Exumas, Bahamas

What makes the Exumas so unique? Is it the sparsely populated islands with pristine low-key beaches? The incredible reefs and clear water? The year-round delightful weather? Or is having so many places to explore, from secluded beaches where the only footsteps may be your own to delightful waterfront dining in one of the scattered towns on the populated islands? The Exumas may be the most quiet and pristine island chain in the Bahamas, a bright diamond sparkling among all the precious gems. 

It’s a few hours of sailing from Palm Cay Marina to Highbourne Cay, the gateway to the Exumas and the vacation of a lifetime. After exploring some of Highbourne’s eight beaches, snorkeling the blue holes or the Octopus Garden Reef, or having dinner while taking in the breathtaking views from the hilltop restaurant, point your bow south and find something special.

Norman’s Cay has more lovely beaches and a crashed DC3 in the lagoon for snorkelers. You can float the mangrove creek on uninhabited Shroud Cay all the way to the “washing machine” slide at the river’s mouth. Shroud lies inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which provides moorings for visitors who want to check out the plentiful land and marine wildlife.

If you pass Big Major, stop in for a swim with the friendly pigs, a highlight of many Exumas vacations. Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto on Staniel Cay is a must for movie fans, as it was the filming location for two James Bond films. The Exumas Land and Sea Park headquarters on Warderick Wells Cay is also worth a visit.