Just east of Great Exuma is a sister island with gorgeous sandy beaches, pristine natural settings and a bit of history.
Little Exuma Island measures only 6 miles (10 kilometers) long, but packs immeasurable beauty into its compact space. Halfway along the island’s northern shoreline is the lovely Tropic of Cancer Beach. Cross the low dune with brown-green grasses and other anchoring vegetation. You’ll see inspirational white sand and endless aquamarine water. The setting is perfect for sunbathing, strolling on the beach, watching scurrying sea creatures and simply relaxing.
The beach is in the small community of Moore Hill. Travel east to reach several tropical restaurants. Continue on to the Salt Trading Post, a long-abandoned monolith and cannon marking the place for ships to arrive to collect salt harvested from the large Salt Pond just inland. Just beyond, ruins of the Hermitage Estate in Williams Town attest to the island’s cotton-growing history in the 1700s.
Nearer the bridge to Greater Exuma are several other sandy stretches. Pretty Molly Beach has a shady cabana. The beach access path is decorated with handmade welcome and caution signs on tall posts, making the spot an inviting destination beyond its dreamy sand. Come to Forbes Hill Beach for quiet and seclusion. The natural rock break wall at the eastern end minimizes waves and creates a good snorkeling spot.
Find your way to Mariah Harbour Cay National Park, a wilderness destination with coral reefs, mangrove creeks and blue holes. Rent a kayak or don your mask and snorkel to explore the cay’s pristine waters. You may see conch, lobster and sea turtles amid coral growths. If you’re not in or on the water, walk along boardwalks and trails to watch for birds.
Little Exuma Island is just east of Great Exuma Island, the busier location, with shopping, accommodations and more restaurants. Spend time in Georgetown, the capital of the Exumas.
Fly to Great Exuma Island in less than 1 hour from Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport. Then drive to Little Exuma Island. The 40-minute ride crosses The Ferry, which is now actually a bridge.