Hiking in Exuma
Exuma has lots of cays and islands which contain wonderful hiking trails. Hiking as an activity is not included in most tour operator packages… most passionate hikers prefer to go the DIY route.
Stocking Island has great diversity of terrain…from sand surfs to coves to salty flats and winding paths through rain forests….this is a good place for a hike. Most hikers prefer to use the navy beacon (usually Ospreys nest on it) that’s on the middle of the island on a hillock as a culmination point for the hike.
You can get a proper hike map from the Stocking Island with well-marked trail paths and benches planted on scenic points…this kind of an organized approach is rare in the out islands especially in Exuma. You will also find bird watering stations alongside the road.
Many people prefer to hike from St Francis Resort to the Beacon (this takes approximately an hour). Stocking Island is hands down the best place to hike in Exuma because of the terrain diversity and the concerted approach of the authorities to mark out proper hiking trails.
On Great Guana Cay there is an interesting hiking terrain which begins from the Oven Rock Beach. The rock feature here is also known as Darth Vadar since it resembles the notorious helmet of the ancient Sith Lord. One can begin to hike from the beach and after maneuvering the rocks around…cross the desert jungle. Once the opposite end of the jungle is reached …you need to climb upwards to reach a cave that resembles something from a horror movie. The cave is completely explorable and full of stalactites and stalagmites but it is pitch dark inside so you should have torches along with good footwear. The hike from the beach to the cave is about one and a half hour long.
Another good option for avid hikers is to explore Compass Cay…this cay is divided in the centre by a tidal stream which juts through a mangrove patch and then flows into a bigger creek. You can kayak till the mangrove patch…tie up your boat and then begin hiking. However it’s best to hike with a guide here…there can be baby sharks and stingrays in the waters here. Hiking through the mangroves will be an interesting experience though you need gumboots and lots of insect repellent.
If you hike to the inlet in Compass Cay then you will reach the famous Rachel’s Bubble Bath. When the winds blow in from the North East… large waves surge over at this point and creates a Jacuzzi like effect. You will approximately take 2 hours to complete this hike….don’t forget to have a nice cool soak in the bubble bath.
Shroud Cay is another great place to hike in….though you need to be careful here about not picking up anything (this is a part of
Land and Sea Park which makes it a no take zone). The beach here is known as Camp Driftwood beach…start your hike here and you can see the many rare white tailed birds around. Hike to the mangrove section and explore the freshwater spring at the western end of the mangrove creek. Alternatively you can hike to the highest point on shroud cay… there is a hillock offering excellent views. Anther trail leads to the north end of the island that has fantastic corals…if you know diving too then you can dive at the Fire Coral Wax Cut Drive.
Most leading tour operators offer nature trail exploration in Exuma but these are done in collaboration with other activities like snorkeling, swimming and interaction with wildlife. If you want to go on standalone hikes then the above mentioned ones are the best options. Nevertheless Exuma has hundreds of cays and each have discovered and undiscovered hiking trails…you will be spoilt for choice.
Not many are practically explorable though…you would need the help of a trained guide if you are exploring virgin areas. Also if you are hiking in the Land and Sea Park you need prior permission from the visitor center at Warderick Wells.
Wherever you are hiking in Exuma… remember that the population of rattlesnakes, poison bushes and other dubious varieties of arthropods are plenty, so take necessary precautions.
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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