Exuma CaysSwimming Pigs at Big Major Cay
Boat north to Pig Beach, where wild pigs paddle out to greet visitors in turquoise shallows.
Great Exuma, Bahamas
Beachfront resorts & villas · Flights from Canada
4.7 · 1,200+ Great Exuma vacations booked by Canadians
Beach Escapes · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Great Exuma
7- and 14-night beachfront stays with flights from Canada
View all packagesFlying from
No deals from Toronto right now
Try another departure city, or check back soon.
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Great Exuma
Great Exuma is the laid-back heart of the Bahamas' Out Islands — a 60-km ribbon of powder-soft sand and impossibly clear water strung between the harbour town of George Town and the upscale enclave of Emerald Bay. It's the launch point for the famous Exuma Cays: swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, the James Bond snorkel cave at Thunderball Grotto, and the sandbars off Stocking Island. Winters are dry and sunny, though the Bahamas sit squarely in the hurricane belt from June to November.
Great Exuma, BahamasClimate
Climate
24–31°C · dry winters
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Dry, sunny winters; hot and humid summers. Hurricane season runs June–November.
Currency
Bahamian Dollar
1:1 with USD · US dollars accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport only
Top Experiences in Great Exuma
Exuma Cays
SnorkelThunderball Grotto
Snorkel into the sunlit cave near Staniel Cay made famous by two James Bond films.
Beach dayStocking Island & Chat 'N' Chill
Ferry across Elizabeth Harbour to a barefoot beach bar, sandbars, and fresh conch salad.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Canadians can visit the Bahamas visa-free for stays of up to eight months.
Immigration & customs card: Complete the Bahamas online immigration and customs (Click2Clear) declaration before you fly.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover care in the Bahamas, and medical evacuation from the Out Islands is costly — comprehensive insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Great Exuma uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so no adapter or converter is needed.
Time zone: The Bahamas run on Eastern Time (EST/EDT) — the same clock as Toronto and Montreal, so no jet lag.
Best time to visit Great Exuma
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, and warm. Best weather but the busiest and priciest for Canadians.
May – JulShoulder season
Hot and sunny with great value before the core of storm season.
Aug – OctHurricane peak
Highest storm risk and humidity; some resorts and boat tours scale back.
NovemberShoulder season
Storm risk eases, crowds are thin, and prices are among the year's lowest.
Where to stay
Great Exuma zones & neighbourhoods
Great Exuma and its cays offer everything from a walkable harbour town to secluded villa resorts and offshore beaches. Here's how to choose your base.
George Town
Capital & hub
The island's lively harbour town on Elizabeth Harbour, with restaurants, shops, and the ferry to Stocking Island.
Best for
- First-timers
- Value
- Convenience
Emerald Bay
Northwest coast
The island's luxury enclave — ocean-view villas, a championship golf course, a deep-water marina, and a long crescent beach.
Best for
- Luxury
- Golf
- Couples
Little Exuma
Southeast tip
A sleepy island across the bridge, home to Tropic of Cancer Beach and Santana's famous fresh conch.
Best for
- Beaches
- Seclusion
- Nature
Stocking Island & Cays
Offshore
Offshore beaches, sandbars, and the barefoot Chat 'N' Chill bar, all reached by a short boat ride from George Town.
Best for
- Beach days
- Snorkelling
- Boating
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Great Exuma
Great Exuma is the gateway to the Exuma Cays' wildlife, grottoes, and sandbars. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
Signature TourExuma Cays Boat Safari & Swimming Pigs
Full day · 8 hrsNorthern cays · By powerboat
A full-day run to the pigs at Big Major Cay, iguanas at Allen's Cay, and nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
Insider tips
- It's a long boat ride — take motion-sickness tablets
- Bring a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen
Natural WonderThunderball Grotto Snorkel
Full day · 7 hrsNear Staniel Cay · By powerboat
Snorkel the sunlit cave from the James Bond films, then swim the reefs around Staniel Cay.
Insider tips
- Go at low tide for the easiest entry
- Bring an underwater camera
Beach DayStocking Island & Chat 'N' Chill
Half day · 4 hrsElizabeth Harbour · 10 min by ferry
Ferry to a barefoot beach bar for fresh conch salad, sandbars, and easy snorkelling.
Insider tips
- Ferry departs from George Town dock
- Bring cash for the beach bar
Island TourTropic of Cancer Beach & Little Exuma
Half day · 4 hrsLittle Exuma · 30 min by car
Drive to the Bahamas' longest beach, the old salt beacon, and Santana's conch shack.
Insider tips
- Stop at Santana's for cracked conch
- The beach is quietest in the morning
● Limited availability — book now
Your Great Exuma escape awaits
Beachfront resort and villa packages with flights from Canada, starting at
No booking feesBest price guaranteeCancel up to 30 days beforeCanadian-owned & operated
Good to know
Great Exuma travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for the Bahamas?
No. Canadians can visit the Bahamas visa-free for up to eight months — just carry a valid passport and complete the online immigration and customs card before flying.
How do I get to Great Exuma from Canada?
Most itineraries connect through Nassau (NAS) with a short hop to Exuma International (GGT), for a total of about 6 hours from Toronto. Some seasonal direct flights also operate.
When is the best time to visit Great Exuma?
December to April is the dry, sunny peak season. Avoid September and October, the height of Atlantic hurricane season.
Can I see the swimming pigs from Great Exuma?
Yes — full-day powerboat tours run north to Big Major Cay (Pig Beach), usually combined with Thunderball Grotto and the iguanas and nurse sharks of the northern cays.
What currency should I bring?
The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere, so USD cash is easiest for tips and boat tours.
Is Great Exuma safe for tourists?
Very. The Exumas are among the most relaxed and safe of the Out Islands — use normal precautions and mind the sun and sea conditions.
Do I need travel insurance?
Strongly recommended. Healthcare in the Out Islands is limited and medical evacuation is expensive, so comprehensive coverage is a must.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add tours like the Exuma Cays Boat Safari and the Stocking Island beach day to your trip at checkout.