The wooden swings at Coco Plum Beach rise straight out of the turquoise shallows, planted in the sandy bottom a few yards from shore. They are the kind of image that stops thumbs mid-scroll — a single seat suspended over water so clear you can see every ripple of the sandy floor beneath. For travelers chasing that shot, this beach in the Exumas near Blow Hole Cay delivers it without filters.
Famous wooden swings of the Bahamas rise up from the shallows just offshore. Visitors take a seat on the swings, snap pictures, and watch the likes stream in.
The beach itself is a long strip of unspoiled white sand, lapped by crystalline water on one side and backed by low vegetation on the other. There is no resort, no bar, no row of loungers — just the swings, the sand, and the water. That is the point. This guide covers what makes Coco Plum Beach one of the most photogenic spots in the Bahamas, how to visit, and what to expect when you get there.
Coco Plum Beach is exactly what it looks like in photos — pristine, uncrowded, and genuinely beautiful. The wooden swings are the main draw, and they are as photogenic in person as they are on Instagram. The trade-off is that there is nothing else here: no amenities, no shade structures, no food vendors. Come prepared with water, sunscreen, and your camera.
Photographers
Solo travelers
Couples
Coco Plum Beach: The Swings, the Sand, the Shot
Coco Plum Beach sits in the Exumas near Blow Hole Cay, a stretch of coastline that feels more like a set piece than a natural beach. The sand is fine and white, the water clear enough to see every detail of the sea floor, and the famous wooden swings rise from the shallows just offshore. Visitors wade out, take a seat, and snap the picture that defines the spot.
The swings are not attached to anything on land — they stand independently in the water, anchored in the sand below. That simple design is what makes the composition work: a single figure suspended between sky and sea, with nothing else in the frame. The result is a photograph that looks effortless, even though the real effort is just getting there.
Because the beach is undeveloped, there are no crowds jostling for the same angle. You might share the water with a handful of other visitors, but the space is wide enough that everyone gets their turn. The experience is quiet, unhurried, and entirely about the view.
Practical Tips for Visiting Coco Plum Beach
Getting to Coco Plum Beach requires a boat. It sits in the Exumas, an archipelago of cays accessible by charter, water taxi, or guided tour from Nassau or nearby islands. Most visitors book a day cruise or private boat rental that includes stops at several cays, with Coco Plum Beach as one of the highlights.
The best time for photography is morning, when the sun is low and the water takes on its brightest shades of turquoise. Afternoon light works too, but the midday sun can wash out the color and make the sand glare. Plan your arrival for mid- to late-morning if you want the most forgiving light.
The wooden swings at Coco Plum Beach are most photogenic in the first few hours after sunrise — low angle light brings out the texture of the wood and the clarity of the water beneath. By midday, the glare off the sand can flatten the shot.
There are no facilities at the beach. Bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan to swim, the water is shallow and calm near the shore, making it a safe spot for a quick dip between photos. Snorkel gear is worth packing if your tour includes other stops with reef access.
A camera with a polarizing filter helps cut through surface glare and capture the water clarity that makes this spot famous. Many visitors rely on their phones, and that works fine — the scene does most of the work. But if you want to bring something with a bit more reach, a compact action camera or a lightweight drone (where permitted) can add variety to your shots.
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For those who want to focus purely on image quality, the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle handles beach conditions well — its stabilization smooths out the walk through the shallows, and the wide lens captures the full sweep of sand and sea. If you prefer a 360-degree approach, the Insta360 X5 lets you reframe the shot later, which is handy when you are balancing on a swing and cannot check the composition in real time.
For travelers who prefer a guided experience, several operators run day cruises in the Exumas that include Coco Plum Beach as a stop. A day cruise through the Exumas typically covers multiple cays, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and photography at each one. It is an efficient way to see the swings without arranging private transport.
Coco Plum Beach has no shade — the swings sit in open water and the shoreline lacks tree cover. Sunscreen and a UV-protective shirt are essential, especially if you plan to spend more than 30 minutes in the shallows.
Before You Go to the Exumas
Do I need a tour to reach Coco Plum Beach?
Yes, unless you have your own boat. The beach is accessible only by water. Day cruises from Nassau and private charters from nearby cays are the standard options.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Coco Plum Beach is public shoreline. There is no gate, no booth, and no fee. The cost is entirely in the transport to get there.
Can I swim at Coco Plum Beach?
Yes. The water is shallow and calm near the shore, with a soft sandy bottom. It is safe for confident swimmers, though there are no lifeguards.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather and calmest seas. Hurricane season runs June through November, with higher chances of cancellations.
Is the beach family-friendly?
For older children who can swim confidently, yes. The shallow water and gentle waves make it a safe wading spot. There are no facilities or shade, so pack accordingly for younger kids.
More Than a Photo
The wooden swings at Coco Plum Beach are undeniably the main event — they are the reason most travelers make the trip. But the real draw is the setting itself: a stretch of the Bahamas that has not been dressed up for tourists, where the water is clear, the sand is clean, and the only sound is the lap of the shallows. The photo is a souvenir, not the point. For a deeper look at the Bahamas’ most photogenic shorelines, browse our guide to the most Instagrammable spots in the Bahamas.
References
Yacht Charter Fleet. “The Top 14 Most Instagrammable Places in the Bahamas.” YachtCharterFleet.com. ↗
For more Bahamas travel ideas, check out our guide to secret cays and hidden gems beyond the main beaches, or explore the ultimate Exumas adventure guide for more ways to experience these waters.
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