Trip Profile
Budget Category LUXURY $400-800 per person
Perfect For
Luxury Romantic Beach All Inclusive Family Outdoors
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
10.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: November and May
Airport
GGT - Georgetown Exuma Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
Bahamian Dollar (BSD) / US Dollar
English

When to visit Great Exuma Island

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
November and May
Off season
June-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Great Exuma Island quick facts

Main airport
GGT - Georgetown Exuma Airport
Language
English
Currency
Bahamian Dollar (BSD) / US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$400-800 per person
Budget category
Luxury

Getting around Great Exuma Island

Great Exuma is best explored by rental car, taxi, or resort shuttle services. The island has one main road running north to south, making navigation simple for visitors.

Rental car

A rental car is recommended for independent exploration of beaches, restaurants, and attractions across the island. Several agencies operate at the airport with advance booking suggested.

Public transit

No formal public transportation system exists, though local jitneys provide informal transport along the main road for adventurous travelers.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available, but taxi services are reliable and can be arranged through hotels or called directly for island transportation.

Local tips for Great Exuma Island

Insider tips

  • Book swimming pig tours early in your stay as weather can cancel afternoon departures.
  • Tip in US dollars as it's preferred over Bahamian currency by service staff.
  • Visit Staniel Cay Yacht Club for lunch - it's a legendary boating destination accessible by tour.
  • The best conch is found at local beach shacks rather than resort restaurants.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the Bahamas is working to protect coral reefs.
  • Thursday through Sunday see more crowds from Nassau weekend visitors.
  • Chat Cay Bar offers the best sunset views on the island with locals and visitors mixing.
  • Rent a boat for a day to explore the numerous uninhabited cays at your own pace.
  • The Exuma Land and Sea Park offers some of the best snorkeling with no fishing allowed.
  • Pack light layers as evening ocean breezes can be surprisingly cool even in summer.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Lightweight long sleeves for sun protection
  • Water shoes for rocky areas and coral
  • Quick-dry swimwear and cover-ups
  • Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses
  • Light sweater for evening breezes
  • Snorkeling gear if you prefer your own
  • Waterproof phone case for boat trips
  • Casual resort wear for dining
  • Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Great Exuma Island

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Beach Relaxation
Morning: Arrive at Georgetown Exuma Airport and transfer to your resort. Settle in and enjoy a welcome lunch with ocean views.
Afternoon: Explore your resort's beach facilities and take your first swim in the crystal-clear Exuma waters. Visit the spa for a relaxing treatment.
Evening: Dine at your resort's signature restaurant and enjoy a sunset cocktail while planning tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2 — Swimming Pigs Adventure
Morning: Join a full-day boat excursion to Pig Beach to swim with the famous pigs. Stop at Staniel Cay to see the swimming iguanas.
Afternoon: Continue the boat tour to Compass Cay to interact with nurse sharks and visit the famous Staniel Cay Yacht Club for lunch.
Evening: Return to your resort for dinner and share photos of your unique wildlife encounters with fellow travelers.
Day 3 — Island Exploration
Morning: Rent a car and drive to Tropic of Cancer Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy swimming and beachcombing.
Afternoon: Visit Georgetown town center for local shopping and lunch at a conch shack. Explore the local markets and chat with residents.
Evening: Drive to Chat Cay Bar for sunset drinks and authentic Bahamian cuisine with live music and a local crowd.
Day 4 — Water Sports and Relaxation
Morning: Try snorkeling or diving at nearby reefs, or enjoy deep-sea fishing for mahi-mahi and wahoo. Book through your resort's activities desk.
Afternoon: Return to your resort for a leisurely lunch and afternoon by the pool or beach. Consider a couples massage or spa treatment.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant and take a moonlit walk along the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Great Exuma Island

The best time to visit Great Exuma Island is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (November and May) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Great Exuma Island is $400-800 per person per person. Great Exuma Island is generally considered a luxury destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Great Exuma Island. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Great Exuma Island is GGT - Georgetown Exuma Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is Bahamian Dollar (BSD) / US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Great Exuma Island include: Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), Lightweight long sleeves for sun protection, Water shoes for rocky areas and coral, Quick-dry swimwear and cover-ups, Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses, Light sweater for evening breezes, Snorkeling gear if you prefer your own, Waterproof phone case for boat trips. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Great Exuma Island: Book swimming pig tours early in your stay as weather can cancel afternoon departures.. Tip in US dollars as it's preferred over Bahamian currency by service staff.. Visit Staniel Cay Yacht Club for lunch - it's a legendary boating destination accessible by tour.. The best conch is found at local beach shacks rather than resort restaurants.. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the Bahamas is working to protect coral reefs..