Traveling in Great Exuma: What to do and where to go on your Great Exuma holiday

Overview

The Exuma Islands are a series of Caribbean islands south of the Bahamas. The largest of this chain is Great Exuma, a land that was once a haven for pirates. Today, Great Exuma has an airport and is much more accessible to tourists than ever before. Great Exuma’s main draw is its white-sand beaches that spill into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, there is more than beaches to Great Exuma; in fact, Great Exuma was voted one of the top ten vacation destinations in 2004 by the Washington Post. The capital of the Exuma Islands, George Town, is located on Great Exuma and although it is the main tourist destination, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere. This is the site of the Out Islands Regatta, an annual sailing event held in Elizabeth Harbor in April.

Sights

While Exuma’s fantastic shorelines are a sight of their own, Great Exuma also has its share of man-made tourist attractions. The top three attractions are the Shark Lady Museum in Little Exuma, St. Andrew’s Church in George Town, and the ancient stromatolites.

Outdoor activities

Great Exuma’s beaches are nearly deserted, allowing tourists a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. They are also great swimming spots, as the currents around the islands are not strong. Snorkeling is available at all beaches, but more adventurous tourists may want to snorkel at Staniel or Crab Cays. Staniel Cay offers shallow reefs and blue holes and is the sight of the Vulcan Bomber, the special effects ship sunk during the making of the James Bond film Thunderball. Crab Cay is the sight of the wreckage of the Exuma Pride, and is also a great snorkeling spot to see thousands of different types of tropical fish. The last great outdoor attraction on Great Exuma is fishing. The most desired catch on the islands is the Bonefish. Deep-sea boats also offer deep-sea fishing opportunities, with most vendors operating out of George Town.

Night life

Great Exuma is not known as a nightlife spot, mainly because it is a destination for relaxation. The island has no clubs; however, gatherings occur around the hotel districts frequently and barbecues are held twice a week on the beaches. There is also weekend dancing available at Two Turtles. Dining in Great Exuma is a great experience, as most of the restaurants offer fresh fish dishes. However, don’t expect to find too many different types of cuisines on the island. Most of the restaurants are clustered around George Town.