Discover the Unspoiled Beauty of the Top Exuma Beaches
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
The Bahamas is an ideal destination for beach-lovers and with some of the most beautifully colored water in the world, it’s hard to be unhappy in a place like this. Yes, the majority of visitors flock to Nassau, but it’s no secret that if you’re looking for perfectly secluded, unspoiled beaches, you need to head to the Exumas. With hundreds of islands, cays and islets—plus thousands of miles of white sand beaches—the country has something for everyone. Whether you prefer secluded hideaways or lively party spots, these eight Exuma beaches will make your Caribbean vacation unforgettable.
I visited the Exumas for the first time in 2021 and loved it so much that I went again in 2023 and plan on visiting again as often as I can and recommend it to everyone I know. If pure relaxation is not your top priority and you’re sold on visiting Nassau, I still highly recommend you to take the very short flight to Great Exuma and spend at least one night - it’s worth it! Looking for travel tips or inspiration on what to do while vacationing in Exuma? Be sure to check out my ultimate guide to Exuma and my list of five tips for visiting this slice of paradise. Now, let’s dive into the list of the top beaches of Exuma! This list is in no particular order, but I have split it up by its location on Great Exuma or Little Exuma for ease of planning depending on where you’re staying.
Great Exuma Beaches
Hooper's Bay
Hooper's Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Great Exuma due to the sea turtles that call this bay home! Hooper’s Bay is an ideal spot for snorkeling, with clear water and plenty of marine life to be seen just offshore. In addition to the sea turtles, you’ll also most likely see fish, coral, and even rays! There is a small parking area on the West side of Queen’s Highway across from the beach access point of Hooper’s Bay Beach. Beach parking on the island is free, which is a great relief coming from the states. The beach access point for Hooper’s Bay runs along a white wall and you’ll most likely wonder if you’re in the right place, but don’t worry, you are. Walk down the short path and go down the stairs. The stairs were being renovated while I was there and are a little steep so be sure to use the handrail. Once you’ve reached the beach, you’ll want to head to the right until you reach the small pier and that’s where you’ll find the sea turtles. The sea turtles here are unfortunately very used to humans feeding them, even though there is a large sign that asks you not to do that, so they will come up to you and can nip you so watch your fingers! Hooper’s Beach is a must when visiting the Exumas because it’s not every day that you get to be so close to these beautiful creatures! You’ll definitely want to snorkel here, but the water is so clear that you’ll have a good view from above the surface if going under water isn’t your thing. Jolly Hall Beach is another beach not far from Hooper’s Bay that may be worth checking out. I haven’t personally visited Jolly Hall but I truly don’t believe there is a bad beach in the Exumas!
Starfish Beach
Technically Starfish Beach is located on Stocking Island, one of the smaller islands in Exuma, but it’s located straight across Elizabeth Harbor from George Town on Great Exuma. Stocking Island is also home to the popular Chat ‘n Chill restaurant and you’ll want to be sure to explore this island if you’re renting a boat on your trip because there are tons of little hidden gems on Stocking Island! Starfish Beach is known for, yes you guessed it, starfish. Anchor offshore and jump into the water and let your search for starfish commence! The water here is shallow enough that you can wade out into the ocean and explore the areas around your feet, but I found it best to spot the starfish by swimming around with your snorkel since you’ll want to avoid stepping on these stunning sea creatures. Initially, we were expecting to see starfish everywhere at this beach, but there weren’t as many as we expected. We spent about an hour at this beach and found 6-8 starfish of different shapes and colors. Feel free to gently pick up the starfish by carefully scooping it up from below with sand between your hand and the starfish so as to not disturb it, and make sure you don’t keep it out of water for too long. Once you’ve taken your picture and are done admiring it, set it back down gently where you found it. Starfish Beach has a small cove with sandy shores where you can relax after spending time exploring, and there's a beach bar where you can grab drinks! If you don’t want to rent your own boat, Island Splash Watersports offers a private half day tour that takes you to Starfish Beach and Stingray City for up to 11 people.
Coco Plum Beach
Coco Plum Beach is a secluded beach located on the northeastern part of Great Exuma, in Steventon. The road to coco plum beach is full of deep potholes so drive with caution, but once you arrive at the beach there is a small unpaved parking lot. The sand is white and powdery and there are patches of coral around some rocks in deeper water. This beach also has a reputation for a great place to find sand dollars, but I had no luck during my visit. It's a great place for experienced divers because there are several shipwrecks nearby that have been turned into artificial reefs by marine life attaching themselves to them over time. This is also a great place to visit at low tide when you can walk out to the sandbar and see water for miles in front of you. Coco Plum Beach tends to get a lot of wind due to its location making it a popular place for kite boarding!
