Exuma

Introduction

Exuma is a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays. The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, which is 60 kilometres in length and joined to another island, Little Exuma by a small bridge. The capital and largest city in the district is George Town (population 1,437), founded 1793 and located on Great Exuma. The Tropic of Cancer runs across a beach close to the city. The entire island chain is 209 kilometres long and 187 km² in area. Great Exuma island has an area of 158 km² while Little Exuma has an area of 29 km²).

Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Exuma more than doubled, reflecting the construction of large and small resort properties and the related direct air traffic to Great Exuma from locations as distant as Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The population is 6,928.

Cities

• George Town

Sights and Activities

• Saddleback Cay - A private island owned by Island World Adventures, which runs one-day trips from Nassau daily ($190/pp). The island has seven beaches, including the gorgeous Half Moon Beach, shallow reefs in the vicinity and a spot where giant nurse sharks gather daily to be fed. edit
• Thunderball Grotto - where the James Bond film Thunderball was filmed.

Events and Festivals

Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival

This is one of the most useful events on Exuma Island to partake in if you are here in mid-February and fancy taking in Bahamian culture. There’s plenty of singing by way of local and visiting musicians, along with readings and storytelling, so it is good for kids. There is also the opportunity to pick up Bahamian arts and crafts, including conch shell carvings, and to sample traditional dishes.

Weather

Exuma has a pleasantly warm but humid climate. Compared to Caribbean islands more to the south, there are some differences regarding temperatures, mainly because it is somewhat colder during the wintermonths of November to April. Generally though, temperatures are high, with summer maximum temperatures averaging around 30 °C and minimum temperatures around 24 °C. During the wintermonths temperatures are about 5 °C lower. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with September and October being the wettest months. This is also the time (especially from August to October) when hurricanes are a possibility.

Getting There

By Plane

Exuma International Airport serves the city of George Town directly from Nassau, Miami, Atlanta, Cap Haitien and Toronto. Charlotte and Fort Lauderdale have seasonal flights.

By Boat

Boat travel from Nassau to the Northern Exuma Cays is approximately one hour. From Nassau to Pig Beach takes 2 hours by speed boat.

Getting Around

Great Exuma can be seen via car. The other islands are accessible only by tour charter or boat.

Car and boat rental is available in George Town, Great Exuma and at the airport. Must have international or US driver's license.

Note that Exuma - like all the Bahamas - drives on the left side of the road. Rental cars can typically be specified as left/right wheel configurations subject to availability.

The Water Taxi To Stocking Island leaves twice daily from Peace and Plenty Restaurant in Georgetown Harbour.

Eat

• Chat and Chill - The Point, Stocking Island, Exuma (A water taxi is available from Great Exuma), ☎ +1 242-336-2700. Wonderful local restaurant famous for its Garlic Coleslaw is an excellent place to have a beer and relax or have a nice beach side dinner.

Drink

• Thunderball Club on Staniel Cay.
• Splash! Beach Bar & Grill, Palm Bay Beach Club (Great Exuma, Bahamas), ☎ +1 242-336-2787.

Sleep

• Exuma Vacation Rentals (exuma vacation rentals). Luxury vacation rentals in Great Exuma Island, Bahamas.
• Fowl Cay - Private Island Resort, ☎ +1 305-284-1300 ext 4800, e-mail: [email protected]. $7,945-$14,588/week.
• Palm Bay Beach Club ([email protected]), Great Exuma, Bahamas (Just 7 miles from Georgetown Airport), ☎ +1 242-336-2787. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12 Noon. The resort has over 70 beachside cottages and hillside villas. There is a choice of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom villas all with either a full or partial kitchen. Located on Great Exuma island, the largest island of the 350 Exuma island chain, Palm Bay Beach Club hotel and resort is just seven miles from Exuma International Airport, one mile from the capital, George Town, and a short drive to the new Four Seasons Greg Norman Signature Golf Course (Course Closed with Four Season's Closing as of 12/2009).
• Staniel Cay Yacht Club, ☎ +1 242-355-2024, fax: +1 242-355-2044, e-mail: [email protected]. $145-$255.

External Links