There are very few places in the world where a single day on the water can feel so effortlessly extraordinary. In the Exuma Cays, crystal-clear seas, uninhabited islands, and shallow sandbars create a setting where adventure and ease exist side-by-side. From swimming alongside iconic wildlife to exploring hidden underwater landmarks, each experience unfolds naturally, without crowds, rush, or complication.
Explored best by private yacht, the Exumas invite guests to move at their own pace, guided by experienced crew who understand the tides, timing, and quiet moments that make these encounters truly special. It’s a destination where every swim feels intentional, every stop feels personal, and every day brings something unexpected.
One of the most iconic experiences in the Bahamas is a visit to the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, often called Pig Beach. This uninhabited cay is home to a friendly colony of pigs that eagerly swim out to greet visiting boats in the shallow, turquoise water.
The pigs have become a signature Exuma attraction, and their origins remain part of local lore. Some say sailors left them behind, others suggest a shipwreck, while another story credits nearby locals who relocated them to keep neighboring cays odor-free. The exact story remains a mystery, adding to their charm.
What is certain is that arriving by yacht transforms the experience entirely. With your crew managing timing and appropriate treats, guests can step ashore, interact with the pigs in the water, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy one of the Bahamas’ most distinctive wildlife encounters in a relaxed, unrushed setting.
Just north of Staniel Cay lies Compass Cay, home to a resident colony of nurse sharks that gather in the calm, shallow waters surrounding the marina. Known for their gentle nature, these sharks are accustomed to boats and visitors, offering a rare opportunity to observe them up close in a serene environment.
Under careful guidance, guests may wade or snorkel near the sharks and, at times, gently touch them. Tucker, the island’s proprietor, considers these local residents an essential part of Compass Cay’s character and feeds them as the tide rolls in. Even guests who prefer to remain on the dock can enjoy watching the sharks lounge just below the surface, basking in the sun and providing a fascinating, close-range view.
Just west of Staniel Cay lies Thunderball Grotto, a dramatic limestone cave and one of the Exumas’ most celebrated snorkel sites. Made famous by the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, the grotto carries a cinematic allure that adds intrigue to its natural beauty.
Multiple underwater entrances lead into cathedral-like chambers, where shafts of sunlight stream through openings in the rock above. Inside, vibrant tropical fish weave through coral formations, creating an immersive and almost otherworldly experience. Entry is best at low or slack tide, when snorkelers can glide inside with ease, timing your visit perfectly elevates the magic.
Swimming with sea turtles is a cherished experience throughout the Exumas, with sightings common while snorkeling reefs, seagrass beds, and calm, protected bays. In several areas, sections of the ocean are clearly marked as turtle sanctuaries and closed to marine traffic, allowing swimmers to enter quietly and observe turtles in their natural environment.
These peaceful zones offer opportunities to swim alongside green and hawksbill turtles as they glide gracefully through the water. Unhurried and serene, turtle encounters provide a calming counterbalance to the more interactive experiences found throughout the Exumas. Many of these protected areas fall within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, underscoring the region’s commitment to preserving its extraordinary marine life.
For a more whimsical underwater discovery, an unexpected work of art rests near Rudder Cay, just south of Musha Cay. Commissioned by illusionist David Copperfield and created by renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, this submerged installation features a full-size piano accompanied by a mermaid figure, positioned on the ocean floor in approximately 15 to 20 feet of water.
Snorkelers are drawn to the site for its surreal beauty and striking photographic appeal. Surrounded by marine life, the sculpture feels both playful and contemplative, offering a rare blend of art and ocean that quietly surprises those who discover it.
Another compelling underwater highlight is the plane wreck off Norman’s Cay, a striking remnant of the island’s colorful past. This twin-engine aircraft rests in shallow water just offshore and has become a popular site for snorkeling and diving alike.
Norman’s Cay once played a notable role in Caribbean smuggling operations during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, the aircraft serves as a quiet witness to that era, now softened by coral growth and surrounded by schools of fish. Snorkelers can easily explore the wreck, blending history, storytelling, and marine life in one memorable swim.
Not every memorable moment in the Exumas happens below the surface. Throughout the island chain, pristine sandbars and shallow cays emerge with the tides, offering a rare opportunity to step directly into the sea and take in the surrounding beauty from every angle. Guests can wade through calm, ankle-deep water, pause for photographs against endless shades of blue, or simply stand still and take it all in.
These natural formations are especially well-suited for multi-generational groups, non-swimmers, and anyone who prefers a slower, more contemplative experience. In a destination defined by swimming with everything, from wildlife to underwater landmarks, sandbars provide a grounding, accessible finale that ensures every guest can fully share in the magic of the Exumas.
