Exuma Cays Land and Sea ParkAbout Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area in the central Exuma island chain of the Bahamas that conserves dozens of cays, reefs, and surrounding marine habitats. The park is known for clear waters, coral reefs, and a mix of shoreline and marine environments popular with boaters and snorkelers.
Sheltered anchorages, coral gardens, and shallow reefs that support sea turtles, rays, and diverse reef fish; many visitors arrive by private boat or organized day trips to snorkel and explore small islands. The park contains marked trails and a handful of islands with visitor infrastructure for short hikes and viewpoints.
The park was established to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems across a chain of cays and channels, with management focused on conserving coral reefs and fish stocks. Over time it has been managed as a model of combined land and sea conservation and as a destination for low-impact marine tourism.
The park extends across a stretch of the Exuma island chain in the central Bahamas, with the nearest inhabited service centres on Great Exuma. The central visitor hub is at Warderick Wells, accessed by private boat or charter from nearby Exuma settlements.
- Protection status: Designated as a protected land-and-sea park covering many cays and surrounding marine waters, with no-take zones to protect coral and fish populations.
- Activities: Popular for snorkeling, diving, and day-boat cruises; clear waters and coral habitats support abundant marine life and reef fish.
What to See#
- Warderick Wells: Serves as the park’s main visitor hub with a small administration area, marked trails, and interpretive signage for the marine reserve.
- Shroud Cay: A large mangrove and tidal channel system offering sheltered creeks, sandbars, and opportunities for wildlife viewing by kayak or small boat.
Best Time to Visit Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Best visited in the dry season (November-April) for calm seas and optimum visibility for snorkeling.
Weather & Climate near Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1079 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 20° - 25° | 22° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 19° - 26° | 23° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 20° - 27° | 23° | 28 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 170 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 32° | 29° | 90 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 26° - 33° | 29° | 118 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 32° | 28° | 145 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 170 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 28° | 25° | 64 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Access is by boat from Great Exuma (George Town) or by private yacht. George Town is served by Exuma International Airport (GGT) with flights from Nassau. Many visitors book full- or half-day charters from George Town to explore the park.
Tips for Visiting Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Book boat charters in advance during peak season (Dec-Apr) - berths and guided snorkel trips sell out.
- Bring a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen; there are no services on most cays.
- Visit the Thunderbolt Wreck and Boiling Hole for underwater visibility - go on calm days for best snorkel conditions.