No cruise pier exists in the Exumas — all ships anchor in Elizabeth Harbour and tender passengers to the Government Dock in George Town.
💡 Pro move: Small/luxury lines (Windstar, Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant, SeaDream) call here regularly. Large mega-ships do not — if your big-ship itinerary lists 'Exumas' it likely means a Nassau-based day excursion by powerboat.
There is no cruise terminal; all ships anchor in Elizabeth Harbour and tender to the Government Dock in George Town.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Small/luxury lines (Windstar, Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant, SeaDream) | Elizabeth Harbour, George Town📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition ships | Elizabeth Harbour, George Town📍 | Tendered |
The Exumas reward those who get on a boat — whether it's a $20 water taxi or an organized powerboat tour to the swimming pigs.
The original swimming pigs live at Big Major Cay near Staniel Cay, about 55 miles north of George Town. High-speed powerboat excursions make the round-trip in a long but thrilling day, often pairing in nurse sharks at Compass Cay and snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto.
Find swimming pig tours →A $20 round-trip water taxi from the Government Dock crosses to Stocking Island's twin beaches — calm harbor side and a wild Atlantic-facing strand. Chat 'N' Chill beach bar serves made-to-order conch salad in the sand. On Sundays they run a pig roast.
Find Stocking Island tours →A cathedral-like underwater cave near Staniel Cay featured in two James Bond films. Snorkelers swim through an entrance hole into a cavern lit by shafts of sunlight, surrounded by tropical fish. Usually combined with the swimming pigs.
Find snorkel grotto tours →At low tide, a vast sandbar unfolds north of George Town — you can wade hundreds of yards into the ocean with water barely above your ankles. Abundant sand dollars. Taxi required (about 40 min from port).
Find Coco Plum beach trips →Paddle through the protected national park's mangroves and crystal flats, spotting baby lemon sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles in water so clear you can see every detail on the seabed.
Find kayak eco tours →A cluster of colorful Bahamian beach shacks about 1.5 miles north of the dock. Order cracked conch, lobster, peas 'n' rice and wash it down with a Kalik beer. Shirley's is the local favourite. Taxi or a hot walk.
Find food tours in George Town →George Town is small and flat — most things of interest are within a 10-minute stroll of the tender dock.
From the Government Dock, walk along the waterfront to Lake Victoria — a landlocked saltwater lake used by local fishermen. Continue up the hill to St. Andrew's Anglican Church for harbour views, then loop back through the straw market to the dock.
Climate normals for Exuma Islands, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 85°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 17 | 7:32 AM | 7:23 PM |
| Feb | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 | 7:34 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Mar | 87°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 7:25 AM | 7:29 PM |
| Apr | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 | 7:11 AM | 7:25 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 | 7:04 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 7:06 AM | 7:32 PM |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 7:12 AM | 7:36 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 7:14 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 7:09 AM | 7:18 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 29 | 7:04 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 30 | 7:07 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 23 | 7:19 AM | 7:08 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ships tender directly into George Town, so the main dock is essentially the town center. Most shops, restaurants, and the Government Dock are within easy walking distance.
Fixed-zone rates (no meters) — always confirm the fare before you get in. An additional $3/person applies for groups over two. Hotels and the dock area can help you find drivers.
Water taxis run from the Government Dock in George Town to Stocking Island, a short hop across the harbour with a beautiful beach and snorkeling.
Great Exuma is spread out — a rental car is the best way to reach more distant beaches, Fish Fry at Barreterre, and other attractions along the main road.
The islands are best explored by sea. Group day tours visit swimming pigs, iguanas, sandbars, and snorkeling spots throughout the Exuma Cays. Book through local operators or your ship.
Upcoming cruises that call at Exuma Islands, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.