The 9 Best Beaches in Exuma, Bahamas (2025 Local Guide)

Exuma has more than 365 islands and cays, and just about every one of them has a stretch of white sand and turquoise water. But not all beaches are created equal — some have shade, some have currents, and a few are flat-out worth planning your whole day around. After years of mapping every beach in the chain for the Exuma Secrets app, here's the short list we keep coming back to.

1. Tropic of Cancer Beach (Little Exuma)

If you only visit one beach in Exuma, make it this one. A three-mile crescent of powder-white sand on the southern tip of Little Exuma, sitting almost exactly on the Tropic of Cancer line. Knee-deep clear water for the first 100 feet out, almost no waves, and a small painted sign that's become the most photographed spot in the islands.

• How to get there: ~40 min drive south from George Town, past the Tropic of Cancer marker.
• Best for: Long walks, kids, photos, picnics. Bring an umbrella — there's almost no natural shade.
• Watch out for: Tides go out a long way. Plan around mid-to-high tide for the best swimming.

2. Coco Plum Beach (Great Exuma)

Coco Plum is the beach with the famous starfish — at low tide, dozens of orange cushion sea stars sit in the shallow flats. Look but don't lift them out of the water; pulling a starfish out of the water for a photo can kill it. The beach itself is wide and protected, with calm water perfect for floating.

• How to get there: 20 min north of George Town, off Queen's Highway.
• Best for: Families, snorkeling beginners, sandbar walks at low tide.

3. Jolly Hall Beach (Great Exuma)

The closest swimmable beach to George Town, and the favorite of long-stay visitors at the nearby resorts. Soft sand, gentle slope, beach bar within walking distance. Great sunset spot.

4. Hooper's Bay (Great Exuma)

A locals' favorite because of the resident sea turtles that come in to feed in the shallows most mornings. Bring a mask — you'll usually see at least two or three on a calm day. The beach is on the south side of Great Exuma, just past the airport.

5. Stocking Island (Chat 'N' Chill Beach)

A short water taxi from George Town brings you to Stocking Island, home of the legendary Chat 'N' Chill beach bar. Two beaches actually — the bay side is calm and great for kids, the ocean side has bigger surf and pink-tinged sand. Pigs hang out near the bar (yes, real pigs, smaller cousins of the famous Pig Beach crew).

6. Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

A protected marine park between Great and Little Exuma. Empty, wild beaches and excellent snorkeling reefs just offshore. You'll often have a quarter-mile of sand entirely to yourself. Bring everything you need — there are no facilities.

7. Pretty Molly Bay (Little Exuma)

Named for a local legend (a mermaid, depending on who you ask). Small, secluded beach with a famous mermaid statue at the southern end. Best at sunrise.

8. Forbes Hill Beach (Little Exuma)

Just before the Tropic of Cancer turn-off, an unmarked path leads to a pocket beach with some of the clearest water in Exuma. No facilities, no crowds. A good plan B if Tropic of Cancer is busy.

9. Big Major Cay (a.k.a. Pig Beach)

The most famous beach in the Bahamas — home of the swimming pigs. It's a boat trip (you can't drive there), so we wrote a full guide on how to do it right: Visiting Pig Beach: A Complete Guide.

When to go

The best months for Exuma beaches are December through May — dry season, lower humidity, and the water is calm enough for snorkeling almost every day. June through November is hurricane season; the beaches are still beautiful but you'll get more rain and the occasional choppy day.

Plan your beach day in the app

The Exuma Secrets app has every beach above mapped with offline tiles, real-time tide tables, sunrise/sunset times, and a trip planner so you can string a few of them together into a full day. Download free on iOS or Android and start exploring.