Dreaming of crystal-clear turquoise waters, swimming alongside playful pigs, and getting your adrenaline pumping with nurse sharks? The Exumas islands in the Bahamas offer exactly that – an unforgettable adventure unlike any other. This guide provides you with everything you need to plan your ultimate Exumas getaway, focusing on the iconic swimming pigs and thrilling shark encounters, with detailed tips for navigating the islands and maximizing your experience.
Planning Your Exumas Escape
Before you even pack your swimsuit, careful planning is key. The Exumas are an archipelago of over 365 islands and cays, each offering a unique experience. Understanding the geography and transportation options is crucial for a smooth trip. Start by looking at a map of the Exumas. You’ll see that Great Exuma is the largest island and the location of the main airport (GGT) in George Town. Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by a bridge. The famous swimming pigs are located on Big Major Cay (Pig Island), which requires a boat trip to reach.
Getting There
Your journey to the Exumas begins with a flight. The primary airport is Exuma International Airport (GGT). Several airlines offer flights from major US cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta. You can find flights through carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and Silver Airways. From Europe or other international locations, you’ll likely connect through a US hub. Once you arrive at GGT, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or arrange for a pre-booked transfer to your accommodation.
Internal Flights: If you plan on exploring multiple islands beyond Great and Little Exuma, consider internal flights.
Ferries and Water Taxis: Water taxis are a common way to hop between cays. Check local operators for schedules and pricing, which vary depending on the destination and distance.
Choosing Your Accommodation
The Exumas offer a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to charming villas and guesthouses. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- Luxury Resorts: For all-inclusive pampering, consider staying at resorts like Sandals Emerald Bay. These resorts offer upscale amenities, fine dining, and organized excursions.
- Villas and Vacation Rentals: For a more private and independent experience, renting a villa or vacation home is a great option. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide selection of properties throughout Great and Little Exuma. These are excellent for families or groups traveling together.
- Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses: These smaller establishments offer a more intimate and personalized experience. They are often family-run and provide a local touch. Check review platforms like TripAdvisor.
Location Matters: Decide where you want to be based. George Town is a central hub with easy access to restaurants, shops, and boat tours. Staying on Little Exuma offers a more secluded and tranquil experience.
Best Time to Visit
The Exumas enjoy pleasant weather year-round, but the best time to visit is generally from mid-December to April. During this period, you can expect sunny skies, lower humidity, and less rainfall. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. While hurricanes are rare, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions. Consider the shoulder seasons (April-May and November-early December) for potentially lower prices and fewer crowds.
Weather Patterns: Pack light, breathable clothing. Evenings can be slightly cooler, so bring a light jacket or sweater. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun.
Swimming with the Pigs: An Unforgettable Encounter
No trip to the Exumas is complete without a visit to Pig Beach, home of the world-famous swimming pigs. These adorable creatures have become a major tourist attraction, and swimming with them is a truly unique experience. Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, is uninhabited by humans; the pigs are the only permanent residents.
Getting to Pig Beach
Pig Beach is accessible only by boat. Here are a few options:
- Organized Tours: The most convenient way to visit Pig Beach is by booking an organized tour from Great Exuma or Staniel Cay. Many tour operators offer half-day or full-day excursions that include transportation, snorkeling stops, and lunch. These tours often combine other popular Exumas attractions, such as the nurse sharks at Compass Cay and the iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay.
- Private Boat Charter: If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider chartering a private boat. This allows you to customize your itinerary and spend as much time as you like at each location. Private charters are more expensive than organized tours but offer greater flexibility.
- Water Taxi: From nearby islands like Staniel Cay, you can take a water taxi to Pig Beach. This is a good option if you are staying on Staniel Cay.
Booking in Advance: Tours to Pig Beach are very popular, especially during peak season, so it’s essential to book in advance to secure your spot.
Interacting Responsibly with the Pigs
While swimming with the pigs is a fun experience, it’s crucial to interact with them responsibly to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some guidelines:
- Bring the Right Food: The pigs are used to being fed by tourists, but it’s important to bring the right kind of food. Offer them fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and lettuce. Avoid feeding them processed foods, bread, or anything with high salt or sugar content, as these can be harmful to their health.
- Feed Them in the Water: To prevent the pigs from ingesting sand, which can cause digestive problems, feed them in the water.
- Don’t Overfeed: The pigs are fed frequently by tourists, so don’t overfeed them. Offer them small amounts of food at a time.
- Respect Their Space: The pigs are generally friendly, but they are still animals. Give them space and avoid chasing or cornering them. Be especially mindful of the piglets, as they are more vulnerable.
- Wash Your Hands: After interacting with the pigs, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
Local Tips: Respect the local guides and follow their advice. They know the pigs best and can provide valuable insights on how to interact with them safely and responsibly.
A Day Trip Example: Swimming Pigs & More
Here’s an example of a typical day trip to see the swimming pigs, usually departing from Great Exuma:
- Morning Departure: Tours typically begin around 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or meet at a designated marina.
- Boat Ride: The boat ride to Big Major Cay can take 1.5 to 2 hours, offering stunning views of the Exuma Cays.
- Pig Beach: Arrive at Pig Beach and spend approximately 45 minutes to an hour swimming with the pigs. Remember to bring your approved snacks!
- Lunch Stop: Most tours include a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. This is often at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
- Compass Cay: Head to Compass Cay to swim with the nurse sharks. This is another thrilling experience.
