About Exuma
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Exuma consists of two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma together with approximately 365 little cays centrally located in the Bahama Islands chain. They are located 35 miles southeast of Nassau. The Exumas occupy approximately 110 square miles. Most cays are uninhabited and many are owned privately. There are just under 4,000 residents. The average year round temperature is 78°. Exuma is home to the Bahama Iguana and on some cays they are large, friendly and you can hand feed them. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a major attraction and offers a nature lovers thrill. You can view rare birds, fish and flora on these perfect islands. Farming and fishing are the most important sectors of income on the islands with tourism playing a much smaller part. Fresh pineapple, tomatoes, guava, mangoes, avocados and pigeon peas are produced on the island and are exported nationwide. The Exumas have long remained yachter's preferred island. Offering many fine marinas, breath taking beaches and pristine reefs. Snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular as is bone fishing, a fly fishing sport. Staniel's Cay is where the James Bond 'Thunderball' movie was filmed and the site is now referred to as Thurderball Grotto. Truly some of the prettiest settings are in place with rolling hills above aquamarine seas. The capital, located on Great Exuma, is George Town. In late April the Family Island Regatta is hosted here. Growing cotton was once an important industry. The 200-year-old Cotton House in William's Town recants this era. Salt farming was another prominent industry of the past: you can still visit the ancient salt ponds. Highbourn Cay was once used to re-acclimate slaves taken from illegal slavers between 1807 and 1883. The Norman Cay area sports junked and trashed airplanes dating from the notorious drug-dealing days before illicit trade was cleared out. In colonial times a grave concern was how to instill among native sloop racers the British idea of fair play. At one time, if an islander saw a sloop pull ahead, he was not above throwing a pot of fire and burning his rival out of the racing competition. British yachtsmen found this behaviour somewhat disgruntling. Farming was an important industry in Colonial times, with cotton a mainstay. Salt farming was also a key industry of the past. There are many salt ponds you can visit. Pirates were abundant in the cays of Exuma. Of special fame, Shark Lady whose all female crew took to sea topless (and bra-less). Rolle is the most common last name, which also is predominate in settlements such as Rolleville and Rolle Town. All are Lord John Rolle namesakes. The British Crown granted Lord Rolle huge tracts of land in Exuma. After emancipation, Exuma's former slaves took Lord Rolle's surname as their own. Next time you meet a Rolle see if his/her heritage is of Exuma. |
Conch Salad
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What to bring on your vacation
| Passport Upon your arrival you are required to clear Bahamas Immigration and Customs |
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| Clothing Dress in Exuma is casual, so shorts and summer tops are fine. Fancy clothes are not necessary. You can attend any of the restaurants or religious services in shorts! It can get cool at night, long pants and a light jacket or sweater are recommended during the winter months. You should bring walking shoes (tennis), sandals, slippers or beach shoes, beach towels are provided in your Bahama Cottage. Bring at least two bathing suits. Wearing your swimsuit can be optional on the right beaches! |
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| Food Although your beach cottage is in close proximity to restaurants and within walking distance to a well stocked food and liquor store we recommend that you bring an ice chest with a supply of meats that will get you through the length of your stay (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Steaks, and Cold Cuts). You will have to freeze and pack your meats in regular ice (blue ice) or in a collapsible cooler. Bring lots of snacks for the kids, the little ones and the grown-up bearded ones. There is also an electric BBQ grill available at the property. Some guest even prepare their own catch! What foods to pack in a cooler for a long flight? |
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| Health Needs Prescription Medications - Bring a supply that will last you several days beyond your departure date. As an international traveler, you must anticipate delays. Remember to bring antihistamines and any other allergy medications you might need. The only pharmacy on the island of Exuma is within walking distance from your holiday cottage and there is a 24 hour walk-in clinic within a 10 minute drive from the beach cottages. Also a First Aid kit can be found in your beach cottage. |
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| Swim & Fishing Gear Bring your own snorkeling gear, use ours or rent while in Exuma. If you are a scuba diver, bring your REGULATOR and BC. You can rent air tanks with proper identification. Bring your own rods and reels or rent them in Exuma. You can fish off of the shore or you can rent a boat or a charter for the day. The fishing is great in Exuma! Generally there is snorkeling gear, fishing gear and Generally there is snorkeling gear, fishing gear and kayaks available at your beach ottage lease just ask the property manager (onsite). kayaks available at your beach ottage lease just ask the property manager (onsite). |
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What's Going On?
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JANUARY 2010 FEBRUARY |
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