Great Exuma, Bahamas
Stromatolites
Off the ocean side of Stocking Island, you can snorkel over a reef of Stromatolites (growing limestone structures covered by a mat of algae and cyanobacteria). Said to be the oldest living organisms on Earth, they exist only in a few places in the Bahamas and in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Don’t expect too much however—they look like rock with algae growing over them.
Dock at Stocking Island
Sandy Beaches
Great Exuma and Little Exuma have numerous sandy beaches along the northeastern side, easily accessible from the road, and usually deserted. Some are complete with deteriorating, defunct resorts that lend a wondrous feeling of solitude.
Williamstown
Williamstown, at the end of the road on Little Exuma, is a quant native settlement in a beautiful setting, with ruins of a cotton plantation and old salt ponds. Much of the plantation is overgrown, but the ruins of the main plantation home and some outbuildings can still be seen. This is the real Bahamas. Don’t expect any accommodations.
Doric column and cannon near Williamstown (right)
Plantation ruins at Williamstown
Back to Great Exuma page 1
Interactive map of the Bahamas
Books about the Bahamas
Other Bahamas destinations: Abacos - Andros - Exuma Cays
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