- Iguana Beach: Stop at Bitter Guana Cay to see the endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas. (Some tours substitute this with another similar stop.)
- Sandbar: Some tours include a stop at a pristine sandbar for swimming and relaxation.
- Return: Arrive back at Great Exuma in the late afternoon (around 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
Costs: Full-day tours typically cost between $180 and $300 per person, depending on the operator and the inclusions. This usually includes lunch, drinks, and entrance fees to attractions like Compass Cay.
Swimming with Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
While the swimming pigs might be the most famous residents of the Exumas, the nurse sharks at Compass Cay offer a different kind of thrill. These gentle sharks congregate at the Compass Cay Marina, creating a unique opportunity to swim alongside them in their natural habitat. Although they are sharks, they are generally docile and used to human interaction.
How to Get to Compass Cay
Just like Pig Beach, Compass Cay is only accessible by boat. The same tour options apply:
- Organized Tours: Many tours that visit Pig Beach also include a stop at Compass Cay. This is the easiest and most convenient way to experience both attractions in one day.
- Private Boat Charter: If you have the means, chartering allows you to spend as much time as you want with the sharks (and customize other nearby stops).
- Water Taxi: If you’re staying close, you can take a water taxi.
Marina Fees: Compass Cay Marina charges a small entrance fee to swim with the sharks, usually around $10 per person. This fee helps support the upkeep of the marina and the care of the sharks.
Interacting Safely with Nurse Sharks
While nurse sharks are generally safe, it’s important to treat them with respect and follow these guidelines:
- No Feeding: Do not attempt to feed the sharks. The marina staff typically handles feeding, and unauthorized feeding can disrupt their natural behavior.
- Gentle Touching (Optional): While it’s generally safe to gently touch the sharks, avoid grabbing or pulling them. They have sensitive skin.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: The sharks are accustomed to swimming around people, but it’s essential to be aware of their movements. Avoid sudden or erratic movements that could startle them.
- Listen to the Staff: The marina staff are experienced in handling the sharks and can provide valuable advice on how to interact with them safely.
- Avoid Wearing Shiny Jewelry: Shiny jewelry can sometimes attract the sharks, so it’s best to remove it before entering the water.
Safety Record: Nurse shark bites are extremely rare. These sharks are bottom-dwellers with small mouths designed for sucking up invertebrates. However, it’s always wise to exercise caution and respect the animal.
Beyond the Pigs and Sharks: Exploring the Exumas
The Exumas offer so much more than just swimming with pigs and sharks. With hundreds of islands and cays to explore, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few other highlights:
Thunderball Grotto
This underwater cave system was featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball,” hence its name. Snorkeling or diving in the Thunderball Grotto is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning views of colorful coral, tropical fish, and unique rock formations. The best time to visit is during low tide, as the entrance is partially submerged at high tide. Many tour operators include a stop at Thunderball Grotto on their itineraries.
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
This protected area is one of the world’s most successful marine parks. It spans over 176 square miles and encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, boating, and hiking in the park. Note that fishing and collecting shells are strictly prohibited within the park boundaries.
Beaches Galore
The Exumas are renowned for their pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Coco Plum Beach: Located on Great Exuma, this beach is famous for its sand dollars and shallow, clear water.
- Tropic of Cancer Beach: Also on Great Exuma, this beach is located directly on the Tropic of Cancer line, making it a popular photo spot.
- Stocking Island: Accessible by water taxi from George Town, Stocking Island offers a variety of activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and beachcombing.
Local Tips: Don’t forget to bring your own beach towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Practical Tips for Your Exumas Trip
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Exumas, consider these practical tips:
Currency
The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. US dollars are widely accepted throughout the Exumas, so there’s no need to exchange currency unless you prefer to use Bahamian dollars. Credit cards are also accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and resorts in the Exumas, but it can be spotty in some areas. If you need reliable internet access, consider purchasing a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device. Cell phone coverage is generally good on Great and Little Exuma, but it can be limited on the more remote cays.
Transportation
Renting a car is the best way to explore Great and Little Exuma at your own pace. Several car rental agencies operate at the airport. Be aware that driving is on the left side of the road in the Bahamas. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. For exploring the cays, you’ll need to rely on boat tours, water taxis, or private charters.
Safety
The Exumas are generally a safe destination, but it’s always essential to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. When swimming or snorkeling, be mindful of currents and marine life.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting the Exumas:
What should I pack for my trip to the Exumas?
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a beach towel. Reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the coral reefs. Also, bring water shoes for navigating rocky areas.
Do I need a visa to enter the Bahamas?
Citizens of the United States, Canada, and many European countries do not need a visa to enter the Bahamas for tourism purposes. However, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in the Exumas?
It’s generally recommended to drink bottled water in the Exumas, as the tap water may not be safe for consumption.
What is the tipping etiquette in the Bahamas?
Tipping is customary in the Bahamas. A service charge of 15% is often added to hotel and restaurant bills. If a service charge is not included, it’s customary to tip 15-20% for good service. Also, consider tipping taxi drivers and tour guides.
Are there ATMs in the Exumas?
Yes, ATMs are available in George Town and at some of the larger hotels and resorts. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting the outer cays.
References
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Sandals Emerald Bay
Ready to dive into the Exumas experience? Don’t just dream about swimming with pigs and sharks; make it a reality! Book your flights, reserve your accommodation, and secure your tour spots today. The turquoise waters and unforgettable adventures of the Exumas are waiting for you. Start planning your ultimate escape now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
