Lucayan Indians were the first to start colonies here and survived by fishing and farming. They were descendants of The Bahamas' first inhabitants, the Adreans, who travelled by boats from the Mosquito Coast region. The Spanish came here in the 1500s and turned the island into a salt mining colony.

The Exuma Islands are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, just southeast of Nassau; Great Exuma Island, together with the Exuma Cays offer an amazing assortment of vacation possibilities, from resorts and hotels to basic fishing lodges. Hidden coves and bays are attractive items of interest to yachts and sport fishermen. This area is so valuable, that in 1957 the Bahamas government set aside a 176-square-mile section as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the world’s most successful marine parks and a haven for yachtsmen.

The Exuma Islands are divided into three major parts: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays. The land is mainly low, but in some parts it rises from sixty to eighty feet. The ports are on the north side and the water is generally deep.

With beautiful blue water, the Exumas are a dream destination for boaters, fishermen, divers, snorkelers, kayakers, and for anyone who just wants to relax. The private islands are custom-designed for individuals looking for the ultimate and unique escape; while the new levels of luxury available in both the Cays and Great Exuma Island are a definite draw for couples looking for the perfect spot for an island wedding or honeymoon.

The continuing popularity of the island is founded on its tropical vegetation that stretches out to meet the warm and sandy beaches. Exuma is also home to the National Family Island Regatta and the National Land and Sea Park.

Great and Little Exuma Islands are located about 120 miles southeast of Nassau/Paradise Island; the anchor of the Exumas archipelago is Great Exuma. At Great Exuma, is the capital George Town as well as a great selection of casual Bahamian restaurants. Hotels here range from condo-resorts to locally owned fishing lodges.

A few miles away from Great Exuma Island visitors will find a barrier cay that protects the main island from the Atlantic Ocean. Stocking Island offers spectacular views and numerous peaceful beaches separated by limestone promontories. On the side protected from the wind, the Chat N Chill bar can be found, a classic beach bar with great food that seems to attract every boater in the area.

Some islands are little with small beaches and a few trees; some rise to green heights, others have rocky cliffs. Numerous Exuma Cays’ beaches are private, some operating as luxuriously exclusive private-island resorts, while others are the ultra-exclusive homes of such stars as Johnny Depp and country singers Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill. The heart of the Exuma Cays is Staniel Cay; here boaters gather at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s bar and restaurant.

Close to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the famous Thunderball Cave, where people can put on a mask and snorkel and duck inside a small hollow cay that’s filled with friendly fish accustomed to being hand-fed.

Whether visitors like to snorkel, to fish, or just to relax by the beach, they will surely find something to enjoy, as Exuma Islands offer entertainment opportunities for everyone.