Getting to the Exumas is easier than you might think, and once you arrive, the island adventure begins!
We visited Great Exuma just after Christmas, taking advantage of the kids' winter break for a little sunshine and turquoise water. We flew from Charleston to Miami, then hopped on a quick flight to Exuma International Airport (GGT).
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And just like that, we were in paradise.
Flying Into Great Exuma ✈️
Great Exuma is the main island in the Exumas, a beautiful chain of islands and cays in the Bahamas.
You'll want to book your flight into Exuma International Airport (GGT), located near George Town. We connected through Miami, which made the trip relatively straightforward from Charleston.
THE M.FAIRCHILD TIP: When searching for flights, use airport code GGT. Don't confuse Great Exuma with Nassau (NAS), which is on a different island.
Renting a Jeep in Exuma 🚙
If you've read my St. John travel guide, you already know our family has a thing for renting Jeeps on vacation.
We love the freedom. No schedules, no waiting for transportation, and the ability to pull over whenever we spot a beautiful beach or somewhere interesting to explore.
For our Exuma trip, we rented from Thompson's Car Rental, and the experience couldn't have been easier.
Their rental location was literally across the sandy road from the airport, just steps from where we exited. No complicated shuttle arrangements or long transfers.
We found them reliable and would happily recommend them based on our experience.
Exploring Great Exuma by Car
Having our own Jeep gave us the freedom to explore beyond our resort, Grand Isle Resort & Residences, on Emerald Bay.
One of my favorite things about island vacations is discovering places along the way. A quiet stretch of beach, a little local restaurant, or a view so beautiful you have to stop and take a picture.
That's exactly why we prefer having our own transportation.
A few things to know before you go:
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Driving is on the left in the Bahamas.
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Bring a valid driver's license and confirm your rental company's requirements.
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Allow extra time on unfamiliar island roads, especially after dark.
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Reserve your rental car ahead of time, particularly during busy holiday weeks.
THE M.FAIRCHILD TAKE 🌴
RENT THE JEEP. EXPLORE THE ISLAND. TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE.
Some of our favorite vacation memories happen between the planned activities. Having our own Jeep lets us explore at our own pace, and I wouldn't do Great Exuma any other way.