Exuma International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Exuma International Airport is north-west of George Town, the main hub of Great Exuma: about 12 km and 15-25 minutes by taxi separate the terminals from the town's waterfront. The resort closest to the runway, Emerald Bay, is paradoxically more isolated from village life than George Town itself. Those who want to sleep on the water but close to restaurants can also look at Stocking Island, the sandbar facing George Town's harbour, reachable only by boat.

Emerald Bay

Airport area · About 11 km from the airport, less than 20 minutes by taxi: the shortest route among Exuma's areas. For downtown George Town, by contrast, another 20 minutes by taxi are needed.

Best for: Those looking for a secluded resort with a beach and golf course, with the shortest transfer from the airport making this area preferable to George Town.

Pros

The fastest transfer from the airport of all areas on Exuma
A private beach, infinity pool and the Emerald Reef golf course, all accessible without leaving the resort

Cons

Outside the resort there's almost nothing: for a different restaurant or a shop you need a taxi to George Town
The Emerald Bay marina is a landmark, but village life stays far away

Recommended hotels in this area

Grand Isle Resort & Residences: An all-villa resort, from one to four bedrooms with a full kitchen, right on Emerald Bay's beach; infinity pool and access to the resort's own golf course, winner of the AAA Four Diamond award.

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George Town

City centre · 15-25 minutes by taxi from the airport (about 12 km), along the one main road connecting the terminals to downtown.

Best for: Those who want restaurants, shops and the Elizabeth Harbour waterfront within easy reach, with more evening choice than the isolated resorts.

Pros

Restaurants, shops and the sailboat harbour are within walking distance of the hotels downtown
A starting point for water taxis to Stocking Island and the beaches of the Exuma Cays

Cons

The best beaches (Stocking Island, Tropic of Cancer Beach) still require a boat crossing
Traffic on the one access road can lengthen the journey during peak hours

Recommended hotels in this area

Augusta Bay: 16 rooms in the historic district of George Town, a 5-minute walk from Jolly Hall Beach; heated pool, kayaking and snorkelling included, continental breakfast on site.
Sheer Bliss BeachView Apt #2: A beach-view apartment in the George Town district, run directly by the owners like the other Sheer Bliss units in the area.

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Stocking Island

Nearby town · No connecting road: you arrive by water taxi from George Town's Government Dock, about a 5-15 minute crossing depending on the service (the resort organises its own transfer for guests). From the airport you first go by taxi to George Town (15-25 minutes) and then by boat.

Best for: Those who want to sleep on the beach right across from George Town, with the town a short boat ride away.

Pros

A sandy beach and Elizabeth Harbour just steps away, with George Town visible across the water
An isolated feel, yet with downtown George Town still just minutes away by boat for dinner or shopping

Cons

Every trip to George Town or the airport requires a boat crossing, with schedules to check in advance
Restaurant choice limited to what's inside the resort

Recommended hotels in this area

St Francis Resort: A resort on Stocking Island's beach, reachable via the resort's own ferry from George Town; the boat transfer for guests is included.

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Rolleville

Nearby town · About 20 km north of the airport, 20-25 minutes by car; further from George Town than from the airport itself.

Best for: Those looking for a quiet stay in a fishing village, away from the tourist flow of George Town.

Pros

An authentic, little-touristy village, with quiet beaches just steps from the cottages
Closer to the airport than to the bustle of George Town, handy for those arriving late and leaving early

Cons

Very few restaurants in the village: for dinner out you often need to head back towards George Town
A rental car is needed, because taxis aren't as widespread here as in town