Islands of The Bahamas: The Exumas, The Home Island of Swimming Pigs
Few places on Earth rival the visual brilliance of The Exumas. Renowned for waters so vividly blue they are visible from outer space, this extraordinary chain of 365 islands and cays is a masterpiece shaped by nature. Here, coastlines remain flawless, beaches are often footprint-free, and the balance tilts unmistakably in favor of the natural world.
Stretching southeast of Nassau, The Exumas offer a rare blend of wild beauty and refined escape, where deserted cays neighbor ultra-exclusive resorts, and local legends include a group of famously friendly swimming pigs.
The Lay of the Land
The Exumas are divided into three main regions: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Each area delivers a distinct experience, yet all share the chain’s defining clarity of water and sense of seclusion.
Great Exuma serves as the gateway, home to the Exuma International Airport and the capital city of George Town. A small bridge connects Great Exuma to quieter Little Exuma, while the Exuma Cays extend northward in a necklace of pristine islands best explored by boat.
Quick Tip: Even short boat trips reveal dramatic shifts in water color, depth, and marine life. Island hopping is essential to experiencing The Exumas fully.
Great Exuma: The Cultural and Travel Hub
Great Exuma is the largest island in the chain and the most developed, though it retains a laid-back island rhythm. George Town anchors the island with marinas, shops, and restaurants, while surrounding beaches stretch long and quiet.
Stocking Island lies just across the harbour, offering secluded resorts, calm beaches, and the legendary Chat ‘N’ Chill, a gathering place known for casual conversation, cold drinks, and fresh conch salad.
Great Exuma balances convenience with beauty, making it an ideal base for exploration.
Little Exuma: Wild, Quiet, and Unspoiled
Connected by a bridge yet worlds apart in atmosphere, Little Exuma is smaller, quieter, and more rugged. Here, the Tropic of Cancer Beach curves along a crescent of powder-white sand and translucent blue-green water.
This stretch is not only the longest beach on Little Exuma but is often considered one of the most beautiful in the entire chain. Development is minimal, allowing the landscape to remain untouched and serene.
The Exuma Cays: A Boater’s Paradise
North of Great Exuma lie the Exuma Cays, a dreamscape of deserted islands, shallow sandbars, and coral reefs. Many of the cays are privately owned, while others are protected as national parks or remain blissfully undeveloped.
Among the must-visit cays are:
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Compass Cay, known for calm waters, snorkeling reefs, and its marina, where visitors can swim alongside nurse sharks.
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Staniel Cay, home to crystal-clear waters and the famous Thunderball Grotto, a cave system illuminated by shafts of sunlight filtering through the sea.
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Big Major Cay, often called Pig Beach, where the world-famous swimming pigs eagerly greet arriving boats.
Local Hack: Visit popular cays early in the morning or late in the afternoon to experience them at their most peaceful.
Nature Preserved: Land and Sea Parks
The Exumas are home to one of the most important protected marine areas in the Caribbean, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Along with Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, nearly 130,000 acres of pristine marine and coastal ecosystems are preserved here.
These protected waters feature thriving coral reefs, abundant fish populations, and crystal-clear visibility. Snorkeling and diving in these areas offer a glimpse into The Bahamas as it once was, and still is here.
Beaches Without End
Between Great Exuma, Little Exuma, the Exuma Cays, and surrounding sandbars, visitors encounter hundreds of beaches. Some are dramatic and windswept, others shallow and calm, but many remain entirely empty.
From the limestone-backed shores of remote cays to the soft sands near George Town, each beach feels like a private discovery.
Drinks, Dining, and Island Flavours
Culinary experiences in The Exumas range from beachside simplicity to refined island dining. Fresh seafood dominates menus, including grilled lobster, cracked conch, and local fish prepared with Bahamian flair.
Dining is relaxed and social, whether enjoyed at a waterfront shack or a polished resort restaurant overlooking the sea.
Where to Stay: Island Resorts and Retreats
Accommodations across The Exumas span every style of escape. Visitors can choose from luxurious all-inclusive resorts, private island retreats, boutique hotels, and secluded beachfront cottages.
No matter the choice, most properties emphasize privacy, ocean access, and a seamless connection to the surrounding environment.
Quick Tip: Many travellers split their stay between Great Exuma and the cays to enjoy both cultural life and total seclusion.
Getting There and Getting Around
Flights connect Nassau and major international gateways to Great Exuma. From there, boats, water taxis, and charter flights open access to the cays and Little Exuma.
Exploring by boat offers unmatched flexibility and reveals the full spectrum of the Exumas’ beauty.
Final Thoughts
The Exumas are not just a destination; they are a visual and emotional experience. With waters that redefine the color blue, islands that seem untouched by time, and a balance of adventure and serenity, this remarkable chain stands apart even within The Bahamas. For travellers seeking natural perfection on a grand scale, The Exumas remain unmatched.