Not to be confused with the beach by the same name in Florida, Coco Plum Beach was my favorite beach on the island of Great Exuma, and easily the most beautiful beach I have ever visited as an adult, the other being one I went to as a child in the Caribbean.

Several things make Coco Plum Beach the best on my list: It’s remote and deserted, it’s pristine, and the water is unparalleled: warm and crystal-clear, with sandbars that stretch out like long slender arms reaching across a barren sea.

At low tide, the water arrives ankle-deep in parts, and to the shins in others. With the sand so soft and powder-white, the water looks like a swimming pool. The sun sparkles on its surface, illuminating the shallow depths. On one day, I walked all the way to a small island: a craggy outcrop in the sea, mostly covered with shrubs and rocks, and a small sandy beach. I had to swim the last 30 yards or so, but only because I could barely touch the bottom with my toes. Once there, I walked to the other side and took in the view: A reef separated the small island from the open sea. Then, not wanting to get caught in the rising tide and currents, I headed back to Coco Plum Beach, swimming a ways before climbing back up the sandbar and wading through the water which now arrived at my waist. It was exhilarating. Not another soul was in sight, except for my family who had remained on the beach.

The beach with its sandbars is also known for sand dollars lying half-buried on the shallow sandy floor. We must have found over 100 of them. It was like searching for treasure! We let the live ones go, and kept only those whose occupants had long since departed their delicate shells.

This beach was by far the highlight of my visit. All the sparkling, unspoiled beauty of the island is captured by this long stretch of deserted white sand fringed with shrubs and low pines on one side, and crystalline water on the other. That’s all. No people, no shacks, no venders, no concession stands, no music. It is totally unspoiled and intensely romantic for those who are enchanted by natural beauty and things untouched by civilization.

It is truly something like the Blue Lagoon, only better because of the sandbars. There is a haunting beauty about remote places. A secluded splendor. They are steeped in solitude and seem to unleash one’s vivid imagination.

It certainly did for mine.

The dock at Barraterre where we boarded

The best way to explore the many cays in the Exumas is by boat, and Island Boy Adventures made the experience wonderful.

We chartered a private half-day tour so that we could visit the cays at our leisure. This was led by Jeffrey and  Quentin who were very friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel instantly welcome and at ease. I tend to get seasick easily, but had no problems at all on this excursion.

The pigs swam right up to our boat

SWIMMING WITH THE PIGS

One of the wildlife highlights of the Exumas is swimming with the pigs. We visited a small cay inhabited by these adorable creatures, and when our boat neared the shore, they immediately swam toward us with their heads and snouts above water, hoping for a treat.

It was fun roaming the cay where the pigs live

I don’t know what I was expecting precisely, but these pigs were very big! Nevertheless, I did not feel afraid of them.

I hopped into the water and made my way to the shore as they followed me closely, sniffing to see if I had any food.

The nursing piglets were so cute

I spied some piglets on the cay and just had to go get a closer look. They were so cute! Exploring the cay was lots of fun because there were plenty of pigs living there. They seem to spend their time eating or napping in the shade of some shrubs and bushes.

Even the piglets sleep in a pile together. We saw a few of them suckling milk from their mother. It was so endearing!

Now that’s a big pig…

Although they are wild, the pigs are well cared for. They are given plenty of food and fresh water daily, not to mention the occasional treats by visiting tourists.

Seeing the pigs was one of the most memorable parts of this excursion.

The secluded beach was gorgeous

SECLUDED BEACH TOUR

After spending a good while with the pigs, we climbed back into the boat, and Jeffrey took us to a small deserted cay with a gorgeous secluded beach. We ate our boxed lunch on the boat and then hopped into the water, snorkeled, and waded to the white sandy shore, where we strolled along the beach.

There were countless conch shells littering the sand by the trees and shrubs. Rocks near one end of the beach formed many small tide pools that were fun to investigate.

The iguanas came right up to us to be fed

The water was clear and beautiful as it is throughout the Exumas, and we enjoyed a quiet afternoon there without another soul to be seen anywhere.

FEEDING THE IGUANAS

Once we left the secluded beach, Jeffrey took us to another cay inhabited by large iguanas.

The iguanas are very cute

Although I remained on the boat this time, my son hopped off and made for the shore.

Soon after, one iguana appeared, then another, then many more. They came from the other side of the cay, as though on cue.

Like the pigs, they were eager for a treat, and knew from experience to equate visitors with food.

They were not disappointed.

