Practical Tips & Hacks: Exumas

Money-Saving Strategies

Strategies stretch your budget further.

Discount Opportunities

No widely available tourist discount cards or passes for the Exumas.
Most attractions are natural sites without entrance fees.
Access via tour operators usually without specific passes.
Natural sites rarely have formal ticket lines.

Free Activities

Enjoy numerous public beaches like Tropic of Cancer Beach.
Explore Georgetown on foot, soaking in local atmosphere.
Swim in the crystal-clear ocean for free.
Beachcombing at Coco Plum Beach is a free activity.

Dining Deals

Some resorts or local bars may have happy hour specials.
Inquire at your accommodation or local spots for deals.
Look for lunch specials at local eateries.
Lunch options often present more economical meals.

Transportation Savings

Share taxis with other travelers from the airport.
Use local jitneys for cheaper short distances on Great Exuma.
A shared boat trip costs less per person than a private charter.
Consider shared boat tours for group travel to Exuma Cays.

Accommodation Alternatives

Choices reduce food costs.

Cost-Saving Stays

Choose vacation rentals with kitchens for meal preparation.
Prepare some meals at home for substantial savings.
Consider guesthouses or smaller, locally-owned hotels.
Avoid larger resorts for budget-conscious stays.

Seasonal Savings

Travel in the low season (July-October).
Generally lower accommodation rates apply then.
Explore off-peak times for better value.
Reduced crowds often make low season appealing.

Pre-Booking Advantages

Pre-booking flights and accommodations secures spots.
Popular boat tours benefit from early reservation.
Better rates often accompany early bookings.
Car rentals benefit from pre-booking for availability.

Group Travel Options

For group tours, shared boat trips are economical.
Significantly cheaper per person for group excursions.
Coordinate large vacation rental bookings in advance.
Private charters offer flexibility for larger groups.

Note

For short distances on Great Exuma, local jitneys are a cheaper alternative to private taxis.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning maximizes your time enjoying the Exumas' beauty.

Swimming Pigs

Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

Thunderball Grotto

Go at low tide for easier entry and better visibility.

Inter-Island Flights

Faster than longer boat journeys for exploring northern Cays.

Efficient Routing & Booking

Routing Suggestions

Group activities by geographical area.
Dedicate one day to a northern Cays boat tour.
Another day for southern Great Exuma beaches.

Pre-Booking Essentials

Book flights, accommodations, and popular boat tours early.
Secure your spot, especially for high season travel.
Pre-book car rentals for availability on arrival.

Planning Note

Skip-the-line options are not applicable for most Exuma attractions; natural sites do not have formal ticket lines.

Practical Tips & Hacks