Beware of impersonators: We only email from @sheiswanderlust.com. Any other address is not us.

Island Hopping the Exumas:

What to See & Do in This Bahamian Paradise

The Exumas are one of the most stunning and unique parts of the Bahamas — a chain of 365 cays and islands scattered across turquoise waters. Less commercialized than Nassau or Paradise Island, the Exumas offer an escape into nature, adventure, and remote beauty.

The Exumans in the Bahamas

What Are the Exumas?

The Exumas are divided into three main areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. While Great Exuma is the largest and home to George Town (the capital of the district), the Cays are where you’ll find the most famous off-the-beaten-path spots, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Many travelers base themselves in Nassau or Great Exuma and take a guided boat tour to explore the surrounding cays.

Top Islands to Visit in the Exumas

Allen Cay – Bahamian Rock Iguanas

Allen Cay – Bahamian Rock Iguanas

This uninhabited cay is home to the endangered Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana. They’re large, calm, and surprisingly friendly — especially when there’s lettuce involved. Feeding the iguanas is usually part of a guided tour, and while it’s a short stop, it’s a unique opportunity to see a species that exists only in this region.

Tip: Bring grapes or vegetables, but always feed them under the guidance of your tour guide to avoid harming the animals.

Bahamas swimming pigs

Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) – The Swimming Pigs

Probably the most famous attraction in the Exumas, Big Major Cay is where you’ll find the Bahamas’ celebrity residents: the swimming pigs. They paddle out to greet incoming boats and are comfortable being hand-fed by visitors. Despite the hype, this is a genuinely fun experience — especially when combined with a few other stops along the way.

What to know: The pigs live on an uninhabited island and are cared for by locals who stop in regularly. Bring your camera and be ready to get wet.

Compass Cay – Swimming with Sharks

Compass Cay – Swimming with Sharks

Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay is a must if you’re up for a bit of adrenaline. These sharks are harmless and used to human interaction, often swimming close and brushing past your legs.

Note: Most tours will provide snorkel gear or goggles. Don’t skip this if you’re into wildlife or underwater photography.

Pablo Escobar's Crashed Plane

Norman’s Cay – Pablo Escobar's Plane Wreck

Norman’s Cay is infamous for its role in the 1980s drug trade, and one of the most unusual sights here is the submerged wreckage of a drug-running plane from Pablo Escobar. The waters are crystal clear, and the aircraft is still mostly intact, making it a great snorkeling stop filled with colorful marine life swimming around the wreck.

Access: You’ll need to swim to the site from the boat, and while the water is deep, visibility is excellent. Most tours include goggles or snorkel gear.

Great Exuma Bahamas

Great Exuma – Local Culture & Laid-Back Vibes

While the cays get most of the attention, Great Exuma shouldn’t be overlooked. Home to friendly locals, great food, and relaxed beaches, it’s the place to get a feel for Bahamian life beyond the tourist circuit. Georgetown is a good base with access to tours, restaurants, and accommodations.

Don’t miss: Tropic of Cancer Beach and a visit to the small, peaceful island of Little Exuma.

How to Island Hop in the Exumas

The easiest way to explore the Exumas is by joining a day tour from Nassau, like the one I’m leaving below. Most tours are by speedboat and include stops at multiple cays with lunch and snorkel gear provided. If you’re looking for more flexibility (and have the budget), private boat charters or multi-day trips offer more remote and less crowded experiences.

Selene Pigs Bahamas

Island hopping in the Exumas gives you a chance to experience the Bahamas beyond the resorts. Whether you’re feeding iguanas, swimming with pigs, or floating over a sunken plane, each cay adds something different to the trip. It was definitely my favorite part of the trip.

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Tour bahamas

More things to see in Bahamas

She is Wanderlust Logo

    Beware of impersonators: We only email from @sheiswanderlust.com. Any other address is not us.

    HOME

    ABOUT

    BLOG

    DESTINATIONS

    CONTACT

    SHOP

    Subscribe and get exclusive
    travel trips and getaways

      FROM A FEMALE

      TRAVELER

      TO OTHER TRAVELERS

      out there

      © 2025 She is Wanderlust. All rights reserved

      Privacy Preference Center

      Privacy Preferences