Getting the most from your Bahamas vacation on Great Exuma usually means enjoying a few day trips to some of the surrounding attractions. Here are some of the most popular things to do and places to visit in the Bahamas that are within easy reach of your Great Exuma villa.
SPEND A DAY IN GEORGETOWN
Georgetown is the capital of the Exumas chain of islands, with charming shops and attractions to provide a day’s escape from the beach.
If you are lucky, you may be able to hit this pint-sized capital during the lively Georgetown Sailing Regatta in March or the Annual Family Island Regatta that takes place in April. However, this laid-back town of just 900 inhabitants is always a favorite gathering place for yachters, so the deep-water harbor once frequented by pirates is always a scenic spot to visit.
The pink-and-white Government building harks back to colonial days and the outdoor Straw Market offer some great photo opportunities. Gift shops and grocery stores will provide shoppers with most essentials, island clothing and souvenir gifts. Browse the gifts at the Sandpiper for authentic Bahamian crafts including ceramics, straw baskets, jewellery and postcards.
Extend your visit to Georgetown with a leisurely lunch in one of the old taverns such as Two Turtles Inn or at one of the waterfront cafés that offer traditional Bahamian fare.
VISIT STOCKING ISLAND
Take the short and breezy ferry ride across to Stocking Island which has a gorgeous five-mile stretch of sand. Walk along the waves looking for seashells, relax in the sun with a good book or go snorkeling right off the beach.
A popular place to dine on Stocking Island is the Chat n’Chill beach bar known for its BBQ ribs, conch burgers and Sunday pig roast, washed down with their specialty cocktail, the Goombay Smash.
GO SWIMMING WITH PIGS!
Those looking for something completely different may want to experience swimming with pigs at Great Exuma’s Bay of Pigs. Join a boat trip or go independently with a boat rental and see this wacky sight for yourself. These huge hairy hogs know that the sound of approaching boat motors means lunch and they eagerly swim out to see what’s on offer.
Join the pigs in the waist-deep water for a swim after enticing them over with bread buns, frankfurters or whatever edible leftovers from lunch you may have onboard. The pigs live up to their reputation, gobbling anything soft and tender (watch those fingers!) before heading off towards the next incoming craft.
CHECK OUT EXUMA CAYS LAND AND SEA PARK
You can spend more than just a day exploring the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which covers 176 square miles of cays, reefs and clear azure water. The protection of the sea park means that it is a great place to find a proliferation of fish, lobsters, conch and other marine life. Snorkelling and diving here are thrilling experiences, or just admire the view from your boat.
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