Swim In The Clearest Water In The World
The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau and stretching over 120 miles. From the air, these cays look like jeweled stepping stones surrounded by a shimmering emerald sea giving this chain the distinction of being one of the prettiest in The Islands of The Bahamas.
Lounge On White Sand Beaches
Exuma is known for its sugary white sand and sandbars, the bright white sand of the deserted beaches is a striking contrast to the aquamarine and jade hues of the water. You’ll discover empty stretches of powder white sand beaches, no high rise hotels, no tourist traps, just intimate style resorts, cottages and homes that offer couples their own hideaway in paradise.
When you’re not busy boating around the Exuma islands and cays, take pleasure in docking close to shore amidst the fine white sand for some land activities. You can also visit a few of the most breathtaking sandbars in the Exumas such as the Mile-Long Sandbar, Musha Cay Sandbar, Copperfield Sandbar, or Big Farmer’s Cay Sandbar. Stop for lunch on Stocking Island at Chat ‘N’ Chill® and feel the soft powdery white sand in between your toes with an ice cold island drink like a Bahama Mama in your hand.
Swim With The Swimming Pigs
Exuma is home to the world-famous swimming pigs! How the pigs got to the Bahamas is quite a mystery. There are many rumors as to how these pigs learned to swim. Some say sailors left the pigs’ ancestors on an island and forgot to come back for them, and others say the first pigs escaped from a shipwreck and made their new home in the Exumas. Either way, there is now a whole population of wild beach pigs that love to swim with beachgoers. Don’t forget to bring healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables to feed the pigs.
Snorkel or Dive Like James Bond
Since the water in Exuma is so clear you can literally put on goggles and basically snorkel anywhere you want! You’ll see colorful fish, sea slugs, turtles, starfish, dolphins, stingrays and even sharks! For the adventurous type, you can snorkel or dive at Thunderball Grotto, this underwater cave system is a haven for snorkeling and diving because it is teeming with exotic coral and fish. The grotto got its name from the 1965 James Bond film “Thunderball” that was shot there. 1983’s “Never Say Never Again” was also filmed here.
Swim With Sharks
Swimming with nurse sharks is a must-do activity in the Exumas. Don’t fear, nurse sharks are actually quite friendly with humans. These bottom-dwelling creatures live in the warm, shallow waters of the Bahamas and eat a diet rich in fish, shrimp and squid. The best place to get up close and personal with these guys is in Compass Cay.
Here are the Water Tour Adventure Companies that we recommend in Exuma:
- 4 C’s Adventures
- Coastline Adventures
- Dive Exuma
- Elvis Water Taxi
- Exuma Water Sports
- Exuma Kite Surfing
- G Sea Adventures
- Out Island Explorers
- Paddle Exuma
- Robert’s Island Adventures
- Starfish Adventure Center
- Sugar Adventure Company