If you are looking for the best things to do in paradise on earth – the Exumas – then you have come to the right place! My name is Bridgette Proulx and I grew up in New England. I’m a broadcaster, drone pilot and photographer who has had a passion for photography since I was young.
It all started when I began documenting memories from our family trips growing up. I started to learn more and more tricks for better photography and now I am a fully self-taught photographer. I decided I wanted to create content that was unique and that is when I got into drone photography.
Why The Exumas is Paradise on Earth
The Exumas is a destination I have visited multiple times because my first visit was such an amazing experience! There will never be enough time to photograph such a beautiful place. People really seemed to love the beautiful blue water in my photos and the idea of just relaxing in a place like that. As is the draw for many people, the blue water is unmatched.
My trips to the Exumas have consisted of paddle boarding, snorkeling and beach time. I usually go to escape the cold New England weather and stay for 10 days at a time. For those who don’t know, The Bahamas span over 350 islands with many opportunities for both relaxing and photography.
In the Exumas you can swim with pigs but there are also opportunities like snorkeling with turtles, fish and sharks. It’s a mix of leisure and adventure, so you can go at whatever pace suits you. Though I do think the main draw is the water! Once you go, you will want to go back. It’s an easy trip for those on the east coast of the US, and relatively affordable.
Best Things To Do in the Exumas
I love droning while I paddle board. I have done paddle boarding trips to a few different spots in the Exumas including Moriah Harbor Cay National Park. In my opinion, there is no better place in the world to paddle board as it’s so calm and stunning. I also found there were some epic underwater photo-ops like a sunken plane and the piano/mermaid sunken statue.
I definitely have more of an adventurous itinerary than what would be ideal for some people but for the best things to do in the Exumas I suggest chilling at or paddle boarding at these three locations: Exuma Point Beach and it’s sandbar, Cocoplum Beach and sandbar, and Moriah Harbor Cay National Park (these are all locations you can access on Grand Exuma).
Also, I recommend going to a restaurant across the bay to Stocking Island called Chat ‘N’ Chill for drinks on the beach and a Sunday pig roast. Next, take a boat tour up the other cays. If you can, find one that stops for snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, the underwater mermaid, and the sunken plane off of Staniel Cay (go with Johnson’s Getaway).
Restaurants, Bars & Grills in the Exumas
The food actually differs a lot in the Bahamas depending on if it’s the high season or low season for tourists. To give my favorite assuming everything is open at the time of year you go: Shoreline Beach Resort, Choppy’s and Santanna’s are good for local dishes like conch fritters and seafood.
For people who stay at Sandals there are some good restaurants that are only available to Sandals guests. I actually suggest not staying in a resort though, and instead get a rental house on the beach and a rental car to see the whole island and try a bunch of different restaurants and beaches.
Finally, you can’t forget a little bar in Georgetown called “Sharie’s Spot”. Not sure it even shows up on Google Maps but it’s near the Government Docks. She serves about 10 different flavors of daiquiris and amazing conch fritters!
Where to Stay in the Exumas
This year’s visit to the Exumas took me to a place near Cocoplum Beach on the north side of the island near Exuma Point in an airbnb with its own little beach. I don’t like resorts – I prefer no crowds but there are a lot of great condos and resorts on the island as well. February Point Resort I know is good (but expensive). There are many airbnbs with beach access.
Two Special Memories in the Bahamas
My two most memorable moments from this year’s trip were very different but I will always remember them both! First was an experience I had, paddling down the shore near our rental house when a reef shark swam under me! That was a scary moment but it definitely gave me a rush.
The other was going to Chat ‘N’ Chill where I was surrounded by kids wanting to get a look at my drone. They had never seen one before and wanted to touch it and press the buttons and just were so curious.
I taught the oldest sister who was 7 how to take off the drone, take pictures and fly side to side. She learned so quickly and I was impressed. All of the people at Chat ‘N’ Chill really were so laid back and fun – they made our day. Everytime I go I end up spending the whole day there.
Need to Know Before you Go
First of all there are a few islands in the Exumas you can stay on but Grand Exuma has the most restaurants, resorts, rentals, etc. That is where a lot of the tours to the other cays go out of and where you can rent things like kayaks, paddle boards, or learn to kite surf (with my good friend Gary).
The driving is on the opposite side of the road to America but that is okay! Get a rental and you will get used to it quickly. There is one small airport (GGT) that only has 1-2 flights a day and only on a small number of airlines.
I always bring a snorkel and mask, bug spray and a bottle of wine! Alcohol can be expensive on the island so I bring my own wine in my luggage. For the droners: take your drone, you won’t have a problem flying it there at all. Be sure to check travel restrictions due to the pandemic as well.
When we went in the summer of 2021 you needed proof of vaccination and a negative test to get your Bahamas Health Visa. The travel rules change often so check https://travel.gov.bs/ before you go and plan tests and bring documents accordingly (we did rapid tests). Enjoy your time in the Exumas!
