Top Things to Do in Exuma Bahamas

Heading to the Bahamas soon and wondering the best things to do in the Exumas? Here’s a must do list of awesome attractions in the Exumas.

First, where in the world are the Exumas? The Exumas are comprised of 365 islands and cays stretching north across a 120-mile-long archipelago. The exotic region of the Bahamas harbors some of the most unspoiled pieces of paradise in the Caribbean, many of which can only be accessed by boat.

The island of Great Exuma the largest at just 37 miles in length. It is joined to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. It’s sapphire-blue water, unspoiled beaches, and abundant sealife provide endless opportunities to enjoy nature.

Snorkel the Mermaid Piano at Musha Cay

Musha Cay is a private island in the Exuma Cays, owned by David Copperfield. He commissioned an artist to sculpt a statue of a life-size mermaid looking at a grand piano. After this, he sank the sculpture in around 13 to 15 ft water. The sculpture is officially named The Musician and was created by the artist Jason DeCairnes Taylor.

Visit the World Famous Swimming Pigs

This is one of the biggest attractions in the Exuma Cays. Located on Big Major’s Cay, the pigs will swim out to meet you and even greet you as your boat pulls up to the island. Bring some scraps of food for even more fun!

Swim with Nurse Sharks

These sharks aren’t quite as big, or dangerous, as their white shark cousins, and so you get to actually swim in the water with them. Just about every

supermodel in the world has traveled to Compass Cay to get a shot floating with sharks all around.

Snorkel the Thunderball Grotto

The Exumas are known for their snorkeling! With so much variety, from colorful reef fish to nurse sharks and sting rays, to snorkeling inside a cave, the Exumas provide a fabulous underwater playground to explore. Having received its name from a James Bond movie, Thunderball Grotto is a gorgeous spot in the waters of the Exuma Cays.

Feed the Iguanas at Allen’s Cay

Our boat pulls up to Allen’s Cay to meet some hungry Bahamian Rock Iguanas. Protected by the Wild Animals Act, they are thriving and will appear by the dozens from the vegetation at the top of the beach. They are friendly and welcoming to visitors who bring them gifts of fruit and vegetables such as lettuce and grapes.

Find Sand Dollars on a Secluded Sandbar

The waters surrounding Exuma are so shallow they are known for beautiful white sand bars that are only visible during low tide. Some of the more notable sandbars are at Pipe Creek, Cocoplum Beach and Man O War Cay.

Go to the Chat n’ Chill

The quintessential laid-back, barefoot beach bar for real beach bums. Take a ten-minute water taxi ride from the government dock in George Town to the nearby Stocking Island. On Sunday afternoon they feature a pig roast. Here boats and dinghies line the waterfront, and there’s always people indulging in local beer and rum cocktails, playing sand volleyball or sunbathing on the beach. Chat ‘N’ Chill Bar & Grill is open 7 days a week, 363 days per year (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Eat Conch

Pronounced “conk”, this savory sea snail might seem bizarre to many tourists but it’s actually a local favorite. The traditional way to eat it is in a “conch salad” where it is served raw with onions, sweet peppers and citrus juices. If, however, you are not too sure about eating raw snail then you can try the “cracked” version that is fried and conch fritters are a must.

Walk the Tropic of Cancer Beach

Known as one of the most gorgeous beaches on the Exuma Islands this beach is somewhat secluded and never crowded. Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach, is a graceful crescent of white-powder sand bordering the translucent blue-green water along the coast of Little Exuma. Located at 23 26N 75 35W, the beach is named after the meridian line that defines the northern extent of the tropics and crosses right through it.

Drink a Goombay Smash

When you think about the Caribbean, you envision warm beaches, cool breezes and rum. The Bahamas most famous cocktail is the Bahamian Goombay Smash. Almost every restaurant in Exuma will feature a Goombay Smash, it is a rum-rich cocktail of the Bahamas. Once you take your first sip, you’ll know why it’s so popular.

Eat Bahamian Rock Lobster (Spiny Lobster) at Santanna's

Santanna's specialty is seafood, but they offer a variety of mouth-watering local dishes. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, while feasting on Bahamian and American cuisine that will stimulate your senses. Santanna's boasts of being the favorite hangout for the cast and crew of the movies Pirates of the Caribbean.

Get Rum Cake at Mom’s Bakery

Next to Santanna's you'll find Mom’s Bakery. Without a doubt Mom’s Bakery is the best on the island and Mom is probably one of the best know locals in Exuma. Now well into her 80s she is still up before dawn baking and by breakfast she has a wide selection of breads, doughnuts, pastries and best of all, her rum cake. Extra rum please! Say hello to Mom and get a fee hug AND a selfie!

Pick up some Bahamian Treasure at the Straw Market

If you’re looking for things to do in Georgetown, Bahamas, the Straw Market is a one-stop shop where you’ll find a treasure trove of items. You can purchase anything from locally handcrafted handbags, baskets, jewelry to woven straw hats, T-shirts and many other locally-made souvenirs.

Climb up to the Salt Beacon

This Roman Tuscan Column was erected during the vibrant period of the salt trade in the late 1600s between European countries, such as France and Spain. The column served as a marker to guide vessels to the salt pans. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, this is the spot!

The Hermitage Estate

Discover some of Exuma's rich history. In William's Town is a 970-acre cotton plantation, on the grounds of which stands the Cotton House, the oldest building in The Exumas. It was originally built in the 1750s by the Kelsall family, when the cotton industry thrived on the island for a few years. You can see a portion of the main house, an old Loyalist Tomb and partial structures of three slave quarters.