Things to Do in Exuma: 4 Picks From a Local Host

Exuma is not your typical destination. Most places are full of technology, services and all-inclusive resorts that distract you from the main thing you should be doing when you travel, which is getting to know the place and exploring it.

There is no nightlife here. Most places close at 5 PM, and by 8 PM you will not find anything open. I have been a host on this island for four years, though, and I know what you should actually do to get the best out of it.

1. Take the boat tour to Staniel Cay

Locals offer plenty of tours that do not require going this far. The Staniel Cay tour is the one that gives you every other tour's features in one. The others take you to local beaches around the island, Stocking Island, Coconut Club, or snorkelling close by. On the Staniel Cay run you pass celebrities' private islands, see isolated mini islands with their own beaches, and stop at the best snorkelling spots.

You will also see the most beautiful sea animals and get to interact with them. Rays, nurse sharks, turtles and, of course, the pigs. And the iguanas, which depending on who you ask are pretty cool too. Most people assume that is just a thing for kids, but since most guests come with family or in groups, it is a nice touch.

You will usually land at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a good place to eat and to see luxurious two and three storey yachts. All of it is a full day, and honestly, after you do this you will not want to get on a boat again. Not because you are tired, but because you have already done it all here.

Looking for a boat tour company in Exuma? Go with Theo, he is our go-to guy.

More on that trip in swimming with the pigs in Exuma.

2. Jet ski at Tropic of Cancer Beach

Anybody can fight me on this, but the most beautiful beach on the whole island is Tropic of Cancer Beach. No doubt. It is one long stretch in front of beautiful homes, the water is impossibly clear, there are no waves, and it is perfect for walking, photos, sitting and relaxing, or jet skiing.

People in the Exuma Facebook group came at me saying jet skis disturb everyone else on the beach. You do not have to ride right next to them. The beach is huge. Go further out and enjoy the view of the beach from the water. You will probably spot rays and stingrays while you are out there.

You can rent a jet ski for a half day, but two hours is genuinely enough. If you plan to make stops between sessions, then go half day, or full day if you really love it.

One thing to know: it is not close. If you are staying in Little Exuma it is a five to ten minute drive. From the main island you are looking at 30 to 45 minutes depending on how fast you go. Around 35 minutes at 80 to 90 km/h, roughly 50 mph. The most beautiful and most expensive houses on the island sit in this part.

If you would like to rent one of those houses, stay at C.H. Villa, our biggest home, with a pool, a padel court and a gym we are just about to finish. Ask us in the chat bubble below.

3. Drive around the island

You probably drive every day already. To work, to school pickup, and you would rather not sit in a car on holiday. That is why so many people ask for taxis or want everywhere within walking distance. But if you really want to know Exuma, you have to drive it.

Start from the airport area and drive all the way down to Little Exuma. You will find the most beautiful spots and the most beautiful people, because the island people are genuinely sweet. Driving is also how you learn where the restaurants are and where locals actually spend their time.

You do not want to be the tourist who stays at the villa and leaves knowing nothing about the place. If that is how you enjoy an island, I respect it. I just think most people want more than that.

Before you get behind the wheel, read our quick tips on visiting Exuma. We drive on the left here, and that catches people out.

4. Go to Stocking Island

Stocking Island sits right in front of the main island. If you are staying near George Town you can grab a water taxi across. If you are staying at one of our George Town villas, you can take the jet ski and be there in about five minutes. Riding through that water on the way over is a genuinely fun way to tick off one of Exuma's must-dos.

So what should you actually book?

If you only do one thing, do the Staniel Cay boat tour. It is the full day that contains every other day.

If you have a week, do all four. They fit together naturally: boat tour one day, beach and jet ski another, a driving day, and Stocking Island whenever the water is calm.

Not sure which beach to head for first? Here are the best beaches in Exuma.