Many of the locals use WhatsApp for communication, so you might consider downloading the app to make booking excursions and making local calls easier.

US cash is accepted here dollar for dollar with the local Bahamian currency. Many places accept Visa or Mastercard, but not American Express. You don't need to travel with a lot of cash, as there are ATM machines on the island. One is at the Royal Bank in Georgetown and the other is to the left of Kermit's Airport Lounge outside of the airport terminal. Sometimes the ATM machines are empty or credit card machines are down, so don't wait until the last minute to get some cash.

Renting a car is recommended to get around the Island with ease. The entire island is 65 miles end to end with the Airport being centrally located. Farmers Hill (where our house is located) is about 3 miles to the West/Northwest from Airport, and Georgetown (the largest settlement on the island) is about 9 miles to the east/Southeast from Airport.

DRIVING IN EXUMA IS ON THE LEFT! Please use caution and a designated driver is always a good idea. The main highway that runs the length of the island is Queens Highway. Sandcastle House is located to the West (northwest) of the airport. Georgetown is to the East (southeast). There are roundabouts along the road, so keep to the left. The road through Georgetown is one way and makes a loop. As you approach, you will see a sign to stay right. You will curve around and come to a fork in the road. If you turn left, you loop through town. If you go right, you head towards Little Exuma.

We have included some rental car recommendations that came from our Rental Hosts. We rented our car from Thompson’s Car rental 🤗. 




Groceries and supplies can be expensive on the island. Many families bring supplies with them. You are allowed to bring in food items for your personal use. Just don't bring fruits or vegetables.

EXUMA MARKET

Best for stocking up.

Located in downtown Georgetown, this is the largest grocery store with the best selection.

M-S 8 to 6. Sun 8-3

700 Wines & Spirits is next door.

PRIME ISLAND MEATS & DELI

Best for meats and seafood. Located on Queens Highway on your way to Georgetown. They also have a wholesale store next door that has the best prices for paper goods.

M-S 8-5. Closed Sunday

SMITTY'S

Best for smaller needs. Located to the left on Queens Highway. They have a pharmacy attached and a liquor store next door.

M-S 8-6. Closed Sunday.

BOWES CONVENIENCE STORE

Best for last minute things you might need. Small store, closest to the house. Turn right on Queen's highway, 1 mile. Liquor store next door. M-S 8-10 Sun 8-2

A.I.D.

On Queens Highway toward Georgetown. Closest thing on the island to a Walmart. You can find toys, home goods, etc... 242-336-2780

There is a lot to do in and around Exuma, depending on your personal preference. We have an extensive list of recommendations from our Rental Hosts for Boat Rentals, Guided Fishing Tours, Scuba/Snorkeling, Kayak Rentals, Etc. We will included some of these recommendations here and please let us know if you have any questions!

CHAT N CHILL on STOCKING ISLAND

You can reach the island by taking a small ferry from downtown Georgetown. You will see a sign for Elvis Water Taxi and some guys under a tree. You can park in that lot and they will direct you where to go. The ride is $15/person. Bring your towels and/or chairs with you. there are also picnic tables. They serve local cuisine and cold drinks (the local beer is "Kalik" and "Sands"). On Sundays, they host a pig roast and we recommend trying the fresh conch salad at the Conch Shack. You can watch them prepare it for you and feed the scraps to the stingrays for some great pics!

BOAT EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Taking a boat tour to see the swimming pigs, sharks, iguanas or Thunderball Grotto or spearfishing and snorkeling is always fun!

Contact:

--ToursRus @1toursrus 242-524-1319 @acwatersportscompany

--Sugar Adventure Company @sugaradventurecompany or 242-524-2607

--Exuma Water Sports @exumawatersports or exumawatersports.com

--IslandBoy Charters @islandboyadverntures or islandboyadventures.com

-- BOAT RENTALS:

Exuma Boat Rentals 242-357-0036 exumaboatrentals.com

Minns Water Sports @Minns.water.sports info@mwsboats.com

Kayak Adventure @ttwatersports

Bone Fishing and Deep Sea Fishing

Known as the "Grey Ghost", bonefish can be found in the flat areas of the island in as little as one foot of water.

Go deep sea fishing for exotic creatures such as wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, king fish, barracuda, sharks, and blue marlin.

-- GOLF/RESORT:

SANDALS EMERALD BAY GOLF CLUB

Greg Norman designed golf course. Green Fees + Cart = 250.00

Club Rental + Sleeve of Balls = 75.00 242-336-6800 for tee times

SANDALS EMERALD DAY PASS

Spend the day at the Sandals resort. Timing options include: 10am to 5pm or 5pm to 2am

350.00/person all inclusive 242-336-6800

-- MASSAGE:

Island Massage

In-house services, 120.00 - 60 minute massage

242-524-8309

Healing Hands Massage Services

242-524-4274

242-345-0247

-- PLACES TO SEE:

COCO PLUM BEACH

Coco Plum Beach is a really beautiful outing not far from Sandcastle House, Turn right onto Queen's Highway and start looking for the signs on the right in about 15 minutes. You can walk way out into the ocean. While you are up that way, stop for lunch at Big D's Conch Spot!

TROPIC OF CANCER BEACH

Tropic of Cancer Beach is one of the most stunning beaches you will ever see. It is located in Little Exuma and makes a great day trip. Stay right at the fork in Georgetown and continue southeast. Cross the bridge and start looking for the signs in about 10 minutes. While you are there eat at Santana's, our favorite beach lunch spot! Take the chairs and umbrellas and pack your cooler for a great day!

DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN

Visit the straw market, browse one of the local shops on the main street, or pay a visit to the 200 year old St. Andrews Anglican Church. Grab a daiquiri at Sherries Daiquiri Shack or a snack at Island Boy Cafe!

Exuma is a developing nation on an island. It is important to let you know ahead of time that sometimes the infrastructure can cause inconveniences (i.e., interruptions in WIFI service, power outages, low water pressure). It may be good to check with your chosen rental to make sure they have a back-up generator, etc. JUST IN CASE! :)

Exuma is located on the ocean with a wonderful coastal breeze. Fortunately, this reduces the problems with mosquitos and No See Ums (Sand Flies) but does not eliminate them. Dusk and Dawn are the most active times, or when there is limited wind. They are somewhat seasonal, so it's hard to predict when there might be a problem. We suggest packing oil-based repellents such as Skin So Soft and applying these daily. It is also wise to pack some Benadryl and/or Cortisone cream (just in case).