Exuma Point Beach
Exuma Point Beach
Exuma Point is a popular beach on the northern tip of Great Exuma island. The sand is white and powdery, and there are also many fish and young marine life to see in the clear, blue, shallow water. The beach is protected from development, so it's one of the best places on the island to get away from everything else going on around you. Try to visit this beach at low tide so that you can walk out for miles and explore the marine life around you. I visited Exuma Point Beach during both of my trips to Exuma and it’s one of the places that you’ll stop on the ATV tour from Exuma Adventure Tours. During low tide, you can expect to see lots of baby starfish, baby sharks, and stingrays passing through.
Little Exuma Beaches
Pretty Molly Beach
Pretty Molly Beach, or otherwise known as Pretty Molly Bay, is located on Little Exuma right before Forbes Hill and it's a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, and walking. This beach is stunning, has soft white sand, and was completely deserted while we were there. It’s the perfect secluded beach with bright blue water and the hand-painted tin signs at the entrance of the beach gives it a unique factor. The road that leads to Pretty Molly Beach is well marked with a beach access sign and you’ll find a small space to park with a very short walk to the beach. Pretty Molly Beach and Forbes Hill Beach are near one another and both are two of my favorite beaches on Little Exuma as they’ll make you feel like you discovered a deserted island.
Forbes Hill Beach
Forbes Hill Beach is hands down my favorite beach in Exuma! It’s similar to Pretty Molly Beach but bigger and the sand has a light pink hue to it. This beautiful beach on the southern coast of Exuma is popular among snorkelers because there are plenty of fish to see in its clear waters. There was once again not a soul at this beach besides us and we snorkeled near the rocky cliff where we saw needlefish and barracuda. You can climb up the cliff that’s off to the right and the top of the cliff is pretty flat and looks like there was a house there at one point with stairs carved into the rocks leading down to the water - what a dream! Forbes Hill Beach is also marked with a beach access sign and the parking area is quite large with an area with picnic tables and a small playground.
Tropic of Cancer Beach
Tropic of Cancer Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Exumas and it’s the only beach I’ve visited in the Exumas that remind me of large beaches in Florida. It’s conveniently located near numerous vacation home rentals making it the most crowded beach on the island. The road to the beach is long, narrow, and very bumpy so take your time and go slow. Once you arrive at the beach entrance, there’s a blue covered entryway where a bar will open in the afternoon. We tried snorkeling here but didn’t see anything and the ocean floor is pure sand, but the beach itself is beautiful and the water is bright blue and perfect for floating with friends and family or swimming. The water is also calm enough here to paddleboard, as I saw a few people airing up their boards as we left the beach. There’s plenty of space here to pitch your umbrella and soak up the sun!
Tropic of Cancer Beach
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Moriah Harbour was one of the first things I researched before going to Exuma my first time and it was breathtaking in person! Moriah Harbour Cay is a national park that lies in between Great Exuma and Little Exuma and is made up of over 13,000-acres. This park was established in 2002 and is a crucial part of the ecosystem in this region. Since this area is protected, there are important no wake rules in place if you’re exploring by boat, but the best way to see this area is on a kayak or paddleboard. We booked the eco-tour with TT Watersports and it was one of my favorite things we did on the trip! Moriah Harbour Cay has various types of habitats from unspoiled beaches, seagrass beds, mangroves, and sand dunes. As you paddle your way through the waterways, be on the lookout for sea turtles, stingrays, lemon sharks, and barracuda!
In conclusion, the stunning Exuma archipelago is a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands of Tropic of Cancer Beach to the vibrant marine life and endless miles of protected habitats at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, there is a beach for every taste in Exuma. Whether you're looking to unwind and soak up the sun or embark on thrilling water sports, Exuma's beaches offer endless possibilities. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your snorkel gear, and set off on an unforgettable beach adventure in Exuma. You won't be disappointed!
TRAVEL TIPS
🏘️Book your accommodation
Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability
✈️Book your flight in advance
To find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and find the most suitable option for you
🧾Get your tickets and tours
with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
