You’re looking at a map of the Exuma Cays and wondering how you’re supposed to pick from over 365 islands. The name “Exuma” itself comes from the Lucayan word “Yumey,” meaning far-away places, and that sense of distance is part of the appeal. This guide breaks down the best cays and hidden spots into manageable day trips from Great Exuma, so you can actually build an itinerary without the overwhelm. It’s written for first-timers and families who want a mix of the famous swimming pigs and quieter beaches, with honest notes on what costs extra and what you can skip if you’re short on time.
Over 365 cays make up the Exumas, but most visitors only have time to explore a handful — here’s how to pick the right ones for your trip.
You can see the highlights — swimming pigs, iguanas, Thunderball Grotto — in a single full-day boat tour from Great Exuma, but you’ll miss the quieter beaches and sandbars. For a balanced trip, base yourself in Georgetown for 4–5 days and mix one group tour with a self-guided water taxi day to Stocking Island.
First-time visitors
Families with kids 6+
Snorkelers
Most visitors fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) in Georgetown on Great Exuma. Direct flights from Miami take about 1.5 hours, with additional routes from Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. International travelers often connect through Nassau. From there, you’ll use water taxis, organized boat tours, or private charters to reach the outer cays.
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Exuma (Georgetown) | Settle in, Coco Plum Beach, Georgetown Fish Fry | Full day | Friday night Fish Fry has live music — plan arrival day around it if possible |
| 2 | Stocking Island | Chat N’ Chill, stingrays, conch salad, hike for views | Half to full day | Water taxi from Georgetown runs regularly; 10-minute ride |
| 3 | Big Major Cay & Staniel Cay | Swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto snorkel, iguanas at Allen Cay | Full day (boat tour) | Book a tour that includes all three — Four C’s Adventures is a common operator |
| 4 | Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park | Snorkeling, marine life, pristine beaches | Half to full day | Park is 176 square miles — focus on the southern section for a half-day trip |
| 5 | Tropic of Cancer Beach & Rolle Town | Beach time, 1700s tombs, relax before departure | Half day | Tropic of Cancer Beach is exactly on the Tropic of Cancer line — a fun photo op |
Great Exuma: Your Home Base and First Day
Georgetown is the main town on Great Exuma and where you’ll find grocery stores, restaurants, and most accommodations. It’s not a resort strip — it has a low-key, local feel that works well for families who want convenience without the crowds. Start your trip here so you can settle in before heading to the outer cays.
Pick up a rental car or arrange a taxi to your Georgetown accommodation. Rental cars are the most flexible option for exploring Great Exuma on your own schedule. Most hotels are a 10–15 minute drive from the airport.
Drive 15 minutes west of Georgetown to reach Coco Plum Beach. The wooden swing is the main draw, but the shallow water makes it a safe spot for kids to wade. Plan to spend 1–2 hours here before the sun gets too high.
If you arrive on a Friday, head to the Georgetown Fish Fry in the evening. It’s a weekly event with fresh seafood, conch fritters, cold drinks, and live music. It gets busy around 7 p.m., so arrive by 6:30 p.m. for a good table.
If you arrive on a different day, skip the Fish Fry and grab dinner at one of the seafood shacks near the waterfront instead. The conch salad is worth trying anywhere you find it.
Stocking Island: The Easy Day Trip
A 10-minute water taxi from Georgetown drops you on Stocking Island, which feels a world away from the main island. It’s the most accessible outer cay and a good warm-up for families who aren’t sure about spending a full day on a boat.
Water taxis run regularly from the main dock in Georgetown to Stocking Island. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Fares are typically cash-only, so bring Bahamian dollars or US dollars (accepted at par).
The stingrays gather near the shore at Chat N’ Chill, and staff provide food for visitors to feed them. It’s a hands-on experience that kids remember. Go early — by 11 a.m. the crowd builds and the rays get less interested.
A short hike to the highest point on Stocking Island gives you views across Exuma Sound. The beach is also a good place to find sand dollars. Allow 30–45 minutes for the hike round-trip.
If you only have a half-day, skip the hike and spend your time at Chat N’ Chill and the beach. The stingray feeding is the main draw, and the kids will want to stay longer than you expect.
Big Major Cay and Staniel Cay: The Swimming Pigs and Beyond
This is the day most people come to the Exumas for — the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. The pigs swim out to greet boats and are hand-fed by visitors. The origin of the pigs is debated, but they’re cared for by locals and have become the symbol of the Exumas. A full-day boat tour from Great Exuma typically includes this stop along with snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto and a visit to the iguanas at Allen Cay.
Tours like Four C’s Adventures run full-day trips from Great Exuma covering Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Allen Cay. Private charters cost between $1,700 and $2,400 for 4–8 people. Group tours are more affordable but less flexible on timing.
The pigs swim out as boats approach. Get in the water with them — they’re used to people. Bring a waterproof camera or a compact drone like the DJI Mini 3 for aerial shots of the pigs in the clear water. The pigs are fed by tour guides, so follow their lead on how to interact.
This underwater cave system was featured in James Bond films. Snorkeling here is best at low tide when the water is calm and the light streams through the openings. Your tour will provide masks and fins.
Allen Cay is home to endangered rock iguanas that come to the shore. They’re used to visitors but are wild animals — don’t feed them anything the tour guide hasn’t approved. The stop is usually brief, around 15–20 minutes.
