ExumaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Lucayan Inhabitants to Loyalist Settlements

The Exumas were first inhabited by the Lucayan people, who named the cays "Curateo," meaning "outer far distant land." These indigenous people were descendants of early inhabitants who traveled from the Mosquito Coast region of Africa. By the early 1500s, the Lucayan population was decimated by Spanish colonizers who enslaved them to work in other parts of the New World. This left the islands largely uninhabited for over 200 years.

During these centuries, the deserted cays became a hiding spot for pirates. Elizabeth Harbour, in particular, was a rumored haunt of Captain Kidd. Permanent settlement began around 1783, when American Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War, fled to the Exumas. They established a cotton plantation economy, and the islands grew in the late 1700s, exporting cotton and other goods directly to Liverpool and London. George Town, the capital, was named in honor of King George III.

The Legacy of Emancipation and Modern Development

The cotton plantations' prosperity was short-lived, as the soil became depleted and crops were infested by caterpillars. A significant event in Exuma's history occurred in 1842 when John Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle, a Loyalist settler, bequeathed all his substantial Exuma land holdings to his enslaved people upon his death. This act led to the naming of towns like Rolleville and Rolletown after him. The Salt Beacon, a classical Tuscan column built in the first half of the 19th century near Williamstown, stands as a reminder of the island's salt-raking industry, which was a major business before refrigeration.

The 20th century saw the Exumas gain attention during the 1970s and 80s as a center for drug trafficking, with Norman's Cay being controlled by Colombian traffickers for a period. Today, tourism is the main economic activity in the Exumas. The population more than doubled between 2000 and 2010 due to the construction of resorts and increased direct air traffic to Great Exuma.

• —George Town Regatta Park — This park hosts the annual National Family Island Regatta, an event that attracts sailors and spectators from many islands.
• —Government House Façade — The exterior of this building in George Town shows the colonial architectural style that once defined administrative centers in the Bahamas.
• —St. Andrew's Anglican Church — On Kitt's Hill in George Town, this whitewashed church, with its current structure dating to 1885, offers views of Elizabeth Harbour. The original church was founded in 1802.
• —Lake Victoria Esplanade — An area for walking in George Town, offering views of the saltwater lake.
• —Thunderball Grotto — An underwater cave system near Staniel Cay, known for its appearance in James Bond films. It is used for snorkeling due to its clear waters and marine life.
• —Tropic of Cancer Beach (Pelican Beach) — On Little Exuma, this beach is named because the Tropic of Cancer crosses it. It has white sand and turquoise waters.
• —Salt Beacon — Near Williamstown on Queen's Highway, this classical Tuscan column, built in the early 19th century, guided ships involved in the historical salt trade.

The period from November to May is generally suitable for visiting Exuma. During these months, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77-86°F), humidity is manageable, and rainfall is minimal. January through March is peak season, offering weather conditions that lead to higher prices and larger crowds. For warm water and fewer people, consider May or November.

Avoid visiting during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. While direct hits are not common, tropical storms are possible, especially from mid-August to late October. During these months, humidity is high, rainfall increases, and some boat operators may reduce their schedules.

Exuma International Airport (GGT) is the main entry point to Great Exuma, located about 16 km (10 miles) from George Town. Direct flights are available from Miami and Atlanta, and twice-daily service from Nassau. Taxis are available from the airport (approximately $35-$45 to George Town), but renting a car is recommended for exploring Great Exuma and Little Exuma, as public transportation is limited. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Local car rental companies operate near the airport. Water taxis are used for reaching Stocking Island and other cays. Parking in George Town is generally easy to find. There are two gas stations on Great Exuma, one near the airport and another in Farmer's Hill.