Top Things To Do in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas

The Bahamas has always been known to be a great vacation spot. With its tropical climate and natural beauty, tourists will definitely enjoy staying in the Bahamas. One specific place that tourists should not miss when in the region is the Exuma Cays.

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau, an exotic collection of tiny jewels set in the most beautiful aquamarine and sapphire water one can ever imagine. For those who are looking for a great way to spend their vacation, a trip to the Exuma Cays will offer your vacation an amazing array of possibilities.

The Starfish Reserve

Locals call the water surrounding the first few days the Starfish Reserve, where tons of starfish dot the ocean floor. You can marvel at the tons of starfish and even pick them out of the water as long as they are not out of the water for far too long. With the clear water surrounding the Starfish Reserve, anyone could easily take pictures of the starfishes that dot the ocean floor. So take out your underwater cameras and be shutter happy.

Conch Shell Diving

A few meters from the Starfish Reserve where tons of starfish dot the ocean floor are a dozen conch shells. You can actually pick these beautiful conch shells for your collection, or you may also want to make a raw but tasty conch salad from a freshly picked-out conch shell from the bottom of the ocean floor.  The dish includes chopped onions and peppers, lime, and orange juices, and whatever spices you want to throw in. The tasty conch salad is the Bahamas’ version of ceviche, a seafood dish popular in the coastal regions of the Americas.

Little Galliot Cay Sandbar

The Little Galliot Cay Sandbar is a stretch of sand that is 20 to 30 meters wide and about 2 kilometers in length. This sandbar is usually only visible when there is low tide, which is usually in the morning. Although devoid of any trees and any forms of shade, the sandbar is a great place to take a stroll, pick up sand dollars and shells, or read a good book. If you’re looking for a great place for complete solitude, you are going to want to stay for hours on this little stretch of sand.

Staniel Clay

The activity hub in the Cay and a favorite destination of yachters is Staniel Clay. Yachters love going to Staniel Clay thanks to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club,  the only full-service marina in the cays. Shack up in one of the cotton candy-colored cottages, some perched on stilts right in the water. The club’s restaurant is the place to be for lunch, dinner, and nightlife. An airstrip, a grocery store, and a few shops round out the island’s offerings.

Thunderball Grotto

Just across the water from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is Thunderball Grotto, a marine cave that snorkelers (at low tide) and experienced scuba divers can explore. Waters can be rough at times so it is important that you are confident in and underwater when planning to explore the grotto. Pack a cooler and a warmer jacket as you are going to need this at the end of the day. This fantastic underwater cave was used in the filming of two James Bond movies: Thunderball and Never Say Never Again.

travel advisories for the Bahamas:

While the Exuma Cays offer beautiful beaches and pristine waters for visitors, there are a few things to keep in mind for safety. Drowning is the number one cause of death for tourists in the Bahamas, so never swim alone and always swim within your abilities. Only swim at beaches with a lifeguard present.

 Be cautious of watercraft, as many are not well maintained and operators do not always have proper certifications. Use caution when snorkeling or diving, making sure you receive proper orientation and briefing from reputable operators.

 Crime rates are relatively low in the Exumas, but it is still a good idea to be vigilant with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night. Register with the U.S. Embassy in Nassau prior to your trip in case of an emergency at https://bs.usembassy.gov/.

 Follow the advice of local authorities and your resort staff, and always have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. With some simple precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable vacation in the beautiful Exuma Cays.

These are just a few things that tourists can do while at Exuma Cays but there are actually dozens of stuff that one can do. Besides, the Exumas is only a portion of what the Bahamas holds. Book your flights now and be on your way to one of the best tropical places to be in the world.