Compass Cay's protected marina is an unmissable stop in your island hopping itinerary. There re also several scuba diving opportunities as well. Being the stunning island paradise that it is, Exuma has some incredible accommodation to match. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ULTIMATE TRAVEL BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES. I never thought in a million years that I would jump in the water with sharks. Has anyone stopped at the grocery on the way to the resort? Great Exuma has an airport, making the question of how to get to Exuma no longer a problem. AWARDS The Exumas island chain is divided into three major areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Welcome to Grand Isle Resort & Spa. Stocking Island is a small, long, narrow island off the port of Georgetown on Great Exuma Island, Bahamas. The water in The Exumas is truly some of the clearest in the world. There are also direct flights from a number of US cities to Exuma International Airport. The last highlight of your Staniel Cay day trips which we will point out is the adrenaline-junkies paradise of Thunderball Grotto. Tompson Car Rental: 242-336-2442 Even the most casual of day cruisers know Stocking Island is the place to behome soft white sand, secluded waters, and of course: the beloved Chat 'N Chill. You might want to check out Carnival,Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise lines (particularly from Europe) and Disney Cruise Line (especially if you are bringing children). Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was fantastic. The funny thing is that I didnt even hesitate I jumped right in. This privately owned island welcomes yachtsmen and guests to its first-class marina and luxury cottages. Also, we are happy with the. A big thank you to Air Canada Vacations and the Bahamas Tourism Board for a memorable trip. 305-351-0588 CALL: 844-615-6272 Its just 30 minutes by air and there are plenty of daily flights..After clearing customs you can enjoy the spectacular flight over Greater Exuma. These sorts of tours might seem convenient (or even romantic , As mentioned, there are many islands in the Exumas, so travel time depends on where youre going. Air Canada has weekly flights from Toronto on Sundays. The pigs will be very excited to see you but only because of your food. Palapa Grill Grand Isle Resort Grand Isle Resort Villa Ownership. While the exact time needed depends on your destination, you can rest assured that youll have plenty more time to enjoy the sites in the region. Golf at Pelican Bay Exuma See them on an organized boat trip with a commercial operator. When youre smacking across the surface of the water on a powerboat, it doesnt create a comfortable experience. In fact, it may be the very reason you visit. Scout the hiking trails, snorkel our reef or take in the local sites in nearby Georgetown. Let our concierge team help you curate your perfect vacation day. The nearby destination that put Exuma on the map has to be Pig Beach, home of the Exuma Pigs. We were told that we only had approximately 15 minutes to explore the area as it is dangerous to snorkel the grotto at high tide. The sun, surf, and incredible marine life make it a truly spectacular destination. Be prepared they feel like rubbery, wet sandpaper. That said, another popular area youll want to explore is, While Staniel Cay is a beautiful island (and one that youll get to explore), its not the reason why so many people try to figure out how to get to Exuma Bahamas. Our tour guide put me at ease as he helped us all get geared up and ready to explore the waters. The ultimate romantic getaway, this adults-only retreat features elegant Bahamian-style villas and suites, 11 restaurants, three pools and a scenic 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. Great Exuma Island anchors this stunning collection of islands and is where youll find George Town. As you pull up to Compass Cay, you will be mesmerized by the crystal clear waters and the boats that are probably bigger than my house. I would highly recommend 6. FAQS Everything you need to know before you stay at Grand Isle Resort. This would be the quickest way to get there from the US or with a connecting flight from Canada. If finding a direct flight to GGT-Exuma is not an option for you from your departure city, a popular alternative would be to take an international flight to Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, where you would connect to a smaller plane and enjoy the short scenic flight to Great Exuma. It just means that you need to be a bit creative! Read More. Charter boats and privately run powerboats are also an option. Well, wonder no more. A valid, up-to-date passport is required for travel to The Bahamas. It's a main hub for boaters and throws weekly pig roasts on Sundays and is a popular events venue. It was delicious and you will not go hungry with all the tasty dishes on offer. Gorgeous Villas The villa set up feels residential with lovely lush landscaping and stunning views. Its the stunning beauty of the Exuma cays and the amazing creatures that call it home. So youll have no trouble finding beaches to recline on, gorgeous natural wonders, and delicious island cuisine to enjoy. Find yourself swimming with the famous pigs, stingrays, interacting with iguanas or sharks? And even further from some of the other natural beauty you will see in the northern