Exuma

[Rawleigh]

The wife and I are headed to Exuma for the first week in February. Anyone else down there? Anyone have any advice on what to do or not to do while down there. We are renting a runabout for one day. Any decent snorkeling or is it all sand bottom?

[Bruce]

You have to go to Staniel Cay to see the swimming pigs.
Been in the Exumas a bunch but not as pleasure, work related. Staniel Cay I would say is the best in the Exumas. Haven't been there in some time though. Exumas are a bunch of Islands.

[Ironworker]

Rawleigh,

Where in the Exumas? I'm likely going to be flying down to Staniel the first week in February to pick up my brother in law, then up to Spanish Wells.

The water is still pretty cool this time of year but there are wahoo to be caught on the Exuma Sound side of the chain.

BTW, the Exumas are where the Bahamians go to vacation.

[John Swick]

Staniel Cay is not what it was 20yrs ago.
Even 10yrs ago.
Quiet, quant, private, unassuming.

2018 was my last visit.
~45' center console tour boats with four 400hp outboards and 25 people aboard come down from Nassau for the day to go snorkeling and have lunch at the yacht club.
Pigs are penned up for the most part, and there's an attendant there to look after them.
More like a zoo attraction now.
The grotto is a very popular spot.

If you've never been, you don't know any different, and it's still something to see.
Just a lot busier.
If you're cruising the airport is handy for picking up or dropping off guests.

[Ironworker]

That is the story of a lot of the islands within 40 miles of Nassau. There are still a lot of greats places to go in the Family islands but you have to want to make the effort to find paradise.

[John Swick]

If you're there (staniel cay), it's a short boat ride north to compass cay to swim with the sharks (seriously).
Indeed, afew miles north or south are some outstanding snorkeling areas.

If you're going to Great Exuma and renting a day boat, the Chill'n Chat (John Depp's Bar) is something to see.
Lunch will try your patience, but you're not going there for the food.
Lot's of action to keep you entertained.
Just takes a big chunk out of the afternoon.
Lot's of snorkeling spots and sand bars to explore in the sound.
The boat rental place usually provides maps.

[Rawleigh]

We will be on Great Exuma just above Georgetown but below the airport. Thanks for the tips! We are renting a boat, but I will just have to see what the weather and wife's beach schedule allows!

[Carl]

Have a great time Raweigh and enjoy a tall one in the sun for me.

[Rawleigh]

Thanks Carl! I just hope I miss the cold weather and ice storm they keep talking about!

[Tony Meola]

Just don't let the wife convince you to swim with the Sharks. It could be a plot to feed you to the Sharks.

Enjoy the warm weather and forget about this short cold spell we are going to get.