Snorkeling Exumas with kids is one of the most memorable experiences families can have in The Bahamas. The Exumas—an island chain of over 365 cays—are known for their crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, and calm, shallow snorkeling spots that are ideal for children and beginner snorkelers. Whether you’re staying on Great Exuma or taking a boat excursion through the cays, there are plenty of family-friendly snorkeling locations where kids can safely explore coral reefs, swim with turtles, and spot schools of tropical fish. In this guide, we cover the best snorkeling spots in the Exumas for families, helpful tips for visiting with children, and what to pack to make the most of your underwater adventure.
For additional information and context, you might find our ranked family travel lists for Bahamas helpful:
- Best Things to Do in Bahamas with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Bahamas (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Bahamas (Ranked)
Here’s a breakdown of the best family snorkeling destinations in the Exumas — and what parents need to know before diving in.
1. Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park – A Protected Marine Wonderland
Why it’s great for families: Calm waters, pristine reefs, and no fishing allowed — perfect for marine life visibility.
The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is one of the top options for snorkeling Exumas with kids in the Bahamas — and especially great for families looking for unspoiled nature. The park stretches from Shroud Cay in the north to Little Bell Cay in the south, covering 110,000 acres of protected land and water. Established in 1958, this was the Bahamas’ first marine reserve, and to this day, no fishing or collecting is allowed.
Families visiting by boat or with a charter can explore several snorkeling areas inside the park. One of the top spots is The Aquarium, located near O’Brien’s Cay. Here, the water is exceptionally clear, making it easy for even beginner snorkelers (and kids) to see stingrays, turtles, coral formations, and colorful fish.
The park’s headquarters is located on Warderick Wells Cay, where families can also enjoy short hikes or explore shallow beaches ideal for a picnic or break between swims.
2. Stocking Island – Easy Access, Calm Waters, and Pink Sand
Why it’s great for families: 10-minute ferry ride, food options, and shallow snorkeling. It’s an easy excursion with regular boat service and plenty of beach to explore. Kids can snorkel right from shore or look for shells in the sand. There’s also food available on the island, and older kids might enjoy playing volleyball at the Chat ‘N’ Chill beach bar.
Just a short ferry ride from Great Exuma, Stocking Island is a convenient snorkeling destination for families staying near George Town. The round-trip ferry takes only about 10 minutes and costs $15 per person. Once there, families can explore the island’s famous pink sand beaches, which are both scenic and soft underfoot — perfect for young kids.
The shallow waters off Stocking Island are ideal for beginner snorkelers. Coral reefs and small underwater caves offer plenty to explore just a few steps from shore. Sea turtles and stingrays are often spotted in this area, making for exciting encounters that are still safe and manageable.
There’s also a restaurant and bar on the island, making it easy for families to enjoy lunch without packing extra supplies. A volleyball court offers something fun to do after snorkeling.
3. Thunderball Grotto – An Iconic Snorkeling Adventure
Why it’s great for families: Unique cave swim-throughs and movie history — best with a guide and during low tide.
For families with older children or strong swimmers, Thunderball Grotto on Staniel Cay is a must-visit when looking to snorkeling Exumas with kids. This underwater cave system, made famous by James Bond films like Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, offers a magical snorkeling experience with coral, marine life, and shafts of sunlight filtering through the cave’s ceiling.
The best time to visit is during low tide, when it’s easier (and safer) to swim through the grotto entrances. At high tide, conditions may require scuba gear and can be too challenging for younger snorkelers.
Families are strongly encouraged to visit with a local guide, who can safely navigate the entrances and monitor current strength. This is a more advanced snorkeling location but still doable for families with experience.
4. Three Sisters Beach – Best for Beginners
Why it’s great for families: Calm, shallow water and easy beach access for first-time snorkelers. One of the best options for snorkeling Exumas with kids in the Bahamas.
Three Sisters Beach is located on the island of Great Exuma, around 20 minutes from George Town. Named after the three large rock formations just offshore, this is one of the best places for young kids or first-time snorkelers to ease into the water.
The beach itself is quiet and scenic, with calm, shallow waters that are ideal for floating, wading, or using beginner-friendly snorkel gear. While the coral here isn’t as dramatic as at some other locations, the visibility is usually excellent, and you’re likely to see schools of colorful tropical fish just steps from the beach.
This is a good option for families staying on the island who want a low-key snorkeling day without needing a boat.
5. Duck Cay – Quiet Reefs and Shallow Diving
Why it’s great for families: Two different snorkeling zones for various skill levels.