Exuma islands. With beautifully illustrated maps and informative destination guides. The quaint village of Rolle Town forms a part of the five Lord John Rolle Commonage Estates on Exuma. The alternative choice, which is becoming much more popular in the past few years, is by plane. It is only a short ferry ride from the port of Georgetown and definitely worth the trip. Big tuna, marlin and mahi mahi are among the prized catches sports fishermen set their sights on here. COVID-19 PROTOCOLS, RESORT DIRECT It is one of many wonderful Exuma resorts. Exuma Transport: 242-336-2101 Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Great Exuma's Grand Isle Resort, where island luxury and Caribbean living intertwine effortlessly. We had one of the best Conch Chowders (theres a theme emerging) delicious coconut-crusted Grouper at the Rusty Anchor Restaurant. Plus, you wont have to deal with the often harsh conditions of the open water. The best way to get to Exuma Bahamas is through Air Canada Vacations, the only Canadian tour operator to offer weekly, year-round service from Toronto to Great Exuma. A lot of the local airlines will serve you beer and champagne for the 30 minute flight. Cracked lobster is lightly battered and fried, which comes with sides of local rice, beans, and delicious grilled onions. The best time to visit Grand Island is from November through March, this is when the waters are calm and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing as well as water sports. Cruise the crystal clear waters to visit the swimming pigs, snorkel an underwater cave, and petfriendly nurse sharks. . It has a gorgeous pool and incredible ocean views. The sharks of Compass Cay seemed unfazed as they swam around us. If youre wondering how to get to Exuma Bahamas, youll first want to have a rough idea of the layout of the country. Many of the people wondering how to get to Exuma Bahamas sign up for Exuma excursions from Nassau that travel by boat. That doesnt mean that the question of how to get to Exuma is a difficult question to answer, however. Two bedrooms with en-suite and private marble bathrooms are located on the first floor. Bahamas Air Tours has been taking people on trip to Bahamas for years and we are full of insight to make your vacation a lasting memory. BLOG BLOG It's the longest beach on Little Exuma, and arguably the prettiest in the chain. With the wait time at the market, the stop for groceries will easily triple what you would pay to go directly from Grand Isle. Our tour guide put me at ease as he helped us all get geared up and ready to explore the waters. In this article, were going to highlight how flights to Exuma Bahamas are the best way to visit the region and also explain what you can look forward to seeing once you arrive. Located on the sandy shores of Stocking Island, Chat n Chill is a quintessential Exumas experience. Air Canada offers connecting flights through Toronto from Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo. CONTACT, VILLA OWNERSHIP British Airways offers nonstop and connecting flights through London from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Moscow, Paris, Rome, and Zurich. AWARDS We're delighted to be at your disposal as you begin to plan your villa stay on Great Exuma. Explore dozens of pristine snorkel spots around the island and the surrounding cays or set your sights on the shallow underwater trails accessible from the resorts white-sand beach. Youll love Exuma, where endangered Northern Bahamian Rock iguanas sunbathes and socialize on Leaf Cay in the Allans Cays. Swimming with pigs Bahamas style is one of the most popular attractions in the Exumas. Flights to Exuma Bahamas give you plenty of time to spend with the Swimming Pigs. DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO EXUMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GEORGE TOWN GGT. This is nature, unspoiled. Located at Grand Isle Resort at Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, this 2-story villa-style condo enjoys beautiful garden, marina, and ocean views and access to a fabulous collection of amenities. Imagine your day trip to Bahamas, immersed in the warm sand of Pig Island, wading in the crystal clear water, side by side with the adorable pigs in the Bahamas. Georgetown is both the largest town in and capital of the Exumas. For Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the waters of The Exumas are more than paradise on earththey're home. Santannas Bar and Grill Knowing that a number of films were made here made it even more exciting. A number of major cruise liners include the Bahamas on their itineraries. Imagine a thriving ecosystem of marine life with vibrant corals, an abundance of exotic fish, and underwater tunnel systems that kept even James Bond himself in adventure mode in his 1963 Hollywood film titled Thunderball. The alternative choice, which is becoming much more popular in the past few years, is by plane. Rusty Anchor Restaurant Happy travels! It was topped off with a squeeze of fresh lime and orange to tantalize the taste budsYUM. It looks like heaven there! The 2 grocery stores (Exuma Market has the best choices) are in Georgetown which is further from the airport than Grand Isle, but in the opposite direction. However, it's the Caribbean where rain happens and trade winds blow. Astronaut Scott Kelly describes them as The most beautiful place from space. Likewise, the