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Welcome to the Exumas

The Island

Home of the World-FamousSwimming Pigs

The Exumas are renown for their sapphire-blue waters—waters so stunning, their brilliant colours are visible even from outer space. This chain of 365 islands is home to secluded footprint-free beaches, deserted cays, and ultra-exclusive resorts. Here, nature outnumbers man, coastlines remain flawless, and private islands play host to some of the world’s most famous stars—including a group of four-legged local celebrities.

The Lay of The Land

The Exumas island chain is divided into three major areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Within the cays, a few stand out as must-visit destinations.

Great Exuma

The largest island in the chain, Great Exuma is where you’ll find most large hotels & resorts, as well as the Exuma International Airport and the capital city of George Town.

Little Exuma

A small bridge connects Great and Little Exuma. Smaller and quieter than its counterpart, Little Exuma is home to the Tropic of Cancer beach.

Compass Cay

To the north of Great Exuma, lay the cays. A popular stop on an island hopping itinerary, visitors snorkel the pristine beaches and nearby reefs, and swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina.

Staniel Cay

Surrounded by crystal clear waters and thriving marine ecosystems, Staniel Cay is home to the famous Thunderball Grotto. The cay is accessible by boat and by air, via the Staniel Cay Airport.

Big Major Cay

The official home of the world-famous swimming pigs, this cay is sometimes called Pig Beach, thanks to its playful inhabitants. Accessible only by boat, it is easily reached from nearby Staniel Cay.

Stocking Island

Located across the harbour from George Town, Stocking Island offers a handful of secluded resorts, many more secluded beaches and the famous Chat ‘n’ Chill. Come on your own or rented boat, or take a water taxi from George Town.

The Lay of The Land

The Exumas island chain is divided into three major areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Within the cays, a few stand out as must-visit destinations.

Stories

a woman smiling and holding a plate of food

Stories A Family Business

Three unique dining experiences. One destination. Each of these small, family-owned businesses on Little Exuma are a success in their own right—but it’s when they work together that they truly shine.

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Stories Chopped and Chiseled

Fletcher Tinker, a woodcarver who lives on Little Farmer's Cay in The Exumas—has a gift. He can see through ordinary blocks of wood, and turn them into priceless works of art.

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Stories An Island Rhythm

With the help of goatskin drums and hand saws, a rich culture of oral storytelling gives way to a unique musical style that's bold, brassy, and wholly Bahamian.

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Stories The Winds of Tradition

In the quiet cove off Elizabeth Harbour, calm waters become a classroom for a team of young sailors keeping the tradition of Bahamian sloop sailing alive.

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Stories Island Delights

Even the most casual of day cruisers know Stocking Island is the place to be—home soft white sand, secluded waters, and of course: the beloved Chat 'N Chill.

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Stories Protecting What's Home

For Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the waters of The Exumas are more than paradise on earth—they're home. One worth preserving for generations to come.

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Stories A Once-In-A-Lifetime Day

Exuma Cays

Island hopping through the Exuma Cays is a truly extraordinary experience. Cruise the crystal clear waters to visit the swimming pigs, snorkel an underwater cave, and pet friendly nurse sharks.

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Stories Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

Exuma Cays

The first marine reserve of its kind, the park protects some of the most stunning stretches of The Exumas since 1958, allowing marine life to thrive.

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Island Resorts & Retreats Where to stay

Hotels

Accommodations in The Exumas range from luxurious and all-inclusive to quaint and secluded.

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The highlights Where the pigs swim

Big Major Cay

Sometimes called Pig Beach, Big Major Cay is home to the world-famous swimming pigs. It all began in the early 1990s with five baby pigs and they’ve grown, in numbers and fame, ever since. They’re so sociable, that whenever a boat arrives, they swim out to be fed.

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The Highlights Two Land & Sea Parks

Exuma Cays

The breathtaking Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park and Moriah Harbour Cay National Park protect nearly 130,000 acres of pristine, aquamarine waters, deserted cays, and thriving coral reefs. This is nature, unspoiled.

