Most people come to Exuma for the swimming pigs, but the iguanas on Leaf Cay are just as remarkable – and you don’t actually swim with them. This tiny uninhabited island north of Staniel Cay is home to hundreds of Bahamian Rock Iguanas, an endangered species found nowhere else. They’ve grown accustomed to visitors and often gather at the water’s edge when boats arrive, making for an unforgettable wildlife encounter that’s safe, easy, and perfect for families. This article covers exactly how to visit Iguana Island – what to expect, how to book, what to bring, and how to fit it into a day trip that also hits the pigs, sharks, and grottos of the Exuma Cays.
A 20–30 minute stop on Leaf Cay puts you face-to-face with dozens of Bahamian Rock Iguanas – a rare, non-swimming wildlife moment that rivals the famous pigs.
Visiting Iguana Island is a straightforward add-on to almost any Exuma boat tour, but you’ll get the most out of it by booking a morning departure and choosing a tour that includes feeding with approved produce – otherwise the iguanas may be less active and the experience feels rushed.
Families with kids 4+
Wildlife photographers
First-time Exuma visitors
| Activity | Skill Level | Cost | Duration | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iguana Island Boat Tour | All fitness levels | $250–$400 per person (group); $800–$1,500+ (private) | 20–30 min on island; full tour 6–8 hours | Book a morning departure for calmer seas and more active iguanas. |
Most tours combine Iguana Island with the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, and feeding nurse sharks at Compass Cay – so you’ll get a full day of island-hopping. If you’re planning a broader Exuma itinerary, this guide to the best cays and hidden gems will help you decide which stops to prioritise.
Visiting Iguana Island (Leaf Cay)
Leaf Cay – often called Iguana Island – sits just north of Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The island is uninhabited and protected, and the only residents are the Bahamian Rock Iguanas. Your boat will pull up to a sandy beach where dozens of iguanas are already waiting, their prehistoric appearance somehow both intimidating and endearing. Our family spent about 25 minutes here, and Lily (our youngest) was utterly captivated when one slowly ambled toward her for a grape.
Most Exuma boat tours include Iguana Island as one of several stops. Group tours run $250–$400 per person and typically depart from Staniel Cay or Great Exuma. Private charters start around $800 and go up to $6,000 for a full-day private tour for up to 14 people. For families, a private tour gives you more flexibility on timing – especially if little ones need a break between stops. Book at least 28 days in advance; the Cool Bahamas tour averages a 28-day lead time.
Fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) in Great Exuma. From there, it’s about 2.5–3 hours by boat to Leaf Cay. Alternatively, fly into Nassau (NAS) and take a 35-minute flight to Staniel Cay, then a short boat ride – this works well if you’re combining the trip with an air tour. Most visitors choose GGT because it puts you closer to the action and offers more frequent local tours.
Your guide will hand out grapes or chopped vegetables for feeding. Let the iguanas come to you – don’t chase them. They move surprisingly fast when they want to. Take photos from a low angle to capture their full profile. The island has no shade, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Expect 20–30 minutes here; use every minute because the iguanas will lose interest once the food is gone.
After Leaf Cay, your tour will head to Big Major Cay for the swimming pigs, Compass Cay for nurse sharks, and Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling. Many tours also include lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, where you can grab Bahamian conch fritters. That’s a lot of activity in one day – if you’re short on time, skip Compass Cay and spend those 30 minutes at the grotto instead.
Bring a waterproof phone case or a compact action camera. The iguanas come right up to the shoreline, and you don’t want to miss a close-up because you’re worried about splashes. We used a DJI Osmo Action 6 on a short selfie stick – the stabilization was perfect for keeping the iguanas in frame even as the boat rocked.
Do not feed the iguanas anything outside what the guide provides. Bread, chips, and sugary snacks can harm their digestive systems. The guides are strict about this – and for good reason. Also, avoid August–October when hurricane season can cancel tours or make seas rough.