local airports are generally smaller, making them less of a visited destination than some of the other areas of the country. Welcome to a tour of Grand Isle Resort and ResidenceVacation Exuma Bahamas Located on Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, The Bahamas, Grand Isle Resort \u0026 Spa is a stunning ocean front resort. Besides, after I saw the young kids in the water, I knew I had to do it too. The Commonage Estates are lands that have been passed down to the slaves and are not allowed to be sold. 844-368-2738, SITEMAP | TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY | HURRICANE GUARANTEE | WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY | GALLERY | GRAND ISLE BOARD ROOM | OWNER'S BOOKINGS | PRESS AND NEWS | COVID-19 PROTOCOLS, EMAIL SIGNUP Great Exuma Bahamas island anchors this archipelago and its where youll find the laid-back capital George Town. The Bahamas are located less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, so flights from that region are usually no more than a few hours. How to Get to Exuma by Ferry The official home of the world-famous swimming pigs, this cay is sometimes called Pig Beach, thanks to its playful inhabitants. This is such a fun restaurant that is located on the beach and offers pool and waterfront dining. ARRIVING AT EXUMA AIRPORT. 7. Airport Car Rental and Thompsons Car Rental. This stunning spot is adjacent to Grand Isle Resort & Spa and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by legendary PGA pro, Greg Norman. Answer 1 of 10: Hello, We will be staying at Grand Isle Resort and want to make sure we visit the Chat N Chill and Santana's while we are there. The local ferry service can be reached on 242 323 2166 or email info@bahamasferries.com. This is such a fun restaurant that is located on the beach and offers pool and waterfront dining. The water was so clear that I could see the colorful fish swimming around me. ft. to 5,200 sq. COVID-19 PROTOCOLS, RESORT DIRECT There are only two rental car companies located near the airport. Your next read: take a look at the best things to do in Atlantis Bahamas Resort Nassau, Paradise Island. Although they are small, they do have strong jaws and will bite if needed. Other domestic airlines with flights between Nassau and Exuma include: Bahamas Air document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We have partnered with exclusive private air providers to help us create a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests. From Nassau (NAS) to Exuma International Airport (GGT) there are daily air taxi flights on Bahamasair and SkyBahamas. Sea turtles dont hide in their shells, so some return appraisal may be the highlight of your encounter. Below, we will break down the best way to travel there and what should be on your itinerary when you get there. He usually uses locally grown onions, tomatoes, sweet (green) peppers, goat peppers, and Bahamian sea salt for the conch salad. You dont have to be 007 to visit this place, but you will surely feel like it. It features dramatic fairways with stunning ocean views and a rocky peninsula overlooking the jewel-toned waters. To Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau (NAS): American Airlines offers connecting flights through Miami from Barcelona, London, Paris, and Madrid. Have you ever traveled to a place so magical, where the waters are aquamarine and sapphire blue, and so clear that you will think you are in a swimming pool? Answer 1 of 9: We will be staying at the Grand Isle resort the first week of Sept. Dee picked me up around 10am and took me to Georgetown where I caught Elvis' Water Taxi to Stocking Island where Chat n' Chill is located. The restaurant has incredible views of the pool and ocean, making it even more unforgettable. Just a short 15-minute drive from Great Exuma Airport, the Grand Isle is perfectly central and an amazing place to stay. 844-615-6272, HOW TO GET TO GRAND ISLE RESORT & SPA AND GREAT EXUMA, IN GREAT EXUMA, BAHAMAS, DIVING AND MORE THRILLING FUN AWAITS, REEF FISHING IN THE EXUMAS IS THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME, SWIM WITH THE PIGS IN THE EXUMAS FOR A UNIQUE BAHAMAS ADVENTURE, FOR A FAMILY RETREAT, NOTHING BEATS THE GRAND ISLE RESORT & SPA, NOTHING BEATS THE THRILL OF EXUMA SCUBA DIVING. From Florida to Nassau, Air Charter Bahamas have regular flights from various spots in Florida. I love the pool that overlooks Emerald Bay Beach it has the best of both worlds. Here is your chance to swim with the Compass Cay sharks. As the frequency of scheduled flights varies by season, we recommend researching your flight options well in advance. Once on the island, dont be shy to stop in at Staniel Cay Yacht Club which is conveniently near the marina. I find sharks terrifying and fascinating at the same time. It has a gorgeous pool and incredible ocean views. Download the Guidebook, How To Get to Exuma Bahamas: What to Know. Are you looking for the top things to do in Exuma Bahamas? A boat will take 3 to 4 hours. If you are, youre not alone. Just ask other customers which have given us a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor. Complimentary snorkeling gear is available for guests. Two bedrooms with en-suite and private marble bathrooms are located on the first floor. Click here to download a comprehensive guide to favorite experiences and tours around the island. Grand Isle Resort & Spa | Exuma, Bahamas. The Commonage Estates are lands that have been passed down to the slaves and are not allowed to be sold. Home to some of the best accommodation in the country, Emerald Bay Bahamas is the best place to stay in Exuma. The breathtaking Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park and Moriah Harbour Cay National Park protect nearly 130,000 acres of pristine, aquamarine waters, deserted cays, and thriving coral reefs. It was an unforgettable experience. The Exumas, Bahamas was a memorable getaway that I will always treasure and recommend highly to friends and family. The story is that in 2006 Nicolas Cage bought this 40-acre island for $3 million. Great Exuma has an international airport (Exuma International Airport George Town GGT). Great Exuma. The conch man then skins the conch, washes it, scores it, chops it up, and prepares it. Nobody knows exactly how the pigs got there. Great Exuma Getaway. You cant go wrong with something good to eat and a memorable toast to the day. So I have to admit that I was a little scared. Ladies, if you have newly polished toes in red or pink you might want to bury them in the sand. Location 4.7. Undulating green shorelines border the brilliant emerald ocean as the sun's rays dance on the water's surface. Theres a good chance youve never seen waters as beautiful as youll find in The Exumas. If you are, youre not alone. It was an unforgettable experience. Well, this place does exist, it is called the Exumas, Bahamas. In addition, multiple charter companies and private pilots offer flights to Great Exuma. Read More. There are also friendly stingrays that swim up close to shore and are easy to hand-feed. Here, youll be able to chat up locals about the swimming pigs Exuma tour you just went on. BLOG Spend your day lounging by the pool or walk the beautiful and untouched shore, their very own mile-long beach that is beyond stunning and wonderful for snorkeling as well. Swimming with the sharks is the ultimate bucket list experience in the Bahamas. The airlines offer direct service from these hub city gateways: Delta Airlines from Atlanta; American Airlines from Charlotte every Saturday; Silver Airways from Ft. Lauderdale; American Eagle from Miami; and Air Canada from Toronto. However, getting there is only half the adventure. The first marine reserve of its kind, the park protectssome of the most stunning stretches of The Exumas since 1958, allowing marine life to thrive. As the frequency of scheduled flights varies by season, we recommend researching your flight options well in advance. Almost every Pig Beach Bahamas tour will cross through Staniel Cay. 4 Places to Visit in Bahamas, Exuma Bahamas Swim with Pigs Experience at Pig Beach. Conch Salad demonstration and sampling and Sting Ray feedings. From your home to ours, there are nonstop and connecting flights to our Exuma International Airport (GGT) from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. They absolutely can! This happy-go-lucky capital offers a great selection of casual Bahamian restaurants and a good mix of five-star resorts and locally-owned fishing lodges. The restaurant has incredible views of the pool and ocean, making it even more unforgettable. Then, there are the idyllic Exuma Cays a collection of tiny jewels set in the aquamarine and sapphire of the most beautiful water youve ever imagined, making it a great destination for diving. PRESS & NEWS Exploring Stocking Island is one of the best things to do in Great Exuma for the day. I couldnt resist, although initially terrified, I had to touch them. ft. and offer a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area, high-end amenities, and extraordinary views. Weve been doing the tours for years and it still never gets old! We spotted four lemon shark swimming past as we feasted on lunch. The beautifully furnished living room and dining room also lead out to private balconies with spectacular garden and/or ocean views. Looking for an amazing Exuma beach? It all began in the early 1990s with five baby pigs and theyve grown, in numbers and fame, ever since. I got to visit three islands on my visit to the Exumas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and The Exuma Cays. Come for the cocktails and fresh conch salad, or better yet, the Sunday Pig Roast, and stay for the conversations. . If everybody is doing it, it makes it more affordable for everyone. It features dramatic fairways with stunning ocean views and a rocky peninsula overlooking the jewel-toned waters. Adventurous spirits are welcome here. Visit the Compass Cay Sharks in Exuma, A Conclusion to the Ultimate Things to do in Exuma, things to do in Atlantis Bahamas Resort Nassau, Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour, Famous Swimming Pigs Tour Bahamas Full Day Powerboat to Exuma from Nassau. This has to be one of the best beaches and crystal clear blue water I have ever seen. The Grand Isle Resort is located twelve miles from Georgetown, which is the capital of Great Exuma Island. If you are lucky you might see a shark or two swim by. If you love to golf then you are in for a treat at the Emerald Reef Golf Club. Thunderball Grotto doesnt look like much from the outside so I didnt know what to expect. Shorts, t-shirts and loose dresses are perfect. Delta Airlines has direct flights from Atlanta (ATL) to George Town, Exuma (GGT) on Wednesdays and Sundays. The sun, surf, and incredible