The Exuma’s are a chain of 365 islands and cays (pronounced “KEYS”) stretching over 130 miles of the most beautiful turquoise waters you will ever see. Not only do the Exuma’s have the bluest water in the world, but they are also home to tons of wild marine life, private islands, the famous swimming pigs, and possibly the best boating you will ever experience!
The Exuma’s are one of the only places in The Bahamas where you can rent your own boat without a captain and captain it yourself. This is an amazing experience and if you feel comfortable captaining your own boat I think the Exuma’s should be your destination of choice when visiting The Bahamas!
The Exuma’s are a great choice for people looking to jump off the grid, explore by boat and get a real island experience!
You have some amazing options when traveling to the Exuma’s, from small cottages in Marinas, to beautiful hotels or luxurious private homes, there are endless options for luxury and or a trip on a budget.
Highbourne Cay
This is a Marina in the most northern part of the Exuma’s, here you will find Xuma Restaurant with great views and good food. There are also a few updated cottages that you can stay in should you choose Highbourne as your destination.
Highbourne is about 1 hour by boat from Nassau. You can also take a quick 30-minute flight via helicopter or seaplane.
To find more info check out their website here.
Macduff’s in Normans Cay
Macduff’s is located in Norman’s Cay, just south of Highbourne Cay, and is famously known as Pablo Escobar’s drug smuggling island. Because of its use as an interception point for drug smuggling in the ’70s, Pablo Escobar had a landing strip on the island, allowing for small planes to land here! You can get here via private charter, boat, seaplane, or helicopter.
Macduff’s has a few semi-updated cottages and a restaurant located on some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see!
To find more info check out their website here.
Compass Cay
Compass Cay is a marina famously known for swimming with sharks! If you are traveling on a boat, this is a great stop for you. There are cottages available equipped with full kitchens, however, you must bring all your own provisions as there are no dining options on Compass Cay.
You can arrive by boat or fly into Staniel Cay and Compass Cay will arrange a boat transfer for you.
To find out more information check out their website here.
Over Yonder Cay
Over Yonder is the crème de la crème when talking about private resorts on private islands. This eco-friendly island has everything you could ever imagine from watersports to golfing, beautiful pools, private chefs, and much more! Villas start at $10,000 per night, or you can rent the whole island for $45,000 a night and host up to 30 people!
Get here by boat or fly into Staniel Cay and take a quick 5-minute boat transfer.
To find out more information check out their website here.
Fowl Cay
Fowl Cay is a beautiful island with many villas and cottages to choose from. They have a beautiful restaurant and bar. Staying in Fowl Cay would be like having a private island to yourself without the hustle and bustle of Marina Life.
Its located closely to Staniel Cay, this is a great place to stay if you want a quiet vacation with all the amenities of Staniel Cay!
To find out more information check out their website here.
Staniel Cay
Possibly the most famous of all the Exuma Cays, Staniel Cay is the hub for mega yachts, boat excursions, home of the swimming pigs and is one of my favorite places in the world. Staniel Cay has a population of 100 people, it is about 2 square miles, has one restaurant, The Yacht Club, and tons of options for Airbnb + a few hotel options. Staniel Cay definitely has the most accommodation options after Great Exuma.
There are flights daily from Fort Lauderdale & Nassau. You can also arrive by boat or seaplane. It takes about 2 hours by boat and 30-40 minutes by plane.
I have written a guide to Staniel Cay with tons of tips, you can check it out here.
Black Point
Black Point is located just a few miles south of Staniel Cay. It is a larger island, with many accommodation rentals on Airbnb as well as a few restaurants for you to choose from. This would probably be your most affordable option for accommodations in all the Exuma’s.
There are flights daily from Nassau. You can also arrive by boat or seaplane. It takes about 2 hours by boat and 30-40 minutes by plane.
Blackpoint does not have a website, however, you can look it up on Airbnb and find some options!
Little Farmers Cay
Farmers Cay has a Yacht Club and Marina that will give you a very off-the-grid feel! They have a few beach cottages and a restaurant at their Marina with some local food options. You will most likely have the island almost to yourself and will have tons to explore by boat! The accommodations are a bit dated but affordable given you are on a small basically private island!
You can arrive by boat or transfer from Staniel Cay or Black Point.
To find out more information you can check out their website here.
Musha Cay
Another high-end option for luxurious travelers! Musha Cay, better known as David Copperfield’s island is available for private full rental only, meaning you have to rent the whole island! Upon renting you will be delightfully spoiled with amazing entertainment, food, beautiful excursions, and much more!
You can arrive by boat or private plane arranged by Musha Cay through Great Exuma.
To find out more information you can check out their website here.
Great Exuma
Great Exuma is the largest of all the Islands & Cays in the Exuma chain. It is the home of the famous Chat N Chill Bar, the Cocoplum Beach swings, and much more! There are some amazing large resorts, great Airbnb’s + many restaurants, a full grocery store and so much to explore!
I have created a full guide with many tips for a Great Exuma Trip, which can be found here.
Regardless of where you choose to stay in The Exuma’s, you are sure to have an amazing and memorable trip. These islands are truly unique, have the most beautiful waters in the world, and are literally surrounded by the most beautiful blue waters in the world!
Email Me for more tips for traveling to The Exumas!