The Exumas offer a wider range of accommodation than their remote reputation might suggest, from no-frills George Town guesthouses to ultra-luxury private island resorts. Most visitors cluster around George Town or Stocking Island, with a second cluster around Staniel Cay further up the chain.
Accommodation is scattered across a 130-mile chain of cays, so location matters enormously. George Town on Great Exuma is the service hub, closest to the airport, grocery stores, and the main town infrastructure. Stocking Island sits directly across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town and has a more remote, beach-camp feel. Staniel Cay in the central cays is a full day's boat ride from George Town and is the staging point for the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, and the pristine upper cays. The very northern cays host private island properties accessible only by charter flight.
Luxury
Grand Isle Resort and Spa
The main full-service resort on Great Exuma, located at Emerald Bay roughly 15 minutes from George Town. Villa-style units with full kitchens, a pool, spa, and the closest thing to a resort experience in the Exumas. Popular with couples and families who want amenities but aren't doing a boating trip. Rates typically $400–700+/night for a villa.†
Sandals Emerald Bay
An adults-only all-inclusive resort also at Emerald Bay, part of the Sandals chain. The most structured resort experience available in the Exumas, with full meals, drinks, and water sports included. Not the place for an authentic Exuma experience, but a reliable all-inclusive option for couples who want that format.†
Private Island Villas
The upper Exuma Cays have a number of ultra-luxury private island properties available for exclusive rental. These are typically accessed by charter aircraft or private yacht and are priced accordingly, expect $5,000–$20,000+/night for a whole-island or large villa experience.†
Mid-Range
Staniel Cay Yacht Club
On Staniel Cay in the central cays, this is the essential stop for anyone exploring the Exuma Cays by boat. Comfortable (not luxurious) cottages, marina facilities, a good restaurant, and a bar. Proximity to the swimming pigs at Big Major's Spot, Thunderball Grotto, and Black Point settlement makes it the best-positioned base in the cays. Rates typically $200–350/night. Book well ahead, as it is small and fills up in season.†
Chat N Chill (Stocking Island)
The famous beach bar on Stocking Island also rents a small number of simple cottages. Location directly on the beach is excellent; facilities are basic. More of a camp-meets-beach-bar experience than a hotel.†
Vacation Rentals
A substantial supply of private homes and villas throughout Great Exuma are available on VRBO, Airbnb, and direct rental platforms. This is often the best value for families or groups, a full house with kitchen access for less than a resort room. Quality varies; read reviews carefully.
Budget
George Town Guesthouses
A handful of basic guesthouses and small inns in and around George Town offer the most affordable accommodation on the island. Expect simple rooms, limited amenities, but a good base for exploring the town area. Rates around $80–130/night.†
Camping
Informal camping is sometimes possible on remote cays for boaters, but there are no established commercial campgrounds. Not a practical option for fly-in visitors.
Practical Notes
- Book early for the high season (December through April), particularly Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which has very limited inventory.
- Self-catering is highly practical in the Exumas; Grand Isle and vacation rentals with full kitchens can significantly reduce food costs.
- If you're based in George Town, you do NOT have convenient access to Staniel Cay and the upper cays. It requires a full-day boat excursion or charter flight. Consider whether George Town or Staniel Cay better fits your trip goals.
- Resort fees, taxes, and service charges add meaningfully to stated rates; budget an additional 15–25% on top of quoted room rates.
Seeded from general knowledge as of 2026-06-08. Not yet compiled from verified sources.