Exuma

Yes, with the right base. Emerald Bay and Georgetown suit families best for their calm, shallow beaches and easy access to groceries and services. Sandbars and the swimming pigs are a hit with kids, though a boat day means an early start and some planning. For toddlers, pick a rental with a pool as well as beach access.

For most stays, yes. Great Exuma is long and spread out, and taxis add up quickly. A rental car lets you reach Tropic of Cancer Beach, restaurants, and quiet coves on your own schedule. The exception is an off-grid stay on Stocking Island or a cay, where you get around by boat instead.

Five to seven nights is the sweet spot. That leaves room for a full-day boat trip to the sandbars and pigs, a couple of slow beach days, and time to explore Georgetown without rushing. Shorter trips work but tend to feel like they end just as you settle in.

Start in Georgetown or Emerald Bay. Georgetown keeps you walkable to restaurants and the Stocking Island ferry, which is reassuring on a first visit. Emerald Bay is calmer and more polished, a short drive north, and a better fit if quiet luxury is the goal.

May and June are our favourite window: warm water, thinner crowds, and softer prices before storm season builds. December through April is the classic dry, breezy peak at the highest rates. July through November offers the best value but calls for flexible cancellation and an eye on the forecast.