If you’re prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication before the tour. The boat ride between cays can be choppy, especially in the afternoon. If your kids are under 6, consider a private charter so you can control the pace and skip stops they’re not interested in.
Book your pig tour for a morning departure — the pigs are more active and the water is calmer. Afternoon tours often deal with stronger winds and choppier seas between cays.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: Snorkeling and Marine Life
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park covers 176 square miles and is one of the first marine protected areas in the world. It’s open year-round and offers some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas, with diverse fish and healthy coral. The park is a no-take zone, meaning you can’t remove anything — shells, coral, or marine life — so bring only your mask and fins.
If you’re short on time, focus on the southern section of the park near Warderick Wells. The snorkeling there is just as good as the northern areas, and you’ll save an hour of boat time each way. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen damages the coral.
Tropic of Cancer Beach and Rolle Town: A Relaxed Final Day
On your last day, keep things simple. Tropic of Cancer Beach sits exactly on the Tropic of Cancer line, which makes for a fun photo. It’s a long stretch of white sand with few people, especially on weekdays. Nearby, the Rolle Town Tombs are above-ground tombs from the 1700s that offer a quick history stop.
If you have a late flight, spend the morning here and grab lunch at a seafood shack on the way back to the airport. The Rolle Town Tombs take about 15 minutes to see, so they’re easy to fit in.
Getting Around the Exumas: Transport, Booking Windows, and Costs
Island hopping in the Exumas requires planning around boat schedules and weather. Here’s what you need to know about moving between cays.
| Transport Option | Best For | Cost Range | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water taxi | Stocking Island from Georgetown | $10–$20 per person each way | No booking needed — walk up |
| Group boat tour | Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Allen Cay | $150–$250 per person | Book 2–4 weeks ahead in high season |
| Private charter | Custom itineraries, families with young kids | $1,700–$2,400 for 4–8 people | Book 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Ferry to Staniel Cay | Independent travel to outer cays | Varies by operator | Runs a few times weekly — check schedule |
| Rental car (Great Exuma only) | Exploring Great Exuma independently | $50–$80 per day | Book 1–2 weeks ahead |
Booking Windows and Seasonal Timing
High season runs from December to April, when weather is driest and temperatures sit around 80°F. Book tours and accommodations at least a month ahead during this period. May offers warm weather with fewer crowds — the author visited in May and found it manageable. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk in August and September. Travel insurance is worth considering if you visit during this window.
Wi-Fi and cell service are limited on smaller cays like Staniel Cay and Allen Cay. Download offline maps and any booking confirmations before you leave Georgetown. Most boat tours don’t have reliable signal once you’re offshore.
What to Prioritize If You’re Short on Time
If you only have three days, skip the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and focus on Stocking Island (half day) and a full-day pig tour. Use your third day for Tropic of Cancer Beach and relaxation. If you have a full week, add a second boat day to explore Highbourne Cay or Farmer’s Cay, which has a mile-long sandbar popular with yachters.
Packing and Safety for Island Hopping
Pack light — you’ll be on and off boats frequently. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes are essential. Bring motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to seasickness, especially for the longer boat rides to Big Major Cay and the park. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy alcohol during day trips, as the heat and sun compound its effects.
Before You Go: Exuma Island Hopping Questions Answered
Is it worth visiting the Exumas with young kids?
Yes, but stick to shorter boat rides. The 10-minute water taxi to Stocking Island is ideal for toddlers. Full-day pig tours can be tiring for kids under 6 — consider a private charter so you can skip stops and return early if needed.
Which cay is overrated and which is underrated?
Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) is worth seeing once, but the stop is short and the pigs can be overwhelming for some kids. Stocking Island is underrated — the stingray feeding at Chat N’ Chill is just as memorable and much less crowded.
Can I visit the Exumas on a budget?
Yes, if you base yourself on Great Exuma and use water taxis instead of private charters. Plan for around $150–$300 per day for mid-range travel, excluding tours. Cooking some meals in your accommodation saves money over eating out for every meal.
What’s the best time of year to go?
May offers warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices than peak season. The Annual Family Island Regatta is usually held in late April in Georgetown, which adds a cultural highlight if you time your trip around it.
Is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park worth the boat ride?
For snorkelers, yes — the marine life is diverse and the coral is healthy. For families who just want beach time, the southern section near Warderick Wells is enough. Skip it if you’re short on time and prioritize the pig tour and Stocking Island instead.
Why the Exumas Reward the People Who Show Up Prepared
The Exumas aren’t a place you can wing — boat schedules, weather windows, and booking lead times all matter. But that preparation pays off in moments that feel genuinely remote, like having a sandbar to yourself or watching your kids feed stingrays from shore. The 365 cays aren’t going anywhere, so pick the ones that match your pace and leave the rest for next time.
For more on navigating the Bahamas by boat, check out our Bahamas island hopping guide for additional routes and lesser-known stops.
References
Destination.com. “Exuma Cays Bahamas Travel Guide.” Destination.com, 2023. ↗
Viator. “Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs Tour.” Viator. ↗
Bahamas.com. “The Exumas.” Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. ↗
Travel + Leisure. “The Real Story Behind the Bahamas’ Swimming Pigs.” Travel + Leisure. ↗
If you’re still deciding on the itinerary, the guide to kid-friendly activities in the Bahamas covers more family-tested stops that pair well with an Exuma trip. For snorkelers, the Bahamas snorkeling hotspots guide breaks down the best underwater spots across the islands, including the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.