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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Great Exuma Island Summary
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‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
Bahamas – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Samoan Tala (WST) £1 ≈ WST 3.68 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the Bahamas, especially in tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used for smaller transactions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%). Taxi drivers usually expect a 10-15% tip. Tipping hotel staff is also appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed on most beaches and in designated areas, but may be restricted in certain locations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Junkanoo (December/January) |
Expect lively celebrations and street festivals, with some businesses closed. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect national pride celebrations. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Taxi Bahamas |
| Other: | The Bahamas is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Great Exuma Island, Bahamas
Hurricane season June to November, most active August to October
Many restaurants, bars and small resorts close in September and October
Bahamas National Family Island Regatta, last week of April in George Town, brings crowds and full accommodation
Don't miss
- 🐷 Swim with the famous Exuma pigs at Pig Beach
- ⛵ Sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Exuma Cays
- 🤿 Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond film
- 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Tropic of Cancer Beach
- 🥥 Dine on fresh conch salad at a beachfront shack
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Great Exuma Island?
Great Exuma is where you go when you want to experience the authentic Bahamas away from the tourist crowds. The island strikes a perfect balance between having enough infrastructure to be comfortable while maintaining its pristine natural beauty and laid-back charm. The water here is truly spectacular – so clear and vibrantly blue that it's visible from space, making it a paradise for swimming, snorkeling and boat excursions to nearby cays. What makes Great Exuma special is the genuine warmth of the locals and the sense of discovery as you explore its hidden beaches and cays. You can spend your days island-hopping to see the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto (of James Bond fame) or simply relaxing on secluded beaches where your footprints might be the only ones in the sand. The island offers delicious local restaurants serving fresh seafood and Caribbean specialties and boutique accommodations that provide a more intimate experience than massive resorts. Just be aware that transportation can be challenging – taxis are expensive, roads can be windy and unlit at night and they drive on the left side, which might be disorienting for some visitors.
🏯Places worth seeing
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
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1
Exuma Markets
🎈Events
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Exuma Regatta
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Bahamian Independence Day Celebrations
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Junkanoo Parades
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Exuma Marathon
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Fishing Tournaments
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Local Food Festivals
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Sailing Competitions
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Cultural Heritage Celebrations
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Music Festivals
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Holiday Beach Parties
Knowledge before you go
- Rent a car to explore; drive on the left side.
- Take a boat tour from Georgetown to visit swimming pigs and Thunderball Grotto.
- Visit Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma for pristine sands and clear waters.
- Head to Chat 'N' Chill on Stocking Island to feed stingrays and enjoy local vibes.
How to travel to Great Exuma Island
The main gateway to Great Exuma is Exuma International Airport (GGT) in George Town, which receives direct flights from major cities in the US and connections through Nassau. Once you arrive, taxis are readily available at the airport to take you to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can reach Great Exuma by boat from Nassau or other Bahamian islands. Some visitors also arrive via private boats or as part of cruise excursions that stop at George Town Harbor.
Access summary
- From Exuma International (GGT): 15–25 min taxi or shuttle to resorts.
- From Nassau (NAS): 40–50 min domestic flight to GGT, then taxi.
- From Miami/Fort Lauderdale: 1–1.5 hour direct flights to GGT, then taxi.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Great Exuma Island
Great Exuma offers a refreshing alternative to the massive resorts found on other Bahamian islands, with accommodations tending toward boutique hotels, small resorts and vacation rentals. Places like Paradise Bay Resort provide intimate, waterfront experiences with personalized service. Most accommodations are concentrated around George Town and along the coastline. While luxury options exist, the overall vibe is more laid-back and authentic than opulent, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the island's natural beauty.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Great Exuma Island
Getting around Great Exuma requires some planning. Most visitors rent cars to explore the 37-mile-long island, though be aware that driving is on the left side of the road and the two-lane roads can be windy with no shoulders or lighting at night. If you're not comfortable with this, taxis are available but expensive (a 30-minute ride can cost around BSD 70 (£52.61)). Many visitors use services like Dee Tour Service for reliable transportation. For those staying in one area, some resorts offer shuttle services and walking is feasible for nearby attractions.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to WST) is 7% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Great Exuma is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main safety concerns are related to water activities and road safety. Exercise caution when driving, especially at night on the unlit, winding roads and always have a designated driver if consuming alcohol.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities on Great Exuma are limited, with the main healthcare center located in George Town. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Nassau or the US mainland might be necessary. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is highly recommended.
Accessibility
Great Exuma has limited accessibility infrastructure for those with mobility challenges. Many beaches, boats and natural attractions require navigating uneven terrain. Some newer resorts offer accessible rooms, but overall, the island presents challenges for wheelchair users.
Tap water
While technically safe, tap water on Great Exuma has a distinct taste due to the desalination process. Most visitors and even locals prefer bottled water, which is widely available. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at your accommodation.
Packing recommendations for Great Exuma Island
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
cash machines are limited
🩴
Flip-flops
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
📱
Waterproof phone case
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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