The Exumas stretch across more than 365 cays and islands, each one surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Between swimming pigs, hidden grottoes, and quiet sandbars, this stretch of the Bahamas rewards travelers willing to slow down and explore it properly.
If you are ready to experience paradise for yourself, a stay at Lazy Bay Villas puts you right in the heart of the action on Staniel Cay. The villas can be booked individually or together, making them a great fit for couples, families, or a larger group traveling as one. Wake up steps from the water and spend your days island-hopping to the spots in this guide.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Exumas before you go, from getting there to picking the right home base.
A Brief Introduction to the Exumas
Photo Credit: Nicoco10
The Exumas stretch between Nassau and the southern Bahamas. The two largest islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, are connected by a small bridge and anchor the southern end of the chain. North of them, hundreds of smaller cays scatter across the water, many uninhabited and protected as part of a marine park.
Unlike the more developed parts of the Bahamas, the Exumas keep things low-key. There are no high-rise resorts or crowded hotel strips here, just small settlements, family-run restaurants, and some of the clearest blue water in the Caribbean. It is a destination built for boating, snorkeling, and slowing down.
Staniel Cay sits roughly in the middle of the chain and has become one of the most popular home bases for exploring it. Its location puts many of the Exumas’ best-known attractions within a short boat ride, so you can day-trip your way around this stretch of the Bahamas.
Getting to the Exumas
Photo Credit: Brookgardener
Reaching the Exumas usually starts with a flight into one of two airports, depending on where you plan to stay.
The main gateway is Exuma International Airport (GGT), located near George Town on Great Exuma, with connections from several U.S. gateway cities and Nassau.
Staniel Cay Airport accepts small commuter and charter flights, making it possible to fly directly into the northern Exumas without routing through George Town first.
You could also fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau (capital of the Bahamas). From here, mailboats and private charters connect Nassau to various points in the Exumas, including Staniel Cay.
How to Get to Staniel Cay: A Traveler’s Guide breaks down the specifics if Staniel Cay is your destination.
Once you get to the Exumas, getting around the island chain is mostly done by boat and golf cart. Travelers staying on Great Exuma can also rent cars near the airport. Remember that traffic drives on the left side.
Top Attractions in the Exumas
Photo Credit: CGoldt
The Exumas hold dozens of postcard-worthy spots, but a handful stand out for good reason. Most of these sit in the northern part of the chain, clustered close enough together that a single home base on Staniel Cay can put you within easy reach of all of them.
Thunderball Grotto
- Location: Thunderball Grotto
- Best for: Snorkeling and cave exploring
- Distance from Staniel Cay: About 10 minutes by boat
Thunderball Grotto is a partially submerged limestone cave made famous by a scene in the James Bond film it is named after.
Swim or snorkel inside at low tide to see masses of tropical fish drifting through the clear water. The high cave ceilings allow shafts of light to illuminate the cave interior.
Currents can be strong near the center of the cave, so it is worth taking it slow on your first visit. For more information, A First Timer’s Guide to Thunderball Grotto covers what to expect.
The Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay
- Location: Big Major Cay
- Best for: A one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter
- Distance from Staniel Cay: About 10 to 15 minutes by boat
Big Major Cay, also called Pig Beach, is home to the Exumas’ famous swimming pigs, a small herd that has adapted to island life and paddles out to greet passing boats.
Morning is the best time to see them. Dock your boat and take selfies, pet the friendly animals, and bring vegetables or other healthy food to feed them.
This can’t-miss location is one of the most requested stops on any Exumas boat tour. Our Ultimate Guide to the Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas has tips for this highly recommended activity.
The Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
- Location: Compass Cay Marina
- Best for: Getting close to gentle nurse sharks
- Distance from Staniel Cay: About 15 to 20 minutes by boat
Compass Cay Marina is known for the nurse sharks that gather in its shallow waters. Don’t be fooled by their appearance; they’re harmless!
