George Town, Bahamas City
Capital of the Bahamas in Exuma district
Sandbars and boat charters define George Town on Great Exuma - day trips to the swimming pigs, snorkeling around the Exuma Cays and simple beachside conch shacks attract sailors and sunseekers.
George Town, Bahamas at a Glance#
Costs: Pricier - Exuma chain attracts higher costs - plan $120-$250 per day for good hotels, boat tours and midrange dining.
Safety: Generally safe and visitor-friendly - safe and tourist-oriented, though petty theft can occur; watch beach belongings around crowds.
Best Time: Best in the dry season (Nov-Apr) - november-April: peak season, calm seas and best boat conditions for cay-hopping.
Why Visit George Town, Bahamas?#
Anchored in the Exumas, George Town draws travelers with a mix of easy island life and postcard scenery. Boat tours to Big Major Cay’s famous swimming pigs, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto and day trips into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park are signature experiences, while downtown markets serve fresh conch salad and Bahamian rum. It’s both a gateway for luxury boat charters and a place to meet local fisherfolk.
Best Things to Do in George Town, Bahamas#
George Town, Bahamas Bucket List#
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) - Swim with the famous Exuma pigs that approach boats on Big Major Cay.
Stocking Island and Chat ‘N’ Chill - Take the short ferry to Stocking Island for beaches, trails, and a beach bar.
Local boat excursions - Book a powerboat or sailing charter to visit nearby cays, reefs, and snorkeling spots.
Compass Cay shark channel - Swim with friendly nurse sharks guided by locals on Compass Cay’s sheltered channel.
Norman’s Cay wrecks and reefs - Explore lesser-visited wrecks and coral gardens around Norman’s Cay by boat or snorkel.
Exuma Straw Market and local artisans - Shop baskets, woven goods, and island crafts from George Town’s small vendors.
Staniel Cay and Thunderball Grotto - Boat to Staniel Cay for cave snorkeling and friendly island stops from George Town.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park - Spend the day exploring protected cays, reefs, and anchorages inside the marine reserve.
Best Time to Visit George Town, Bahamas#
George Town and the Exumas are most pleasant November-April when skies are clearer and seas calmer for boating and snorkeling. Summer heat and hurricane season mean higher humidity and possible travel disruptions.
November - April
19 - 26°C (66 - 79°F)
Clear water, gentle winds, and mild days make Exuma island-hopping and swimming with pigs especially enjoyable and lively.
May - September
26 - 31°C (79 - 88°F)
Hot and humid with more frequent brief showers; mornings are best for snorkeling and avoiding midday heat.
June - November
26 - 31°C (79 - 88°F)
Storm season brings risk and rain but also quieter islands and discounted rates - travel flexibly and watch advisories.
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (977 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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How to Get to George Town, Bahamas#
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS): Nassau is the main international gateway; you can connect onward to Exuma by scheduled flight.
Exuma International Airport / George Town (GGT): Exuma International (George Town) handles scheduled flights from Nassau (about 25-35 minutes) and some charters from Florida. From the airport into George Town is a short taxi or rental-car ride (about 10-15 minutes); expect modest fares (operator-dependent).
Train: There is no rail service on Exuma.
Bus / Local Shuttle: George Town is small and walkable for many visits; taxis and rental cars are available for exploring the cays and outlying beaches. Boat trips to nearby cays operate from the harbour.
How to Get Around George Town, Bahamas#
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- Walking - Walking
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Where to Stay in George Town, Bahamas#
George Town - $60-180/night
George Town (Exuma) has a range of budget guesthouses and small inns as well as self-catering options for budget travelers.
Peace & Plenty Resort - Historic inn in George Town
Local guesthouses (Airbnb listings) - Many affordable private rentals
George Town / Emerald Bay - $150-320/night
Mid-range options include established beachfront resorts and well-run small hotels convenient for boat trips and island services.
Grand Isle Resort & Residences - Beachfront resort with villas and suites
Exuma Beach Resort - Comfortable rooms near George Town harbor
Emerald Bay / George Town - $300+/night
Luxury in Exuma centers on a few high-end resorts that offer comprehensive amenities, private beaches, and excursion bookings from George Town.
Sandals Emerald Bay - All-inclusive luxury resort with golf
Grand Isle Resort & Residences - Premium villas and beachfront residences
Where to Eat in George Town, Bahamas#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across George Town, Bahamas’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in George Town, Bahamas#
George Town has the best shopping in the Exumas-marine outfitters, small boutiques, and grocery stores serving both locals and visitors. You’ll find local rum, conch products, and tourist-oriented souvenirs.
Nightlife in George Town, Bahamas#
Nightlife in George Town is relaxed: a handful of bars and restaurants may offer live music on certain nights, but there’s no club scene. Evenings are mostly for dining and casual socializing.
