THE EXUMAS
The Exunas trade yacht crowds for empty sandbars, offering 365 cays of turquoise solitude. This guide reveals when to swim with pigs without the flotilla, find cheap island-hopping deals, and experience genuine Bahamian out-island rhythm.
Smart Travel Calendar
Why Choose The Exumas Off-Season?
Swimming pigs with no boat traffic means you’ll have Big Major Cay’s famous beach almost to yourself.
Bonefishing guides charge half their winter rates for world-class flats fishing in peace.
Thunderball Grotto feels like your private James Bond set — no snorkel tour armadas in sight.
Shoulder Season
Your Smartest Windows
May to early June
November
Avoid: US Thanksgiving week (late November) — last-minute domestic travelers spike prices. Also avoid spring break (mid-February through April) when George Town fills with college charters.
What the Sky Does
Typical temperatures: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
Brief, passing showers — usually 15 minutes then the sun returns
Sea temperature already warm at 79-82°F — perfect for swimming
Lower humidity than summer (July-August), especially in November
How Empty It Feels
40-50% fewer tourists than peak winter season (December-April)
Staniel Cay yacht club has open dock seating without reservations
Major attractions like swimming pigs have short queues, especially early morning
Ferry and tour boats from Nassau run but rarely sell out
What You’ll Save
30-40% on flights from Florida vs. December-March peak
40-50% on beachfront villas and resorts
Swimming pig tours discounted 25-35% for mid-week bookings
Car rental on Great Exuma as low as $45/day vs. $80+ in high season
The Secret Perk
Junkanoo Summer Festival kicks off in June — beachside music, local bands, and authentic Bahamian culture in George Town
Sea turtle nesting season begins on remote cays — guided night walks available
Conch season is still prime — eat fresh cracked conch at local fish fries
Morning light on the sandbars is softer without winter’s harsh glare
Local fishermen invite you onto their docks — no tour company needed
The Tiny Trade-Off
Afternoon rain possible 3-4 days per week in May (but brief)
Some small tour operators on outer cays close for 2 weeks in May
Boat taxi frequency between islands reduces slightly in November
Mosquitoes more active after rain showers — bring repellent
Smart Traveler Tip
Target the last two weeks of May for best balance of low prices, great weather, and pre-hurricane peace.
Book pig swim tours for 8-9 AM departure — calmer seas and empty beaches
Rent a boat or hire a local guide rather than joining large group tours
Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothes; you’ll still swim daily in warm sea temps
Deep Off-Season
Your Smartest Windows
September to October
Avoid: First two weeks of September (historically highest hurricane activity). Also avoid Labour Day weekend (US/Canada) when last-minute deals disappear.
What the Sky Does
Temperatures: 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)
Highest chance of tropical systems (monitor forecasts closely)
Morning sun, afternoon buildups, occasional all-day rain
Humidity noticeable but seabreezes help on most beaches
Water temperature peaks at 84-85°F — bathwater warm
How Empty It Feels
60-70% fewer tourists than peak season — September is the quietest month
Thunderball Grotto often has zero other visitors during weekdays
Pig Beach at Big Major Cay feels genuinely private before 10 AM
Local settlements like Rolle Town and Barraterre have real unhurried village energy
What You’ll Save
50-60% off peak winter prices on island resorts and villas
Flights from Miami/Fort Lauderdale can drop under $150 round trip
Resorts offer “stay 5 nights, pay for 3” packages
Boat rentals discounted 40% — you’ll afford a private day exploring cays
The Secret Perk
Local crab festivals in October — genuine Bahamian celebration, zero tourists
Lobster season reopens August 1 — eat fresh spiny lobster daily for pennies
Fishing guides have open calendars — book world-class bonefishing same-day
Photographers get dramatic skies and empty iconic locations
Bartenders remember your name at the Fish Fry — you’re a regular now
The Tiny Trade-Off
Some out-cay beach resorts close entirely (September-October)
Nightlife in George Town winds down by 9-10 PM
Several restaurants in smaller settlements shut for deep off-season
Ferry schedule between Nassau and Exumas reduces frequency
Daylight shortens to 11.5 hours by late October
Smart Traveler Tip
Book a fully refundable room and buy travel insurance for September-October
For minimal rain, focus on the northern Exumas (Norman’s Cay, Highbourne Cay) — they sit slightly drier than Great Exuma
Pack lightweight rain gear, water shoes (sharp coral), and a power bank
Use the quiet to learn local phrases; genuine appreciation opens doors
Consider flying directly to Staniel Cay instead of Great Exuma — more protected anchorages
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is tropical and warm year-round. Summer temperatures average 31°C (88°F) with higher humidity, while winter temperatures are a pleasant 25°C (77°F). Water temperatures remain warm enough for swimming in all seasons.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: English is the official language, spoken with a melodic Bahamian dialect.
