GuideReviewed 2026-11-01

Beaches you can drive to

The best known beaches on Great and Little Exuma, from Tropic of Cancer Beach to the sandbars at Coco Plum, and what to know about tides.

A couple standing on a white sandbar surrounded by shallow water

You do not need a boat to find an empty beach on Exuma. Most of the island's best sand is reachable from the Queen's Highway, sometimes down a short sandy track. None of these beaches has a lifeguard, and few have shade or facilities, so bring water and an umbrella.

Tropic of Cancer Beach, Little Exuma

Also called Pelican Beach, this long curve of white sand on Little Exuma sits right on the line of the Tropic of Cancer, which is painted on the steps down from the small shelter at the top. It is the island's postcard beach and still rarely busy. Take the signposted turn south of Williams Town and allow time for the unpaved stretch at the end.

Hooper's Bay

A sheltered bay a few minutes north of George Town where green turtles feed over the grass in the shallows. Wade in slowly and you will see them surface around you. Look, do not touch, and do not feed them; they are protected and feeding changes their behaviour.

Coco Plum Beach

North of the airport, Coco Plum is known for the sandbars that appear at low tide and stretch far out into the bank, and for its rope swings. Check the tide before you go: at high tide it is a pleasant beach, at low tide it is one of the best walks on the island.

Jolly Hall and the George Town beaches

Jolly Hall Beach, just north of George Town, is the handy local beach, with good swimming and a few trees for shade. Closer to town, the beaches by Peace and Plenty and February Point look across the harbour to Stocking Island.

Further north

Three Sisters Rock beach at Mount Thompson is named for the three rocks standing just offshore, and the long beach at Emerald Bay is open to the public even though it fronts the resort. Beyond that, the road winds through Steventon and Rolleville to Barraterre, where the boat tours leave for the cays.

Tides and safety

The tidal range is modest, around a metre, but it makes a big difference on the shallow bank side of the island, where sandbars come and go twice a day. Ocean side beaches can have surf and currents. Swim where locals swim, keep an eye on the weather in the summer storm season, and wear something on your feet when walking the limestone shore.

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