You can see the Tuscan-style Salt Beacon from the road in Williams Town, a 30-foot pillar that looks like it belongs on a Mediterranean hillside rather than a Bahamian outpost. The plaque at the base explains the beacon was built in the late 18th or early 19th century during the Loyalist Era, when salt was big business in the Caribbean. The Great Salina salt pond next to it reportedly produced 300,000 bushels of salt per year — about 10,000 tons. That’s a lot of salt for a quiet island. This article covers a self-guided walk from Williams Town past the salt ponds to the beacon, with a stop at one of the best beaches on Little Exuma. It’s a low-effort, high-reward outing for anyone who likes history with their ocean views.
During the Loyalist Era, salt production in the Great Salina reached 10,000 tons annually — a scale that explains why a navigational beacon was even needed.
This is a free, easy walk that combines history and coastal scenery in under two hours. The main downside is that the salt ponds themselves are now mostly dry and overgrown, so you’re relying on the beacon and the views to tell the story. If you’re short on time, just do the beacon and Tropic of Cancer Beach.
History buffs
Beach walkers
Families with older kids
| Activity | Skill Level | Cost | Duration | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Pond Ruins Walk | Easy | Free | 1–2 hours | Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the beacon and the beach. |
Salt Beacon & The Great Salina
Little Exuma’s salt ponds — known collectively as the Great Salina — were a major economic engine in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The salt was harvested from shallow, flat brackish ponds using seawater, freshwater injection, and the intense Caribbean sun. The Salt Beacon was built to guide ships coming to pick up the cargo. Today, the ponds are dry and overgrown, but the beacon still stands, and the site offers a clear view of Exuma Sound and nearby Tropic of Cancer Beach.
Park near the centre of Williams Town, the main settlement on Little Exuma. The road is paved, and there’s a small grocery store if you need snacks or water. The trailhead for the salt ponds is a five-minute walk from the main road. No parking fee.
Follow the sandy track east from Williams Town. The path is flat and easy to navigate, with the beacon visible most of the way. The walk takes roughly 15–20 minutes at a casual pace. Keep an eye out for the dry salt ponds on your left — they’re now colonised by low scrub and give you a sense of the scale of the operation.
Spend 15–20 minutes at the beacon. Read the plaque, take photos of the Tuscan pillar, and check out the salvaged cannon — Michael was surprised by how well preserved it was. The views of Exuma Sound and the turquoise water are the real reward. There’s a short, informal path down to the water if you want to dip your toes.
From the beacon, it’s a five-minute walk east to the northern end of Tropic of Cancer Beach, the longest beach on Little Exuma. The sand is white and the water is clear — perfect for a quick swim or a picnic. Lily and Ethan spent an hour here collecting shells while we relaxed. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and head back to Williams Town.
Visit the beacon in the late afternoon (around 4 p.m.) when the sun angles behind the pillar and casts a long shadow over the salt ponds. The light also makes the water pop for photos.
Practical Information for the Salt Pond Walk
This walk is self-guided, free, and open all year. The main challenge is the lack of shade — the salt ponds are exposed, and the track is mostly sandy. There are no facilities at the site, so plan accordingly.
Getting There
Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by a bridge. From the main settlement of George Town, drive south on the Queen’s Highway for about 30 minutes. The road is paved the whole way. Williams Town is the first settlement you reach on Little Exuma. If you don’t have a rental car, taxis from George Town are available — expect to pay around $60–80 one way (though prices vary).
What to Bring
Sun protection is non-negotiable: hat, sunscreen, long sleeves if you’re sensitive. Water is essential — there’s no tap at the site. A small backpack with snacks and a towel for the beach is a good idea. The walk is easy, but sturdy sandals or walking shoes are recommended because the sand can get hot. If you’re travelling with kids, consider packing a small umbrella for shade at the beach.
When to Go
Year-round, but the dry season (November to April) offers the most comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Summer is hot and buggy — the salt ponds can attract mosquitoes after rain. Check the tide schedule if you want to swim at Tropic of Cancer Beach; low tide leaves a wide, shallow shelf that’s great for wading, while high tide brings deeper water. If you’re still weighing which side of Little Exuma to sleep on, this interactive map of the island’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to the beacon versus the beach.
Mosquitoes can be relentless near the salt ponds in the late afternoon, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent with DEET or wear long sleeves. The walk itself is very safe, but the track is uneven in places — watch your step near the edges of the old ponds.
Before You Go: Little Exuma Salt Pond Walk Questions Answered
Is the walk suitable for young children?
Yes, for children who can walk about a mile on flat terrain. The main challenge is the heat and lack of shade. Bring a carrier for toddlers and plenty of water. The beach at the end is a great motivator.
Do I need a guide to see the ruins?
No. The walk is straightforward and well-marked by the beacon itself. The track is used by locals and fishermen. You can do it entirely on your own. There are no guided tours specifically for the salt ponds.
What’s the biggest letdown?
The salt ponds themselves are mostly dry and overgrown. You can see the shape of the basins, but don’t expect water or salt. The story is in the plaque and the scale of the landscape. If you’re not interested in history, the beacon alone won’t take more than 10 minutes.
Can I combine this with other activities?
Yes. Tropic of Cancer Beach is right next to the beacon. You can also drive to the nearby Santana’s Grill for lunch (conch fritters are a local favourite). If you’re staying on Great Exuma, the whole excursion can be done in a half-day.
Is there any entrance fee?
No. The site is public land. Parking is free at the roadside in Williams Town. The only cost is your transport to Little Exuma.
Salt, Sea, and a Simple Walk
Walking the salt ponds of Little Exuma won’t take up your whole day, but it gives you a tangible connection to a past that’s easy to miss when you’re focused on beaches and boats. The beacon stands as a quiet reminder of how much the Bahamas once relied on this industry. If you’re exploring the Exumas, it’s a worthwhile detour — especially when you can end the walk shell-hunting with the kids on one of the island’s best beaches. For more ideas on island hopping and hidden spots in the Bahamas, check out our guide to secret Bahamian routes and hidden gems.
References
Uncommon Caribbean. “Salt Beacon.” Uncommon Caribbean, 2025. ↗
Island Hopper Guides. “Bahamas on a Budget: Affordable Adventures & Local Hotspots.” ↗
Island Hopper Guides. “From Nassau to Paradise: Island Hopping Day Trip Secrets Revealed.” ↗
If you’re planning a longer trip to the Exumas, our article on Paradise Island shopping offers a different kind of treasure hunt, while the Nassau Heritage Museum gives you a deeper dive into the region’s salt and plantation history. Both are worth a read if you’re curious about what else the Bahamas has to offer beyond the water.
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