Information
City: Grand ExumaCountry: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Grand Exuma, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Grand Exuma, the biggest of the Exuma Cays, dazzles with turquoise waters so clear you can see every ripple, lush stretches of sand, and a scattering of elegant resorts.In the heart of the Exumas, Grand Exuma invites travelers to unwind on quiet white-sand beaches, savor the hush of the waves, and explore the island’s untouched trails.Grand Exuma, the heart of the Exumas, is the largest and most crowded of the islands, anchoring a chain of cays and islets that spill across 120 sunlit miles.The island’s famous for its natural beauty, from soft white sand that squeaks underfoot to clear blue water, along with a lineup of world-class resorts.The island’s main hub, George Town, sits here as the capital of the Exuma Islands, with its small harbor busy with fishing boats.Top sights to see in Grand Exuma, from powdery white beaches to the turquoise shallows where starfish rest.The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine sanctuary, is often hailed as one of the world’s most stunning ocean landscapes, where turquoise water shimmers over bright coral reefs.Just northeast of Grand Exuma, this park stretches over 176 square miles, with sandy trails above and vibrant reefs hidden below the surface.Snorkel, dive, or sail through a true paradise, where bright coral reefs glow beneath crystal-clear water and turtles drift past schools of darting, rainbow-colored fish.The park draws eco-tourists from all over and treats them to some of the Bahamas’ finest underwater adventures, where bright coral sways in the clear blue.Number two.Pig Beach, on Big Major Cay, is one of the Exumas’ best-known spots, where curious swimming pigs paddle right up to your boat.Here, wild pigs paddle through the glassy, turquoise water and often wander right up to greet visitors.In the Exumas, the pigs have become a beloved symbol, drawing tourists who hop on boats to visit the island, toss them scraps of fruit, and wade into the clear water beside the curious snouts.Visitors from every corner of the globe come for this one‑of‑a‑kind experience, drawn by its vibrant energy and the scent of fresh spices in the air.Three.Just off Staniel Cay lies Thunderball Grotto, a dazzling maze of underwater caves made famous by its appearance in the James Bond film *Thunderball*.You can reach the grotto by boat, then slip into the glassy water to snorkel among hidden chambers and flashes of bright fish.The cave holds twisting rock formations, shimmering schools of fish, and teems with marine life, drawing divers and snorkelers who can’t resist exploring its blue depths.Number four.George Town, the bustling capital of the Exumas, is the largest settlement on Grand Exuma, where brightly painted boats rock gently in the harbor.The town boasts colonial-era buildings, a waterfront where boats rock gently in the breeze, and a pace of life that feels unhurried.You can wander along Regatta Point, browse lively stalls stacked with fresh fruit at the local markets, then settle into a cozy restaurant for rich, flavorful Bahamian dishes.Many travelers use George Town as their base for exploring the island’s natural wonders, with its cozy inns, bustling shops, and open-air cafés just steps from the shore.Five.Just a short boat ride from George Town, Stocking Island waits with untouched sands and some of the Exumas’ finest beaches, where the water glows a clear, impossible blue.The island’s famous for its soft white sand, water so clear you can see the shells beneath your toes, and a calm that settles over everything.Visitors can dive into the clear water to snorkel, paddle out in a kayak, or cool off with a swim.On Stocking Island, Chat ‘N’ Chill draws visitors who drop their sandals in the sand, sip cold drinks, savor fresh conch salad, and linger to watch the sky blaze at sunset.Number six.Great Exuma Beach, better known to locals as Hooper’s Bay Beach, is a favorite spot on Grand Exuma, where soft white sand meets calm turquoise water.This beach is known for its calm turquoise water, where waves barely whisper against the shore, and sand so soft it slips through your fingers.It’s the perfect place to swim, stretch out in the sun, and take in the quiet rustle of the trees.With its waist-deep water that’s calm and clear, it’s a perfect spot for families and swimmers of every age.Seven.On the southeastern coast of Grand Exuma, Moriah Harbour Cay National Park spreads out with tangled green mangroves, quiet salt ponds, and wildlife that flits between land and water.Birdwatchers flock to the park, where warblers flit through the trees and native hawks circle overhead.It also opens the door to eco-tourism, from hiking along pine-scented trails to kayaking quiet coves and discovering the park’s one-of-a-kind landscape.The number 8 sat bold and curved, like a loop of ribbon folded back on itself.Exuma Watersports and Boat Tours on Grand Exuma are known for crystal-clear, electric-blue water and a scatter of tiny sunlit cays.Many visitors explore the area by hopping on a boat tour, where you might drift past tiny green islands, snorkel over bright coral, and step onto quiet, hidden beaches.Local guides run custom tours to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, and tucked‑away spots where the water glows like glass.Nine.On Grand Exuma, Tropic of Cancer Beach-locals call it Pelican Beach-stretches out in soft, white sand that slips between your toes, with turquoise water glittering under the sun.This beach sits just above the Tropic of Cancer, the line that marks the sun’s northernmost reach-where summer light lingers and the air hums with heat.Tucked away from the noise, it’s the kind of place where you can dive into cool, clear water, spread out a picnic blanket under the trees, and snap photos you’ll actually want to keep.Ten.The Exuma Cays stretch out in a ribbon of small islands, each with its own charm-like a quiet beach where the sand squeaks under your feet.Scattered across the water, many of these cays sit empty, while a few hide private villas or sleek luxury resorts, drawing travelers who crave quiet and the sound of waves against the shore.Well-known cays include Norman’s Cay, Rokers Point, and Musha Cay, the last celebrated for its secluded island resorts and glassy blue waters where kayaks skim across the surface.Number eleven, neat and plain, sat printed in the corner like a small black stamp.Waderick Wells Cay, tucked inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, is a serene slice of paradise with soft white sand, bright coral gardens, and wildlife that slips through the clear shallows.Yachts and small boats often drop anchor here while exploring the Exumas, drawn by winding trails through sunlit hills and crystal-clear spots perfect for snorkeling or diving.The island also houses the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a low, white building that catches the glare of the midday sun.Number twelve.On Grand Exuma, you can meet dolphins up close at several spots around the island-maybe feel the cool splash as one arcs out of the water beside you.You might slip into the water beside dolphins in the open sea, watching them glide past, while also discovering how they live and interact in their ocean home.Marine experts often lead these encounters, turning them into moments families and animal lovers won’t forget-like the thrill of watching a dolphin leap just a few feet away.While Grand Exuma is famous for its stunning beaches and clear turquoise water, the island also bursts to life with Bahamian culture through lively festivals, spirited events, and time-honored traditions.Regatta Time in Exuma is one of the island’s biggest events-a lively week of Bahamian sailing with brightly painted sloops cutting through turquoise water, music spilling from the docks, and the smell of grilled conch in the air.In early June, George Town bursts to life as the Junkanoo Festival kicks off, pulling in locals and visitors alike with pounding drums, swirling dancers, and bright feathered costumes-just like on other Bahamian islands.It usually happens around Christmas and New Year’s, though it can pop up at other times.Grand Exuma’s economy runs mostly on tourism, drawing high-end travelers to its luxury resorts and quiet stretches of white sand.
Landmarks in grand-exuma
