Vacation rentals in Exuma
Vacation rentals in Exuma
If you are a beach lover then this destination, with its miles of powder white sand beaches, sandbars and pristine turquoise waters, is one that can’t be missing from your must-visit list. Considered by many to be the most beautiful area in the Bahamas, the Exuma Islands are an archipelago of approximately 365 cays in southern Bahamas, covering 130 brilliant turquoise miles, the largest of which is Great Exuma where you will find most of the rentals, restaurants and nightlife.
Find your dream vacation rentalMany of these listings are either right on the beach or just a few steps away with great views of the ocean. Most of our rentals for this destination are full sized rentals able to accommodate large groups. Some even include swimming pools with great views of the ocean. An excellent choice for vacation with family and friends or cozier rental options for couples. You will have all the comforts of home such as a TV, living room, desks for remote workers, fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony or terrace.
Vacations in Exuma
The area and getting around
There is so much to be discovered in Exuma. You can get around by taxi, rental car, boat or golf cart, depending on which cay you visit. There are so many beaches and islands just waiting to be explored, and each one is an uncrowded gem. This area has many shallow coral beds perfect for snorkeling. There’s also kitesurfing, scuba diving, unique fishing experiences, cave exploring, yachting, and sailing. Check out Exuma Water Sports for more details. Nature lovers will have the opportunity to swim with friendly animals on Pig Beach. If you’re looking to sit back and relax while soaking up some sun or watching an amazing sunset, you will be delighted to find several restaurants located right on the beach where you can savor a taste of the Caribbean while taking in the view. Golfers will be glad to know they can hone their skills at Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club on Great Exuma Island.
Getting around George TownGeorge Town is the capital of Great Exuma and the biggest town in the area. It is also the location of the main air strip and port of entry for those arriving by plane or via ferry from Nassau. Many rentals are located either in this area or not far north or south from it. Just south of George Town there is a smaller island connected by bridge called Little Exuma where you will find Tropic of Cancer (aka Pelican Beach) which is a world class beach with white sands and turquoise waters. In George Town you will also find most of this area’s infrastructure: banks, ATMs, shopping areas, nightlife. Stocking Island is also just a 5-minute ferry ride from George Town.
Travelers and activities
Just the right place for those longing for the perfect Caribbean experience. Lots of activities and places to explore including fascinating stories, culture and a touch of colonial history. Some cays are owned by celebrities such as Johnny Depp and David Copperfield and have been featured in Hollywood movies, including a James Bond film and Pirates of the Caribbean. Musha Cay, owned by illusionist David Copperfield, offers a serene walk on the chalk white sandbar.
Exuma for adventure activitiesFor a more full-bodied island experience, charter a yacht or catamaran. For a more adventurous island-hopping experience, try visiting different islands via seaplane. For water lovers, there are so many things to do and see. But if you have a little extra time, visit Dean’s Blue Hole located in a beautiful bay west of Clarence Town on Long Island and experience a diver’s dream. At 202 meters (663 ft) Dean’s Blue Hole has earned its bragging rights as the world’s 2nd deepest Blue Hole. However, even if you’re not a diver you can still enjoy the light colored, aquamarine water around the edge of the pool with soft white sand beneath your feet. There are many other great places to snorkel or swim and observe a variety of colorful fish and reefs at the depth of just a few meters, including Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane and other wreck diving sites. There’s also kite surfing, kayaking, conch fish diving, and swimming with tame nurse sharks.
Exuma was settled around 1783 by American loyalists fleeing the Revolutionary War. These settlers named the capital George Town in honor of King George III. This town has also been home to pirates, US aristocrats, and both the British and US navy during WWII.
Top 5 travel tips for Exuma
Exuma’s cuisine includes many local delicacies to satisfy the curious palate. Try Bahamian rock lobster (spiny lobster), for instance. An even more unusual delicacy to try is conch. It’s traditionally eaten raw as a salad served with onions, sweet peppers and citrus juices or fried and buttered. Also, be sure to get in an authentic fish fry. For those who would like to unwind with a cocktail or two, don’t miss the Goombay Smash in its Bahamian home environment and, if you haven’t already, try a Bahama Mama cocktail. If sweets are your joy, don’t miss a Caribbean style Rum Cake.
2. Swim with the nurse sharks at Compass BayFace your fears and have a swim with some of the nicest sharks on the planet at Compass Bay, and while that may sound like an oxymoron, hear me out. Nurse sharks are a slow moving and harmless species of sharks. So, why not try this rare cage free experience in shallow water?
3. Explore Pig BeachA great experience for the whole family. Nobody is quite sure how the pigs originally got there, but they sure are a lot of fun to spend the day with. Combined with turquoise blue waters and soft white sand, you will have the perfect recipe for some unforgettable photos.
4. Hang out with Iguanas at Iguana BeachLocated on one of the islands to the north, Iguana Beach is home to Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, an endangered species that can only be found on Exuma. Even though they look fierce, they are actually quite friendly and playful.
5. Thunderball GrottoOn Staniel Cay you will find Thunderball Grotto, which is an underwater cave and a must see for adventure seekers. The entrance is submerged underwater, so after arriving by boat from Staniel Cay you will have to dive to reach it, but the spectacular views will be worth it. It was also featured in a James Bond film and has thus earned the nickname “The James Bond Cave.”