The Exuma Islands are a string of Caribbean islands just south of the Bahamas. The largest of this string is Great Exuma, a land once a haven for pirates. Today, Great Exuma has an airport and is much more accessible to tourists than ever before. The primary draw of Great Exuma is its white sand beaches that spill into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, there are more than just beaches in Great Exuma; in fact, Great Exuma was voted as one of the top ten vacation destinations in 2004 by the Washington Post. The capital of the Exuma Islands, George Town, is located in Great Exuma, and, although it is the primary tourist destination, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere. This is the site of the Out Islands Regatta, a yearly boating event held in April at Elizabeth Harbor.

Sightseeing Attractions

While the fantastic Exuma coasts are a sight of their own, Great Exuma also has its share of man-made sightseeing attractions. The three main attractions are the Shark Lady Museum in Little Exuma, St. Andrew’s Church in George Town, and the ancient Stromatolites.

Outdoor Activities

Great Exuma’s beaches are nearly deserted, allowing tourists a much-needed break from the bustle of their everyday lives. They’re also great places for swimming, as the currents around the islands are not strong. Snorkeling is available on every beach, but more adventurous tourists may want to snorkel at the Staniel or Crab Cays. Staniel Cay offers shallow reefs and blue holes and is the sight of the Vulcan Bomber, the ship sunk for special effect during the making of the James Bond film Thunderball. Crab Cay is the sight of the Exuma Pride wreckage, and it is also a great snorkeling location for viewing thousands of different types of tropical fish. The last huge outdoor attraction in Great Exuma is fishing. The most desired catch around the islands is the Bonefish. Deep sea boats also offer deep sea fishing opportunities, with most vendors operating out of George Town.

Nightlife

Great Exuma is not known as a nightlife hotspot, primarily because it is a destination for relaxation. The island has no clubs; however, get-togethers occur around the hotel districts frequently, and barbeques are held twice a week on the beaches. There is also weekend dancing available at the Two Turtles. Dining in Great Exuma is a great experience with most restaurants offering fresh fish dishes. However, don’t expect to find too many different types of cuisines on the island. Most restaurants are clustered around George Town.

A Bahamas vacation means different things to different people. If it means high class hotels, with everything laid on beside a turquoise sea, a pool with willing bar staff, a golf course, all inclusive, with a kids club, and lots of activities and night life, then please stop reading now.

What this article is about is a Bahamas Vacation slightly off the beaten track, probably not for children, but definitely for couples of any age. It is on Exuma about ten minutes walk from the beautiful Hooper’s Beach, and it is bed and breakfast accommodation, and it is called Coral Gardens.

Coral Gardens has five rooms on a quiet hillside and has beautiful views of the sea, and is rated the top bed and breakfast on Exuma. It describes itself as bed and breakfast accommodation with apartments. The best advice is to book the one bedroom apartment with kitchen and sun deck with a partial sea view. The kitchen is adequate for small meals, and it has a washing machine, but no tumble dryer, the bathroom is huge, there is satellite television and air conditioning if you feel you need it, because there are screened windows which let in the breeze.

The best reason for staying in the apartment as opposed to the bed and breakfast accommodation is quite frankly the cost of eating out on the island. The only meal supplied is breakfast, and good as it is, you are going to need food again during the day!!

In terms of supplies, there is a bank almost within walking distance, and another five minutes drive away in Georgetown. There are also three grocery stores within easy reach, and between them you will get everything you will need. The restaurants that are worth visiting include Cocoplums with its own beach north of the Coral Gardens, Santanas on Little Exuma, Splash at Palm Bay, St Francis, and Chat n’ Chill across the harbour by water taxi from Georgetown.

It must be obvious from all of this, that you will need transport, and the best rates are those offered through Peter and Berry, who apart from being terrific hosts are also a fount of knowledge about what to do and where to go on Exuma.

The island is as close to paradise as you could wish for, with really clear clean turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and no crowds.

Coral Gardens is probably the top bed and breakfast accommodation on Exuma, and very close to being the best in the Bahamas. Apart from the spotless rooms, the view, and the breakfasts a large part of this is due to the owners Peter and Berry who will help you plan your days. This is the kind of place for people who know how to organise and entertain themselves, who just don’t like modern hotels or their guests. You will meet like minded people here, and build the kind of memories that won’t fade with time, and as many others have said, you will want to come back, and that about says it all.