marine life make it a truly spectacular destination. Grand Isle Resort & Spa overlooks the stunning turquoise waters in Emerald Bay,. var d = new Date(); Its assumed farmers from Staniel Cay brought them over decades ago after the village complained about their smell. A unique and secluded hideaway, Kahari Resort is the perfect home base to explore the captivating cays of Exuma, their traditions and wild beauty. The staff were extremely warm and friendly, while the beach views are absolutely amazing. Just like the pigs, they are waiting for humans to come and feed them. All we know for sure is that the swimming pigs Exuma highlight is a favorite among many of our customers. If youre hungry, why not scarf down a local delicacy and start a conversation with the island bartenders. They offer so many delicious menu items that I wanted to try them all. I was more scared snorkeling than swimming with the sharksI have no idea why! We write about the voyage for each below. La Fourchette restaurant is a small French restaurant located in Paradise Bay. Book ahead to save time and money! The sharks of Compass Cay seemed unfazed as they swam around us. Hi Diana, which company did you booked for the pigs and shark trip? The nearest airport to Grand Island is Dabolim Airport or Goa Airport. Located at 23 26N 75 35W, the beach is named after the meridian line that defines the northern extent of the tropics and crosses right through it. This luxury resort offers everything you could possibly want or need for an unforgettable vacation. Relax on our signature sandy point or hop from one remote beach to the next. 9. Despite typically being bottom-dwellers and feeding off the ocean floor, they still have full carnivorous potential. They also make it possible to travel on day trips in the area, as opposed to automatically having to find local accommodations. Air travel is, without a doubt, the easiest way to get yourself from the capital (or anywhere else in the country) to the Exumas. A big thank you to Air Canada Vacations and the Bahamas Tourism Board for a memorable trip. From a jolting journey to crowds of people and wasting time, youre better off avoiding the boat when youre wondering how to get to Exuma Bahamas. EXPLORE Private Beach Grand Isle Resort & Residences Emerald Bay 29253, Farmers Hill, Bahamas - Excellent location - show map 8.5 Very Good 71 reviews The property was very clean. Within the cays, a few stand out as must-visit destinations. The first and most popular way for how to get to Exuma is by ferry. I couldnt resist, although initially terrified, I had to touch them. August 25, 2018. For one thing, flights to Exuma Bahamas avoid the bumpy ride that plagues the journey by boat. Pay them a visit, and remember - look but don't touch! These villas are perfect for families or groups traveling together. Once you arrive on the island, Grand Isle Resort is located about 15 minutes from Exuma International Airport (GGT) by car. You will definitely think you are in paradise. We hope you get to enjoy some of the top things to do in Exuma yourself and let us know what some of your favorites are. Charter a boat and spend the day exploring uninhabited cays, protected coves, and the secret sandbars that lay between them. An additional $15 per day gives you the keys to a golf cart that is housed in a little garage at your villa. Knowing that a number of films were made here made it even more exciting. RESERVATIONS Great Exuma is all about life on and in the water. Located on Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, The Bahamas, Grand Isle Resort & Spa is a stunning ocean front resort. Even though swimming with sharks would scare me Diana, I gotta do it. Although they are small, they do have strong jaws and will bite if needed. The staff were extremely warm and friendly, while the beach views are absolutely amazing. It was a relaxing and feel-good way to start our next day in Exuma. Luckily, theres a much better mode of transportation that you can choose. Dont worry, though, they dont usually mess with humans unless they feel threatened. Grand Isle Resort & Spa sits on a mile-long stretch of ivory beach and sparkling clear waters in Emerald Bay on the island of Great Exuma. Great Exuma and its Cays are the most exotic of the Bahamas Out Islands, a collection of tiny jewel-like islands set in the most beautiful mosaic of blues you've ever seen. Airport transfers are $35 each way for two guests and $3 each additional guest. These, along with the pigs, are probably the most photographed creatures in Exuma. You dont know what thrill feels like until you feel a sharks smooth exterior rub up against you. Purchasing or booking through these links earns us a commission at no extra charge to you. The Grand Isle Resort is a beautiful all-inclusive resort located in the Bahamas. You have to ask yourself if youd sacrifice experience for price. GIFT CARDS Our team would be able to coordinate transfers to the property. From snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs to championship golf with ocean views and world-class fishing, youll enjoy endless opportunities to explore Great Exumas unrivaled natural surroundings and local culture. The flights to Exuma are only 3-hours and 20-minutes long on a direct flight from Toronto. We were told that we only had approximately 15 minutes to explore the area as it is dangerous to snorkel the grotto at high tide.