The Exumas
Go for shallow, clear water, sandbars and full days on a boat between the cays, with the swimming pigs as the best-known stop.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
The Exumas are a chain of islands and cays in the Bahamas, running southeast of Nassau. The water is shallow and clear, and sandbars lie between many of the cays, so most sights are reached by boat. George Town on Great Exuma has the chain's main airport, and Staniel Cay is a common base for boat trips. The rest of the chain is reached from there.
The chain is known for the swimming pigs on Big Major Cay, also called Pig Beach, where the pigs wander the sand and wade out to visiting boats. Snorkeling is good in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and some quiet beaches are a short boat ride away. The area suits travelers who want a slow trip built around boat days and simple island meals. Boat and flight schedules are limited, and weather can change plans. The drier months from winter into spring are the usual choice for a visit.
The Exumas in five
- Book a boat day to the caysThe best of the Exumas is only reachable by water. A guided boat day covers sandbars, the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto and iguanas.
- Take nothing from the land and sea parkThe Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no-take area. Fishing and collecting shells, coral or plants are not allowed.
- Hire a car on Great ExumaGeorge Town and the Great Exuma beaches are spread along one main road. Taxis are expensive over long distances.
- Carry cash for small placesSome small shops, bars and boat operators take only cash, and ATMs are mostly in George Town.
Things to do in The Exumas
See all attractions in The ExumasNeed to know
- Airport
- Exuma International (GGT) near George Town; Staniel Cay airstrip
- Getting there
- Flights from Nassau and some US cities
- Getting around
- Car on Great Exuma; boats for the cays
- Best base
- George Town for choice, Staniel Cay for the northern cays
- Time needed
- 4–6 days
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh24°Low23°Dry, breezyJanuaryPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 68 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, breezy
- FebruaryPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh24°Low23°Dry, busyFebruaryPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 39 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, busy
- MarchPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh24°Low23°Dry, warmMarchPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 41 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, warm
- AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Warm, calmAprilPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 48 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, calm
- MayPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°Hot, calm seasMayPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 104 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, calm seas
- JunePartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh28°Low27°Hurricane seasonJunePartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 81 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hurricane season
- JulyPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh28°Low27°Hot, humidJulyPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 63 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, humid
- AugustPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Hurricane riskAugustPartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 28°
- Precipitation
- 82 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hurricane risk
- SeptemberRain15 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low28°Peak hurricanesSeptemberRain
Mixed
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 28°
- Precipitation
- 114 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Peak hurricanes
- OctoberRain18 rainy daysHigh28°Low27°Hurricane riskOctoberRain
Mixed
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 187 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hurricane risk
- NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°DrierNovemberRain
Good
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 110 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Drier
- DecemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Dry, holidaysDecemberPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 63 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, holidays
Average daily high and low in George Town, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in The Exumas
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 70%
- Wind
- 16 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 46%
The Exumas
05:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°24°46%Monday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 46%.
- Tue28°24°26%Tuesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 26%.
- Wed28°23°37%Wednesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Thu28°26°26%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 26%.
- Fri27°26°10%Friday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat27°26°10%Saturday: Clear. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sun27°26°19%Sunday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 19%.
Updated 04:46 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1 BSD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Staniel Cayby small planeA small island and the base for boat trips to Pig Beach and the Thunderball Grotto.Read the guide
- Nassauby planeThe capital on New Providence.Read the guide
- Other Caribbean islandsby planeCompare the Exumas with other islands in the region if you have time to fly on.Read the guide
Before you go to The Exumas
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for The Exumas, checked
- Check entry requirements on the official government portal before you book.Source
- Taking shells, coral or other marine life from Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is not allowed. Check the park rules before you snorkel or anchor.
- Dial 911 or 919 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in the Bahamas.
- Tipping is customary. Check the bill first, since some restaurants add a service charge.
Plan around The Exumas
Islands, flights, entry rules and money
Read the guideNassauThe gateway for flights and fast boats
Read the guideEleutheraPink sand and a road trip, a slower alternative
Read the guideMiamiFlorida departure point for flights to the islands
Read the guideIsland-flight insuranceSmall-plane delays and storm cover
Read the guideMoney and cardsCash habits on the Out Islands
Read the guideThe Exumas FAQ
Where are the swimming pigs in the Exumas?
On Big Major Cay, near Staniel Cay in the northern Exumas. Boat tours from Staniel Cay, Great Exuma and even Nassau stop there.
How do I get to the Exumas?
Fly from Nassau or the US to Exuma International near George Town, or take a small plane to Staniel Cay. Fast boats run day trips from Nassau.
How many days do I need in the Exumas?
Four to six days allows one or two boat days, beach days on Great Exuma and a buffer for weather.
When is the best time to visit the Exumas?
March to June has calm seas and warm water, which makes boat days easiest. December to February is dry and busy. Hurricane season from June to November carries the weather risk.
Can you swim with the pigs in the Exumas?
Yes, on Big Major Cay near Staniel Cay, usually as a stop on a guided boat day. The pigs are free-roaming animals, so follow your guide, keep hands and food away and avoid chasing them.