the most underrated spots in the Exumas, Pretty Molly Beach is located in Little Exuma. This picturesque beach reminds me of Leeward Beach, one of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos for its low crowds and stunning sights!
There are actually two beaches within the cove area, one a little more shallow than the other. Complete with super fine, white sand, the whole vibe of Pretty Molly Beach is super laid back and casual.
There’s a little shade, so if you arrive at a decent time you shouldn’t need to bring chairs or an umbrella.
Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, pack everything you might need—like snacks, water, and sunblock because you won’t find any nearby!
4. Cocoplum Beach
Amenities: food only
Parking: plentiful (after driving a rough road to get there)
Welcome to Cocoplum Beach, literally what dreams are made of! A stunning spot in Great Exuma, this beach is famous for the Cocoplum Beach Club, which is really just a restaurant on the beach.
But it’s literal perfection for a care-free day on the beach. Grab a cocktail or lunch and you’re in paradise!
Pro tip: bring cash for food and drinks! The nice owners serve sandwiches, fries and it’s probably one of the cheapest places for lunch on the island!
The shallow waters here are not only beautiful but also home to numerous sandbars that appear and disappear with the tides. It’s also a great spot kiteboarding – or even watching them!
5. Hooper’s Bay (one of the most fun Exuma Bahamas beaches!)
Amenities: none
Parking: use GPS to get to “Hooper’s Bay Beach Access” where you’ll find some free, public parking spots
Hooper’s Bay is one of the best spots if you’re looking to spot some sea turtles in their natural habitat. The bay’s clear waters make turtle sightings quite common, and it’s so fun to see in real life! Just remember to be respectful of (all) wildlife and keep your distance. Do not touch them, either.
Hooper’s Bay is on Great Exuma and is centrally located, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere on the island. It’s one of the best Exuma beaches for swimming, too.
Grab your beach chairs, a picnic lunch and enjoy the water at Hooper’s Bay!
6. Emerald Bay Beach
Amenities: none
Parking: at the east end of the bay – navigate to Bahama Mama’s Jewelry and Gifts
This spot is a must see, even if it doesn’t have an official name. I’m calling it the Emerald Bay Beach, even though technically Emerald Bay covers a larger area just a bit northwest of this beach.
It’s a gorgeous beach, great for photography or jumping waves! With no amenities nearby, the beach is quiet with just a small souvenir shop near the parking area. Along the other end of the beach and cove are resorts.
Note: there was quite a bit of trash and plastic when I visited this beach. Just a reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle when possible!♻️
7. Moss Town Beach
Amenities: food, restrooms at the restaurant
Parking: plenty
Last but definitely not least, we have Moss Town Beach near Tim’s on the Bay. This spot is unique because it’s not just a beach but also a great place to enjoy some local cuisine right on the water.
The beach is beautiful, and the food is even better. If you want a cocktail to enjoy the beach, ask for a plastic cup as a takeaway, and just bring it back when you’re finished. Enjoying a meal here as you look out over the ocean is a perfect way to spend the evening!
The beach itself isn’t as shallow as most other spots on the island, making it great for watching the waves more than swimming. Don’t forget the picardin lotion for no-see-ums at dusk!
Don’t forget these beach essentials!
Before wrapping up this guide, here are a few packing recommendations for a vacation to the Exumas and these gorgeous beaches. These items will help your trip go smoothly!
- Reef safe sunblock – protect the ocean creatures while you enjoy the water, in The Bahamas and everywhere else.
- 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 Caribbean sun – it’s so strong!
- 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 – it doubles 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.
Remember, most of these beaches don’t have much for amenities, so packing your beach bag before heading out is important.
Best beaches Exuma, Bahamas
There you have it! The best Exuma Bahamas beaches, each with its own special allure.
Whether you’re heading to the islands for the first time on a family on vacation, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a girls trip, these beaches offer something for everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your flip-flops, and get ready for an unforgettable beach adventure in the heart of the Bahamas!
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