Just 56km (35 miles) southeast of Nassau, this 588km- (365-mile-) long string of islands and cays -- most of them uninhabited -- is the great yachting hub of The Bahamas, rivaling or even surpassing Abaco. These waters, some of the prettiest in The Bahamas, are also ideal for fishers (bonefishers especially). Many secluded beaches open onto tranquil cays. Daily flights service the Exumas from both Nassau and Miami. This island chain's commercial center is George Town on Great Exuma, while the Exuma National Land and Sea Park -- protected by The Bahamas National Trust -- encompasses much of the coastline. The park is accessible only by boat and is one of the major natural wonders and sightseeing destinations of The Bahamas, with an abundance of undersea life, reefs, blue holes, and shipwrecks. Portions of the James Bond thriller Thunderball were filmed at Staniel Cay. Each year in April, George Town hosts the interisland Family Island Regatta, a major event on the yachting calendar. A big new Four Seasons resort and gold course opened in 2003 at Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, bringing a new crowd here; there are also a few good inns centered mainly at George Town; and the locals are very hospitable. Otherwise, you'll practically have the archipelago to yourself

The Exuma islands are a string of islands and cays that form a pearl necklace of long forgotten hideaways, natural harbors and secluded beaches, that span over a hundred miles of clear blue water--a new island for every day of the year. The Exuma chain comprises about 360 or more cays, that stretch for about 130 miles beginning 30 miles southeast of New Providence. Home to the Bahamas National Trust’s Exuma National Land and Sea Park--one of the largest underwater and land preserves, Exuma is a nature lover's paradise kept in its original pristine setting. The Park consists of underwater limestone and coral reefs, drop-offs, blue holes, caves and marine life, and is home to the Bahamian iguana, a giant lizard-like creature. Exuma History Exuma was settled after the American Revolutionary War when many Loyalists and their slaves migrated to the island, setting up cotton plantations which flourished for a brief time. Exuma's capital, Georgetown was once suggested to be the capital of The Bahamas because of its Elizabeth Harbour, which has a draft of 16 feet and made Exuma a favourite haunt for pirates. Since the 1950s, the harbour has been the site of the Family Island Regatta -– the race of Bahamian-made sailboats. Popular historical sites include the remains of the plantations at Williams Town, the ancient tombs at Rolle Town and at Moss Town. 

The Exuma Islands are located in the middle of The Islands Of The Bahamas, yet remain mostly undisturbed. The Exuma Islands are a collection of some 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles, supported at the southern end by two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma. The main attractions for visitors to The Exuma Islands are its world-class sportfishing and boating. The miles of picturesque islands, cays and hidden coves make for some of the most spectacular sailing in The Islands Of The Bahamas, both for recreational sloops and competitive yachting alike. The average year-round temperature is a perfect 78°F, and the rolling hills, wide sandy beaches and brilliant, clear blue waters give life to some of the earth's more spectacular creatures. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to several rare birds, exotic reptiles, colourful fish and breathtaking species of flora. Snorkellers will find the wide, shallow coastal region teeming with life and easy to explore, while divers can explore the huge coral reef or Exuma Sound which is filled with caves, blue holes and shipwrecks. The population of The Exuma Islands is only about 3,600, most of whom rely on farming, fishing and tourism for their livelihood. The island is dotted with ruins of earlier settlements, outdoor markets, and quaint farming communities. Fresh pineapple, tasty tomatoes, juicy guava, sweet mangoes, huge avocados and pigeon peas are the pride of the island and are exported nationwide. The Exuma Islands also claim bragging rights to their place in Hollywood, having twice been the location for James Bond films - more than any other island in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Whether boating, fishing, diving, ecotourism or escapism - your pleasure can be found in The Exuma Islands. 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 Exuma Islands are considered by many yachtsmen to be one of the best places in The Islands Of The Bahamas for sailing. The Exuma Islands are comprised of 365 cays.