Family Travel Guide: Exuma, Bahamas

February 5, 2024

Finding the perfect vacation spot for your family can feel like a full time job. The choices is overwhelming. The consideration of ages, personalities and interests is daunting. Will you choose....

City or Beach?

Hotel or House?

Relaxing or Educational?

Adventure or Ease?

While it's unlikely that a singular destination can check every wish off your list—there are plenty of places that will certainly get close! Case in point...our most recent family getaway to Exuma in the Bahamas. This dreamy spot serves up a LOT of goodness—adventure, wildlife, delicious cuisine, turquoise waters, cultural experiences and thanks to Exuma Rental Houses, one of the most beautiful and family-friendly vacation homes we've stayed in.

We are not your typical "beach family". Not to imply we don't love a good beach. (Or a good old "Ken beach off"). Indeed we do. But our destination selections are never based on beach, rather we choose our spots based on the unique experiences offered.

This is why Exuma is so magical. The crystal clear waters, the soft white sand, and the countless deserted islands make this the ultimate beach spot for die hard beach seekers, but for us—it was the unusual wildlife, the kiddo-friendly excursions and the access to local chefs to learn about Bahamian cuisine that made Exuma the perfect winter escape for our family.

So....let's get down to the logistics!

GETTING THERE

Fly to (GGT) Georgetown, Bahamas. Delta and American are two of the most common carriers. If you choose to book from Exuma Rental Houses (and you should), then the airport is about a 35-minute drive away. Of course you will need a valid passport with 6+ months before expiration. And regardless what the flight attendants may tell you in air...each member of your family needs an arrival card filled out before going through customs.

GETTING AROUND

Local taxi and transportation services are available, {call Patrick Dorsette to book 242.464.1411} but I highly recommend booking a rental car as well. With multiple quick trips to the local markets and one lengthy drive to a marina, our rental mini-van was a life-saver. We booked early with Thompson's Car Rental and you can walk across the street from the airport upon arrival to pick it up.

WHERE TO STAY

One of my favorite parts of travel is selecting the accommodations. From big city hotels to countryside inns to private homes—I love them all for their own unique qualities and for the escape that a fresh space provides. We actually planned the dates of our visit to Exuma around the availability of Ballymeena, a glorious, waterfront oasis.

Ideal for big families or families traveling together, this five bedroom, all en suite, home takes open air living to a new level. Nestled on its own slice of beach, like a secret cove, the property features an infinity pool, hot tub, two outdoor showers, kayaks and paddle boards, a chef's kitchen and the most stunning outdoor dining area.

Martin, the lovely house manager greeted us to show us the ropes (of this very well stocked paradise) and provided us with his contact information, though we thankfully never needed a thing.

WHAT TO DO

Exuma offers an abundance of incredible, yet quite effortless activities that keep you in vacation mode, versus trip mode. All parents understand this difference!

Keeping the ages of our kiddos in mind, we kept our agenda to one "thing" a day (no need to overdo anything when on island time, friends!) Swimming with the pigs and a visit to Iguana island was our top priority. We booked a fabulous half day excursion with Island Boy Adventures perfect for all ages in our party that bopped us around to multiple islands for adventure, snorkeling and quests for conch.

We always love to try as much local food as we can while traveling, so we hired a chef to come and cook a traditional Bahamian meal at home for us one night. Though it's a bit of a splurge, there are also drop-off meal options that are more affordable and perfect for nights you may not feel like cooking or leaving the house. Truth be told, groceries are a bit pricy on the island, so the drop-off meals are likely the same price as purchasing all the things to prepare meals yourself. We fell in love with our chef, Olivia Patricia and all of her dishes. {Book her here via email: oliviatkemp@gmail.com}.

If a spa day is a vacay must for you, you should definitely reach out to Latravia Nail {242.554.2922} for in-home manicures, pedicures and massages. The perfect addition to a day by the pool!

HELPFUL HINTS

Lifejackets are not really a thing here (ha!) so you may want to BYOLJ!

Each airline has one flight a day. If your bag doesn't make it on the same plane as you (this appeared to be quite common due to plane size and weight restrictions), then it will not show up until the next day (at the earliest). Please keep essentials for you and your little ones in a carry on.

The airport is tiny, but nothing happens very fast, so when they say arrive 2 hours ahead for your return flight, they mean it. You'll likely use every minute.

THINGS TO BRING (especially if you're picky):

Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion

Sunscreen

Bandaids/Children's Tylenol

A hat with a tie around the neck (it's windy!)

Snorkel Gear (there were sea turtles right by the shore at the house!)

Non-parishable snacks that your "picky" child(ren) will eat.