Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Birdwatching
It is not only the marine parks that are fabulous for living creatures. Bird fanciers will jump
for joy (quietly!) on the following islands that contain national bird reserves: Big Galli-
ot, Channel and Flat Cays, Big and Little Darby Islands, and Guana, Goat, Betty, Pigeon,
Cistern, Leaf, Harvey and Rocks Cays.
All these islands can only be reached by private boat and so you'll need your own vessel
or book a day trip with a travel agency. Contact the tourist office in George Town for fur-
ther information and more detailed maps.
TOURS
There are a large number of tour operators operating tours of Great Exuma and the Exuma
Cays. These typically involve a day on a boat, picnicking on pristine beaches, snorkeling,
visiting caves and grottoes, seeing the famous swimming pigs of Major Cay, peeking at the
'sets' to
Pirates of the Caribbean
, and trying your hand at fishing or shark feeding. Shop
around for the best deal and be clear about what you want: most tours are flexible. Prices
average around $150 to $300 per person per half-day, depending on what's included.
Off Island Adventures
(
242-524-0524;
www.offislandadventures.com
)
Robert's Island Adventures
(
242-357-0224;
www.robertsislandadventures.com
)
Exuma Cays Adventures
( 242-357-0390;
www.exumacaysadventures.com
)
Four C's
( 242-464-1720, 345-2352)
For an introduction to the history and culture of Great Exuma, join the excellent
East
Exuma Native Bus Tour
( 242-336- 2857, $20) , which departs the Sandals at Emerald
Bay resort (
Click here
) in Emerald Bay at 9:30am every day except Sunday, picking up in
George Town at 10:15am, too. The tour takes in nearly all of the island's historic sights and
includes time for a dip at Tropic of Cancer Beach and for some shopping in George Town.
SLEEPING
There's a good variety of accommodations on Exuma, though bargains are fairly thin on
the ground. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism can supply a full list of guesthouses around
the Exumas. Reserve lodgings well in advance at regatta time, as chances for last-minute
accommodations are nil.
Regatta Point
GUESTHOUSE $$
( 242-336-2206;
www.regattapointbahamas.com
; Regatta Point; d $148; ) At the
end of a promontory with great 360-degree sea views, this secluded spot is nevertheless
