Exumas Honeymoon, the Bahamas

On Exuma, you can discover friendly locals, rolling green hills, the remains of once-majestic plantations, gorgeous beaches, coral gardens offering perfect snorkelling and diving in crystal clear water, and easy-to-reach cays that are ideal for secluded picnics. It's the perfect honeymoon destination for a memorable romantic holiday.

The Exumas are also regarded as one of the world’s great cruising destinations (along with the islands of the Abacos and the Grenadines). If you can’t arrive on your own vessel, simply hire a bare-boat or skippered yacht to explore these picture-perfect islands. The Elizabeth Harbour's annual regatta in April typically attracts yachting greats as well as celebrities and European royalty.

Things to do and see
Favourite spots on the Exumas include Staniel Cay, home to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and nearby Thunderball Cave – seen in the James Bond film of the same name – where you can snorkel with friendly fish accustomed to being hand fed.

Other favourite sights are the laid-back capital of Georgetown and the barrier cay of Stocking Island, which features panoramic views from atop its high bluff and a series of gorgeous white-sand beaches separated by limestone headlands.

Spend a day snorkelling or scuba diving the magnificent coral reefs, blue holes, drop-offs and caves of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a vast 45,000ha land and sea preserve and wildlife refuge that lies just 35km northwest of Staniel Cay and is only accessible by boat.

While there, relax on unspoiled white-sand beaches and look out for the endangered Bahamian iguanas. Or head to nearby Stocking Island, which features crystal clear waters above coral gardens, perfect for snorkelling and exploring blue holes and underwater caves.

Fishing aficionados are spoilt for choice between bottom-fishing and deep-sea fishing. Hook up a charter to catch bonefish or chase white and blue marlin, kingfish, dolphin fish, sailfish, bonito and wahoo on both sides of Exuma Sound.

Accommodation
Choose from a range of beachfront hotels and exclusive private-island resorts, most of which are found around the capital of George Town on Great Exuma, Staniel Cay and Sampson Cay. These include the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay, which faces a stunning white-sand beach and features a Greg Norman-designed championship 18-hole golf course.

Or rent a spacious villa at February Point Resort Estates, located on a private 32ha peninsula overlooking a string of tiny cays, coves and pristine white-sand beaches.

Best time to visit Exuma?
The best time to visit Exuma is from November to April, when temperatures average a balmy 24°C with cooling trade winds. Temperatures average 28°C during the rest of the year, with the temperature dropping about 5°C after dark. Summer, from May to October, is the rainy season. June through to November marks the official hurricane season (probably best avoided). For more climate info: Bahamas Weather Guide

Location – The Exumas are a mainly undeveloped 193km-long string of 360 picturesque islands and cays that stretch south of New Providence Island in the Bahamas.

Getting there – By air, Exuma International Airport (16km from George Town) receives daily direct flights from Nassau, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. By boat, a fast catamaran makes the eight-hour trip from Nassau. How to get to the Exumas . . .