12/10/2025  Jomerglo

Exuma Cays Guide: The Best Islands to Visit (Mapped)

Stretching more than 100 miles north of Great Exuma, the Exuma Cays are one of the most visually stunning island chains in the Caribbean. With shallow turquoise water, untouched sandbars, celebrity private islands, and wildlife-rich cays, this archipelago offers postcard-perfect scenery in every direction. For many travelers, visiting the cays is the highlight of their Bahamas vacation—but with more than 365 islands, deciding which ones to visit can be overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the best islands in the Exuma Cays, what makes each one special, and the ideal routes for both private charters and group boat tours. Whether you’re staying on Great Exuma, Staniel Cay, or visiting on a day trip from Nassau, this resource helps you confidently plan an unforgettable adventure.

Understanding the Exuma Cays

The Exuma Cays are known for:

  • Electric-blue water

  • Shallow sandbars and tidal pools

  • Wildlife encounters (pigs, sharks, iguanas, rays)

  • Luxury private islands

  • World-class snorkeling caves

  • Hidden beaches reachable only by boat

Most travelers explore the cays on a full-day boat tour, typically covering the core islands around Staniel Cay.

Below are the most important islands to know—and the ones you should prioritize.

1. Staniel Cay – The Gateway to the Exuma Cays

Best for: Dining, marina access, mid-tour break, flights, lodging, fuel, local life

Staniel Cay is the heart of the northern Exuma Cays and serves as the main jumping-off point for Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay, and many other attractions. The island is small, charming, and one of the few cays with:

  • A full-service marina

  • Golf cart rentals

  • Local restaurants

  • Lodging options

  • Easy access to the grotto and sandbars

Most tours stop here for lunch or refueling.

2. Big Major Cay (Pig Beach)

Best for: Swimming pigs, photography, wildlife encounters

The island that made the Exumas famous. Big Major Cay is uninhabited—except for the iconic swimming pigs that roam the white-sand beach. Visitors come to:

  • Feed the pigs (only permitted foods)

  • Take photos on the pristine shoreline

  • Enjoy shallow turquoise water

It’s the most visited stop in the cays and a must-see for first-timers.

3. Compass Cay – The Shark Marina

Best for: Swimming with nurse sharks, shallow-water marine life

Compass Cay is home to a large population of gentle nurse sharks, protected by the marina that cares for them. Visitors can:

  • Swim with sharks

  • Walk along the pier

  • Explore natural tidal pools

The sharks are accustomed to humans and are safe to swim with under supervision.

4. Thunderball Grotto – The Famous Snorkeling Cave

Best for: Snorkeling, underwater photography, movie fans

One of the most spectacular snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, Thunderball Grotto was featured in:

  • James Bond’s Thunderball

  • Never Say Never Again

  • Multiple documentaries

Inside, sunlight beams through ceiling openings, illuminating schools of fish and coral formations. Arrive at low tide for the easiest access.

5. Bitter Guana Cay – Home of the Exuma Iguanas

Best for: Wildlife encounters, family photos

Bitter Guana Cay hosts the endangered Exuma Rock Iguana, a protected species found only in this region. The iguanas are friendly, curious, and often approach visitors. It’s an excellent stop for families and nature lovers.

6. Black Point (Black Point Settlement)

Best for: Authentic Bahamian culture, lunch breaks, beaches, laundry for sailors

Black Point is one of the most populated settlements in the northern cays—yet still peaceful and laid-back. Visitors can find:

  • Bahamian restaurants

  • Fresh baked goods

  • Island life beyond tourism

  • Beautiful beaches with fewer boats

Many travelers love Black Point for its authenticity.

7. Sampson Cay – Quiet, Private, and Stunning

Best for: Scenic cruising, private-island beauty

Sampson Cay is mostly private, but boats can still explore the surrounding waters, which feature:

  • Hidden sandbars

  • Deep mangrove channels

  • Striking color gradients

It’s a top choice for photographers thanks to its dramatic shades of blue.

8. Pipe Creek & Surrounding Sandbars

Best for: Unreal turquoise water, drone photography, wading, weddings

Pipe Creek is one of the most beautiful areas in the Exumas. At low tide, the water becomes ankle-deep, exposing sandbars that look like they belong on another planet.

People visit for:

  • Floating in clear shallows

  • Walking across untouched sandbars

  • Drone photos of swirling blue hues

This is a favorite among private charter guests.

9. Allen’s Cay (Rock Iguanas)

Best for: Wildlife, nature preserves

Allen’s Cay is another haven for Exuma iguanas, similar to Bitter Guana but less visited. It’s a small island, great for:

  • Quick wildlife stops

  • Relaxed island scenery

  • Nature preservation education

Photographers love the untouched landscape.

10. Little Farmers Cay

Best for: Swimming with turtles, festivals, food, snorkeling

Little Farmers Cay offers beaches, turtles, local culture, and some of the region’s best water clarity. Highlights include:

  • Tame turtles near the dock

  • Friendly local residents

  • Snorkeling reefs

  • Island events such as the annual 5Fs Festival

It feels like a step back into traditional Bahamian life.

11. Shroud Cay – Mangroves & Serenity

Best for: Kayaking, mangrove channels, nature lovers

As part of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, Shroud Cay is protected and pristine. Visitors explore:

  • Winding mangrove creeks

  • Shallow tidal rivers

  • Secluded beaches

It’s peaceful, quiet, and ideal for eco-tourism.

How to Visit the Exuma Cays

1. Full-Day Boat Tour from Great Exuma

Covers all major stops:
Pig Beach → Sharks → Grotto → Iguanas → Sandbars
The classic day trip.

2. Private Boat Charter

Customizable, great for photography, families, and luxury travelers.

3. Stay on Staniel Cay

Guests staying locally get faster access to all attractions.

4. Day Trips from Nassau

Travelers fly to Staniel Cay to explore the cays in one day.

Choosing the Best Route (Mapped Overview)

A typical northbound route from Staniel Cay includes:

  1. Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)

  2. Compass Cay

  3. Bitter Guana Cay

  4. Thunderball Grotto

  5. Pipe Creek Sandbars

  6. Black Point Settlement

  7. Sampson Cay

Southern travelers from Great Exuma combine:

  • Sea turtles at Hooper’s Bay

  • Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

  • Tropical beaches on Little Exuma

These itineraries allow you to explore the Exuma Cays efficiently and safely.

Final Thoughts

The Exuma Cays are among the most extraordinary island chains on earth—where every cay has its own personality, scenery, and wildlife. From the adventure hub of Staniel Cay to the world-famous Pig Beach, from the shimmering sandbars of Pipe Creek to the serene mangrove creeks of Shroud Cay, the Exumas deliver unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

This guide helps visitors understand the key islands, choose the right itinerary, and plan a trip that showcases the very best of one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular regions.