Exumas
Exuma is a district of The Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays.
The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, it is joined to another island, Little Exuma by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town.
The Exumas are known for fresh food and cultural significance to The Bahamas.
Fishing is a part of both the local and tourism economies of Exuma. Visitors may fish on their own, hire a fishing guide or charter for sport while the local fishing economy primarily supports the local population’s food supply.
Sailing the Exumas is ideal for those that enjoy solitude, nature, unspoiled beauty and quaint, low-key beach settlements. You can also experience some of the most amazing diving, snorkeling and fishing here in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
Established in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first marine reserve in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, species biodiversity, secluded beaches, amazing views and safe anchorages. Throughout the park you can explore the underwater magnificence of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses, stroll along pristine beaches, traverse several hiking trails, and observe tons of wildlife including birds, fish, turtles and iguanas.
Swimming with pigs is one experience you simply can’t miss while you’re here. Wondering how the pigs got to Pig Beach? Nobody know it for sure. Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some say they were left by a group of sailors, who planned to come back and cook them. Or that the pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby. Wherever they came from, there are now about 20 pigs and piglets living the easy life, with daily visits from Bahamians and tourists.
At Allen’s Cays you can visit the rare Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, which are only found in the Exumas. You can feed these gentle creatures with grapes but beware that the iguanas can grow to a large size and can jump high.
At Compass Cay you can get into the water with friendly nurse sharks and swim with them. You can also feed them with fish.
At Staniel Cay you’ll find the amazing Thunderball Grotto, where the James Bond film Thunderball was filmed. Snorkel this marine cave at low tide and marvel at the shafts of sunlight that illuminate the cavern.
Weather:
The avarege temperatures in the Exumas is 28-31 degrees Celsius in the high season between December and April, which is the best time to visit. The hottest months in the Bahamas are July and August, the wettest are May and June.
Wind:
Easterly winds of 10-15 knots characterize the territory of the Bahamas, and care is needed as the water can have very shallow depths. The tidal range is up to 1 meter.
General:
The language spoken in the Exumas is English.
The documents you need to enter the Bahamas include a valid US passport for the duration of stay. Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel to Exumas.
Banking:
The currency in the Exumas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). US dollars (USD) are also widely accepted.
Internet:
You will find free Wi-Fi in downtown Nassau and Freeport if you visit cafes and restaurants.