I’m standing barefoot on Tropic of Cancer Beach where the sky radiates a cerulean blue I’ve seen nowhere else in my travels. The sand, impossibly white, squeaks between my toes as I watch in disbelief. Before me, 1,100 tourists per local resident will visit this Bahamian paradise annually, yet somehow I’m alone on this stretch of perfection. Great Exuma has managed the impossible—remaining pristine despite a tsunami of visitors that would overwhelm most islands.
Most travelers bypass Great Exuma, rushing to Nassau or Grand Bahama. Their oversight is our gain. With a population of just 9,000 residents welcoming a slice of The Bahamas’ 11.22 million visitors in 2024, this island should be overrun. Instead, I find myself wondering if I’ve stumbled upon the Caribbean’s last authentic paradise.
The shocking 1,100:1 visitor ratio revealing Great Exuma’s imminent transformation
The math doesn’t add up. When an island hosts over a thousand visitors per resident annually yet remains undeveloped, something extraordinary is happening. Unlike Caribbean islands known for unique production, Great Exuma’s economy relies almost entirely on tourism, yet lacks the commercial sprawl of its neighbors.
This paradox exists because 93% of Bahamas visitors still miss Great Exuma entirely. Most fly into Nassau, never venturing to this 61-square-mile sanctuary just a 40-minute flight south. The result? An island that feels untouched despite technically hosting more annual visitors than residents.
Local infrastructure remains charmingly minimal. The island has fewer than 10 hotels and only a handful of restaurants outside resorts. I’m wandering George Town, the island’s capital, where colorful cottages line streets with no traffic lights. The Fish Fry, a cluster of wooden food stalls serving conch fritters, feels like stepping back in time.
Why 2025 marks Great Exuma’s final year as the Caribbean’s best-kept secret
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism reports a 54.7% tourism increase compared to 2019. Just as some African islands provide Madeira’s appeal without masses, Great Exuma offers Nassau’s beauty without commercialization. But that’s changing rapidly.
Tomorrow, I’m boating to Big Major Cay to see the famous swimming pigs. My guide warns that five years ago, you might see three boats there daily. Today, expect fifteen. By 2026, the infrastructure expansions currently underway will likely double that number.
“The water here still runs clear as gin, and the beaches stay empty even in peak season. But we’re seeing the first signs. More flights coming in, more villas going up. This time next year, it won’t feel the same.”
Similar to how small towns manage massive National Park tourism, Great Exuma is developing strategies for sustainable growth. But the transformation is inevitable. Local developers are breaking ground on three new luxury resorts this year alone.
Inside the pristine paradise 93% of Bahamas visitors still miss
Great Exuma’s beaches remain pristine like certain Bali beaches without overwhelming tourism, but growth suggests this won’t last. Beyond the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto offers snorkeling through underwater caves made famous in James Bond films.
The island’s geographic anomaly—standing directly on the Tropic of Cancer at Pelican Beach—creates the perfect photo opportunity. Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a natural tide pool forming a jacuzzi-like experience, remains accessible only at specific low tides, keeping crowds naturally limited.
While some islands draw Hawaii comparisons, Great Exuma’s swimming pigs create a truly unique experience. You’ll find the privacy of Turks & Caicos here but at a 70% lower price point. My beachfront villa costs $250 nightly—comparable accommodations in Turks would run $800+.
How to experience authentic Exuma before the 2026 tourism boom
Visit between March and April for ideal weather, though summer offers lower rates and fewer crowds despite brief rain showers. The legendary Exuma Regatta in April showcases traditional Bahamian sailing culture at its finest.
Rent a car to explore independently—taxis are scarce and expensive. The island’s single main road makes navigation simple. Book boats to outer cays through locals rather than resorts to save 30-40% on excursions while supporting the community directly.
The Thursday night Fish Fry in George Town offers the island’s best conch fritters and authentic cultural immersion. Arrive before 7pm to avoid the small but growing cruise ship crowds.
Standing here on this perfect beach, watching my daughter Emma build sandcastles as Sarah photographs the impossibly blue horizon, I’m struck by the fleeting nature of Great Exuma’s authenticity. Like that moment when the conch shell hits the water during the traditional regatta blessing—a reminder that some things are beautiful precisely because they can’t last forever.