Exuma is a district of The Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands (called cays). The largest of the cays is Great Exuma is joined to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town.
The Exumas are the historic home of the Lucayan Natives, who were wholly enslaved in the 16th century, leaving the islands uninhabited until the 18th century.
Exuma was settled in or around 1783 by American colonial loyalists fleeing the Revolutionary War. The expatriates brought a cotton plantation economy to the islands. In the intervening period, the Exumas provided many hideouts and stashes for pirates. Elizabeth Harbour was allegedly a favourite lair of Captain Kidd.
The Exumas are known for fresh food and cultural significance to The Bahamas. Sea life regularly caught for commercial purpose include barracuda, bonefish, conch, grouper, jack, lobster, marlin, sailfish, snapper, tarpon, tuna and wahoo.
The islands became a popular spot for yachting, sailing, diving, and coral reef and cave exploring.
Islands
- Fowl Cay
- Great Exuma
- Iguana Cay
- Little Exuma
- Musha Cay
- Sandy Cay
- Staniel Cay
- Stocking Island