Though many Canadians heading to the Bahamas to escape winter tend to flock to Nassau and Freeport, tourism officials are saying the Exumas is the place to be.
According to officials, this stretch of Bahamian islands is best explored by boat to easily and conveniently hop between the Exuma Cays. The Moorings, a yacht charter company specializing in tailor-made luxury vacations, have rounded up its list of the top five reasons to visit the Exumas this year.
Crystal Clear Waters
There are 365 islands and cays that make up the beautiful Bahamas. Each one is surrounded by water of unparalleled clarity. The exotic strip of isolated beaches and pristine blue water dispersed throughout the Exumas provide an optimal setting for a yacht charter holiday. Guests can anchor their boat just about anywhere and see as much or as little as they would like, all on island-time.
Snorkelling the Sea
The sapphire-blue water in the Exumas is perfect for snorkellers. Because of the clarity of the water, visitors can easily spot colourful marine life even before diving off their boat. You can also swim over shipwrecks and interesting reef formations, getting up close and personal with the vast amount of tropical fish, sea slugs, turtles and starfish.
Swimming with Nurse Sharks
For those looking for a little more adventure, swimming with nurse sharks is a must-do activity in the Exumas. Though being in water next to any kind of shark can be daunting for most, nurse sharks are actually quite friendly with humans. These bottom-dwelling creatures live in the warm, shallow waters of the Bahamas and eat a diet rich in fish, shrimp and squid. The best place to get up close and personal with these guys is Compass Cay where nurse sharks are plentiful.
Unlimited Conch
The Caribbean is known as a home to a ton of fresh, delicious seafood prepared to order. But in the Exumas, specifically, nothing is more iconic than the conch – the large marine snail. This national delicacy is a big part of Bahamian cuisine and popular on most menus.
Sugary White Sand
For those looking for sugary, white sand beaches, the Exumas will not disappoint. Guests are also invited to visit a few of the beautiful sandbars in the Exumas such as the Mile-Long Sandbar, Musha Cay Sandbar, Copperfield Sandbar, or Big Farmer’s Cay Sandbar.
