I am happy to bring you our complete Exuma, Bahamas travel guide. This has become one of our very favorite places to visit over the last 10 years. Our first trip was 10 years ago for my Dad’s 60th birthday where we traveled by boat and we have since been back to the island for a romantic getaway, a fun trip with other couples and most recently, on a trip with our kids! We can’t share our love for this island enough and hope this helps inspire you to plan a trip here one day. I usually post a recap of our trip first and then try to give an extensive travel guide like this one, but I did it a little backwards this time. So here is our Exuma, Bahamas travel guide of the island and I will try to wrap up our family trip from March in the next week or so giving you the play-by-play.
Exuma, Bahamas Travel Guide
Where to Fly Into
You fly into Georgetown (GGT) international airport in the Exumas. They have direct flights from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Toronto.
How to Get Around on the Island
The island is 130 miles long, so it is a fairly long stretch from one end of the island to the other. Even though you won’t likely be covering all that ground, there is a good chance you will want to explore the island and the best way to do that is to rent a car. They do drive on the opposite side of the road as us Americans, so that can be a little nerve-wracking at first. There are taxi services on the island as well. I will say that we have traveled to the island both ways… renting a car and not. When we didn’t rent a car, we called taxis for everything. Both ways work. It is convenient to have your own car, I will say that; but it was a lot more relaxing to go everywhere by taxi 🙂
Airport Car Rental
Thompson Car Rental
Luther Rolle Taxi Service 1-242-345-5003
Leslie Dames Taxi Service 1-242-357-0015
Where to Stay
Where We Stayed:
Cerulean Sands – We stayed at the the newly-built, Cerulean Sands home in the Farmer’s Hill area of the island. It was a convenient 12 to 15 min ride from the Georgetown airport and less than 5 mins from the Grand Isle Resort and Sandals Resort. I share a map below that gives you a better idea of the layout of the little “towns” like Farmer’s Hill. The main area of town or what might be called the “downtown area” is in Georgetown so you can keep that spot in mind when you are looking at the map of the island.
The home we rented had 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths with a large covered back porch area. We had our own hot tub, Infiniti pool and our own private beach. The house came with several kayaks, life vests, snorkel gear and sand toys for the kids. The home was well stocked and included items like laundry and dish detergent, garbage bags, paper towels, bug spray, family games, etc. That may not seem like much, but it’s so nice to have included. The house has TWO stackable washer and dryers which seemed like overkill but we used them both! You go through a lot of towels in the Bahamas.
The house sleeps 9 people. If you had a larger group, you could rent the house that is right next door called Treasure Cove. These two homes are next door to each other, but otherwise you are very private.
Other House/Hotel Options:
Grand Isle Resort – This resort seems like the top place to rent on the island to me if you are not going to rent a house through VRBO. We really, really enjoyed dining here on our trips and I think having the luxuries of hotel are very nice. They have two pools, family & adult, three restaurants, a golf course, spa and water sports available.
The Salt House – We stayed here with 4 couples back in 2019 and loved this house so much. Its beautiful and fits 4 couples so well. The house has a pool and your own private beach and outdoor bar and grill area. This house is on Little Exuma and on the more Southern end of the island.
The Sandbar – I started following this house on instagram while we were on this trip and it looks absolutely amazing!! This would be on my list to try to rent next with a group. One of my instagram followers said they have it booked for Christmas time this year!
BaRoos – This is a great looking spot in the Tar Bay area that is in a great location as well.
Casa Mary – This looks like another great house to rent on VRBO and is very centrally located on the island.
Sandals {all- inclusive, adult only} – you can read about Matt and I’s trip here back in 2017. We didn’t go on property this trip.
Kahari on Stocking Island – This looks like a fun spot to stay for couples. This is over on Stocking island, a quick boat ride from great Exuma, and has a nice private atmosphere. It could be fun to stay here for 2 or 3 nights and then go spend a few nights on great Exuma as well.