There were lots of iguanas there

THE RIDE BACK

The ride back was breezy but fun also

On our way back to the dock from the excursion, it began to rain, but it was still an enjoyable ride. I never felt any seasickness at all.

We had taken plenty of photos, a few of which are included here. It was lovely exploring the natural beauty and wildlife for which the Exumas are known, and Island Boy Adventures made the experience a lot of fun.

They also offer fishing charters, group tours, and full-day tours. Other activities include swimming with sharks, snorkeling in the cays, and exploring hidden grottos. It’s a wonderful way to see the best of Exuma with friendly and knowledgeable guides.

For more information visit Island Boy Adventures.

Grand Isle Resort & Spa

Nestled on a gently sloping hill overlooking the powdery-sand beach of Emerald Bay on Great Exuma, Grand Isle Resort & Spa captures all the magic of the Exumas in the Bahamas.

One of the resort’s oceanfront villas

This resort is truly in a class of its own. It offers the best, most family-friendly accommodations on the island. These aren’t your standard hotel suites either, but rather private, spacious villas with spectacular views of the gorgeous aquamarine-hued ocean.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Spacious living room

If you are going to spend a week away from home on holiday, you want to do it comfortably. The 78 villas at this resort are fully-furnished with custom, elegant décor like something out of an architectural magazine: high ceilings, crown moldings, travertine tile with mosaic detail, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and much more.

Fully-appointed gourmet kitchen

The villas come in a choice of one- to four-bedrooms, so that even larger families have a comfortable place to relax. Wireless internet, plasma televisions, washer/dryer, air conditioning and fully-appointed gourmet kitchens offer all the comforts of home.

View from the balcony

The private balconies make the most of the sweeping vistas and balmy breezes. Lush landscaping with palm trees, hibiscus, and all kinds of tropical foliage bursting with color make this resort gorgeous.

Imagine taking a deep, invigorating breath of the salty sea breeze as you stand on the balcony, gazing out at the water. Seagulls shriek and swoop overhead, catching the breeze that lifts them high above the ground. You close your eyes briefly as you listen to the water lapping at the shore a short walk from where you stand. It is quiet and serene as the sun warms your skin.

ACTIVITIES

This four-diamond award winning resort comes with a spa, fitness room, infinity-edged swimming pool, concierge service, daily housekeeping, complimentary supervised children’s activities, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkel gear, access to the Emerald Bay Golf Course, and more.

Delicious on-site restaurant: Palapa Grill

DINING

The on-site Palapa Grill restaurant is absolutely gourmet, and one of the best restaurants on the island. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a full bar and wine list so you don’t need to go anywhere else. Breakfast features tasty options like eggs, omelets, buttermilk pancakes, coconut French toast, smoked salmon bagels, fruit, pastries, specialty coffees and teas, and more.

Infinity pool

Lunch and dinner offer a variety of choices from salads, burgers and sandwiches, to delectable appetizers, fresh fish and seafood, local cuisine, and even beef tenderloin that is cooked to perfection every single time. Things like gazpacho, Caesar salad, Bahamian conch bites, grouper, roasted pork chop, and seafood fettuccini are all wonderful.

GETTING AROUND

Golf cart in the private garage of our villa

Golf cart rentals are available for getting around the resort, and can be parked inside your private garage that comes with each of the villas.  For those who wish to explore the island, renting a car is the best way, and can be easily arranged with the resort concierge. It can also be delivered to the resort for your convenience. The concierge is also very helpful with providing information about places to see on the island, printed directions, and tours. Help is plentiful and readily available so you can spend your time making the most of your vacation.

Layout of the resort

For those interested in getting groceries delivered to your villa, the concierge offers this service also. Dining reservations, tee times and any special requests or events can be arranged with them as well.

STAFF

Path leading to the beach of Emerald Bay

The Bahamian people are warm and very friendly, and this goes for the staff at the resort as well. From the moment of our arrival, we were made to feel welcome, especially after a long day of travel. Every time we past one of the locals on the street or a staff member at the resort, they always offered us a genuine smile and a wave. Theirs is an easygoing cheerful manner inspired by the beauty of the islands, which is reflected in their eyes.

If you are going to visit paradise, make it a special treat to remember. The Grand  Isle Resort & Spa is a breathtaking resort that makes the most of this Bahamian haven. It reflects the splendor of the dazzling jewel-toned waters of the Exumas. This is a trip of a lifetime, and one you will never forget. It certainly was for us.

