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Exuma Sound

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Exuma Sound (Bahamas)

Weather…

Exuma Sound is a deep oceanic basin located within the Bahamian archipelago, bounded by the Exuma Cays to the west and Eleuthera and Cat Island to the east. In contrast to the surrounding shallow Bahama Banks, the Sound reaches depths of 1,500 to over 2,000 meters, forming a significant indentation in the carbonate platform. This geological feature allows for the upwelling of nutrient-rich deep waters along its margins, supporting exceptional marine biodiversity at the reef edges. The Sound serves as a major migratory corridor for large pelagic species such as marlin, tuna, and various sharks, making it a hub for international sport fishing. The transition from the shallow banks to the precipitous drops of the Sound, frequently referred to as 'The Wall,' is famous among divers for its dramatic coral formations and sightings of large marine life. Oceanographically, the Sound is connected to the Atlantic via several channels, influencing water exchange and thermal regulation in the region. The Cape Eleuthera Institute at the southern end conducts extensive research on deep-sea and pelagic ecology.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232424252628292929282625
Rain mm292324368999667697925027

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Accessible primarily by chartered boat from neighboring island chains like Eleuthera, Cat Island, or the Exumas, with numerous local marinas offering sailing charters.
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Best season
Late winter to spring is highly well-suited, providing calmer ocean winds and excellent deep-water clarity, while the Atlantic hurricane season in late summer should be strictly avoided.
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Terrain & paths
This is an expansive, open-water marine environment featuring incredibly deep oceanic trenches, potentially strong shifting currents, and adjacent shallow, spirited coral reefs.
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What to bring
Bring high-quality snorkeling or deep diving equipment, reef-safe sunscreen, a warm windbreaker for the breezy boat ride, and effective seasickness medication if needed.
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Parking
You will definitely need to leave your rental car securely at the main marina or busy harbor in the nearby residential islands before embarking on your long boat journey.
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Safety
Always pay very close attention to local weather forecasts and ocean currents; always dive, snorkel, or swim with an experienced boat captain and employ a strict buddy system.
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Time needed
Extended boat trips across or thoroughly exploring the lively edges of the Sound usually last anywhere from a complete half-day to a fully packed day of sailing and diving.

Geography

Coordinates
24.50000, -76.00000

Facts

  • Oceanic basin reaching depths of 2,000 meters
  • Bounded by Exuma, Eleuthera, and Cat Island
  • Features dramatic drop-offs known as 'The Wall'
  • Major corridor for large pelagic marine life
  • Hub for international deep-sea sport fishing
  • Site of research by the Cape Eleuthera Institute

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ocean HoleOcean Hole21 km · SEExplore →
Rolleville Fisheries Co-opRolleville Fisheries Co-op22 km · WExplore →
Old British Fort at BarraterreOld British Fort at Barraterre22 km · WExplore →
The FerryThe Ferry23 km · SWExplore →
Forbes HillForbes Hill23 km · WExplore →
Rock Sound Salt WorksRock Sound Salt Works24 km · SEExplore →
RamseyRamsey25 km · SWExplore →
Tarpum Bay Farming DepotTarpum Bay Farming Depot25 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Exuma Sound?
A deep marine basin located between the Exuma Islands and Eleuthera.
How deep is the basin?
It drops steeply to over 1,500 meters in depth.
What animals live there?
Large marine creatures like whales, dolphins, and big pelagic fish.
Is it suitable for sailing?
Yes, but due to the depth and open location, the water can be rougher.
Are there coral reefs at the edges?
Yes, spectacular underwater walls can be found at the edges of the banks.
Exuma Sound: where is it located?
Exuma Sound is located in Bahamas.
Exuma Sound: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Exuma Sound: why is it worth visiting?
Exuma Sound is a deep oceanic basin located within the Bahamian archipelago, bounded by the Exuma Cays to the west and Eleuthera and Cat Island to the east.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Hartswell — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Hartswell
A coastal settlement on Great Exuma.
Stewart Manor — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Stewart Manor
A residential settlement near George Town, Exuma.
George Town (Exuma) — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
George Town (Exuma)
The capital and largest town of the Exuma island chain.
Rolleville — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Rolleville
A historic settlement in Exuma founded by a former slave.
Barraterre — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Barraterre
A fishing community on Great Exuma.
The Ferry — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
The Ferry
A settlement on Great Exuma that serves as a ferry link.
Forbes Hill — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Forbes Hill
A small coastal community on Little Exuma.
Ramsey — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Ramsey
A small, quiet settlement on Great Exuma Island.
Williams Town — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Williams Town
A settlement on Little Exuma Island.
Moss Town — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Moss Town
A settlement on Great Exuma, near the international airport.
Alexandria — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Alexandria
A small, rural settlement on Great Exuma.
Rolletown — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Rolletown
A historic settlement on Great Exuma founded by Lord Rolle.
Little Farmer's Cay — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Little Farmer's Cay
A small, family-run island in the Exumas.
Black Point — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Black Point
One of the largest settlements in the Exuma Cays.
Staniel Cay — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Staniel Cay
An island in the Exumas famous for the nearby Thunderball Grotto.

History & landmarks

Tropic of Cancer Beach — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Tropic of Cancer Beach
A stunning crescent-shaped beach on Little Exuma, crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
Hermitage Tomb — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Hermitage Tomb
A fascinating family tomb from the Loyalist era on Exuma.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
A protected area in the Exumas known for its pristine beauty.

More places

George Town Marina — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
George Town Marina
A central harbor basin for yachts, provisioning, and charter boats.
Rolleville Fisheries Co-op — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Rolleville Fisheries Co-op
A cooperative for catch, storage, and resale.
Old British Fort at Barraterre — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Old British Fort at Barraterre
The ruins of a small British fort on Great Exuma, built to defend against pirates.
Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief
A group of small, low-lying cays in the Exumas surrounded by sandbars and coral reefs.
Living Stromatolites — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Living Stromatolites
Found in the hypersaline lakes of Highborne Cay in the Exumas, living stromatolites are layered structures formed by microbes.
Stocking Island — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Stocking Island
A long, thin island that protects the harbour of George Town.
Black Point Dock — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Black Point Dock
A local landing point for supplies and small cargo vessels.
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) — Exuma Sound (Bahamas)
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
An uninhabited island famous for a colony of swimming pigs that live on the beach.