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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

The largest of the 365 mostly uninhabited islands, or cays, within The Bahamas' 190-kilometre (120-mile) Exuma archipelago, Great Exuma rests on the Tropic of Cancer, just 209 kilometres (130 miles) southeast of Nassau. Here, temperatures average 26°C (78°F), all year round. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island's gently sloping beaches are floored in soft, white sand that simply invites sunning, snorkelling or wading. Sunlight refracts through the shallow water, creating a kaleidoscope of vivid aquamarine. Yet, this island paradise remains largely undiscovered, and home to only 3,400 residents.

Of all the beautiful beaches on Great Exuma, crescent-shaped Emerald Bay is particularly scenic. And, just outside the bay, a rainbow of brightly coloured tropical fish, delicate coral and graceful manta rays abound in the pristine waters. Further away is Exuma Cays National Land and Sea Park, a 453-square-kilometre (175-square-mile) preserve founded in 1958, the first of its kind in the world. Home to several rare and exotic species of birds, reptiles, fish and flora, the park welcomes visitors, above the water or below, to an inspiring sanctuary, unspoiled by fishing or hunting. Divers can explore the magnificent coral reef of Exuma Sound, filled with caves, drop-offs and blue holes.

Please note: All visitors to Bahamas must possess a valid passport and a return or onward journey ticket.

Time zone

GMT -5 hours
Eastern Time

Language(s) spoken

English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Working hours

Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

George Town: 25 minutes/24 kilometres/15 miles

Time and distance to shopping

George Town: 25 minutes/24 kilometres/15 miles
There are also two retail outlets within the Resort.

Time and distance to financial district

George Town: 25 minutes/24 kilometres/15 miles

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

March

Cruising Regatta: Held in Elizabeth Harbour, this seven-day regatta brings together cruise boats and yachts for a number of racing events. During the regatta there are colourful Bahamian variety shows in George Town, games and activities for children and local arts, crafts and produce for sale at the markets.

April

Family Island Regatta: Held over six days in the last week of April, the Family Island Regatta has been an annual celebration held at Elizabeth Harbour in Great Exuma since 1953. All sailing vessels are locally crafted, bringing together Bahamas' best boat builders and crews to race in five sailing divisions. Street festivals and celebrations are held throughout the regatta in the settlement of George Town.

December

Junkanoo: The national festival of the Bahamas, Junkanoo is a Mardi Gras celebrating Bahamian culture and music with colourful street parades, performances and dancing. The carnival begins in George Town on Boxing Day, December 26, at 4:00 am and continues through the early morning until 9:00 am.