The Exuma Islands are located in the middle of The Islands Of The Bahamas, yet remain mostly undisturbed. The Exuma Islands are a collection of some 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles, supported at the southern end by two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma.
The main attractions for visitors to The Exuma Islands are its world-class sportfishing and boating. The miles of picturesque islands, cays and hidden coves make for some of the most spectacular sailing in The Islands Of The Bahamas, both for recreational sloops and competitive yachting alike.
The average year-round temperature is a perfect 78F, and the rolling hills, wide sandy beaches and brilliant, clear blue waters give life to some of the earth’s more spectacular creatures. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to several rare birds, exotic reptiles, colourful fish and breathtaking species of flora. Snorkellers will find the wide, shallow coastal region teeming with life and easy to explore, while divers can explore the huge coral reef or Exuma Sound which is filled with caves, blue holes and shipwrecks.
The population of The Exuma Islands is only about 3,600, most of whom rely on farming, fishing and tourism for their livelihood. The island is dotted with ruins of earlier settlements, outdoor markets, and quaint farming communities. Fresh pineapple, tasty tomatoes, juicy guava, sweet mangoes, huge avocados and pigeon peas are the pride of the island and are exported nationwide.
The Exuma Islands also claim bragging rights to their place in Hollywood, having twice been the location for James Bond films – more than any other island in The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Whether boating, fishing, diving, ecotourism or escapism – your pleasure can be found in The Exuma Islands.
Home to many boating competitions like The Family Island Regatta, The New Year’s Day Cruising Regatta, and the widely revered National Out Island Regatta, The Exuma Islands are considered by many yachtsmen to be one of the best places in The Islands Of The Bahamas for sailing. The Exuma Islands are comprised of 365 cays.
Exumas Sight-seeing and Tourist Attractions
George Town
The administrative center of The Exumas, with Elizabeth Harbour, one of the finest in The Bahamas and site of the famed Family Island Regatta.
St. Andrew’s Church
This 189 year old Anglican church is located in George Town.
The Bahamas National Trust’s Exuma National Land and Sea Park
The world’s first national park lying partially beneath the sea. It is home to the Bahamian iguana and tropical birds and has long been a model for the preservation of the Caribbean’s spectacular natural resources. As many of the smaller cays of the Exumas emerge from the water only at low tide, they offer an unusual and exciting environment for snorkelers and divers.
Mystery Cave
The “cave” is actually a mysterious tunnel descending 400 feet down into the sea floor.
Kidd Cove
One of the coves in Elizabeth Harbour which was, according to legend, the favorite anchorage of notorious pirate, Captain Kidd.
Hermitage Estate
Within these grounds stands the Cotton House, the oldest building in The Exumas, built in the 1750s as part of a 970-acre cotton plantation. It remains inhabited to this day.
Williams Town
Salt Pans and an Ionic Column are reminders of times past, when ships sailed the world in search of the great commodity, salt. The columns here marked big salt beds and ships called on The Exumas frequently because salt was plentiful.
Flotsam and Jetsam Museum
This unusual collection of sea “treasures” is owned by Gloria Patience, the famous Shark Lady of The Exumas.