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The Highlights Tropic Of Cancer Beach

Little Exuma

This crescent of powder-white sand and translucent blue-green water gets its name from its geographic location on the Tropic of Cancer. It's the longest beach on Little Exuma, and arguably the prettiest in the chain.

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The Highlights Thunderball Grotto

Staniel Cay

Thunderball Grotto is a fantastic underwater cave just west of Staniel Cay. The entrance is hidden underwater, but curious travellers can swim through during low tide and discover a world teeming with colourful tropical fish.

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Things to do

a man and woman standing on a balcony drinking beers

Things to Do Grab A Drink At Chat & Chill

Stocking Island

A legendary beach bar, reachable only by boat. Located on the sandy shores of Stocking Island, Chat ‘n’ Chill is a quintessential Exumas experience. Come for the cocktails and fresh conch salad, or better yet, the Sunday Pig Roast, and stay for the conversations.

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Things to Do Snorkel A Plane Wreck

The water in The Exumas is truly some of the clearest in the world. Clear enough to see the ocean floor most days. In the Exuma Cays, two snorkeling sites add a touch of the surreal: The Musician, an underwater sculpture by artist Jason DeCaires Taylor, and an underwater plane wreck.

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Things to Do From Cay to Sandbar to Cay

There’s a good chance you’ve never seen waters as beautiful as you’ll find in The Exumas. In fact, it may be the very reason you visit. Astronaut Scott Kelly describes them as “The most beautiful place from space”. Charter a boat and spend the day exploring uninhabited cays, protected coves, and the secret sandbars that lay between them.

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Things to Do Spot A Native Sloop

The Exuma’s miles of cays and hidden coves make for some of the country’s most spectacular sailing, earning it the nickname “The Regatta Capital of The Bahamas.” Annual events like April’s National Family Island Regatta feature Bahamian workboats; you’ll know these handmade sloops by their wooden hulls, canvas sails, and tall wooden masts.

Fresh Island Flavours Drinks & Dining

Restaurants

The Exumas offers up culinary diversity, from grilled lobster, cracked conch, to international cuisine.

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The Exumas

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Highbourne Cay

Compass Cay

Great Exuma

TYM

Little Exuma

Stocking Island

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Farmer's Cay

Big Major Cay

Thunderball Grotto

Staniel Cay

Highbourne Cay

This privately owned island welcomes yachtsmen and guests to its first-class marina and luxury cottages. Highbourne’s eight beaches are among the best-kept secrets in The Bahamas.

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Compass Cay

Compass Cay's protected marina is an unmissable stop in your island hopping itinerary. Hang out at the dock and enjoy a cold beer, or hop into the water and share a moment with the gentle nurse sharks that live here.

Great Exuma

Exuma, Bahamas

The beautiful outdoors of Great Exuma is calling. Windsurfing and snorkeling are only the beginning of excitement near the Land and Sea Park. Dive into your own unique adventure.

Staniel Cay Airport

The Staniel Cay Airport serves as an official Port of Entry in the Exuma Cays, with Customs and Immigration.

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Little Exuma

Connected to Great Exuma by bridge, Little Exuma is home to Tropic of Cancer Beach.

Stocking Island

The small barrier island, located just off the coast of George Town, has very few permanent residents, but is a popular destination for those visiting The Exumas.

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Exuma International Airport

The primary gateway into The Exumas, Exuma International Airport is located on Great Exuma, just a few miles from its main settlement of George Town. Domestic and international flights arrive on a daily basis.

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Farmer's Cay

A popular destination for yachters and boaters, thanks in part to the popular Mile-Long Sandbar located just south of the island.

Big Major Cay

Exuma, Bahamas

Major Cay is an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays chain of 365 islands. Uninhabited, that is, except for the world renown swimming pigs. Pay them a visit, and remember - look but don't touch!

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Thunderball Grotto

Exuma, Bahamas

Named after the James Bond film that brought this stunning underwater cave to fame, Thunderball Grotto is a natural wonder you won’t want to miss.

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Staniel Cay

Exuma, Bahamas

Less than 250 miles off South Florida’s coast, lightly populated Staniel Cay is all sand and sea. Swimming with pigs, kayaking, scuba diving, exciting water activities — cross those off your bucket list.