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Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

George Town, Bahamas Travel Guide

Town

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 Exuma Cays Land and Sea ParkMoriah Harbour Cay National ParkNorman's CayGeorge Town, BahamasGeorge Town, Bahamas

George Town, Bahamas essentials

Country: The Bahamas
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

George Town, Bahamas at a Glance

Local Time
6:47 PM
GMT-5
Population
7,314

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.

George Town is the jumping-off point to the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay (Pig Island).

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

Don't Miss

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.

Hidden Gems

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.

Day Trips

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.

When to Go

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.

Cool Season

November - April19 - 26°C (66 - 79°F)

Clear water, gentle winds, and mild days make Exuma island-hopping and swimming with pigs especially enjoyable and lively.

Hot Season

May - September26 - 31°C (79 - 88°F)

Hot and humid with more frequent brief showers; mornings are best for snorkeling and avoiding midday heat.

Hurricane Season

June - November26 - 31°C (79 - 88°F)

Storm season brings risk and rain but also quieter islands and discounted rates - travel flexibly and watch advisories.

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 19° - 25° 22° 34 mm some cloud 76% 3.9 m/s 1.2 high 10.7h
February Ideal 20° - 26° 23° 29 mm mostly sunny 76% 4.2 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
March Ideal 21° - 27° 24° 23 mm some cloud 75% 4.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 22° - 28° 25° 36 mm some cloud 76% 4.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.6h
May Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 138 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.1h
June Very Good 25° - 31° 31° 148 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.4h
July Very Good 25° - 32° 33° 76 mm some cloud 78% 4.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.3h
August Very Good 25° - 32° 33° 99 mm some cloud 77% 4.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.8h
September Excellent 25° - 31° 32° 118 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
October Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 164 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.5h
November Excellent 23° - 28° 25° 68 mm partly cloudy 75% 5.7 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
December Ideal 21° - 27° 24° 44 mm some cloud 77% 4.6 m/s 1.0 high 10.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to George Town, Bahamas

By Air

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).

By Train & Bus

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

Budget

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

Mid-Range

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

Luxury

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

Eat & Drink

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.

Pizza
Regional

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.

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.