The Exumas are one of the Bahamas best kept secrets

This is one of many remote beaches in the Exumas

I had few expectations before visiting the Exumas in the Bahamas. I was more concerned about safe flights and staying healthy. Even the prospect of rain did not trouble me. I actually love the rain, especially on a tropical island. Anything from a gentle shower, heady with the fragrance of rich vegetation and the salty sea, to a drenching downpour, beating the landscape into utter submission. There is a kind of wild romance about a drenching downpour. Not the sweet, tender variety either, but a hedonistic, all-encompassing passion that is totally exhilarating.

The water is as clear as an aquamarine

What I discovered after arriving on Great Exuma – the largest cay of the islands comprising the Exumas – was something altogether enchanting. Gazing out of the plane’s window, I was greeted with a bird’s-eye view of the 37-mile-length island. From this perspective, it looked rather primitive:  lush, green, largely undeveloped and uninhabited. It looked like a place which Civilization had not yet beaten into submission. Taking in the view, I could feel the first stirrings of excitement begin to course through my veins.

The Exuma cays are fun to explore, and easily accessible by boat

This is not a place for those who seek loud nightlife. Nor is it a place for shoppers who delight in browsing the glamorous wares deemed fashionable by a so-called cultured society. Neither is it a stylish venue to people-watch, and see or be seen.

Everywhere you look, the views are stunning

But if you like peace, quiet, tranquility, and the splendor of nature in all its unspoiled glory, the Exumas are a kind of paradise. No crowds, no skyscrapers, no noise. Just miles of deserted beaches, breathtaking water, numerous cays waiting to be explored, and friendly welcoming locals who make you feel right at home on the islands. This is the kind of place where one is romanced by the splendor of nature. The lull of the tide, the balmy fragrant trade winds, the gulls and other wildlife all form a symphony that resonates deeply in the soul, inspiring a kind of euphoria.

The wild pigs are too cute – especially the piglets

Forget crowds, blaring music, nights on the town, and all the trappings of a harried civilization. This is where the aromatic breezes, powdery-white sand beaches, and water the color of pale aquamarine will capture your heart and set your imagination on fire.
All I wanted to do was enjoy this natural splendor: long walks on the beach and leisure swims in the water made for an unparalleled delight. The water here far surpasses that of Fiji, the far coasts of Africa, and even Bora Bora. It took my breath away.

These local stingrays love being fed

Yes, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but that is what makes the Exumas so appealing in its remoteness. If it were easier to get there, it would be far more crowded. If you live on the East Coast of the USA, it is not hard to get there. But if you are west of the Mississippi, count on at least two flights to paradise. But it’s worth it. This is one place where you will find many pristine beaches that are completely deserted. Just bring some sunscreen and a sense of adventure.

HISTORY

The Exumas were first settled by expatriates in the late 1700s, who maintained their loyalty to King George III during the Revolutionary War. They set up cotton plantations on the islands. But before that, the Exumas served as a hideout for many pirates, including Captain Kidd who was eventually caught, sent to England, tried, and finally executed in 1701. Poor fellow… He did not manage to escape as did a certain Captain James Blackburn, with whom I am very well-acquainted. Ah, but that is another subject matter entirely.

Now back to the Exumas…

This big guy is a sweetheart. He swam right up to us from a cay in hopes of a treat

With all its cays, one can easily see how the Exumas, and many of the islands of the Bahamas, were attractive hideouts to pirates fleeing capture and seeking a place to stash their treasures. There are many hidden beaches and secluded bays that would have been perfect to careen their ships safely out of sight.

This storied background only enhances the Exumas appeal, spicing it with a hefty dose of myths, legends and romantic adventures.

ACTIVITIES

The Lighthouse Cafe and Ice Cream Parlour made a lovely treat after a day at the beach

It’s always fun to go exploring a new place, especially one like the Exumas. Boat tours offer visitors a chance to visit some of the many cays, hidden grottos and caves. There are so many unnamed beaches whose white sandy shores and clear waters just beckon to be discovered.

This iguana likes to be fed as much as the pigs do

There is an abundance of picturesque wildlife including iguanas, sting rays, starfish, and swimming pigs – a major Exuma attraction. Snorkeling and water sports are also popular, with great snorkeling opportunities along the reefs. The National Family Island Regatta is a sailing competition held in the Exumas annually.

Whatever your passion, the Exumas are not to be missed. With its many beaches, balmy weather, and warm and inviting locals, the Exumas will continue to beckon visitors to its pristine shores for a very long time. It is one of those places that has remained untouched by time, but is certain to leave a lasting impression on those who come here. It did for me.