Great Exuma Half-Day Tours: Top 5 Picks for a Quick Escape

Great Exuma, with its super-clear waters and jaw-dropping beauty, is a real gem in the Bahamas. Very often, people think that seeing this place means you have to spend weeks there, that simply isn’t true. These short tours let you soak in the island’s best bits, even if you are low on time. Let’s check out five top-notch half-day trips that pack a punch, each offering a window into Exuma’s character. Basically, you’ll get to experience the best of Exuma, from chilling with pigs to soaking up those unreal island views, all without having to put your whole vacation on hold.

1. Swimming Pigs Adventure

Everyone’s talking about it! No trip to Exuma is really complete until you’ve seen (and swum!) with those super cute swimming pigs. Typically, a half-day adventure does just that. The tours usually take off from Great Exuma and zoom towards Pig Beach (that’s technically Big Major Cay), and there, you’re going to meet the famous pigs who just love to paddle in the turquoise water. Honestly, it’s quite an unusual thing to see, and the tours make sure you get some quality time snapping pictures and feeding them, that’s a real must. That said, these tours are about way more than just pigs! Most of them include a stop at other close by highlights, more or less, it gives you a good feel for the Exuma Cays. Read our full review: Exuma Swimming Pigs Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pig Beach Tour)

What to Expect on the Tour

Very, very often, you will kick things off with a boat ride that takes you past some pretty cays. Then comes Pig Beach, where, in some respects, the magic happens – feeding and swimming with the pigs is always a highlight. Yet, some tours add stops to see iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay or a quick snorkeling session at a vibrant reef. More or less, that it’s a super well rounded experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

Honestly, it is hard to beat the swimming pigs adventure for its wow factor. So, too it’s family-friendly, creates fun memories, and it gives you an insight into what makes Exuma unique. Basically, if you only do one thing, you won’t go far wrong.

2. Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto

Snorkelers, listen up! Thunderball Grotto is your jam. Made famous by those “James Bond” films, this underwater cave is an amazing place to check out, full of bright fish and cool coral. Loads of half-day tours include a stop here. Usually, they give you the gear, tell you how to be careful, and let you swim in that incredibly clear water. As I was saying, swimming through the grotto is very much like stepping into a movie scene. Read our full review: Thunderball Grotto Snorkeling Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Grotto Snorkeling)

Highlights of Snorkeling Here

Imagine swimming through crystal-clear waters into a cave lit by sunlight from above. The marine life is abundant and colorful, the coral formations look cool, more or less, you’re experiencing a totally different ecosystem. Typically, the guides make sure you spot all the hot spots and point out any cool marine life.

Why This Tour Rocks

This trip is a winner because it mixes adventure with chill time. You’re not only going snorkeling; rather, you’re exploring a cool underwater spot with movie history. You’ll likely get those great views of Exuma from the boat, basically, bonus points all round.

3. A Taste of Local Culture: Exuma Markets and Towns

Want something other than beaches? Very well! Take a half-day trip around local markets and towns. They let you feel the heart of Exuma, its way of life, it’s culture. Arguably, these trips usually include a guide who knows the island well and can point out all those important things about Exuman life, might be shops where you can pick up something special, or even just get to taste some proper Bahamian grub. In some respects, this option makes for a chilled change from water sports. Read our full review: Exuma Local Culture Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Culture Tour)

What You’ll See and Do

Basically, tours typically start by visiting places where people sell the freshest local produce. Now and then, they head over to historical spots to tell you stories, or go where local artisans work, so you can see cool local arts. I mean, this gives you some proper insights into Exuma’s character.

Good for Those Who…

Anyone who gets super excited when checking out culture, meeting locals, and trying stuff that is uniquely Exuman. Very well! It’s very ideal for anyone keen to see the authentic side, you know, the actual Exuma that tourists do not see.

4. Exploring Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

For the nature-lovers out there, this one’s a sure thing. A half-day kayak trip to Moriah Harbour Cay National Park mixes relaxation with getting back to nature. Arguably, the park boasts incredible scenery, that is the sandy dunes, mangrove forests, plus lots of different bird species, now and then, even turtles and barracudas in the super clear water. I mean, a guided kayak trip makes it easier to get to all of the park’s treasures. Very well! Read our full review: Moriah Harbour Kayak Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kayak Tour)

Kayaking through Paradise

Basically, you gently paddle through clear waters, with super interesting landscapes, from soft sandy beaches to secret mangrove tunnels. So, too it’s quiet, which makes it easier to watch the birdlife, spot the cool marine life and even see the odd turtle. I mean, it really is special.

Why This Tour is a Great Idea

This option brings tranquility and a chance to get closer to the Exuma environment. I mean, it isn’t too physically hard, which means everyone can join in, plus those nature shots are amazing.

5. Starfish Bay Exploration

If you like a chill time with incredible nature, Starfish Bay could be your happy place. On a half-day visit, people are typically taken to calm, shallow waters where, as a matter of fact, starfish are found, lots of them! Most tours emphasize looking instead of touching, helping protect these sea stars in this delicate spot. Now and then, these excursions are chill and family-oriented, offering a glimpse into Exuma’s amazing underwater life in the shallows. That said, bring those underwater cameras! Read our full review: Starfish Bay Exuma Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Starfish Bay)

What You’ll Experience

The excursion focuses on carefully looking for starfish in a protected bay, often, guided, now and then, people can discover these wonderful creatures while guides teach those vital preservation tips, just to make the outing is both fun and eco-minded.

Why It’s Worth Your While

I mean, Starfish Bay provides something relaxed and informative that is more than those thrill seeking activities. I mean, that close connection with marine animals and supporting those eco practices, that is worth every penny, really.