The scenery is breathtaking! The waves are lapping at your feet and its waves invite you to envelop yourself in its crystalline warmth. Beaches can be addictive, but there are plenty of other things to do in Exuma, Bahamas. There are must-sees and must-sees for all tastes. The beaches are just the beginning.
1. Go deep below the surface
Exuma has some of the most famous underwater caves and blue holes. Thunderball Grotto is a popular and interesting place for snorkelers and snorkelers; the underwater cave appeared in two James Bond movies. The Exuma Caves are famous for their diversity, varying in length, depth, and beauty. Explore the lush greenery and unusual inhabitants of the salty depths and be sure to bring those underwater cameras.
2. Hook a bone!
Bone fishing is a fascinating Bahamian sport and a popular pastime in Exuma, Bahamas. The southwestern shores of Exumas are the ideal place to participate in this exciting tide-dependent sport because bonefish soak up the sandy shoals in search of food. Bonefish are slippery, silvery creatures that can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour to elude predators. For the most part, they are caught up in the spirit of the sport, as they are not known to be particularly appetizing. The average number of bonefish sighted per day in Exuma is between 40 and 400, while the average number of fish caught per day is between 3 and 45. The usual weight of a bonefish is between 4 and 6 pounds, but they can reach up to 19 pounds!
3. Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
There are numerous things to do in Exuma, Bahamas, so before you set out, do some research. You’ll find the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, a marine wildlife preserve located on Great Exuma, worth exploring. Opened in 1959, it was the first of its kind. It extends over 176 square miles. Diving is spectacular due to the crystal clear waters that provide excellent visibility on any given day. The remoteness of the park offers you a personal paradise where large groups of reef fish can be observed in their natural environment. This land and sea park is home to the lutia, a rabbit-like rodent that was believed to be extinct until 1966.
4. Swim with the dolphins
Swimming with the dolphins literally takes your breath away and is definitely considered one of the most memorable things to do in Exuma, Bahamas. It is an activity that can involve the whole family by touching, interacting and even feeding these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat.
5. Become a history buff of the Bahamas
Soak up local history by visiting Bowe Family Plantation, a former cotton plantation that tells the colonial history of the Bahamas. The main structure is in ruins today, but visitors can clearly make out the layout of the house, including the location of the kitchen and slave quarters. For the not so faint of heart, there are spooky things to do in Exuma, Bahamas, like a visit to Rolle Town Tombs, a cemetery where a supervisor and his wife who lived during times of slavery rest. If that’s not spooky enough, head to The Hermitage, another cemetery located eight miles from Georgetown, where the graves date back to the 19th century and are most interesting when visited with an expert guide.
6. Parading
If you want to experience the culture of the Bahamas to the fullest, participating in the annual Exuma Junkanoo Summer Festival is essential. Not only can you sample local food and drink and take part in traditional games and competitions, but you can also learn a lot about the island as great emphasis is placed on Bahamian heritage, culture and entertainment during this celebration.
7. Did someone say navigate?
One of the most prominent things to do in Exuma, Bahamas, is sail. Every April, Exuma holds its annual National Family Island Regatta, where the world’s best sailors flock to compete for the coveted title of ‘Best in the Bahamas’. The competition is based on sailing skills and excellence in the sport. Starting in the 1950s, the regatta takes place in the waters between George Town and Elizabeth Harbor. It is always a lively and boisterous event that concludes with a junkanoo parade in Regatta Park with the Nassau Police Band entertaining the crowd.
8. Biting the Bahamas
Definitely deserving of a place in the top 10 things to do in Exuma, Bahamas is the fine dining experience. With menus chock-full of sumptuous seafood, tasty spices, and cold exotic drinks, sampling native food is a must! Start with a nice bowl of souse, a soup made from onions, lime juice, bell peppers, celery, and meat, and then move on to a main dish of snail meat. The snail is a marine mollusk that produces a peach-colored flesh that can be eaten fresh, raw, and seasoned with lemon juice and spices. Then relax with a bottle of Kalik, the local beer at Exuma, or a tasty glass of Sky Juice, a rich blend of coconut milk, coconut rum, and gin. Shaken not stirred!
9. A view from above
Imagine yourself floating through the gentle Bahamian breeze contemplating a veritable kaleidoscope of brilliant blues and greens. That is the reality of parasailing in the Exumas. It offers you a view you never dreamed possible. Seeing the splendor of the islands from 400 feet in the air is an unforgettable experience that deserves a place on the Exuma, Bahamas list of things to do.
10. Life is a beach!
Last but not least, there are the magnificent beaches! Located in Little Exuma is Tropic of Cancer Beach, the longest beach on the island, stretching a mile and a half and featuring fine sand and turquoise water. This beach owes its name to its geographical location: the Tropic of Cancer runs through it. Equally attractive are the affectionately dubbed Hamburger Beach and Volleyball Beach on Stocking Island. Just 10 minutes from Georgetown Docks, visitors to the area can enjoy a hearty meal at Chill ‘n’ Chat or the P&P Hamburger Stand. These beaches are hotspots for surfers and shell collectors, as their shores are rich in exotic and unusual shells. Finding the perfect sandy corner is one of the easiest things to do in Exuma, Bahamas, that and finding total relaxation, of course.