Located off the western coast of Great Exuma, Duck Cay offers a mix of shallow and deep snorkeling options. The northern area features more dramatic reef formations and a greater variety of fish, while the southern side has shallow waters perfect for kids or beginners.
Duck Cay tends to be quieter than other snorkeling locations, giving families more space to explore at their own pace. The reef structures are particularly interesting, making this a good choice for families with a mix of confidence levels — parents can explore the north while younger kids stick to the south.
6. Exuma Point Beach
Exuma Point Beach is located near Rolleville on the northwestern side of Great Exuma. This quiet beach is ideal for snorkeling Exumas with kids in calm, shallow water. While the marine life here isn’t as dense as some reef-heavy locations, you’ll often spot small tropical fish, conch shells, and stingrays. The beach is also home to the locally loved Exuma Point Bar and Grill, where visitors can grab a meal or snack before or after snorkeling.
Why it’s great for families:
The gentle slope into the water, soft sand, and low waves make this beach excellent for younger kids and first-time snorkelers. Families can enjoy a low-key beach day with a mix of food, snorkeling, and plenty of space to spread out.
7. Farmer’s Hill Beach
Farmer’s Hill Beach is a quiet and often overlooked beach in the central part of Great Exuma. The calm, clear waters and sandy seabed make it a relaxing place for light snorkeling. While there aren’t big reefs to explore, kids and beginners can float along the shore and spot smaller marine life like colorful fish and sea fans.
Why it’s great for families:
Farmer’s Hill Beach offers a peaceful environment away from the busier areas of the island. The calm water is ideal for children, and the lack of crowds gives families space to explore safely and comfortably. Bring your own gear and snacks for a quiet, self-guided adventure.
8. Hooper’s Bay Beach
Hooper’s Bay is one of the top places in the Exumas to spot sea turtles. The bay is protected and calm, and its seagrass beds attract turtles throughout the day. You’ll often see them gliding through the water just offshore. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and it’s easy to wade out into the bay with snorkeling gear to quietly observe marine life like turtles, rays, and fish.
Why it’s great for families:
This is a top pick for families snorkeling Exumas with kids who want a chance to see sea turtles in the wild. The bay is sheltered from wind and waves, making it easy and safe for beginner snorkelers. It’s a short drive from George Town and easy to access with minimal planning.
9. Jolly Hall Beach
Jolly Hall Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Great Exuma. Located just minutes from George Town, it features soft white sand and shallow turquoise water. While the reef life is limited, it’s a fantastic place to practice snorkeling, especially near the rocky edges where small fish gather.
Why it’s great for families:
Jolly Hall is perfect for a full beach day with kids. It’s easy to access, close to town, and has calm, shallow waters ideal for young children and beginner snorkelers. Families can swim, play, and relax without worrying about currents or waves.
10. Pretty Molly Beach
Pretty Molly Beach is a small, lesser-known beach near the settlement of Williams Town on the southern coast of Great Exuma. It’s not as developed or visited as other beaches, which makes it a peaceful spot for a quiet swim or light snorkeling along the rocky edges. The water is clear, and the seabed is a mix of sand and scattered coral heads, where small fish and marine life can often be seen.
Why it’s great for families:
Pretty Molly Beach offers a secluded, peaceful spot for families looking to avoid the crowds. It’s ideal for a short stop, beach picnic, or calm swim with younger kids. The limited foot traffic means parents can relax while kids safely explore the shallow areas.
11. Forbes Hill Beach
Forbes Hill Beach, located on Little Exuma, is one of the island’s most beautiful hidden gems. The water is strikingly turquoise, and the sand is bright white and powdery. The shallow bay is protected by rock outcrops, which helps keep the water calm — great for light snorkeling or just floating around. On calm days, small schools of fish are visible near the shoreline, and snorkelers can explore the rocky edges for sea fans and coral growth.
Why it’s great for families:
This beach feels remote and untouched but is still accessible by car. Families will appreciate the calm water, lack of crowds, and open space for swimming and playing. It’s a great place to stop if you’re exploring Little Exuma by car for the day.
12. Tropic of Cancer Beach
Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach, is located on Little Exuma and is one of the longest and most scenic beaches in the Exumas. The Tropic of Cancer line passes directly through the area — hence the name. The water here is crystal clear, and while it’s more known for relaxing and swimming than snorkeling, there are occasional coral patches and marine life close to shore for kids with masks and fins to explore.
Why it’s great for families:
This beach has plenty of space for kids to run and play, and its shallow, calm water makes it ideal for swimming with younger children. The natural beauty of the beach makes it a great photo stop too, and families traveling by car often combine it with a visit to Forbes Hill Beach nearby.
13. Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach is located near Rolleville on Great Exuma and is known for—you guessed it—dozens of colorful starfish resting in the shallow, clear waters. It’s best accessed by small boat or kayak and a wonderful spot for snorkeling Exumas with kids. Visitors should admire the starfish without removing them from the water.
Why it’s great for families:
This is a magical spot for young kids who want to see marine life up close without needing to snorkel. The shallow water and calm setting make it safe for toddlers and early swimmers, with plenty of opportunities for learning and gentle exploration.
14. Sandbars
One of the most iconic features of the Exumas are its shifting, bright white sandbars. These appear during low tide and are often included as part of boat excursions. You can walk, run, splash, and even picnic on them as you’re surrounded by shallow turquoise water in all directions.
Why it’s great for families:
These sandbars feel like a real-life water playground for kids of all ages. Parents will love how calm and shallow the water is. It’s perfect for safe free play, collecting shells, or snapping those classic Exuma vacation photos.
15. Coco Plum Beach
Coco Plum Beach is a quiet, scenic beach on the northeastern coast of Great Exuma. While it’s accessible by car, the real attraction is wading far out into the shallow waters, especially during low tide. It’s also a great place to spot sand dollars.
Why it’s great for families:
Coco Plum’s shallow, warm waters are ideal for small children, and the flat seabed makes for easy walking and splashing. Sand dollar hunting is a simple and memorable activity for curious young travelers.
16. Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach
Located on Stocking Island, Chat ‘N’ Chill is a casual beach bar with a large stretch of beach and calm waters. The highlight here for many families is the chance to see—and even gently pet—stingrays that swim close to shore.
Why it’s great for families:
The stingrays are a huge hit with kids and make for an unforgettable wildlife interaction. Parents will appreciate the easy beach access, safe swimming conditions, and food options. It’s a great half-day trip with plenty to keep kids busy.
17. Rock Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
This family-friendly excursion brings you to Bitter Guana Cay, home to endangered Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas. These large, colorful reptiles roam freely near the beach and are used to human visitors. Access is by boat.
Why it’s great for families:
Kids are amazed by the size and color of the iguanas, and the experience feels like a natural wildlife encounter—because it is! It’s safe and memorable, and typically part of a larger half-day boat tour with other stops like snorkeling and beach visits.
18. Plane Wreck near Staniel Cay
A small sunken drug-running plane from the 1980s lies in just 10 feet of water near Staniel Cay. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life and makes for a quick but exciting snorkeling stop.
Why it’s great for families:
The shallow depth makes it accessible for confident snorkelers, and older kids will love the “sunken treasure” feel of the site. It’s a short, thrilling addition to a boat day.
19. Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
Pig Beach is one of the most famous attractions in the Exumas, where wild pigs swim out to greet arriving boats. It’s located near Staniel Cay and is part of many full-day excursions.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s hard to beat the novelty of swimming pigs. This is one of those quirky experiences that’s fun for everyone, especially animal-loving kids. Be sure to supervise younger children closely when interacting with the pigs.
20. Compass Cay Sharks
At Compass Cay, nurse sharks gather in the marina and can be viewed from the docks or even petted and swum with under supervision. These sharks are used to people and are considered harmless.
Why it’s great for families:
Older kids and teens who love marine life will remember this experience forever. It’s safe when guided properly, and a great way to introduce shark education and conservation in a thrilling way.
21. The Musician Mermaid Piano Sculpture (David Copperfield Bay)
Off Musha Cay, in shallow water, lies an art installation of a mermaid and baby grand piano by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. This underwater sculpture is visible to snorkelers and is often included on private charters.
Why it’s great for families:
It’s a magical spot that blends art and adventure. Snorkeling here feels like discovering a secret. Older kids who are strong swimmers will love exploring the sculpture up close, while younger ones can float above and still enjoy the view.
Final Thoughts on Snorkeling Exumas with Kids
Snorkeling Exumas with kids is more than just a fun day in the water—it’s a chance for families to connect with nature, build confidence in the ocean, and create unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world. From calm beaches perfect for young children to guided excursions filled with turtles, rays, and colorful reefs, the Exumas offer something for every age and comfort level. With a little preparation and the right snorkeling spot, your family’s day in the Exumas can be both safe and spectacular. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a full vacation, make sure snorkeling is part of your Exuma family itinerary.
Planning your Bahamas family trip? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the islands:
- Bahamas with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Snorkeling around Nassau for Families
- Best Snorkeling in Exumas
- Easy Family Trails in Nassau
Check out our ranked family travel lists for Bahamas:
- Best Things to Do in Bahamas with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Bahamas (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Bahamas (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Bahamas.
