Exuma Islands

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 picture perfect tropical islands in the Bahamas Out Island. Only a 30 minute flight away, the Exuma Cays are the perfect Day Trip destination and home to the famous Swimming Pigs.

The Exuma Cays islands offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, natural wonders, and unique attractions, making it a destination that caters to a wide range of interests and travel preferences. There are many ways to get from Nassau to Exuma, so whether you’re looking to unwind on pristine beaches or engage in exhilarating water activities, the Exumas have something for everyone.

Good to Know

Location: Exuma Cays, The Bahamas

How Long to Spend: Any duration from 1 Day to a Week

TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Pig Beach, Swimming with Sharks, Thunderball Grotto, Exuma Sand Bar

Entry Fees: Free for visitors, specific attractions within Exuma have entrance fees.

How to visit the Exuma Islands

Visiting the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas requires some planning and coordination, as these islands are spread out and often accessible by boat or small aircraft.

Most travelers start by flying into Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is well-connected to various international destinations. From Nassau, you can book a Day Trip to Exuma from Nassau.

Nassau to Exuma flights by plane, from Nassau airport to Staniel Cay airport. Fly over the stunning Exuma Cays on a unique Nassau to Exuma day tour.

Stunning views of the Exuma Cays on the Nassau to Exuma flights

If you want to explore islands further south in Great Exuma you will want to plan a trip with flights to to Exuma International Airport (GGT), also known as George Town Airport.

Many visitors opt to take a boat from Nassau to the Exuma Cays. You can choose from various boat tours, excursions, or private charters. The boat journey is long, you can expect atleast 3 hour one way boat ride to get to the famous Exuma Attractions like Pig Beach.

Many tour operators offer guided tours that take you to popular attractions in the Exuma Cays. These tours often provide transportation, activities, and insights from knowledgeable guides. Since the Exuma Cays can get busy, especially during peak seasons, it’s advisable to plan and book accommodations, transportation, and activities well in advance.

Things to do in the Exuma Cays on a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip:

1. Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach, Big Major Cay Island

Big Major Cay and its swimming pigs have become an iconic and Instagram-worthy attraction, drawing visitors who seek the novelty of interacting with pigs in such a beautiful and unusual setting. Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, is a small uninhabited island located in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. It has gained international fame for its unique population of swimming pigs.

The main attraction of Big Major Cay is the presence of friendly and docile pigs that roam the island and swim in the surrounding waters. The phenomenon of pigs swimming in the ocean is quite unusual and has captured the fascination of visitors from around the world.

Swimming Pigs at the famous Pig Beach in Exuma, Big Major Cay is home of the Exuma Pigs. Take Nassau to Exuma Flights with Bahamas Air Tours to go swimming with pigs.

Visit the Swimming Pigs on a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip

2. Swim with Sharks at Compass Cay Marina

The Swim with Sharks experience at Compass Cay Marina in the Bahamas offers visitors the opportunity to swim and interact with nurse sharks in a controlled and safe environment. Compass Cay Marina is situated in the Exuma Cays, a chain of islands known for their stunning natural beauty and marine life.

The swim with sharks experience involves interacting with nurse sharks, which are relatively docile and non-aggressive species of sharks. Nurse sharks are known for their slow and gentle nature. The experience is typically guided by knowledgeable staff from the marina. They provide information about nurse sharks, safety guidelines, and instructions for interacting with the sharks.

Swim with Nurse Sharks on a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip

3. Snorkel into James Bond Thunderball Grotto

Thunderball Grotto is a famous underwater cave system and snorkeling site located in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. It gained popularity after being featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball,” which was released in 1965. The grotto offers a unique and visually stunning underwater experience.

Thunderball Cave can be visited on a Nassau to Exuma Excursion, making it the perfect Day Trip to explore other attractions in Exuma

Thunderball Grotto Cave visited on the Nassau to Exuma Day Trip. Exuma Tours from Nassau visit the James bond locations in Exuma Bahamas.

Snorkel into the James Bond Thunderball Grotto Cave

James Bond in the Bahamas

The film Thunderball was released in 1965 as the fourth installment in the James Bond series. Portions of the movie were filmed in the picturesque Exuma Cays, Bahamas. Notably, the famous Thunderball Grotto played a significant role in the film. The grotto is a stunning underwater cave with crystal-clear waters and a unique opening in its ceiling, creating a magical interplay of light and marine life. The Exuma Cays provided an ideal backdrop for the film’s underwater action sequences and exotic settings. The stunning beauty of the location added to the movie’s visual appeal and established it as one of the iconic Bond film locations.

Over the years, the Thunderball Grotto has become a popular snorkeling and diving destination, attracting tourists who wish to experience the enchanting underwater world featured in the film. It stands as a testament to how film can elevate a location’s allure, making it a sought-after spot for travelers and Bond enthusiasts alike.

