Exuma Islands Attractions
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Located in the center of the Bahamas Islands, The Exumas include Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the 365 small Exuma Cays. Stretching 90mi/145.2km, the Exumas have a cumulative area of 112sq.mi/290sq.km with the larger islands of Great Exuma and Little Exuma ending the chain in the south and connected by bridge.The small cays are a prime cruising ground for yachters and sailors, and the annual Out Island Regatta taking place in April draws many to the Elizabeth Harbour. Diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing are popular activities in the Exumas, and other attractions are the Thunderball Grotto, the Hermitage Tomb, the Plantation Ruins, and miles of unspoiled beaches.The Exumas were originally home to the Lucayan Indians, and in the 1500s the Spanish arrived, along with salt rakers and pirates in the 1600s. In 1783 Loyalists refuged on the Exumas, and British slave plantations cultivating cotton survived until 1800. A Bahamian land owner, Lord John Rolle, freed his African slaves and then offered them the land they formerly worked. Straw work, fishing and farming remain important industries, however tourism is largely taking over as the prime source of income for Exumians.There are two airports in the Exumas: GGT (George Town, William's Town) and TYM (Staniel Cay and other cays).
Exuma Cays
Northwest of Great Exuma are the Exuma Cays, a narrow chain of islets, a few being Rudder Cut, Great Guana and Leaf. Allan Cay, the northernmost cay of the Exumas is home to the rare protected Bahamian iguana. Staniel Cay is famed for its yacht marina, beaches and resorts. Near Staniel Cay is Thunderball Grotto, a marine cave featured in a James Bond film. Other cays such as Norman's Cay and Highbourn Cay feature good deep-sea fishing and a nearby ship-wreck that can be explored on dives.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park
The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is unique as a "protected replenishment zone" and a marine fishery reserve. Created in 1959 this park is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The area is popular with yachters who come for the beautiful surroundings and the well known quality anchorages.
Little Exuma Island
Little Exuma Island is just south of Great Exuma and is connected to it by a bridge known as the "Ferry". Little Exuma features attractive hamlets such as Forbes Hill, and larger settlements such as William's Town that are surrounded by cotton plantation ruins. There are many beaches and opportunities for diving and other water sports.
Great Exuma, Rolle Town, Bahamas
Rolle Town is a quaint village typical of the Exumas. The town is named for a wealthy land owner, Lord John Rolle, who freed his slaves and granted them land. Rolle Town is characterized by 18th and 19th C pastel houses, and local cemeteries feature Loyalist tombs.
Starfish, The Exuma Adventure Center
Starfish, The Exuma Adventure Center offers a number of water based tours and packages in the Exuma Islands. Visitors can choose from snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and motorboat 'eco-tours' of varying length.
