Discover the enchanting beauty of Great Exuma Island and Stocking Island, a Bahamian paradise where azure waters meet endless skies.
Immerse yourself in a world of adventure, from swimming with the friendly pigs at Pig Beach to unwinding on the pristine, powdery sands of Stocking Island's hidden coves. Let the gentle sea breeze carry you through days filled with snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs, and savoring delightful beachside dining, all wrapped in the warmth of island hospitality.
There is also a lot to explore close to the Villas. You can stroll to Jolly Hall beach, enjoy the ocean-front pool, use many water sports equipment, or look for sea turtles from the beach. Best of all, you can walk out your front door to the dock and chill out. Sometimes, the breeze and the waves can be just enough.
Explore Stocking Island
Have a memorable day exploring Stocking Island, which is directly across from your villa. You can catch a water taxi from the Georgetown government docks. There's usually someone selling tickets ("Obama Bahama") in front of the Exuma Yacht Club for $30.00 round-trip per person, or A 1 Water taxi at the Georgetown docks, and you can spend the day exploring. The highlight is Chat-n-Chill, where they serve beach-style food and drinks. Sunday is the big day, featuring a pig roast meal. Please arrive early, as it can sell out quickly! Be sure to try the conch salad, prepared right before your eyes—freshness at its best! Watching the preparation is just as impressive. You can also feed the stingrays in the water near the conch stand. There are beach games, such as volleyball and cornhole, in shaded areas to help you cool off from the sun. You can also take a stroll to the Peace and Plenty Beach Club, snap a photo on the water swings, and stop by the bar for a cocktail. A water taxi is available to the Peace and Plenty Beach Club; tickets can be purchased inside the Peace and Plenty hotel in Georgetown.
Jolly Hall
Just a short walk from the villas is a curve of sparkling white sand shaded by casuarina trees called Jolly Hall. The calm, shallow blue waters make it an ideal spot for families or couples. Bring your lunch and drinks and enjoy relaxing there.
The Coconut Club
Opened in September 2024, this has become a popular spot. Located on Stocking Island, beneath the Beacon. They provide free transportation from the government docks and will also pick you up in front of the Hideaways Resort. Just WhatsApp them at +1 242-524-2626 to arrange a pickup. They offer a great menu and tropical drinks, with the famous El Ting Ting being the drink of choice. Please note that they only accept credit cards. Check out The Coconut Club Here →
Peace and Plenty Beach Club on Stocking Island
This is a great place to explore for an afternoon or early evening. Catch the water taxi from the Peace N Plenty resort in Georgetown. It runs on the hour and costs $ 20 per person, round-trip. Burgers and Mahi sandwiches with French fries and cold drinks. If you are up for an adventure, you can walk East along the beach past the Kahari resort and find the trail to traverse Stocking Island and then explore the ragged side with the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore Peace & Plenty →
Hydro Water Sports
An amazing 2-hour guided tour that takes the fun and easy Hydro bike tour through the fields of red mangroves, where the gentle flow reveals a captivating world of turtles, colorful fish, and, if we’re lucky, the occasional glimpse of sharks, stingrays, barracudas, and the ever-elusive and rare dolphin. As you leisurely navigate through the shallow, picturesque waters, our expert guide shares fascinating insights into the thriving mangrove ecosystem. The journey culminates at a breathtaking beach, where the natural lazy river, guided by the ebb and flow of tides, provides a tranquil and unforgettable experience. Visit Hydro Water Sports →
Day trip to Tropic of Cancer Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Exumas, TOCB is just a short drive south—or, as the locals say, east—of Georgetown, about 25 minutes away. It’s a secluded, perfect day trip destination with pristine sands—I've been there when we were the only two people on the entire beach. Pack your beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, and cooler, and enjoy the day. Fun fact: TOCB is the northernmost point where the sun is directly overhead at noon. Be sure to take the time to enjoy lunch or dinner at Santana's Bar and Grill, where they make great frozen drinks and the fried lobster is unmatched. Don't forget to stop by Mom’s bakery next door to pick up some rum cake for dessert or banana bread for breakfast the next day! More information →
Swimming with the Pigs
Wondering how the pigs ended up at Pig Beach? We don't know for sure. Some say they were abandoned by a group of sailors who planned to come back and cook them. Others believe the pigs swam over from a nearby shipwreck. No matter where they came from, there are now about 20 pigs and piglets living the easy life, with daily visits from Bahamians and tourists. Many tour operators offer trips to see the pigs. One I recommend is Comfort Venture Tours, run by Andrew Clarke.
Explore Downtown Georgetown, Exuma
Drive your car or take a taxi to downtown Exuma and spend a few hours exploring the local markets. Be sure to stop for lunch or drinks at one of the food stands. The straw market is a must-see, and while you're there, walk over to the docks to enjoy the stunning view of Elizabeth Harbour. You’ll leave with a great appreciation for the local flavors and vibe.
Forbes Hill Beach
Relax on one of the most secluded and peaceful beaches in Exuma. Parking is nearby, with shade trees lining the water’s edge. This beach features very soft white sand, and the water displays shades of turquoise blue that will leave you amazed. You can easily find it on Google Maps. Be sure to pack your favorite drinks and snacks. Consider snorkeling in the beautiful waters. If there’s no breeze, don’t forget bug repellent.
Thunderball Grotto
Located just west of Staniel Cay, about 50 miles northeast of Great Exuma, this fantastic underwater cave system is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and wading. Made world-famous in the James Bond movie Thunderball, this underwater kaleidoscope is teeming with exotic marine life and a spectrum of brilliantly colored coral reefs and fish, such as yellowtail snappers, angelfish, sergeant majors, and the like. The grotto's mystique is heightened by its small, almost hidden entrance. It is recommended to enter at ebb tide (low or slack tide), and snorkeling gear is optional. However, at high tide, diving equipment is necessary.
Spend A Day On The Water.
When you rent a boat from Minns Water Sports (in Georgetown across from Peace and Plenty), you can explore all of Elizabeth Harbour for a day of fun. For about $400 (22' center console, less for smaller boats), you can go at your own pace and visit all the beautiful beaches or simply anchor offshore and swim in the clear blue waters. Be sure to check out the "Mystery Cave" hidden in a cove on Stocking Island - a fun spot for snorkeling and seeing lots of tropical fish. While cruising around Elizabeth Harbour, keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and majestic eagle rays. Don't forget towels, a cooler, and sunscreen. It’s one of our family’s favorite experiences. Pro tip: Feel free to load or unload the boat right near the dock in front of the villa to make your trip easier. Rent A Boat Today →
Fly Fishing For Bonefish
Locally known as "Bonefishing," this is one of the most addictive and adrenaline-pumping types of fishing around! Bonefish are lightning fast and elusive. Known as "the grey ghost of the flats," fishing for bonefish is exhilarating but can also be frustrating! The west side of Exuma and the surrounding waters are some of the best in the world for bonefishing. Several bonefishing excursions are available. Call ahead to reserve your trip.
Walk the Sandbar at Coco Plum Beach
A beautiful beach to visit for a relaxing day trip. Try exploring this beach during low tide. The sand bars are breathtaking, and you can often find sand dollars resting in the sugar sand just beyond the sand bars. If you go to this spot, it pairs perfectly with lunch at the Shoreline restaurant. Our favorite dish there is their fish tacos.
