Visitor Information
The Ministry of Tourism maintains an office on Queen's Highway, Exuma (tel. 242/336-2457; www.exumabahamas.org), across from Exuma Market. It's open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Special Events
In April, the National Family Island Regatta (tel. 242/336-2430) draws a yachting crowd from all over the world to Elizabeth Harbour. It's a rollicking week of fun, song, and serious racing when the island sloops go all-out to win. It's said that some determined skippers bring along extra crewmen to serve as live ballast on windward tacks, and then drop them over the side to lighten the ship for the downwind run to the finish. The event, a tradition since 1954, comes at the end of the crayfish season.
The Junkanoo Summer Festival (www.exumabahamas.org) is held in the hot months, unlike the regular Bahamian winter Junkanoo. The festival runs for 6 weeks at the peak of summer (dates vary), with events taking place every Saturday night in George Town. Bands play rake 'n' scrape music for street dancing, while small stands hawk fresh conch, grilled seafood, and plenty of rum punches. An onion-peeling competition celebrates Exuma's historic link to the cultivation of the bulb.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
