Day Trips & Excursions: Exumas

Nearby Destinations

The chain of Exuma Cays provides the most popular and rewarding day trips from Great Exuma. Full-day boat tours often visit a selection of these iconic spots.

Popular Exuma Cays Stops

Big Major Cay (Pig Beach): Famous for the swimming pigs.
Thunderball Grotto (Staniel Cay): A stunning snorkeling cave.
Allen Cay: Home to the friendly Bahamian Rock Iguanas.
Compass Cay: Known for its docile nurse sharks.
Pipe Creek/Sandbars: Offers vast, shallow areas with incredible sandbars.
Norman's Cay Plane Wreck: A sunken plane wreck, a snorkeling site.

Natural Escapes

The Exumas offer incredible opportunities for immersion in pristine natural environments.

Protected Areas

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area within the Exuma Cays, accessible by boat. It features pristine snorkeling, diving, and nature observation.

Park Guidelines

No fishing or collecting of shells or coral.
No anchoring on coral.
Support conservation through donations or merchandise.

Scenic Views

Salt Water Creek on Great Exuma is a tidal creek and mangrove system that provides a tranquil setting for kayaking and birdwatching.

Other Natural Wonders

Moriah Harbour Cay National Park: Preserves mangroves and seagrass beds.
Ocean vistas: Breathtaking views contrasting deep blue and turquoise waters.
Quiet, secluded beaches: Found by driving along Queen's Highway.

Seasonal Highlights

Unique Occurrences

Bioluminescence: Occasionally observed in calm, dark bays at night.
Stingray Aggregation: Regular on Stocking Island, especially around Chat 'N' Chill.
No Mountains: The Exumas are low-lying islands.
Rural Areas: Not agricultural hubs, but charming residential communities.

Tour & Travel Planning

Exuma Cays Tour: A full day (8-9 hours), departing early morning.
Stocking Island: Half-day to full-day, enjoy beach bar and stingrays.
Little Exuma: Half-day to full-day by car for leisurely exploration.
Rental Car: Most flexible option for exploring Little Exuma.

Travel Timings & Logistics

Exuma Cays Tour:Full Day (8-9 hours)
Stocking Island:Half to Full Day
Little Exuma:Half to Full Day
Water Taxi to Stocking Island:Regularly departs from Georgetown

Organized Tour (Cays):Hassle-free, efficient, cost-effective
Private Charter (Cays):Flexible, personalized, more expensive
Little Exuma Travel:Rental car or taxi
Flight to Staniel Cay:Reduces Exuma Cays boat travel time

Consider a Day Trip

Discover the Exumas' hidden gems with ease. Explore available boat tours and excursions to the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and more. Find Exuma Day Trips on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

While natural beauty dominates, cultural excursions offer a glimpse into Exuma's heritage.

Historical Sites

The Hermitage Estate on Little Exuma provides insight into the plantation era.

Local Settlements

Drive through charming residential communities to experience local life.

Pilgrimage Sites

No prominent pilgrimage sites; religious sites are mainly local churches.

Local Craft Support

Support local artisans by purchasing their handmade goods, helping to preserve traditional crafts.

Interacting with Locals

A polite "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" is always appreciated.
Bahamians are generally friendly and open.
Local dialect has a distinct accent and unique phrases.

Community Experience

Religious Observances

The Bahamas is a religious country.
Be respectful of religious beliefs and practices.
Modest attire recommended for churches.

Cultural subtleties

Greeting Customs:Polite greetings are valued.

Appropriate Attire:Cover-ups outside beach areas.

Dining Practices:Embrace a relaxed pace.

Tipping:15-20% customary (check for service charge).

Photography:Ask permission, especially for people.

Sensitive Topics:Avoid politics unless invited.

Deepen Your Cultural Experience

Engage with locals at straw markets.
Try authentic Bahamian dishes.
Visit historical sites like Hermitage Estate.
Experience local life in settlements like Rolleville.
Be mindful of local customs and etiquette.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, consider extending your Exumas trip to explore other fascinating Bahamian islands.

Nearby Islands

For in-depth exploration of the northern Cays, staying 1-2 nights on Staniel Cay is an option. Long Island, south of Exuma, presents a different natural landscape.

Island-Specific Highlights

Staniel Cay: Early morning access to swimming pigs and grotto.
Long Island: Dramatic cliffs, deep caves, Dean's Blue Hole.
Long Island: Requires a separate flight, often from Nassau.

Further Afield

Harbour Island or Eleuthera offer distinct pink sand beaches and established boutique hotel scenes, blending historical charm with coastal scenery.

Connectivity Details

Harbour Island/Eleuthera: Requires flight connection, usually through Nassau.
These islands offer a blend of historical charm and beautiful coastal scenery.
Known for their distinctive pink sand beaches.

Extended Exploration

If you seek more extensive nightlife, casinos, shopping, or larger resort experiences after the quiet Exumas, Nassau offers a stark contrast.

Other Island Choices

Nassau/Paradise Island: Easily accessible by flight.
Andros Island: Known for bonefishing and untouched wilderness.
Abaco Islands: Ideal for sailing and island hopping (check recovery status).

Travel Logistics

All multi-day extensions to other Bahamian islands generally utilize inter-island flights, typically connecting through Nassau (NAS) as a central hub.

Longer Journeys

Small charter flights: Option for remote cays, direct but more expensive.
Island Hopping: Consider a multi-island itinerary for diverse experiences.
Suggested Route: Nassau, then Great Exuma, then Long Island or Eleuthera.

Strategic Planning

Careful consideration of your next destination allows for a seamless and enriching Bahamian journey.

Long Island Attractions

Explore dramatic cliffs, deep caves, and Dean's Blue Hole for a different natural experience.

Pink Sand Retreats

Harbour Island or Eleuthera offer unique pink sand beaches and boutique hotel scenes.

Extend Your Bahamian Adventure

Consider multi-day extensions to Staniel Cay, Long Island, or other Bahamian islands for a more complete experience.

Day Trips & Excursions