Bahamas Vacation

The Exumas in the Bahamas

 

 

Exuma Bahamas

Exuma is one of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas where life remains as it was decades ago. In the Exumas you will find a cay for every day of the year! With 365 cays and islands, most of them uninhabited, stretching over 120 miles, it's the best-kept secret of those seeking clear sunny skies, crystal clear waters and solitude. In fact, The Exumas have a reputation as the most relaxed island in the Bahamas.

The spectacular turquoise blue to jade green waters surrounding The Exumas, are magnets for yachts and sport-fisherman with hidden coves, bays, and harbours to explore.

The ExumasThe Exuma National Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world established in 1959 and protected by The Bahamas National Trust, encompasses much of the coastline. The park is only accessible by boat. One of the major natural wonders and sightseeing destinations of the Bahamas, the park has an abundance of undersea life, reefs, blue holes and shipwrecks.

These islands have not been developed like the Abacos and Eleuthera, but still have much to offer, with crystal-clear waters on the west around the Great Bahama Bank and the 5,000-foot-deep Exuma Sound on the east, uninhabited cays ideal for picnics, rolling hills, ruins of once-great plantations, and beautiful coral formations. Some days, you may be the only one sitting under a palm tree on a beautiful beach.

Holidays in Exuma can be enjoyed all year round. The winters tend to be drier with daily temperatures between 75° F and 85° F. Summers are between 80° F and 90° F.

Most of The Exumas' 3,500 residents live on Great Exuma or Little Exuma, the two largest islands, which are connected by a short bridge. The capital, George Town, on Great Exuma Island, is served by regular flights from Nassau and makes the most convenient base for non-sailors.

Great Exuma

This is the capital, the centre of commerce and second largest settlement in The Exumas. This tranquil seaport village opens onto a 15-mile habor and is a favorite spot for yachters. It has a laid-back atmosphere and a couple of hotels and restaurants. There are dive centers, marinas, grocery store to stock up on supplies, gift shops and the outdoor straw market.

In George Town, take a walking tour. Visit the central straw market under the big African fig tree for some authentic Bahamian crafts, enjoy the architecture of the Government Administration Building or the 150 year old St. Andrews Anglican Church or stroll around Lake Victoria and absorb the local way of life.

From George Town you can take the short ferry trip to nearby Stocking Cay. The ten-minute journey across the sound takes you to an island of beautiful beaches, underwater caves to dive in, and rocky inlets to explore by snorkel. You can find sand dollars and starfish and spot rays and turtles. The few holiday homes do nothing to spoil the natural beauty, and you'll still be able to find a deserted beach in one of the many sheltered bays.

Little Exuma -- Tropic Of Cancer Beach
This graceful crescent of pale sand borders the phenomenally blue-green water along the coast of Little Exuma. The longest beach on the island, it is also the prettiest in the Exuma chain and you will probably have it all to yourself. The imaginary line that defines the northern extent of the tropics is said to run right along this beach.

The Exumas Shopping experience is generally limited to hotel boutiques and general establishments in George Town that mainly target the locals. One exception is The Straw Market—a series of five to ten stands along the main road into George Town offering several varieties of baskets, purses and other straw goods that come in unique Exumian designs and colors.
Watersports: The primary watersport in Exuma is snorkeling, which can be done off the beach, from a glassbottom boat or at one of the many cays. Stocking Island is a popular place for shelling, beachcombing and picnicking.
Diving: Diving enthusiasts from around the world believe The Exumas are one of the most spectacular places in all of The Islands Of The Bahamas to take in the beauty of the world beneath the ocean's surface. Vast beds of undisturbed coral reef teeming with brightly colored schools of fish of every variety can be seen surrounding The Exumas, in addition to the Austin Smith Wreck.
Golfing: Four Seasons Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by golf Legend Greg Norman, is set to become one of the world’s greatest ocean-side clubs. Six signature holes hug the perimeter of Emerald Bay’s scenic peninsula.

Exuma Hotels & Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Great ExumaFour Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay - This intimate 183-room resort is surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and a mile-long bay with a powdery white sand beach. Outstanding features of the resort include the Greg Norman designed 18-hole, par-72 golf course, a full-service spa and fitness center, as well a tennis facility with six courts. The resort offers two swimming pools, along with a selection of non-motorized water sports by the beach.

Club Peace & PlentyClub Peace & Plenty - Club Peace & Plenty is a 32 room resort overlooking Elizabeth Harbour with luxury suites, private beaches and snorkeling, a private island and motorboat rental. All rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-fridge, hair-dryer, private bath, and in room satellite television. Since the Club is right in the middle of town, you are close to grocery shopping, site seeing and fun activities including sail boat rental.

Grand Isle Resort and SpaGrand Isle Resort and Spa - Grand Isle is a new resort offering luxurious ocean and golf course villas located within the 500-acre Emerald Bay Resort. Perfect for families and couples, these spacious one, two and three-bedroom villas as well as the four bedroom and two bedroom Penthouses provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Grand Isle’s 72 spacious Caribbean villas offer a variety of spectacular ocean views and luxurious amenities that include upgraded linens, plasma satellite TV’s, a private kitchen and a private balcony that offer breathtaking views of the marina or the ocean. Swim in the beautiful free form pool with infinity edge overlooking golf course and ocean or soak in the outdoor heated whirlpool spa overlooking beach.

<Bahamas About | Privacy Policy / Disclaimer | Contact Us | ©2008 Bahamas Family Vacation