Exuma Travel Guide: Swimming Pigs, Sharks, Sandbars & Island-Hopping
Exuma is one of The Bahamas’ most photogenic destinations: bright turquoise water, long sandbars, quiet beaches, swimming pigs, island-hopping tours, and famous wildlife stops around the Exuma Cays.
Safety update — August 2026: The Bahamas is currently Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. Most reported crime is concentrated in Nassau and Freeport, but travelers in Exuma should still use normal precautions, secure valuables, use reputable transport and boat operators, and avoid assuming an island setting eliminates risk.
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How to Get to Exuma
Option 1: Fly Direct to Exuma (GGT)
Airport: George Town (GGT). Direct and seasonal routes vary by airline and date, so check current schedules before booking.
Option 2: Day Trip From Nassau
Some visitors stay in Nassau and book a speedboat or small-plane day trip. This can work for short vacations, but it makes for a long day and depends heavily on weather and operator schedules.
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Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Great Exuma / George Town | Main island, beaches, restaurants | First-timers |
| Little Exuma | Quiet and scenic | Couples and slow travel |
| Private cays / resorts | High-end villas and private beaches | Luxury escapes |
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Top Things to Do in Exuma
1) Pig Beach — Big Major Cay
The swimming pigs are one of Exuma’s best-known attractions. Follow the operator’s rules, keep a respectful distance when instructed, and do not assume animals are safe to touch simply because they are accustomed to visitors.
2) Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
Nurse sharks are wild animals. Some tours allow guests to enter the water near them, but do not pet, grab, feed, or pursue sharks unless current site rules and trained staff explicitly permit a specific interaction. Follow staff instructions and keep a respectful distance.
3) Sandbars — Pipe Creek / Saddleback Cay
Exuma’s sandbars are a major draw for shallow-water walks, swimming, and photography. Tides change quickly, so follow your captain’s instructions.
Drone note: do not assume drone use is allowed everywhere. Verify current Bahamas aviation rules, local restrictions, and property or park rules before flying.
4) Thunderball Grotto
A famous cave-and-snorkel stop near Staniel Cay. Conditions and access can vary with tide and current, so use an experienced operator and follow current instructions.
5) Allen’s Cay Iguanas
Observe iguanas as wildlife. Avoid touching or feeding them unless current conservation rules specifically allow it.
6) Tropic of Cancer Beach
A beautiful Little Exuma beach known for pale sand and clear water.
7) Stocking Island
Popular for beach time, boat access, and casual food stops near George Town.
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Island-Hopping Tours
A typical full-day Exuma Cays tour may include Pig Beach, Compass Cay, a sandbar, Thunderball Grotto, iguanas, a lunch stop, and snorkeling. Exact stops vary by operator, weather, sea conditions, and route.
Choose reputable operators. The U.S. travel advisory for The Bahamas warns that some boating and water-sport activities are poorly regulated. Ask about safety equipment, captain credentials, weather policy, passenger limits, and what happens if conditions deteriorate.
Food & Drinks
Look for conch salad, grouper, Bahamian-style sides, and casual local lunches around George Town and Stocking Island.
Transportation
- A rental car is useful on Great Exuma because sights are spread out.
- Driving is on the left.
- Use caution at night and on unfamiliar roads.
- For boat excursions, use established operators rather than assuming every available boat service follows the same safety standards.
Sample Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Great Exuma beaches.
Day 2: Exuma Cays boat tour.
Day 3: Stocking Island or Little Exuma.
5 Days
Add more beach time, George Town, Little Exuma, and a second water day if conditions are good.
Safety & Practical Tips
- The Bahamas is currently Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
- Most reported crime is concentrated in Nassau and Freeport, but normal precautions still apply in Exuma.
- Secure valuables and use trusted transportation.
- Use reputable boat and water-activity operators.
- Sandbars shift with tides; follow local guidance.
- Treat pigs, sharks, iguanas, stingrays, and other wildlife as wild animals.
- Check current drone and property restrictions before flying.
- Review weather and sea conditions before any boat day.
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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Exuma es famoso por sus bancos de arena, cerdos nadadores, excursiones en barco y vida marina. Bahamas se encuentra actualmente en nivel 2: ejercer mayor precaución debido a la delincuencia. La mayoría de los delitos reportados se concentra en Nassau y Freeport, pero en Exuma también conviene usar operadores de barco confiables, cuidar los objetos de valor y tratar a tiburones, cerdos, iguanas y otros animales como fauna silvestre, sin tocarlos ni alimentarlos por cuenta propia.