Vacationing in the Exumas
The Exumas are a 120-mile-long chain of islands strewn in the indescribably blue waters of the Carribean like a string of precious gems, within the larger string of Out Islands. Christopher Columbus landed in the islands in1492 and tales of rum runners and pirates have delighted young and old ever since.
From Florida, just a short 45-minute trip by chartered plane will get you to the Exumas, your escape to one of the most beautiful vacation destinations on earth. White sandbars that seem to go on forever, reefs that are home to hundreds of species of marine life, quiet coves, lush greenery and spectacular sunsets – all this awaits you on your Exuma vacation.
So perfect is the environment for every sort of land and sea wildlife, that the Bahamian government designated a 176-square mile area for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park which is one of the most successful marine parks in the world.
The open waters provide a paradise for boaters, surfers, divers and fishermen. If quiet relaxation is more to your liking, the pretty coves and inlets are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching and snorkeling.
Inland, there is an abundance of things to do and places to visit. Close to home, you can soak up the sun on the warm sandy beaches or enjoy a game of beach volleyball with friends, old and new.
If golf is your passion, the ocean-side Sandals Golf Club at Emerald Bay offers an 18-hole championship course designed by golf legend Greg Norman.
Visit some of the most interesting places in the Exumas on one of many guided tours and excursions of the Out Islands. Visit the quaint shops and wander around the Straw Market in George Town where local artisans display their beautiful handmade clothing, handmade baskets, jewellery, etc. Tap your feet to traditional goombay music of the islands and absorb the rich and colorful Bahamian culture.
Fresh-caught seafood and peas’n’rice are staples on Exuma and there are so many great eating places that you may have difficulty deciding which one to visit next.
For starters, you can get fish and seafood with a mix of different dishes at the Fish Fry, a variety of unique huts along the shore on your way to or from George Town. As each hut is independently owned and operated, you can find at least one of them open nearly all the time.
Santana’s Grill at Williams Town is located on the water so you can swim or pull up your boat, sit on the deck and watch your freshly-caught seafood being prepared while you sip a refreshing drink.
KB’s Chat ‘N’ Chill prepares everything fresh each day and cooks your meal on an open wood flame grill. Enjoy the Pig Roast every Sunday, accompanied by their famous Kalik (Bahamian Brewed Beer).
Be sure to charter a private plane at least one day during your vacation and take wing over the islands for a bird’s-eye view of the endless palette of blues and greens below. You can look down upon privately-owned islands where the rich and famous go to unwind.
Getting around on Exuma is easy and fun. Hop a taxi and you may find yourself on your own custom-designed guided tour, compliments of a friendly cabbie who knows the best places to eat, where to catch the biggest fish and everything else you want to know. You can also rent a car, a jeep or even a golf cart, giving you the freedom to explore all the out-of-the-way spots you don’t want to miss. If touring by boat appeals to you, take a ferry or a water taxi or charter your own boat for a day’s trip around the islands.
If you are planning to say “I do”, Exuma’s breathtaking scenery is a spectacular backdrop for a dreamy island wedding and honeymoon. There are as many kinds of island weddings as there are lovers to plan them. Gather with family and friends at sunset by the water, surrounded by the beautiful greenery in a botanical park, or have a more traditional ceremony in a historical church.
Catch the ferry to the Peace and Plenty Beach Club on Stocking Island for a day of hiking. Discover deserted beaches, sparkling with snow-white sand against the innumerable blue colors of water and sky. Climb up to the Salt Stone to see this ancient monument. In days of old, the monument was erected to alert passing ships that they could safely anchor here in the harbor and replenish their supply of salt and other necessities. The view from up top is unforgettable!
