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Exuma consists of two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma together with approximately 365 little cays centrally located in the Bahama Islands chain. They are located 35 miles southeast of Nassau. The Exumas occupy approximately 110 square miles. Most cays are uninhabited and many are owned privately. There are just under 4,000 residents. The average year round temperature is 78°.
Exuma is home to the Bahama Iguana and on some cays they are large, friendly and you can hand feed them. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a major attraction and offers a nature lovers thrill. You can view rare birds, fish and flora on these perfect islands. Farming and fishing are the most important sectors of income on the islands with tourism playing a much smaller part. Fresh pineapple, tomatoes, guava, mangoes, avocados and pigeon peas are produced on the island and are exported nationwide. The Exumas have long remained yachter's preferred island. Offering many fine marinas, breath taking beaches and pristine reefs. Snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular as is bone fishing, a fly fishing sport. Staniel's Cay is where the James Bond 'Thunderball' movie was filmed and the site is now referred to as Thurderball Grotto. Truly some of the prettiest settings are in place with rolling hills above aquamarine seas. The capital, located on Great Exuma, is George Town. In late April the Family Island Regatta is hosted here.
Growing cotton was once an important industry. The 200-year-old Cotton House in William's Town recants this era. Salt farming was another prominent industry of the past: you can still visit the ancient salt ponds. Highbourn Cay was once used to re-acclimate slaves taken from illegal slavers between 1807 and 1883. The Norman Cay area sports junked and trashed airplanes dating from the notorious drug-dealing days before illicit trade was cleared out. In colonial times a grave concern was how to instill among native sloop racers the British idea of fair play. At one time, if an islander saw a sloop pull ahead, he was not above throwing a pot of fire and burning his rival out of the racing competition. British yachtsmen found this behaviour somewhat disgruntling. Farming was an important industry in Colonial times, with cotton a mainstay. Salt farming was also a key industry of the past. There are many salt ponds you can visit. Pirates were abundant in the cays of Exuma. Of special fame, Shark Lady whose all female crew took to sea topless (and bra-less). Rolle is the most common last name, which also is predominate in settlements such as Rolleville and Rolle Town. All are Lord John Rolle namesakes. The British Crown granted Lord Rolle huge tracts of land in Exuma. After emancipation, Exuma's former slaves took Lord Rolle's surname as their own. Next time you meet a Rolle see if his/her heritage is of Exuma.
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