Every beach here is beautiful. That is not the useful information. The useful information is which ones are worth the drive, and when to go.
1. Tropic of Cancer Beach, Little Exuma
The best beach on the island, and I will argue this with anyone. A long stretch of white sand in front of some of the most expensive homes in Exuma, with clear, wave-free water. Perfect for walking, photos, sitting still, or jet skiing further out.
It sits 30 to 45 minutes from the main island, five to ten minutes if you are staying in Little Exuma. There are no real facilities, so bring water and shade. Go early for the light and the empty sand.
2. Stocking Island
Directly across the harbour from George Town, reachable by water taxi in about ten minutes, or five minutes on a jet ski from our George Town villas. Chat 'N' Chill on the point is the social beach, with conch salad made in front of you and rays in the shallows. The ocean side has bigger water and better walking.
This is the easiest good beach day in Exuma. No car required.
3. Coco Plum Beach
Famous for the low-tide sandbar that lets you walk what feels like forever out into ankle-deep water. Check the tide chart before you go, because at high tide it is a nice beach rather than a remarkable one. About 15 minutes from George Town.
4. Jolly Hall Beach
The closest genuinely good swimming beach to George Town, a few minutes' drive. Calm, shallow, shaded in places, and easy with kids. Not the beach you photograph, but the one you use on a normal afternoon.
5. Hooper's Bay
Come here for the turtles rather than the swimming. They gather in the shallows and you can watch them from the water's edge. Do not chase them and do not feed them.
Practical notes
- Most beaches here have no facilities. Bring water, shade and everything else.
- Sandflies are worst at dawn and dusk. Repellent helps.
- You need a car for everything except Stocking Island. See our Exuma travel tips, including the fact that we drive on the left.
- Beaches in the Bahamas are public up to the high-water mark, even in front of private homes.
Planning the rest of the trip? Start with things to do in Exuma.