All-Inclusive Resorts in Great Exuma: Packages and Prices
Great Exuma has a small number of all-inclusive or near-all-inclusive options, but the selection is much more limited than most Caribbean destinations. Sandals Emerald Bay, previously the island’s main all-inclusive resort, closed in August 2024 and is being renovated into Beaches Exuma (a family-oriented Beaches Resort). Groundbreaking began in early 2026, but no reopening date has been announced. Until Beaches Exuma opens, the island’s all-inclusive options are limited to private island properties and vacation rental packages.
Current all-inclusive options on Great Exuma
Fowl Cay Resort
Fowl Cay is a private island resort in the Exuma Cays, accessible by boat from Great Exuma. The all-inclusive rate covers oceanfront villa accommodation, a private powerboat with unlimited fuel, all meals and drinks, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards. Guests also get a golf cart, daily housekeeping, airport transfers, and WiFi. Nightly rates range from approximately $500 to $1,000 depending on villa size and season. This is a luxury option suited to couples and small groups who want complete privacy and self-guided exploration of the Exuma Cays.
Grand Isle Resort and Residences
Grand Isle Resort sits on Emerald Bay (the same bay as the former Sandals property) and offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens. The resort recently added the 23° North Beach Club with a pool, bar, and restaurant. Grand Isle is not technically all-inclusive, but the condo-style units allow self-catering, and the resort offers packages that bundle meals and activities. Nightly rates start around $400 to $900 depending on unit size and season. A golf cart is included with most bookings for getting around the property and nearby areas.
Peace and Plenty Resort
Peace and Plenty in Georgetown is Great Exuma’s historic hotel, popular with divers, fishermen, and repeat visitors. The resort offers room-only rates but can arrange packages that include meals, bonefishing excursions, snorkeling trips, and paddleboarding. It is not a traditional all-inclusive but functions as a practical base for exploring Great Exuma at a lower price point than Fowl Cay or Grand Isle. The resort’s sister property, Kahari, was recently sold and is being remodeled.
What happened to Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals Emerald Bay was the only large-scale all-inclusive resort on Great Exuma. It closed on August 15, 2024, and is being transformed into Beaches Exuma, a family-oriented resort under the Sandals family brand. The existing property (originally built as a Four Seasons, then Ritz-Carlton) is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. Sandals owns additional acreage adjacent to the resort, so Beaches Exuma is expected to be significantly larger than the original property.
Planned features include a waterpark, expanded kids’ and teens’ clubs, new dining options, and the existing Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course. The project has faced delays related to permits, material imports, and a tax dispute between Sandals Resorts International and the Bahamian government. As of mid-2026, no official reopening date has been announced. Check the Sandals website for the latest updates on Beaches Exuma.
Comparison table
| Property | Type | Starting rate | All-inclusive | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fowl Cay Resort | Private island villas | ~$500/night | Yes (full package) | Luxury couples, privacy seekers |
| Grand Isle Resort | Condo-style villas | ~$400/night | Partial (packages available) | Families, self-catering |
| Peace and Plenty | Historic hotel | ~$150/night | No (packages available) | Divers, fishermen, budget travelers |
| Beaches Exuma (future) | Family all-inclusive | TBA | Yes | Families (not yet open) |
Things to do on Great Exuma
Great Exuma and the surrounding Exuma Cays are known for swimming with the famous Exuma pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto (the James Bond filming location), and feeding nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Most visitors book a full-day boat excursion from Georgetown that covers multiple stops across the cays.
Georgetown, the main town, has restaurants, a straw market, and the Chat ‘N’ Chill beach bar on Stocking Island (accessible by water taxi). Bonefishing in the flats around Great Exuma is world-class, and several local guides offer guided trips. The Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma (connected to Great Exuma by a bridge) is one of the most photogenic beaches in the Bahamas.
Practical information
Great Exuma uses the US dollar. Fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT), which has direct flights from Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, and Toronto (seasonal). Flight schedules vary by season, so check availability before booking. The airport is about 10 miles from Georgetown.
Taxis are available but limited, and there is no public transportation. Renting a car is recommended ($75 to $100 per day from local agencies). Some resorts include a golf cart or rental car with bookings.
Peak season is December through April, with the highest prices and best weather. The off-season (June through November) offers lower rates but falls within hurricane season. April and May offer a good balance of warm weather and moderate pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Are there all-inclusive resorts on Great Exuma?
Fowl Cay is the only fully all-inclusive option currently operating, and it is a high-end private island property starting around $500 per night. Grand Isle Resort offers optional packages that bundle meals and activities. Sandals Emerald Bay closed in August 2024 and is being converted to Beaches Exuma, with no confirmed reopening date as of mid-2026.
When will Beaches Exuma open?
No official opening date has been announced. Sandals broke ground on the renovation in early 2026. The resort originally estimated a 12 to 15 month closure, but the project has experienced delays. Check the Sandals website for current updates.
How much does it cost to stay on Great Exuma?
Budget options like vacation rentals and Peace and Plenty start around $150 per night. Mid-range condo-style stays at Grand Isle start around $400 per night. Luxury all-inclusive at Fowl Cay starts around $500 per night. All prices are subject to Bahamian VAT (10 percent) and resort service charges.
Is Great Exuma worth visiting without Sandals?
Yes. The Exuma Cays, swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, bonefishing, and Tropic of Cancer Beach are all independent of the Sandals property. Georgetown has restaurants, bars, and local culture. The closure of Sandals reduced hotel capacity on the island but the natural attractions remain.
How do you get to Great Exuma?
Fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT). Direct flights are available from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, Nassau, and Toronto (seasonal). You can also fly to Nassau and connect on a short domestic flight. There is no ferry service from Nassau to Great Exuma.