Dining: “Island Time” is real; service in restaurants can be much slower than in Europe or the US. Relax and enjoy the view.
Dress Code: While casual, it is respectful to cover up swimwear with a shirt or wrap when walking through George Town or entering shops.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Small guesthouses ($150–$250), mid-range hotels/villas ($300–$600), luxury private islands ($1,500+).
Food: Local fish fry lunch ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($40–$75 per person), fine dining ($100+).
Transport: Car rental ($75–$100/day), boat rental ($200–$400/day), water taxi ($15).
Activities: Full-day boat tour ($200–$300), snorkel gear rental ($20).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $200–$250 (local rentals, eating at fish fries, public beaches).
- Mid-range: $400–$600 (hotels, some boat tours, restaurant meals).
- Luxury: $1,000+ (private villas, private yacht charters, fine dining).
Getting Around
By Boat: This is the primary way to see the Cays. Renting a small powerboat or hiring a captain is essential to explore the hidden beaches.
By Car: On Great Exuma and Little Exuma, a car is necessary to travel between George Town and distant beaches like Tropic of Cancer.
By Golf Cart: The preferred mode of transport on smaller inhabited islands like Staniel Cay.
Must-Try Food
Conch Salad: Freshly caught conch “cooked” in lime juice with peppers, onions, and citrus.
Cracked Conch: Tenderized conch meat, breaded and deep-fried, usually served with dipping sauce.
Bahamian Macaroni and Cheese: A thick, baked version made with evaporated milk and peppers, cut into squares.
Peas ‘n’ Rice: The quintessential Bahamian side dish made with pigeon peas, salt pork, and spices.
Steamed Fish: Fresh snapper or grouper cooked in a savory tomato and onion-based gravy.
Conch Fritters: Deep-fried batter mixed with bits of conch, onions, and herbs.
Rock Lobster: Locally caught spiny lobster, typically minced and sautéed or grilled with butter.
Guava Duff: A soft, steamed dough filled with guava fruit and topped with a warm butter-rum sauce.
Coconut Tart: A sweet, traditional pastry filled with shredded, sweetened coconut.
Bahamian Rum Cake: A moist, bundt-style cake soaked in local rum and sugar glaze.
Must-Try Drinks
Bahama Mama: A tropical cocktail made with dark rum, coconut rum, and various fruit juices.
Kalik Beer: Known as the “Beer of the Bahamas,” this crisp lager is perfect for the heat.
Sands Beer: Another popular local lager, often preferred for its smooth, light taste.
Gully Wash: A traditional drink made with gin, fresh coconut water, and condensed milk.
Sky Juice: Similar to Gully Wash; a potent and creamy gin-based coconut drink.
Goombay Smash: A sweet, fruity cocktail featuring pineapple juice and several types of rum.
Yellow Bird: A refreshing blend of rum, banana liqueur, and orange juice.
Switcha: A refreshing Bahamian version of lemonade made with local limes and sugar.
Fresh Coconut Water: Often served directly out of a freshly hacked green coconut.
Goombay Punch: A very sweet, carbonated local soda with a distinct pineapple flavor.