Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park | Nassau

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is one of the Bahamas’ most celebrated protected areas, located in the Exuma Cays archipelago, approximately 35 miles southeast of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and diverse ecosystems, making it a top destination for nature lovers, divers, and those seeking a pristine escape in the heart of the Bahamas.

Overview of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

• Established: The park was established in 1958, and it was the first marine protected area in the Bahamas. It covers about 176 square miles (around 455 square kilometers) of land and sea, protecting both the islands' wildlife and the surrounding coral reefs, making it a vital conservation site for biodiversity.
• Geography: The park spans a chain of islands within the Exuma Cays, a group of islands in the southern part of the Bahamas. The cays are famous for their crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and rich marine life. The area encompasses various marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds, providing a safe haven for diverse marine species.

Getting to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (via Nassau)

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is accessible from Nassau by both boat and plane. Here’s how you can get there:

By Boat

Private Charters: One of the most common ways to reach the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is by private boat charter. From Nassau, this journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. Several companies in Nassau offer private boat rentals and guided tours to the park.

Tour Boats: There are also organized day trips that include boat tours to the Exuma Cays, often combined with visits to nearby islands like Compass Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Big Major Cay (home to the famous swimming pigs). These tours usually include a guide, making it easy for visitors to explore the park and learn about its history and ecology.

By Plane

Small Aircraft: For a quicker journey, small planes can be chartered from Nassau to Staniel Cay, which is one of the main access points to the Exuma Cays and the park. The flight takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. From Staniel Cay, visitors can then take a short boat ride to the park. Several air charter companies offer flights from Nassau to Staniel Cay.

Scheduled Flights: Sky Bahamas and other smaller airlines provide scheduled flights to Exuma International Airport (in George Town on Great Exuma Island), which is a 10-minute flight from Nassau. After landing, you can take a boat to reach the park, though it may require additional coordination to access the park directly.

Key Attractions of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Marine Life and Coral Reefs:

• The park is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of marine species such as parrotfish, groupers, snapper, and turtles. The clear waters also make it a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with coral gardens and drop-offs offering breathtaking underwater experiences.

Nature Trails:

• On land, the park also has several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its untouched natural beauty, including mangroves, rocky shorelines, and lush vegetation. These trails provide opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation, including sightings of species like herons, frigatebirds, and the Bahamas Rock Iguana.

Ecotourism and Conservation:

• The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is not only a tourist destination but also a critical part of the Bahamas National Trust's conservation efforts. The park is a model for marine and terrestrial conservation, offering educational programs about sustainable tourism, marine protection, and the importance of preserving the park’s unique biodiversity.

Thunderball Grotto:

• A well-known attraction just outside the park is Thunderball Grotto, a spectacular underwater cave made famous by the James Bond film "Thunderball". It's located near Big Major Cay and is a popular snorkeling and diving spot, with colorful fish and clear water providing excellent visibility.

Swim with the Pigs:

• Visitors can take a short boat trip from the park to Big Major Cay, home to the famous swimming pigs. While not part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park itself, this fun and unique experience is often included in guided tours of the Exuma Cays.

Island Hopping:

• The Exuma Cays themselves are scattered and relatively uninhabited, offering a perfect chance for island-hopping adventures. While the park’s natural beauty takes center stage, the surrounding cays also boast beautiful beaches and secluded spots where visitors can swim, relax, or enjoy a picnic.

What to Expect During Your Visit

No Fishing: The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no-take zone, meaning that fishing, hunting, and collecting marine life are prohibited within the park. This rule helps protect the park’s unique ecosystems and ensures that the marine life continues to thrive.

Eco-Conscious Tourism: Visitors are encouraged to practice eco-conscious tourism by following leave-no-trace principles and respecting the natural environment. The park is designed to protect the biodiversity of the Bahamas, and responsible behavior helps preserve the park for future generations.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry, and the seas are calm. The summer months can bring more unpredictable weather, including rain and hurricanes, making the dry season the optimal time for travel.

Conclusion

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is an exceptional destination for those who love nature and seek an unspoiled paradise. Whether you're interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the untouched beauty of the islands, the park offers a unique and immersive experience. Accessible via Nassau by boat or plane, the park's protected environment is a must-see for eco-tourists and adventure seekers looking to explore one of the most pristine areas in the Bahamas.