The primary attraction for most visitors to the Caribbean is the beaches, and Great Exuma, part of the 100-mile stretch of the Exuma Islands, offers lots of beaches. Whether you want to hunt for shells or just dig in your toes and relax, you can do it here, all with the privacy afforded of an island that has yet to be discovered by much of the world. A local favorite is Stocking Island, just off Elizabeth Town. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also very popular off Great Exuma's beaches, with coral formations and undersea caves.
Shopping is mostly in Georgetown, the capitol city of the Exuma islands, and home to less than a thousand permanent residents. There are several gift shops and an open air straw market. Be sure to visit the Sandpiper, which offers hand-made Bahamanian crafts, including ceramics and baskets. A bank and a grocery store are also available in town.
Yachting is a favored pastime by locals, and they practice it year-round. The north shore of Great Exuma is sheltered by Stocking Island, making a peaceful cove to sail in. For four days in April, Great Exuma hosts the National Family Island Regatta, where people gather from all over the world to watch locals race their homemade sloops to see who will be crowned the Best in the Bahamas. The Regatta has evolved into a festival that features live music, beach sports, fashion shows and parties.
Some of the best housing on Great Exuma is at the Oceania Heights, which offers luxury villa accommodations, just one minute from the beach, with fully-staffed facilities, including maid service and an on-site coordinator. Many Florida residents own property throughout the Bahamas, so private property rentals are also available, and property is always available for purchase if you fall in love with Great Exuma. There are several small resort hotels located on Great Exuma as well, from the reasonable comfort of The Palms at the Three Sisters. Time shares are also available, and deals can be found for those willing to undergo a sales pitch with their vacation stay.
Great Exuma offers many exciting outdoor sports, chief among them, bonefishing. These fish live in the sand flats, so anglers stalk them across the land or by boat, using fly-fishing techniques to cast their lure over the shallow water. Kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing are also available, particularly on Lake Victoria in Georgetown. Golf is very popular in Great Exuma, and the Four Seasons Emerald Bay Golf Club offers 18 seaside holes, designed by Greg Norman. It is widely regarded as one of the best oceanside golf courses in the Caribbean.
