Great Exuma is one of those rare places that travelers remember long after the cruise vacation ends. Soft blue water, quiet stretches of sand, and a rhythm that feels worlds away from the typical busy port day—it’s no surprise many cruisers want to reach this island even if their cruise ship doesn’t dock there directly.
But getting to Great Exuma from a cruise port isn’t always obvious. Nassau? Georgetown? Private islands? Options vary depending on your itinerary, ship, and time in port. This guide breaks it down simply and clearly, so you know exactly how to plan a realistic, stress-free visit.
This article is written to help both first-time cruisers and those who have sailed for years. The goal is to help you understand exactly how to reach Great Exuma based on the port your cruise line uses, how long it takes, how much it may cost, and whether it makes sense as a DIY adventure or a shore excursion through your cruise booking.
Understanding Your Starting Point: Which Cruise Port Are You At?
There’s one key detail that shapes everything:
No major cruise line currently docks directly at Great Exuma.
Cruise ships instead dock at other Bahamian ports, and passengers reach Great Exuma by ferry, small plane, or an independent day trip operator. The most common starting ports are:
- Nassau Cruise Port – the busiest and most convenient for flights and day tours
- Freeport (Grand Bahama) – limited options
- Cruise line private islands like Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, Disney’s Castaway Cay, or Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay – no direct public transportation options
- Smaller Bahamian ports (less common itineraries)
So before planning anything, confirm where your ship actually docks. You can check this in your cruise booking under “itinerary” or inside your cruise line’s app.
Getting to Great Exuma from Nassau
If your cruise port is Nassau, you have the highest number of options by far. Nassau is the only port with reliable same-day transportation to Great Exuma.
Option 1: Fly from Nassau to Great Exuma (Fastest & Most Reliable)
This is the option most travelers choose because flights are quick and available several times a day.
Flight time: ~35 minutes
Airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) → George Town Airport (GGT)
Local airlines such as Bahamasair and Western Air operate small aircraft that work well for tight port schedules. Taxis from Nassau Cruise Port to NAS take about 20–25 minutes.
This is the best choice if:
- You want to maximize your time on Great Exuma
- You prefer fast, simple logistics
- You’re visiting as part of a special shore excursion like the famous Swimming Pigs tours
Travel tip: Allow at least 4–5 hours buffer between your flight return to Nassau and your cruise ship’s all-aboard time.
Option 2: Full-Day Boat Tours to Exuma Cays (Most Popular with Cruisers)
Most Nassau day excursions advertised as “Exuma” actually take you to the Exuma Cays, not Great Exuma itself.
These tours usually include:
- Swimming pigs
- Nurse shark encounters
- Sandbars
- Snorkel stops
You won’t step foot on Great Exuma island, but you’ll experience the same region and beauty. Some travelers prefer this because it fits perfectly within cruise hours and avoids the airport.
Option 3: Private Charter (High End & Flexible)
If you’re traveling with a group or want a bucket-list experience, a private charter from Nassau allows you to customize your Exuma day. These boats rarely reach Great Exuma itself, but they can take you to remote islands and hidden beaches.
This option works best for frequent cruise travelers who want something unique beyond traditional shore excursions.
Getting to Great Exuma from Freeport (Grand Bahama)
Freeport is much farther from Great Exuma, and options are limited.
- There are no ferries running from Freeport to Exuma.
- No direct flights operate between Freeport and Great Exuma.
Your only realistic route would be:
Freeport → Nassau (flight)
then
Nassau → Great Exuma (flight)
Although possible, this is typically not recommended for cruise passengers due to tight schedules. If Freeport is your cruise port, it’s best to explore Grand Bahama instead of attempting Great Exuma.
Reaching Great Exuma from Private Cruise Islands
Cruise lines love their private islands, but they make independent travel difficult. If you’re docking at:
- CocoCay (Royal Caribbean)
- Castaway Cay (Disney)
- Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian)
…you won’t have access to ferries or small regional airports that can take you toward Great Exuma. These islands operate as controlled environments, and guests cannot freely leave to travel between islands.
You’ll need to visit Great Exuma on your own before or after your cruise vacation—many travelers are now adding 2–3 nights in Exuma after their cruise for a more relaxed island experience.
Should You Visit Great Exuma on a Cruise Day?
Here’s a simple, clear way to decide.
If you start in:
- Nassau → Yes, possible and popular
- Freeport → Possible but not recommended
- Any private island → Not possible
- A South Florida embarkation port → Great Exuma must be visited before or after your cruise
If you’re sailing on a shorter itinerary—3- to 5-night cruises—your port time may not allow for a safe round-trip visit.
For longer itineraries or those with extended port stays, especially in Nassau, more options open up.
Transportation Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Traveling between islands can feel confusing at first, so here’s a quick list of simple tips that keep everything stress-free:
- Always compare your port time to transportation schedules before booking anything.
- Keep a large buffer before all-aboard time—flights in the Bahamas can run late.
- Book reputable operators with strong cruise passenger reviews.
- If in doubt, book through the cruise ship to ensure you’re protected if anything runs late.
- Plan for weather changes, especially during winter sailing months.
These reminders help make the day smoother and reduce the stress of traveling off-island.
What to Expect When You Arrive in Great Exuma
Great Exuma feels different from Nassau, Freeport, or any cruise port. It’s slower, more peaceful, and far more focused on natural beauty than big attractions. Here’s what many cruisers enjoy most when they choose to visit:
Uncrowded Beaches
Even the most popular beaches, like Coco Plum or Tropic of Cancer Beach, feel quiet and remote compared to typical day-trip spots near a cruise port.
Blue Water That Looks Unreal
Exuma’s shades of turquoise are famous—and photos do not exaggerate.
Locally Owned Food Spots
Expect cracked conch, grilled fish, or Bahamian mac and cheese at tiny beach shacks and family-run restaurants.
Friendly Vibe
Great Exuma isn’t flashy. The island’s warmth comes from its people rather than big resorts or tourist-heavy attractions.
Is Great Exuma Worth the Effort?
If your cruise ship docks in Nassau and you have enough hours in port, visiting Great Exuma can be a highlight of your entire trip. The experience is undeniably beautiful—far less crowded, more nature-focused, and incredibly photogenic.
But if your cruise port is somewhere else in the Bahamas, the logistics can outweigh the reward, especially if you’re limited by a ship’s schedule.
This is why many frequent cruise travelers end up planning a longer stay in Great Exuma before or after their cruise. With the island’s calm atmosphere, it’s the perfect contrast to the excitement of a cruise vacation.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Great Exuma from a cruise port isn’t always simple, but it’s absolutely doable when your itinerary includes Nassau. And when it works, it becomes one of those rare days you’ll still talk about long after your cruise ends.
Whether you fly, join a curated shore excursion, or choose to return on a dedicated land vacation, Great Exuma offers something extra—a peaceful stretch of the Bahamas where the world slows down and the ocean seems to glow from within.