Peace & Plenty Hotel in Georgetown – This hotel is actually a sister property to Kahari (mentioned above). I have never seen the rooms here, but they look nice and it is located in the heart of Exuma. It is easy to walk to a few restaurants, the straw market, groceries, etc.
Smaller / Family Affordable Options:
Paradise Bay Bahamas – this looked like a really fun option to us. We spent two of our days hanging out here for a bit. You have a nice restaurant, Coco Plum Bistro, and they have a fun beach area with outdoor bar, games, swings, hammocks, etc for kids and adults to enjoy.
Hideaways at Palm Bay – I don’t know much about this one but it was centrally located on the island and a family that we met on an excursion stayed here and they seemed to enjoy it.
Where to Eat
Northside:
23 degree North – This was our favorite spot and is an upscale dinner restaurant at Grand Isle resort. The atmosphere is really nice and we had a couple of really good meals here.
Palapas – This is the pool bar/restaurant at Grand Isle that was a nice atmosphere and decent food. We only had lunch here.
Sandy Toes Jerk Hut – this is on the beach at Grand isle and apparently has amazing jerk cuisine. We didn’t make it here which I bummed because we learned about it too late.
Big D’s Conch House – We didn’t make it here but it’s a casual beach restaurant that is cash-only.
Coco Plum Bistro – We liked this little spot a lot. We had lunch and dinner here and the food was pretty good. We really liked the set up though because they had an indoor spot but also outdoors they had a beach, beach bar and games, hammocks, set up for the kids to play.
The Beacon – The high in restaurant at Kahari resort available to the public for dinner. You have to take a boat taxi to Stocking Island to eat here.
Driftwood Cafe – This is a great breakfast or lunch spot in town and that has pizzas and sandwiches.
Southside:
Rusty Anchor – We have eaten here once and didn’t have an amazing experience but the ambiance was really nice and I think we would like to give it another try. It’s a higher end restaurant located in the February Point community on the island.
Blu on the Water – We didn’t eat here either but this spot gets great reviews and looks very pretty.
The Beacon – Mentioned above.
Shirley’s Seafood – casual seafood spot with unique Bahamian seafood cuisine.
Tropic Breeze -this little spot on Little Exuma is a cute shack on the beach. Follow the path down to the beach and enjoy some delicious Caribbean cuisine. Chef Khristont is also available for an at-home chef experience.
Santanas – Fun bar and restaurant on the Southside tip of the island that has great local Bahamian food and drinks. They are known for their rice and beans and don’t miss the lobster.
Haulover Bar & Grill – casual, but pretty atmosphere tucked away in Rolletown.
Stocking Island:
The Beacon – This is Kahari’s upscale restaurant that the public is allowed to go dine at. I would suggest a reservation. They do have a boat taxi service that will bring you to and from the restaurant for dinner that leaves from the Peace & Plenty hotel.
Peace & Plenty Beach Club Grill – This was a pretty spot that was great for adults and kids. It is part of the Kahari resort and they have a pretty simple food menu but also a fresh conch salad stand and a bar to order drinks.
Snappy Turtle Bar & Grill – We loved this spot so much and they have docks to park your boat. The fried conch appetizer was to die for and don’t skip the fresh tuna wrap!
Chat N’ Chill – This is a huge tourist spot with lots to do on property. Swings, volleyball, ropes course, corn hole, etc. It is meant to be a hang out spot. The food is not good and the service can be terrible, but its just one of those spots you just have to go check out if you are close by.
At Home Chef Options:
Thai Hibachi –242-464-1293
cheftahj@yahoo.com
Chef Tahj was an awesome experience for us! He brings his grill and cooks right in front of you just like a hibachi restaurant. He also does sushi as well.
Chef Gavin – 242-464-1325
We love chef Gavin and he made dinners so fun. He did anything from authentic Bahamian food (amazing lobster and Grouper) to a delicious lasagna that is totally worth trying. Don’t forget to ask him about his Guava Duff dessert.
Chef Shariqua – 242-808-1557
Shariqua cooks traditional Bahamian cuisine to steak and potatoes. She’s known for her large portions and she is great for family style dinners.
