Learn how to Go to the Exumas within the Bahamas — Residence to Extra Than 300 Days of Sunshine Per Yr

Unfold throughout 500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas is a sun-splashed archipelago that’s famend for its white-sand seashores, sapphire waters, and vibrant native tradition. A tropical escape that’s simple to entry due to direct flights from many U.S. hubs, it’s standard with all types of vacationers — from households with younger children to {couples} eager to rev up the romance. 

Whereas most vacationers plop down in Nassau, the gateway to the most important worldwide airport, or drive throughout the bridge to Paradise Island — the place you’ll discover the legendary ocean-themed Atlantis Paradise Island resort — vacationers aware of the island chain know there’s extra to find past the big-name locations. 

Not as tourist-trodden because the aforementioned scorching spots, however extra well-known than Eleuthera and Andros, the Exumas earns its shine as a soothing trip vacation spot with nature-forward highlights. Most individuals go for the world-famous Tropic of Most cancers Seashore or Pig Seashore. Unfold throughout the 365 islands and cays are additionally many off-the-beaten-path treasures equivalent to secret coves, underwater caves, and near-empty snorkeling spots.

That can assist you plan the right journey to the Exumas, we tapped native specialists for his or her picks for the very best accommodations, actions, eating places, and insider ideas. 

Finest Accommodations and Resorts

Paradise Bay  

Greater than only a place to snooze (although it does have charming, no-fuss cottages), Paradise Bay is all about getting company exterior and into nature. Stays embody ample on-property actions equivalent to paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, in addition to off-site excursions, starting from catamaran excursions to kite browsing. 

Fowl Cay Resort

Fowl Cay Resort caters to vacationers who won’t dig the setup of a extra conventional all-inclusive. As a substitute of large buffets and nightly leisure, this low-key keep affords a way of seclusion that’s wrapped up in villas overlooking aqua water, snorkeling every time the temper strikes, and captaining your individual powerboat.

Grand Isle Resort & Residences

Grand Isle Resort & Residences earns excessive reward for its spectacular setting on Emerald Bay on the island of Nice Exuma. The villas are outfitted with full kitchens, snug residing areas, and as much as 4 bedrooms, making them very best for a fast getaway or an extended stick with the entire household. The property additionally boasts facilities equivalent to an infinity pool, a championship golf course, a spa, a health heart, and three eating places.

Kahari Resort 

Kahari Resort, a boutique escape on Stocking Island, is a favourite amongst eco-conscious vacationers and serenity seekers alike. Surrounded by the untrammeled fantastic thing about clear water and plush flora, the lodge conjures up guests to reconnect with nature, whether or not that is lazing on the pristine, non-public seashore or occurring a bonefishing tour. 

Hideaways at Palm Bay

True to its title, Hideaways at Palm Bay emanates a relaxed power that enables vacationers to unwind inside moments of arriving. Facilities embody an outside pool, solar terrace, barbecue services, water sports activities, desk tennis, fishing, board video games, a restaurant, and a bar. There’s additionally a free shuttle into city for stress-free exploration.

Finest Issues to Do

Pig Seashore

You’ve probably seen movies of influencers and vacationers swimming with pigs throughout social media. This exercise goes down on the Instagram-famous Pig Seashore on Large Main Cay, an uninhabited island that’s accessible by way of boat. After all, as with all expertise that includes animals, it’s necessary to do your analysis to search out an moral tour operator, and browse up on finest practices earlier than going.

Coco Plum Seashore

Located on Nice Exuma, the well-known Coco Plum Seashore is right for these looking for a peaceful day of solar, sand, and sea. “It’s an idyllic spot to spend the day and have a picnic lunch because it’s dotted with shade-giving palms,” says Emmett Saunders, govt director on the Exuma Chamber of Commerce. 

Tropic of Most cancers Seashore 

Positioned on the coast of Little Exuma, Tropic of Most cancers Seashore is the longest on the island. That includes powdery sand and translucent water, it’s simple to see why it ranks on the high of must-see lists for vacationers visiting the Exumas. 

Thunderball Grotto

“Don’t miss Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave simply west of Staniel Cay that you just would possibly acknowledge from the James Bond films,” says Justin Minns, supervisor of Paradise Bay. The doorway is hidden below the water, however curious vacationers can swim by means of throughout low tide to see an array of colourful fish and tropical marine life.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Customer Heart

Minns encourages vacationers thinking about out of doors adventures to go to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Customer Heart. The ecological space, which extends from Shroud Cay within the north to Bells Cay within the south, protects mangroves and wonderful marine species.

Stocking Island Seashores

To rise up shut and private with one of many prettiest elements of the Exumas, Minns advises guests to rearrange an tour to the photogenic seashores on Stocking Island, wh benefit from the pristine shoreline, a splash within the clear water, and snorkeling.

Finest Eating places

Cocoplum Bistro

The highest-rated restaurant on Nice Exumas, Cocoplum Bistro serves French delicacies with a Bahamian twist in an upscale but heat setting that’s very best for a memorable night time out on trip. Tip: Don’t depart with out sampling the lobster tempura.

Sandpiper Cafe

To fill your stomach (and picture roll) whereas out and about in George City, beeline it to the Sandpiper Cafe, an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t sleep on the do-it-yourself pastries and desserts.

Shirley’s on the Fish Fry

Saunders recommends Shirley’s on the Fish Fry for scrumptious and distinctive Bahamian seafood dishes equivalent to coconut grouper, steamed snapper, and curry conch. The breezy beach-shack environment and rum drinks play into the holiday vibes, too. 

Tropic Breeze Seashore Bar & Grill

Craving traditional Caribbean delicacies? Tropic Breeze Seashore Bar & Grill receives rave critiques from previous dinners for its mouthwatering meals (you’d be hard-pressed to search out tastier rock lobster and grouper fingers wherever) and delightful beachside setting on Little Exuma.

Blu on the Water 

Celebrating one thing particular? Saunders suggests making a reservation at Blu on the Water. At this fine-dining favourite in Rolletown, diners are handled to inventive displays of contemporary, regionally sourced components. To clean down the delicious meals? A handcrafted cocktail, in fact. 

Finest Time to Go to

The busiest interval within the Exumas is from December by means of April, when many vacationers are eager to commerce the winter doldrums for sunshine and salty breezes. Minns suggests avoiding September and October, which are usually fairly scorching. “It’s additionally when many Bahamians go on vacation, so sure locations are closed throughout that point.”

Learn how to Get There

A number of airways function nonstop service between main U.S. cities and Nassau. From there, vacationers can hop aboard a Bahamasair flight to George City on Grand Exuma. “We’re additionally excited to see the brand new airport that’s underway in Nice Exuma to satisfy the present and future journey demand,” says Saunders. 

Learn how to Get Round

Taxis and automobile leases are available for guests. The identical goes for constitution and self-captained boats to discover the various smaller islands and cays.