Exploring the Exumas

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/05/2024 (535 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The tropical region known as The Bahamas is made up of 16 major islands spanning 259,000 square kilometres in some of the world’s most-crystal clear turquoise waters. In fact, the ocean here is so stunning that the brilliant colours are visible from outer space.

The Exuma Cays is an island chain within The Bahamas, an area abundant with colourful coral reefs and sandy surfaces. Here you’ll find pristine coastlines, secluded beaches, and ultra-exclusive accommodations. Private islands play host to some of the world’s most famous stars – including a feral colony of four-legged celebrities known world-wide as the ‘swimming pigs’.

The Exumas have earned the reputation as an ideal vacation destination for snorkeling, diving, and exciting water sports – like the National Family Island Regatta. The sailing competition happens annually over the final weekend of April, and this year’s event marked 68 years of racing. It’s a highly anticipated time for traditional ‘Bahamian sloop’ sailors and boat builders to come together to compete to be named best in their class.

Three Sisters Beach is spectacular, despite the tragic lore behind the name. The story goes that three sisters were following a British naval officer when their boat crashed on the ‘three sisters’ rocks and they drowned. Another tale tells of three sisters who had an abusive father, and so they fled the island to the rocks where they ultimately perished. No matter which holds true, you’ll never forget the sheer beauty.

Exuma Palms Resort is right there along the silky white sands of Three Sisters Beach. The luxurious boutique hotel and event centre is perfect for guests who want to take in the regatta, attend seasonal festivals, seek warmth in winter, or at any time of year, really. With private beach access and onsite swimming pool, it’s a great spot to host weddings, corporate functions, and special gatherings.

The Blue Conch Restaurant and Bar features freshly caught seafood, and special dining experiences such as Caribbean barbecue night, and Italian night with live jazz music. The newly opened Blue Conch Café serves up freshly ground coffee, leaf teas, and pastries. New additions coming soon to Exuma Palms resort are four new villas with kitchenettes, and an outdoor lounge with fireplace.

Other great times of year to be in The Bahamas are for Junkanoo celebrations. These most spirited carnivals of the Caribbean are on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and many other Saturdays throughout summer. Participants spend months getting ready for street-parade pageantry consisting of colourful costumes, elaborate dances, horns, drums, and all the cowbells and whistles.

Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, established in 1958, was the first land and sea park in the entire world, and the first marine reserve in The Bahamas and wider Caribbean. It covers over 112,000 acres of land and sea, and is renowned for its species diversity and unique ecological initiatives. Ecotourism activities include swimming with stingrays, gliding above reefs atop a stand-up paddle board or kayak, exploring the geological wonders known as ‘blue holes’, and other offerings.

The straw markets are always fun to visit for authentic gifts made by local vendors. Enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage made from fresh fruit while browsing for hand-woven straw hats and mats, tote bags, dolls and toys, conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, and other treasures not found anywhere else.

One of a kind finds, from a one of a kind place.