Chef Khristont – 242-524-5183
Chef Khristont is the owner of Tropic Breeze and is available for breakfast and dinner catering. We haven’t used him but I hear he is an absolute joy and has amazing food (try his charcuterie)! He also has been known to sing for his guests 🙂
What to Do
Excursions – We love Exuma Watersports – They offer a swimming with the pigs half day tour or a full day tour that takes you swimming with the pigs but also to Thunderball Grotto to snorkel, lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht club and swimming with the sharks in Compass Cay. They also have a new excursion which we did this trip that is called the 7 beaches tour which was really pretty. You see another side of the island and explore beautiful beaches and a giant sandbar.
Hire a Boat Captain -Steven Cole, the owner and operator – Off Island Boat Tours, Contact – (242) 524-0524 or visit www.offislandboattours.com or Dallas Knowles Call or Text: 242.524.8246 www.outislandexplorers.com
Rent a boat through Minn’s Water Sports – We really enjoyed this day. You need to rent your boat ahead of time because they do book up. You will be the captain of your own boat so you also should have some boat driving experience. It was a fun way to tour around the Elizabeth Harbour area on your own time and at your own pace.
4 Wheeler Rides – We didn’t do this adventure but I heard it may be fun if you wanted something a little different and on land.
Fishing – We didn’t plan any fishing trips this trip but Matt had planned on one on a previous trip and it was cancelled because of a rough, windy day. You can ask around the island for some guides. Ours was supposed to be with Doug Rowe for a deep sea fishing trip phone: 242-357-0870.
Golfing – Grand Isle & Sandals both have golf courses that look beautiful. We have not golfed on the island.
Tennis / Pickleball – Sandals resort has these but I honestly am not sure if they are available to anyone that is not staying at the resort.
Explore Beaches on the Island – There are beaches all over the island that are worth exploring if you have a day to do it. Many I have not seen but several that are special. Coco Plum Beach has a really pretty sand bar at low tide or around Hoopers Bay you can find the turtles swimming around.
Why the Exumas
The water. Period. It is honestly the most beautiful waters you will ever see. The shallow water around the Exumas makes for the most perfectly clear and turquoise waters you will ever see. The sea life is all around and makes for fun entertainment for both adults and kids alike. The Exumas are a bit more primitive than some of the other islands in the Bahamas, but I have seen it grow a lot even in 4 years since we were here last.
There are some beautiful homes to rent in the Exumas now which is my top recommendation for coming to this island, but they do have some nice resorts too if you are coming as a couple or small family. We highly recommend spending as much time on the water as possible when you are here. We love booking excursions or taking our own boat out from Minn’s if you have someone in your group that is comfortable driving. There are also little hidden beaches all throughout the island that are worth finding and exploring.
We hope you get the opportunity to explore this beautiful island and love it as much as we do 🙂
Where to Shop
Exuma Market located in Georgetown. Exuma Market is the biggest grocery store and has the best produce selection, shelf and frozen food selection.
Prime Island Meats is the local butcher shop. They have a selection of both fresh and shelf foods along with meat selections.
Smittys & Smittys Liquor Store a smaller grocery store with a liquor store next door.
Straw Market a wonderful locals market that is worth checking out in Georgetown.
Services on the Island
Babysitting
Marilynn Musgrove
242-551-8065
marilynmusgrove2@gmail.com
Photographer
Exuma Photography – Nicole
242-524-6532
exumaphotography@gmail.com
Deep Sea Dive
Dive Option — www.dive-exuma.com
Phone: 242-3362893
Mobile Massage & Yoga Services
https://www.exumamassage.com
lyn@exumamassage.com
Our Previous Trips
My Dad’s 60th Birthday Trip – 2013
Matt and I’s Trip to the Sandals Emerald Bay – 2017
Couples Trip at Salt House – 2019
Our Family Vacation to Exuma, Bahamas with Kids – 2023
I hope this Exuma, Bahamas travel guide was helpful and if you have any more specific questions you can ask here or check my Exumas highlight on Instagram for some Q&As that I did.
