The Exuma Islands

The Exuma islands are a string of islands and cays that form a pearl necklace of long forgotten hideaways, natural harbors and secluded beaches, that span over a hundred miles of clear blue water--a new island for every day of the year. The Exuma chain comprises about 360 or more cays, that stretch for about 130 miles beginning 30 miles southeast of New Providence.

Home to the Bahamas National Trust’s Exuma National Land and Sea Park--one of the largest underwater and land preserves, Exuma is a nature lover's paradise kept in its original pristine setting.

The Park consists of underwater limestone and coral reefs, drop-offs, blue holes, caves and marine life, and is home to the Bahamian iguana, a giant lizard-like creature.

Exuma History

Exuma was settled after the American Revolutionary War when many Loyalists and their slaves migrated to the island, setting up cotton plantations which flourished for a brief time.

Exuma's capital, Georgetown was once suggested to be the capital of The Bahamas because of its Elizabeth Harbour, which has a draft of 16 feet and made Exuma a favourite haunt for pirates. Since the 1950s, the harbour has been the site of the  Family Island Regatta -– the race of Bahamian-made sailboats.

Popular historical sites include the remains of the plantations at Williams Town, the ancient tombs at Rolle Town and at Moss Town.

Exuma in the News

Great Exuma will be host to the only five star resort in the Bahamas. Now being developed by Emerald Bay Resort & Co., a Bahamian partnership including American interests, the completed resort will include a five-star 235-room oceanfront hotel set on 26 acres, a full function spa, a European-style casino/entertainment area, a conference center, a tennis/health club, and an 18-hole Greg Norman signature golf course. 

In addition, there will also be a large deep-slip land-protected marina, and exclusive residential beachfront and golf-front communities. These features, coupled with The Resort's unique location in a pristine and beautiful part of The Bahamas, will rank the Resort in the same league as the Ritz Carlton - St. Thomas; Caneel Bay - St. John; Four Seasons - Nevis and Little Dix Bay - Virgin Gorda.

Facing one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, the resort will feature spacious rooms, deluxe appointments and gourmet dining all set in a tropical landscape with each room having an ocean view. Room sizes will vary from 506 to 777 sq. feet with the average size being 605 sq. feet. Negotiations for the management and operation of the hotel, casino and golf course are currently in progress with the Four Seasons.

The Resort will occupy 500 acres on Great Exuma, the largest island in a 130-mile chain of some 365 cays or islands starting 35 miles southeast of Nassau. Located approximately 285 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Great Exuma is serviced (via Exuma International Airport) by four airlines, including American, with direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Nassau.