It’s perfectly safe to swim with the sharks or stand around as they drift on the bottom of the sea. If you’re brave enough, you can even cross “touch a shark” off your bucket list.
Be sure to check out Rachel’s Bath, a visitor-favorite attraction at the northern tip of Compass Cay where waves form a natural bubble pool.
The Iguanas of Bitter Guana Cay
- Location: Bitter Guana Cay
- Best for: Wildlife spotting on land
- Distance from Staniel Cay: About 10 to 15 minutes by boat
Bitter Guana Cay is home to a colony of endangered Northern Bahamian rock iguanas that amble right up to the shoreline looking for a snack. These iguanas are the island’s only inhabitants and the only place in the world where you’ll find them.
Our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Iguana Beach in the Bahamas goes into more detail on how to visit safely and responsibly.
Explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Location: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Best for: Snorkeling and untouched scenery
- Distance from Staniel Cay: About 45 minutes to an hour by boat
This protected marine park spans 176 square miles of the northern Exumas and is considered the first land and sea preserve in the world. Fishing and collecting shells are prohibited within its boundaries to preserve its natural state, so it’s a great place to experience unspoiled nature.
Boat to sand bars and powdery, secluded beaches, and go snorkeling in one of the Western Hemisphere’s largest coral barrier reefs. Explore hiking trails on Warderick Wells, where the park’s visitor center is located.
The park makes for a longer trip than the other attractions on this list, so it is worth planning for a full-day adventure on the water.
Best Bases for Exploring the Exumas
Where you choose to stay shapes how much time you spend in transit versus out on the water. Two spots come up again and again for travelers planning an Exumas trip.
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is the closest base to the northern Exumas’ top attractions like Thunderball Grotto, Pig Beach, and Compass Cay. It also puts you closer to the southern edge of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
The cay is small enough to get around by golf cart, with a handful of local restaurants and marinas within walking distance of most properties. You can eat dinner at a local spot and stroll home within a few minutes. It has a laid-back, low-key island feel and quiet beaches.
This is also where you will find our Lazy Bay Villas, a set of vacation homes that can be booked individually or together for larger groups exploring the island as one.
George Town, Great Exuma
George Town is the largest settlement and the main entry point for most travelers to the Exuma Bahamas chain.
It’s considered the commercial hub of the Exumas and has more restaurants, grocery stores, and services than the smaller cays, along with easy access to Stocking Island, Little Exuma, and all the beaches of Great Exuma.
George Town sits roughly an hour and a half from Staniel Cay by boat, so it tends to work best for travelers planning to spend most of their vacation in the south Exumas.
Travel Logistics for the Exumas
A few practical details make a real difference once you land. Keep these in mind while you plan.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen. Much of what makes the Exumas special is its marine life, and reef-safe formulas help keep the surrounding water and coral healthy.
- Bring some cash for smaller vendors. U.S. dollars are widely accepted alongside the Bahamian dollar. Many restaurants and roadside stands are cash-only.
- Book boat excursions ahead of time. Popular routes to the swimming pigs and Thunderball Grotto can fill up quickly, so reserving tours ahead saves a scramble once you arrive.
- Expect island time. Service at restaurants and small shops tends to move at a relaxed pace, so building extra time into your plans helps you enjoy it rather than fight it.
- Look for a rental with a full kitchen. Many accommodations in the Exumas, including vacation rentals, make it easy to stock up at a local market and cook your own meals between excursions, which comes in handy on quieter days.
Check out our Bahamas Packing List for more advice on preparing for your visit.
Ready to Plan Your Exumas Getaway?
The Exumas reward travelers willing to get out on the water, whether that means snorkeling through a grotto, meeting a friendly iguana, or simply enjoying sights of pretty blue waters surrounding the cays.
Staniel Cay puts you close to all of it, with a relaxed pace that makes it easy to fit everything in without feeling rushed.
Ready to experience it? Book your stay at Lazy Bay Villas to secure a comfortable, laid-back home base right at the heart of the action.