4. Visit the Bahamian Rock Iguanas

The Exuma rock iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi) is a species of large lizard that is native to the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. It is a subspecies of the larger Bahamian rock iguana species, which includes several subspecies found on different islands in the Bahamas. The Exuma rock iguana is notable for its distinctive appearance and its adaptation to the unique environment of the Exuma Cays.

They have stout bodies, strong legs, and a crest of spiky scales that runs along their back. Their coloration can vary, ranging from gray to reddish-brown. Due to the limited food sources on the islands, Exuma rock iguanas have developed the ability to consume vegetation that might be toxic to other animals. They have specialized digestive systems that allow them to process these plants.

Exuma Tours from Nassau visit the Bahamas Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay island in the Bahamas Exumas.

Bahamian Rock Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay in the Exuma Cays

5. Snorkel at the Underwater Plane Wreck at Staniel Cay

This intriguing underwater plane wreck is the highlight of any Nassau to Exuma Tour. Having crashed in the shallow Exuma waters during the 1970’s it is now a popular snorkel attraction. Accessible because of its close proximity to Staniel Cay island and the shallow depths of the sea in this location (only a few meters, often chest height at low tide).

There are many plane wrecks hidden underwater in the Bahamas. Many of these planes crashed during the prolific drug running era of the 1970’s when aircraft navigation systems were still primitive.

The Bahamas unique crystal clear waters makes snorkeling at plane wrecks in the Bahamas a very unique experience, hard to find elsewhere in the world.

Nassau to Exuma Boat Tours to snorkel at the Bahamas Underwater plane wreck at Staniel Cay exuma.

The Bahamas is home to many accessible underwater plane wrecks

6. Explore the pristine Exuma Sand Bar at Pipe Creek

A short boat ride away from Compass Cay (Swimming with sharks experience) and Staniel Cay (Gateway to the Exuma Cays), is the stunning Exuma Sand Bar. With pristine white sand, visitors footprints are washed away each day during the high tide, making it pristine for each days new visitors.

Nassau to Exuma excursions by boat to the Exuma Sandbars at Pipe Creek. Take Nassau to exuma flights with Bahamas Air Tours.

Stunning Sandbars at Pipe Creek, visited on the Nassau To Exuma Tours

Top Travel Tips for Traveling from Nassau to Exuma

Choose Your Transportation Method: Decide whether you want to fly or take a boat from Nassau to Exuma. Flights are quicker but may be more expensive, while boat trips offer scenic views.
Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons, it’s a good idea to book your transportation and accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred options.
Choose a Tour Operator who offers Hotel Pickup: With many Nassau to Exuma Tours to choose from, the most convenient is a Day Trip which has hotel pickup and drop off. Therefore avoiding issues with finding a taxi or worrying about being late for your Tour check-in.
Take the Plane for stunning Views: Flying over the 365-islands of the Exuma Cays is a visual delight which you can only witness on flights from Nassau to Exuma.
Consider Luggage Restrictions: Depending on your chosen method of transportation, there may be luggage restrictions. Check with the airline or boat operator for details.
Arrive Early for Check-in: Whether you’re flying or taking a boat, arrive early to the departure point to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Pack Essentials: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and any personal medications. The sun in the Bahamas can be intense.
Stay Hydrated: The warm climate requires staying hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Local Currency: Have some Bahamian or US dollars in cash for small purchases or tipping guides, as not all places may accept credit cards.
Travel Documents: Ensure you have a Government ID such as a valid passport as Bahamas Customs often do spot checks on domestic travelers.
Consider Weather Conditions: Weather can impact flights and boat transfers. Be aware of any weather-related advisories or delays.
Sea Sickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking necessary precautions before taking a boat, as the waters between Nassau and Exuma can sometimes be choppy. Avoid a powerboat tour and take a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip by plane to avoid sea sickness altogether.
Relax and Enjoy: While the journey itself is part of the adventure, remember to relax, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the fact that you’re heading to a beautiful destination.

Why you must visit the Exuma Islands from Nassau?

Visiting the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas offers a range of incredible experiences and attractions that make it a popular and unforgettable destination. Known for their stunning beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. You’ll find secluded spots as well as lively beach scenes.

The famous Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is a unique attraction where you can swim with friendly pigs in the ocean—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nearby Compass Cay Marina offers a safe and guided opportunity to swim with nurse sharks, providing an adventurous and educational experience.

Looking for more exciting places to visit in Nassau & Paradise Island? Explore the top rated Nassau Attractions with our interactive Nassau & Paradise Island Map.

Exuma Islands Location Map

View our Full Interactive Map of Nassau

Nassau to Exuma Day Trip by Plane
Discover the top Exuma attractions on this unique one day tour to Exuma from Nassau, by Plane. With a short 30 minute flight, you skip the 3-hour oneway boat ride, and can spend longer enjoying the top things to do in Exuma.

Visit these Exuma attractions on the Exuma Tour from Nassau: