Exuma and Cays, Bahamas Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Exuma and Cays, Bahamas?

  • Exuma is the largest district in the Bahamas.
  • The Exuma Cays are made up of 365 islands, each of which are only a few acres in size.
  • Exuma is home to the world's first land and sea park, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
  • The Great Exuma has a population of around 8,000 people.
  • The Exuma Cays are known for their crystal clear, turquoise waters and pristine beaches.

Exuma and Cays, Bahamas Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
78° F
° F
February
79° F
° F
March
80° F
° F
April
82° F
° F
May
85° F
° F
June
88° F
° F
July
90° F
° F
August
90° F
° F
September
89° F
° F
October
86° F
° F
November
83° F
° F
December
79° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
0.84 inches
February
0.95 inches
March
1.29 inches
April
1.02 inches
May
2.05 inches
June
4.67 inches
July
2.99 inches
August
4.77 inches
September
3.46 inches
October
2.61 inches
November
1.87 inches
December
0.9 inches
Garden of the Groves

Enjoy exotic wildlife and botanical gardens

The Grand Bahamas Garden of the Groves is home to over 12 acres of exotic wildlife and botanical gardens. It's the most photographed spot in the Bahamas and frequently used for weddings ceremonies. Children come for the farm animal petting zoo. There are also parrots, alligators, ducks and turtles and hundreds of tropical plants. Garden of the Groves is located on the corner of Magellan Drive and Midshipmann Road on Grand Bahama Island. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $3.95 for children 3 through 10 and $9.95 for adults.

Out Islands

The seclusion of the Out Islands is unbeatable

Bahamas is a collective term for the 2000 cays and 700 islands 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The main cities of Nassau and Freeport are on two of the smaller islands in the chain. The other populated islands and cays are known as the Out Islands. These remote gems are not hard to get to if you're looking for a secluded vacation spot where you won't find cruise ships, high-rise hotels or crowds. It's the perfect romantic get-away or honeymoon spot for beach-lovers and sun-gods. You'll find excellent snorkeling and diving, fishing, kayaking, boating and sailing, eco-tours and a unique, colorful culture that welcomes the relaxed Bahamian lifestyle. The Abacos Islands are known as the world's top boating and sailing destination. The islands of Acklins and Bimini lure fishermen, divers and snorkelers. Andros is a natural wonder boasting the third largest barrier reef in the world. Cat Island is a fishhook-shaped island that's only 48 miles long and 4 miles across. Though small, there's plenty to see and do with miles of hiking trails and clear water filled with coral reefs, blue holes caves and shipwrecks. Eleuthera Island is known for the high cliffs on the eastern side and also the pineapple plantations. If you're looking for pink sand and luxurious resorts, check out Harbour or Exumas Islands. And finally, Long Island has the deepest blue hole in the Bahamas (more than 600 feet). It's also a haven for fishing, sailing and yachting.

Paradise Island

Take a trip over the enormous bridge and discover Paradise Island

From Nassau you can see a giant arching bridge. Scale this 1/4-mile monster and you'll run right into the world-famous Atlantis hotel, frequented by celebrities. Some don't leave the resort; there's so much to do inside - 35 restaurants and bars, miles of pools, rivers and lagoons, a theater, shopping and a huge marine habitat. Branch out and you'll find sparkling white-sand beaches spooning the crystal, clear turquoise water. Jump in for a day of snorkeling, diving or a dolphin swim. On land you can tee off at one of two spectacular golf courses. If you still have some energy come evening, there's plenty for night-owls like the 9,000-square-foot nightclub called Aura or try your luck at the 2 largest casinos in the Caribbean.

Transportation on Exuma and Cays, Bahamas

Getting to Exuma and Cays, Bahamas and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from the Bahamas is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-travel authorization is required for most visitors. However, travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form depending on current travel guidelines.

Departure Tax

A departure tax of US$18 is charged at the airport for international flights.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: The right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads in urban areas and rural areas having less-developed roads.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and 45-55 mph (72-88 km/h) on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of all traffic signals, pedestrians, and local driving customs, especially in more remote areas where animals or unexpected obstacles may be present.

Know Before You Go...® - Exuma and Cays, Bahamas Travel Tips

Before making their way to Exuma and Cays, Bahamas , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Exuma and Cays, Bahamas even more relaxing.

Capital: Bahamas. Georgetown.
Population: 2019Approximately 7,000 (Source: World Population Review)
Size: 2010Unknown. The square miles of Exuma and Cays can vary depending on the source and the specific time period being referenced. It is not possible to accurately answer this question with one word.
Electric Current: 120
Official Language: The official language spoken in Exuma and Cays is English, while the secondary language spoken is Bahamian Creole, a dialect of English with influences from African and Caribbean languages. Tourism is a major industry in this region, and many locals also
Currency: Exuma and Cays, a district of the Bahamas, is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing and luxurious vacation. With its crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and numerous activities, it's no wonder that many visitors flock to this beautiful region. When it comes to currency and payment options in Exuma and Cays, here's what you need to know. Currency: The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is equivalent to the US dollar. This means that US dollars are widely accepted and can be used interchangeably with the Bahamian dollar. However, it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases and to avoid any confusion or exchange rate discrepancies. Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in Exuma and Cays, especially in hotels, resorts, and larger establishments. Most major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted. However, it's always a good idea to inform your bank or
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes are an important part of the economy in Exuma and Cays, a group of islands located in the Bahamas. While tipping and taxes may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are treated differently in this region. In this summary, we will discuss the role of tipping and taxes in Exuma and Cays and the best practices for visitors. Tipping is a common practice in the Bahamas, and it is considered a way to show appreciation for good service. In Exuma and Cays, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill for services such as restaurants, taxis, and tour guides. Many businesses include a service charge on the bill, but it is still recommended to leave an additional tip for exceptional service. It is also common to tip hotel staff, such as housekeeping and bellhops, with a few dollars per day. On the other hand, taxes in Exuma and Cays are mandatory and are added to the total cost of goods and services. The Value Added Tax (VAT) is the main tax in the Bahamas, an
Dress Code: The dress code in Exuma and Cays is casual and relaxed, with light and comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather.
Topography: Exuma and Cays are a chain of islands in the Bahamas characterized by flat terrain, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Telephone: Exuma and Cays' telephone country code is +1 and its area code is 242.

Exuma and Cays, Bahamas Weddings and Honeymoons

In the Bahamas, the marriage process is simple. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the Registrar General’s office in Nassau. Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in the Bahamas (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately US$100. There are additional fees for the officiant, which can range from US$50 to US$150, depending on the location and type of ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 24 hours before the intended wedding date.