Planning Your Iguana Island Visit
Getting the logistics right makes the difference between a memorable stop and a rushed one. Here’s what to consider before you book.
| Option | Cost Per Person | Group Size | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Tour | $250–$400 | Up to 14 | Snorkeling gear, lunch, iguanas, pigs, sharks, grotto | Budget-conscious travellers, solo visitors |
| Private Charter | $800–$1,500+ | Your group only | Custom route, flexible timing, often includes drinks | Families, photographers, special occasions |
Best Time to Visit
December through May is the dry season, with calmer seas and more predictable weather. Morning departures (9:00 am) are ideal because the iguanas are more active after their overnight rest and the light is better for photos. Avoid August through October, which falls in the peak hurricane window – tours are less reliable and sea conditions can be unsafe.
What to Pack
Beyond the basics (sunscreen, hat, water), bring a waterproof phone case or a compact action camera. A lot of the best moments happen right at the waterline, and salt spray is inevitable. If you’re filming, a DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle handles 8K video and has built-in stabilization that makes handheld shots look smooth – I mounted it on a short selfie stick for the iguana feeding and got great footage without any jerky movement. For aerial shots of the cays, a DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is lightweight and easy to fly, but check with your tour operator about drone restrictions in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
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Where to Stay
Staniel Cay is the closest base to Iguana Island, with a small airport and several tour operators. Great Exuma offers more accommodation choices and a wider range of restaurants, but adds 2.5 hours of boat travel each way. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Exuma’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare against the airport, the marina, and the tour departure points.
- You don’t swim with iguanas – you observe and feed them on land, with the turquoise water as backdrop.
- Group tours cost $250–$400 per person; private charters are $800+. Booking at least a month ahead is common.
- Combine Iguana Island with pigs, sharks, and the grotto for a full day – but cut one stop if you have young kids.
Before You Go: Exuma Iguana Visit Questions Answered
Do you actually swim with the iguanas?
No – the iguanas are land reptiles that live on Leaf Cay. You step onto the beach and observe them at close range. The “swim” in the title refers to the boat ride to reach the island, not a swimming activity with the animals.
Is it safe for young children?
Yes, with supervision. The iguanas are docile and used to people, but they have sharp claws and can scratch if startled. Keep kids seated or still during feeding, and let the guide distribute the food. Our Lily was 6 when we visited and had no issues at all.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If seas are too rough, your guide may reschedule or reroute to calmer cays. August–October carries higher cancellation risk.
Can I see the iguanas without a tour?
It’s not recommended. Leaf Cay is uninhabited and has no dock or facilities. Reaching it requires a private boat and local knowledge of tides and anchoring spots. A guided tour is safer and ensures you don’t harm the protected habitat.
How much time do I actually get on the island?
Most tours allow 20–30 minutes on Leaf Cay. That’s enough to feed the iguanas, take photos, and soak in the setting. Longer stays aren’t possible because the boat schedule needs to hit other stops.
A Rare Encounter Worth the Journey
Seeing dozens of endangered iguanas lounging on a deserted beach feels like a scene from a wildlife documentary – and it’s moments like that which make island-hopping in the Exumas so special. This isn’t a rushed photo op; it’s a genuine chance to observe a species that’s found nowhere else on Earth, in a setting that’s as close to untouched as you’ll find in the Bahamas. For more ideas on crafting your own Exuma itinerary, this guide to secret Bahamian routes and hidden gems is full of practical routes that work for families.
References
Exuma Experience. “How to Visit Iguana Island in Exuma Bahamas 2025 Guide.” Blog, 2025. ↗
Cool Bahamas. “Swimming Pigs Exuma Private Tour – 8hrs.” Activity listing, accessed 2025. ↗
If you’re still planning the rest of your Bahamas trip, read our guide to Harbour Island’s pink sand beaches for a totally different vibe, or dive into Bahamas’ hidden blue holes and caves if your family loves adventure on the water.
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