The Ultimate Travel Guide to Exuma, Bahamas: Our 7-Day Family Adventure
Our family just got back from an unforgettable 7-day trip to Exuma, Bahamas, I'm excited to share our experience and recommendations with you! We rented a beautiful house on Little Exuma through Exuma Exclusives and had the perfect home base to explore this tropical paradise. Little Exuma is far south on the island, but in my opinion it has the prettiest beaches and water and it is located close to Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. To make the most of our adventure, we also rented a boat, which we kept at Brown’s Marina.
This family trip was filled with breathtaking beaches, incredible wildlife (starfish, dolphins, sting rays, turtles and fish), and some great island food. Plus, Exuma is incredibly kid-friendly, making it a fantastic destination for families looking for adventure and relaxation. If you are looking for a place with beautiful beaches and unlimited boating, the southern Exuma islands are great!
Renting a Boat: The Best Way to Explore Exuma
One of the best decisions we made was renting a boat. Having our own boat allowed us to explore Exuma’s hidden gems at our own pace. Whether it was cruising through the Exuma Cays, stopping at sandbars and Stocking Island (only accessible by boat), or heading out for a day of fishing, it gave us total freedom to experience the islands on our own terms. If you’re planning a trip, we highly recommend keeping your boat at Brown’s Marina—it was convenient and well-equipped for our needs.
Must-See Spots in Exuma
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. The calm, shallow waters made it a perfect spot for our kids to splash around while we enjoyed the serene beauty of the island. We kayaked through the mangroves, spotted turtles, and relaxed on the soft sandy beaches—it felt like our own private paradise. One of the things that makes this area so nice is the shallow waters surrounding the area making for great sandbars and pool like swimming. Knowing the tides is a big must as some areas at low tide are not passable.
Man-O-War Cay Sandbar
If you’re looking for a magical spot, Man-O-War Cay Sandbar is a must-see. We arrived at low tide and had an entire stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear water as our playground. The kids played in the shallow pools while we soaked in the views.
Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach was another family favorite. As the name suggests, the shallow waters are home to dozens of vibrant starfish. The kids were fascinated by them, and it was a great way to teach them about marine life. Just be sure to admire the starfish without taking them out of the water!
Pretty Molly Beach: A Snorkeler’s Paradise
We spent an afternoon at Pretty Molly Beach, and it turned out to be one of the best snorkeling spots we visited. The water was incredibly clear, and we saw schools of colorful fish, coral and even a sea turtle. It’s a quiet, uncrowded spot—perfect for a relaxing family snorkeling adventure. We took our chances fishing off the rocks hoping for a big Grouper but no luck this time.
Dining & Drinks: Our Favorite Island Eats
Chat ‘N’ Chill
A visit to Exuma wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Chat ‘N’ Chill. We took the boat over to Stocking Island, where we enjoyed fresh conch salad while the kids played in the shallow water. They also loved feeding the friendly stingrays that came right up to the shore.
Coconut Club
For a fun experience filled with family games, floating rafts, tacos and great cocktails, we checked out the new Coconut Club, and it did not disappoint. The island cocktails were top-notch (my wife highly recommends the Watermelon margarita) and the fresh tacos were some of the best we had during our stay. It’s a great spot for a fun games, great food, and beautiful views. Most food spots in the Bahamas have slower service (Island Time) but the Coconut Club is quick, which for us was a big plus as we always ended up with hangry kids who were ready to eat!
Blu on the Water
On Great Exuma, we had one of our favorite meals at Blu on the Water. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the oceanfront setting made for the perfect dinner atmosphere. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on their outdoor seating and live music—it’s amazing!
Fishing in Little Exuma
Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a little fishing! The waters around Little Exuma are packed with bonefish, snapper, and grouper, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. If you’re planning a fishing trip, check out this fishing guide for Exuma to find the best spots and local charters. Although we didn’t land a Grouper we did get a few Yellow Tail’s which was a big hit with my son. If you are looking for more serious offshore fishing the Abaco’s, Walkers Cay, Andros or Long Island may be better destinations but for quick family inshore stuff this area was great.
Exuma is a dream destination for families and anyone looking for adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. From boating and beaches to fishing and delicious island eats, every day was a new adventure for us. If you’re thinking about making the trip, we can’t recommend it enough—just be warned, you might never want to leave!
Have questions about planning your Exuma trip? DM us @shopcurrentgear on instagram.