Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: The Bahamas' Premier Marine Reserve
Established in 1958 as the world's first land-and-sea reserve, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park spans a stunning 283 square kilometers of reefs, cays, and ocean. Renowned among divers globally, this Bahamian gem protects the Western Hemisphere's second-largest barrier reef—after the Mesoamerican Reef—fostering abundant marine life underwater and diverse terrestrial species onshore. Accessible only by private boat or charter, the trip is pricey but delivers an unmatched natural paradise that visitors rave about.
What to Do in Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Drawn by extraordinary wildlife, visitors flock to this idyllic Marine Protected Area. Strict 'No Take' rules ensure nothing is removed or left behind, preserving a pristine ecosystem rich in marine species, birdlife, and unique land creatures. Spot endangered Bahamian rock iguanas, hutia rodents, and ancient stromatolites—layered structures formed by cyanobacteria over 2,000 years old.
The underwater world steals the show, so pack snorkeling or diving gear (or charter a boat) from Nassau or George Town, Great Exuma's charming capital. Reputable operators like Dive Exuma in George Town offer day trips, while all-inclusive week-long dive adventures explore the park's premier sites.
Expect angelfish, eagle rays, reef sharks, Nassau grouper, porcupinefish, clownfish, lobsters, and turtles. Deeper sites may reveal bull sharks. Dive into 'blue holes'—collapsed underwater sinkholes—near Stocking Island, or explore Thunderball Grotto, the iconic cave system from the 1965 James Bond film *Thunderball*.
Above water, meet the famous swimming pigs on Major Cay (Pig Beach). These feral hogs swim to shore for treats from visitors—opt for natural, plant-based foods and maintain a safe distance.
How to Get to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Reaching this natural wonder involves flights and boats, inherent to Bahamian travel. Yacht owners arrive directly, but most join live-aboard dive trips or day charters from Nassau or Great Exuma, the 37-mile-long southern cay offering a taste of authentic island life.
Great Exuma lies 135 miles southeast of Nassau. Exuma International Airport welcomes flights from Nassau, Rock Sound, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. A quick cab ride lands you in George Town, with its pastel buildings, boat operators at the jetty, budget stays at Marshall's Guest House, and upscale options like Club Peace & Plenty's Italian cuisine.
George Town's beaches are modest; hop a water taxi to idyllic Stocking Island for ~BS$20 round-trip—arrange pickup times. Enjoy its pristine north-shore beach with bars and resorts, but pack sunscreen amid limited shade. Or taxi to Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma.
With your own boat, moorings start at BS$25. Kayak or camp on Hawksbill, Warderick Wells, or O'Brien's Cays with a BS$250 permit plus BS$25 daily fee—book via park headquarters on Warderick Wells. No boat? Out Islands Explorers in George Town provides sailing, guided kayaking, and rentals.
