Island Hopping the Exumas:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.