Packing Tips

Essentials

Don’t leave home without these:

  • Passport

  • Sunscreen - much cheaper in the US/Europe & the sun is so much stronger here (hello Tropic of Cancer!) We recommend SPF 50 even if you “don’t burn.” SPF for your lips is also a must. Also, roll-on or rub-in sunscreen is much better than spray.

  • Swimsuits (@ least 2)

  • Hat (bucket hat, or one with a big brim would be a great idea)

  • Casual clothes

    • Tees/tanks & shorts are the dress code here. No need for anything fancy! If you plan to do one “nice dinner out” a summer dress or collared polo shirt will be more than enough.

  • Swim cover

  • Flip flops/Slides

  • Light sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt for boat rides or evenings out

  • Bug spray if you plan to be out after dark. The no-see-ums are no joke! Bring the DEET.

  • Camera! An underwater camera would be extra fun, but even your cellphone camera will do.

  • Chargers for whatever devices you bring

Other Great Ideas

If you have space:

  • Water shoes, especially great if you are going to go out on the pontoon bikes

  • Portable, waterproof speakers

  • A cooler. If you are packing light, a soft-sided cooler is a great addition for your trip, especially if you plan to pack a lunch for a beach day or boat trip. If you are planning to check luggage, you could also pack a cooler and bring some food with you. This is a great idea if you arrive on a Sunday, as sometimes stores will be closed or have shortened hours.

  • If you plan to snorkel and have room, you might want your own gear. Otherwise be sure to arrange with your tour company to make sure that they have enough for everyone in your party.

We’ve Got You

Best to leave this at home:

  • Towels/Sheets - we have extra sets

  • Reusable grocery bags. You’ll need them at Exuma Markets, but we have a couple in the unit for you to use.

  • Laundry pods. We have Kirkland Pods on-hand, but if you need specialized soap or have any sensitivities, please bring what works for you!

  • Hairdryers. The wind and sun will have your hair dry in no time anyway, but if you do need a blow out, we’ve got you covered with a hair dryer in each bathroom.

Good to Know:
General Island Knowledge

Sometimes traveling to a foreign country can be quirky. Here are some good things to know before you go:

  • CASH IS KING: Bahamian & US currency are one-for-one and can be used interchangeably. While many locations take both cash & credit now, there are likely to be fees for using a credit card, so ask before you use, and bring plenty of cash. Always use cash for tips, for boat excursions, and at places with extra high fees.

  • FLIGHTS: You’ll fly into Georgetown, Exuma (GGT). There are direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Charlotte on American, Atlanta on Delta, and Nassau on Bahamas Air. Flight times can be oddly spaced, and change based upon the season, so do some research before booking your trip.

  • ISLAND TIME: It’s not just a cute saying, it’s the real deal. Be prepared to relax, and be patient. Always call before you go, and never assume somewhere will be open because it was yesterday, or earlier today.

A Suggested Timeline

6-12 Months Prior
to Departure

  • Check your passport

    • Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your entry date.

  • Book airline tickets

  • Book a rental car

2-3 Months Prior
to Departure

  • Check that your flight hasn’t changed

  • Book an excursion with HydroWater Sports242 and/or TT Water Sports to experience Moriah Cay up close

  • Touch base with a boat excursion company. You may need to wait to book until your trip is closer, or book and confirm within a week or two.

2-4 Weeks Prior
to Departure

  • Book or confirm your boat tours

    • See The Island page for our recs

    • Note that your date will need to be flexible due to weather changes

  • Check your packing list and stock up on essentials

1 Week Prior
to Departure

  • Do not fret about the weather!

    • The weather in Exuma is relatively steady, and hovers between 75-85 degrees year-round. You may look at a forecast filled with rain and fret, but wind typically moves these bands out of the way, and it is extremely rare to get a full day of rain.

Travel Day

  • Grab your passport!

  • On the plane you’ll need to fill out your customs/immigration form.

  • When you land in Exuma you’ll need to exit the plane outside and walk into the airport

  • NO CAMERAS OR PHONES are allowed until you are through customs and outside the airport.

  • Make sure you have arranged transportation prior to departing.

Heading Home

  • Double check for all of your belongings

  • Please run a load or two of towels if time permits

  • Don’t forget your Passport!

  • Book your return trip to Paradise

FAQs

Where do we buy groceries?

With a rental car, grocery shopping is a breeze. There are several options for grocery shopping on the island. The closest is Prime Island Meats & Deli. They have the best (and freshest) meat on the island. If you head south (left) from the villas on the Queensland Highway, it is in a strip-plaza on the right. It has a selection of pantry items, along with some produce, and as mentioned, great deli-meat and butcher items.
Just a few hundred yard further you’ll find Smitty’s on the left side of the road, which also has pantry staples, along with a larger selection of drug-store items. A quick note: you will likely find a limited brand selection.
The largest and most reliable store is Exuma Markets in Georgetown. This is a full grocery store, and it is usually well stocked with a full produce section, full freezer section (they even have ice cream!), and all the pantry necessities.
Do not expect a shopping experience like the U.S. The stores are all stocked by barges that come in 1-2 times a week. These barges supply all of the stores on the island. Try not to be picky, or bring the things that you are picky about!

Why is the milk not refrigerated?

Stable-shelf milk is an interesting thing, and honestly it took us a couple of trips to get over it. Essentially, shelf-stable milk has been processed using ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization and packaged in a sterile container, allowing it to be stored at room temperature for an extended period, typically up to six months. This differs from regular refrigerated milk, which is pasteurized at a lower temperature and requires refrigeration. So it’s totally safe to drink, just put it in the fridge once you open it.

What should we know about boat trips?

There are a few different boat excursions offered, but we highly recommend getting out on the water while you are in Exuma. If you opt for a cays trips, it will be a full day (8a-4p, depending on tides and weather), so be prepared! The boat captains will provide all safety equipment and will usually have a lunch stop planned, but bring a dry bag with a towel, sunscreen, cover up, camera, hat, and more sunscreen. Wear your swimsuit!

What if I want to bonefish or deep sea fish?

Great question! Because we haven’t done these things, you won’t find a personal recommendation on this page. However, there are definitely some guides on the island that will take you out to do these things. You can check out Bonefish Stevie or Exuma Bonefishing and Fishing Charters, but we cannot personally endorse either.

Can we book a tour to scuba dive and snorkel?

If you are an experienced scuba diver, this would be an amazing place to scuba! While we do not have a personal recommendation, check out Dive Exuma, which offers both scuba and snorkel tours.