George Town, Great Exuma: things to do, the regatta and how to get there

George Town is where most people start in the southern Exumas. It is south of the park this guide is about, so read it as a base town with a harbour, a market and a regatta, not as a park stop.

What is George Town, Great Exuma?

George Town is a town on the island of Great Exuma, in the Exuma district of the Bahamas¹. It is the capital and largest town of the district². The town sits at about 23.509° N, 75.779° W¹.

The places hub lists the other stops in the Exumas, and Staniel Cay covers the park side of the chain. For another southern stop, see Tropic of Cancer Beach.

What is there to do in George Town?

Start with the Straw Market, Elizabeth Harbour and the regatta. Stocking Island, off the port, adds beaches.

The Exuma Straw Market has been in business since the early 1960s³. It is a one-stop shop for locally handcrafted handbags, baskets and coconut and sand jewelry³.

The harbour, the regatta and the island off the port are covered below. For lodging, see where to stay in the Exumas.

What is Elizabeth Harbour?

The deep water of Elizabeth Harbour is a popular spot for sea-faring travelers¹. If you cruise in your own boat, the George Town and Elizabeth Harbour guide covers the anchorage.

The Tribune places the National Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour at George Town⁸. The beach island across the water has its own page: Stocking Island.

What is the National Family Island Regatta?

George Town hosts the Bahamas’ National Family Island Regatta each year¹. It is a sloop sailing event held in Elizabeth Harbour⁸.

The race was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in 67 years, because of COVID-19 concerns¹. The Tribune reported more than 70 boats in the classes of the 2020 regatta⁸. It also reported that organizers had projected spending around $400,000 to host it⁸.

Confirm the current dates with the regatta organizers before you plan around it.

What is Stocking Island?

Stocking Island is a small, long, narrow island off the port of George Town⁶. It has beaches and several resorts⁶. Its population is only 10⁶.

Hurricane Hole, an inlet in the middle of the island, is where sailboats anchor for protection during storms⁶. Opposite Hurricane Hole is a sandbar beach called the Spit⁶. The full guide is on the Stocking Island page.

Where did George Town get its name?

George Town was named in honour of George III². Exuma was settled in or around 1783 by American colonial loyalists fleeing the Revolutionary War². The settlers brought a cotton plantation economy to the islands².

Pirates used the harbour in the 17th century, and plantation owners from Virginia settled the town in the 18th century¹.

When	What happened
17th century	Pirates use the harbour1
18th century	Virginia plantation owners settle the town1
About 1783	American loyalists settle Exuma2
2020	Regatta cancelled for the first time in 67 years1

How do you get to George Town?

Exuma International Airport is the primary gateway into the Exumas⁴. It is on Great Exuma, just a few miles from George Town⁴. It is near Moss Town, northwest of George Town⁷. It has daily domestic and international flights⁴, and one asphalt runway, 12/30, that measures 2,149 m (7,051 ft)⁷. The Great Exuma flights guide covers the flights.

By boat, Bahamas Tourism lists the Exuma Public Dock, Emerald Bay Marina and Exuma Yacht Club Marina among the Great Exuma entry points⁵.

Is George Town inside Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park?

No. The Trust lists the park’s southern corners at 24°14′25″ N and 24°18′37″ N⁹. George Town is at about 23.509° N¹, south of those corners.

Park rules and fees apply only once you enter the park. The Trust takes no mooring reservations, and you pay through ParkPay¹⁰. The park fees guide has the rates, and the park hub has the rest of the rules. The getting there hub lists the ways to reach the Exumas and the park.