City/Settlement: George Town

Location: 135 miles southeast of Nassau

Size: Stretches over 120 miles

Population: Approximately 3,600

Exuma History

The Exumas have evolved over time from a salt mining colony to a haven for pirates to a cotton producing colony; all of these phases have influenced its historical development. In fact, many of the islands’ residents are direct descendants of plantation slaves from the late 1700s. The Lucayan Indians began colonies on The Exumas and survived by fishing and farming.

The Spanish arrived in the 1500s and turned the island into a salt mining colony. In the 1700s, a group of Loyalists sought refuge here and wealthy European landowners started large cotton plantations. The most notable was John Rolle, who eventually freed his slaves and deeded his land to them. The former slaves adopted his last name and today 60 percent of the locals still have the last name Rolle.

Activities

The Exumas are primarily known for their pristine beaches, exciting snorkeling, sailing and fishing. Home to many boating competitions like The Family Island Regatta, The New Year’s Day Cruising Regatta, and the widely revered National Out Island Regatta, the islands’ cays and hidden coves make for some of the most spectacular sailing in The Bahamas.

Additionally, diving enthusiasts from around the world believe The Exumas are one of the most spectacular places in all of The Bahamas to take in the beauty of the world beneath the ocean's surface. Vast beds of undisturbed coral teeming with brightly colored schools of fish of every variety surround The Exumas, in addition to the Austin Smith Wreck. The primary watersport in Exuma is snorkeling, which can be done off the beach, from a glassbottom boat or off one of the many cays. Stocking Island is a popular place for shelling, beachcombing and picnicking.