Long Island or Exuma: Which Island Fits Your Vacation?
By the Klainguti family ·
Exuma is famous for swimming pigs and sandbars, Long Island for space, stillness and untouched beaches. We live with Long Island but know both sides – and explain who is better off where.
Two islands, two characters
Anyone planning the Bahamas ends up asking sooner or later: Exuma or Long Island? Both offer turquoise water, white beaches and a relaxed island culture. The difference is the pace. Exuma is better known, busier and more geared toward visitors. Long Island is quieter, more authentic and more spread out.
We, the Klainguti family, own Villa Serenity at Cape Santa Maria on Long Island. Of course we're not completely neutral. We'll still try to be fair, because not every trip suits every island.
Landscape and beaches
Exuma is a long chain of small islands called cays. The highlights are the shallow water between them, sandbars and marine parks. Much of it is experienced by boat.
Long Island, by contrast, is a single long, narrow island about 80 miles long. One side has calm, shallow bays; the other has the open Atlantic coast with cliffs and surf. Cape Santa Maria, with its long white sand beach, regularly ranks among the region's most beautiful. Often we have it almost to ourselves.
Getting there
From Switzerland you reach both islands usually with a connection through Nassau or a US airport. Exuma has an international airport in George Town served by more connections. To Long Island you typically fly from Nassau on a small plane, then pick up your rental car. It takes a bit more effort but rewards you with peace. Costs are covered in our article on trip costs.
Activities compared
What Exuma offers
- The famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay
- Boat tours to sandbars and marine parks
- More restaurants, bars and lodging in George Town
- A good choice of organized excursions
What Long Island offers
- Snorkeling and swimming right at your doorstep
- Dean's Blue Hole, one of the deepest blue holes in the world
- Hamilton's Cave and the history of the Lucayan people
- Bonefishing on the flats and quiet drives across the island
- Small villages, island churches and local cooking
If you want to see Exuma anyway, you don't have to give it up: a day trip is possible, see our Exuma day trip guide.
Quiet and infrastructure
Exuma has more choice: grocery stores, restaurants, resorts. In return, beaches at popular spots can get busy at times. Long Island has fewer shops and restaurants, distances are longer, and you plan your shopping a little more deliberately. In return, the beach is yours. If you want bustle and nightlife, you'll find less on Long Island. If you want to switch off, more.
Price level
The Bahamas are generally not a budget destination, since much is imported. On Exuma, lodging and tours are often pricier in high season because demand is higher. Long Island has a smaller supply, and a self-catering villa can make a lot of sense for families and groups. We deliberately don't give exact figures – our overview of trip costs is a good guide.
Which island suits whom?
Exuma fits if you …
- mainly want boat tours and the famous photo spots
- value restaurants and choice nearby
- plan a shorter trip with a full program
Long Island fits if you …
- look for stillness, space and a private beach
- like to cook for yourself and set your own pace
- enjoy nature, caves, blue holes and fishing
- want to share a whole villa with family or friends
Our verdict
If you want a week of island hopping and excursions, Exuma is a good choice. If you truly want to arrive, wake with the tides and see a night sky free of light pollution, we recommend Long Island. And the nice part: you can combine both.
Have a look at Villa Serenity or browse the activities. If you're unsure, write to us via the inquiry form – we're happy to give honest advice.
Questions to ask before choosing
Compare actual days rather than island names. Would you like to leave for a different excursion every morning, or would you rather finish breakfast without making any decisions? Write down your priorities, then check which accommodations, connections, and activities are genuinely available. This helps you avoid choosing a trip simply because the photographs look appealing.
Combining islands takes planning
A combination works best with room in the schedule. Check connections for your dates before committing to accommodations. A direct service is not a given; you may need to travel through Nassau. Boat excursions also depend on wind, sea conditions, and where the operator is based. We would not promise an Exuma excursion as a guaranteed feature of a Long Island stay.
For families, the number of moves matters too. Every change means packing, transfers, and getting oriented again. Sometimes a single base with a few carefully chosen outings is more restful than a long list of islands visited. On either island, a quiet beach is still a shared natural setting. It does not mean exclusive ownership or a guarantee that no one else will be there.
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Island quieter than Exuma?
Yes. Long Island is less touristy, has fewer restaurants and shops, and offers many almost empty beaches. Exuma is busier and more geared toward visitors.
Can I visit Exuma from Long Island?
Yes, an excursion to Exuma is possible, for example by flight or as an organized day trip. See our Exuma day trip article for planning details.
Which island is cheaper?
It depends on your travel style and the season. Both islands sit at the high Bahamas price level. A self-catering villa can be economical on Long Island, especially for families and groups.
Stay right on the beach: Villa Serenity is the perfect home base. All things to do on Long Island
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