Island-Hopping Guide: From Antigua to Exuma in 2026

1. Define your start and end points

You’re starting in Antigua  likely via V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU).

Your destination is the Exumas, Bahamas, especially Great Exuma / Exuma International Airport (GGT) in the Bahamas.

Note: This isn’t a typical “hop adjacent islands” route: Antigua sits in the Leeward Islands (Eastern Caribbean) and Exuma is in the Bahamas (northwest of there). So travel will involve flights and/or boat segments plus possibly multiple connections.

2. Choose your travel mode & routing

Flights

From Antigua, you will likely need at least one connection to reach the Bahamas. For example: Antigua → Nassau (or another hub) → Exuma. Google Flights shows no direct flights from Antigua to Nassau. 

For Exuma: There are direct flights from Nassau to Great Exuma (~45 minutes) on domestic carriers. 

Recent update: A new direct service from Aztec Airways (Fort Lauderdale → Exuma) begins 13 Nov 2025.

For Antigua → Exuma you’ll likely go Antigua → Nassau (or Miami → Bahamas) then Nassau → Exuma.

Boating or sailing

Once in the Bahamas, intra-island hopping (within the Exumas) is very feasible by charter, boat, or yacht. 

From Antigua into the Bahamas by boat/yacht would be a major passage; typically not done as a simple hop  it would require planning, fuel, customs/immigration, and sea time.

3. Suggested itinerary outline (approximate)

Here’s a possible sequence:

I arrived in Antigua. Spend time there if desired (days for beaches, culture, etc).

Fly Antigua → Nassau (or Antigua → Miami → Nassau)  use this as your transit hub into the Bahamas.

From Nassau fly to Great Exuma (George Town) via GGT airport.

Once in Exuma, island-hop within the Exumas: for example Great Exuma → Little Exuma → Staniel Cay → other cays. Use boat charters/local tours.

Stay your duration in the Exuma region, then depart via Exuma airport back to your next destination.

4. What to prioritise when planning

Travel dates & season: The dry season in the Bahamas runs roughly November–May, with calmer seas and better weather for boat trips.

Flights & connections: Confirm flights early, especially domestic Bahamian carriers (some aren’t well listed on major sites).

Customs/Immigration: If coming by boat, ensure your first point of entry into the Bahamas is an official port.

Boat charter tours in Exuma: For intra-island exploring expect to book tours or charters. Example: visiting iguana island in Exuma, pricing details. 

Logistics & rest days: Because the route has major hops, factor in time for travel, rest, and adjustment rather than rushing.

5. Key Highlights in Exuma to include

The Exumas comprise ~365 cays.

Some must-visit spots:

Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) with swimming pigs. 

Thunderball Grotto, a famous snorkel/diving spot.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park  protected area for marine & land nature.

Boat excursions are a major part of the experience. Exuma was ranked among “top boat date destinations” in 2025. 

6. Practical travel tips

Book flights and boat charters early, especially for peak travel months.

For internal travel (Exuma region) bring snorkel gear, and consider renting a car in Great Exuma if you go inland.

Weather check: If you travel during hurricane season (June-Nov) be flexible. Dry season (Nov-May) is better for sailing/boat trips.

Budget: Boat charters can become expensive; check what is included (fuel, guide, gear).

Communication/internet: Some areas in the Out Islands have weaker connectivity  plans accordingly.

Respect local regulations: When island-hopping by boat you’ll need proper port clearance if entering a new country or island chain.

Avoid “zig-zag” routing: More efficient travel means fewer long jumps and less wasted time.

7. Sample 7-day focussed stop plan

Day 1: Arrive in Antigua; beach and relax.

Day 2: Explore Antigua’s north coast, sail or catamaran day trip.

Day 3: Flight Antigua → Nassau → connect to Exuma (or via Miami depending on routing).

Day 4: Arrive Great Exuma, settle in. Afternoon beach, local town (George Town).

Day 5: Boat tour: visit Pig Beach, sandbars, snorkel Thunderball Grotto.

Day 6: Explore Little Exuma via bridge from Great Exuma; salt pond, beach, maybe a kayak.

Day 7: Easy day or charter to a remote cay; prepare for departure the next day.

8. Why this trip works

Combining two distinct Caribbean regions (Antigua + Bahamas) gives variety.

Exuma offers both nature/remote experience and boat-based fun.

The travel in 2025 is still favourable: new flight routes improving access.

You’ll cover flying, beach time, boat time, island-exploring,  a flexible mix.