7 Things To Do in Exuma Bahamas You Probably Didn’t Know
Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Beyond the well-known tropical beaches, Exuma Bahamas is home to secret idyllic places you probably didn’t know about.
Whether it is a remote sandbar, a drug dealer plane wreck, or an island that is home to more iguanas than people.
If you need more reasons to add this destination to your bucket list, I’ve got 7 that will convince you to book your trip – immediately. Keep reading, as I’m about to uncover unreal things to do in Exuma Bahamas.
1. Reach a Sandbar
Exuma is home to over 360 islands and cays. For you, this means endless opportunities to reach remote places, including sandbars that feel unreal. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Something I’ve never experienced before. But trust me – walking on one will mark you forever.
There are only 2 options to explore sandbars in Exuma: do an island hopping tour through the cays or rent a boat for unlimited freedom.
Most sandbars still remain secret to travelers. This means you’ll probably end up alone in a completely secluded sandbar in the middle of Exuma’s sparkling blue waters, feeling you are the only one on a tropical Caribbean destination. So if you haven’t walked on one in Exuma, I advise you to. It’s something of the other world.
Walking On One Will Mark You Forever
Photo: Travel Seeker Abroad
2. Snorkel a Plane Wreck that Once Belonged to a Drug Dealer
Sitting peacefully just off Norman’s Cay, you’ll encounter a plane wreck jutting out in the shallow waters of Exuma.
Legend has it that this plane wreck once belonged to the infamous drug dealer Pablo Escobar, who was trying to smuggle drugs for decades. In the 1980s, the plane wreck crash-landed while allegedly smuggling drugs to the USA, with the crew escaping unharmed.
Today, the wreck is an artificial reef teeming with marine life (one of the many; only most of them remain a secret). When I snorkeled the plane wreck, I felt a mix of admiration and surprise. To be honest, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s one of those experiences you just have to do with your own eyes to believe exists.
A Plane Wreck Jutting Out In The Shallow Waters of Exuma
Photo: Travel Seeker Abroad
3. Swim with Swimming Pigs (they swim!)
Another thing to do in Exuma Bahamas is… You probably heard about them. Swim with the Swimming Pigs!
I remember when I saw them. Our boat was approaching this gorgeous island named Big Major Cay, and there they were, the pigs swimming energetically in the direction of the boat. One of the many bucket list experiences in The Bahamas.
What I liked most about the pigs is that they are not afraid of us. They actually interact with humans (only the real reason is to feed them!). All they care about is food. Although they are cute and friendly, they are still wild animals with unexpected instincts. You can also feed them crackers, if you do this experience on a guided tour.
It’s unique and you’ll regret not doing it.
A bucket List Experience You Will Regret Not Doing
Photo: Courtesy of Bahamas Air Tours
4. Eat Fresh Conch at the Most Relaxed Bar in Exuma (and probably The Bahamas!)
Some say, Chat N Chill is the most relaxed bar in The Bahamas, thanks to its off-the-grid location. It’s beachfront, the music is relaxing, with turquoise waters surrounding it.
It was also where I tried fresh conch. If you didn’t know, conch salad and burgers are one of the traditional dishes of The Bahamas – it’s delicious and fresh. The best part: you get to try the best conch of Exuma in an extraordinary beach bar which will make you leave all your worries behind. Locals say Chat N Chill is the best beach bar in Exuma. And I felt it too!
The Best Beach Bar in Exuma
Photo: Courtesy of Chat N Chill
5. Reach an Island that’s Home to More Iguanas Than People
Did you know there is an iguana island? Most travelers skip places like these, but not you. This tropical island is located on the remote Exuma Cays – and is gorgeous.
As your boat pulls up to the white sandy shore, dozens of endangered Bahamian rock iguanas emerge from the brush, eager to greet you. These friendly reptiles, found only in The Bahamas, bask in the sun and happily accept fruit from visitors.
If you’re looking for an off-the-grid experience, this is one of the top things to do in Exuma Bahamas.
These Friendly Reptiles Happily Welcome You To The Island
Photo: Courtesy of Adobe Stock
6. Get Up Close to Stingrays (they’re friendly!)
It’s one of those pinch-me moments! On Stocking Island, you can get up close to friendly stingrays. Yup – it’s as great as it sounds.
I realized stingrays are friendly and curious. As I waded into the shallow, crystal-clear waters of the island, gentle stingrays glided effortlessly around me, allowing me to touch them. Their skin is incredibly smooth! At that moment, I felt extremely fortunate, as I’d never experienced anything like it.
For me, this is one of the best Exuma experiences for nature lovers. Probably one of my favorite experiences during my trip to Exuma Bahamas.
These Stingrays Will Effortlessly Glid Around You
Photo: Travel Seeker Abroad
7. Have a Beach all to yourself
Lastly on the list are uncrowded tropical beaches. Believe it or not, there are beaches in Exuma where you won’t see another soul. Think of how many places will give you that kind of experience – experiences like these are extremely rare.
Exuma is home to spectacular beaches, often regarded as some of the best in the world. I knew this before I arrived, but I didn’t realize just how uncrowded they would be. Imagine yourself on a tropical beach with the bluest waters you’ve ever seen, surrounded by miles of pristine white sand and palm trees. Now picture experiencing this paradise with no one else around.
It’s no wonder then why it is on the list of (unreal!) things to do in Exuma Bahamas. Which one will you escape to first?
Experiences Like These Are Extremely Rare
Photo: Travel Seeker Abroad
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Hi, I’m Ana. Welcome to the Blog!
I help you increase your well-being, spice up a relationship, or affirm your status by traveling to The Bahamas.