The Best Waterside Restaurants In The Exumas

The best way to explore the Exumas is by boat. Sailing gives you the freedom to uncover even the remotest cays in this necklace of Bahamas islands. Sample local specialties such as conch, lobster and rum, then let island life take over. Many of the waterside restaurants on this list are easy to reach by boat, and the others are within walking distance of marinas.

Enjoy a waterside meal in the Exumas when you charter a boat through Culture Trip.

Tropic Breeze Beach Bar & Grill

Restaurant, Seafood, $
When you’ve spent enough time splashing in the waves and sunbathing, head to this family-friendly spot for laid-back dining. For the ultimate beachside dining experience, try favorites including seafood nachos, lobster poppers and Caribbean jerk chicken wings. Save space for dessert and try irresistible sweet treats such as key lime cheesecake and lemon sponge cake.

Bistro, Fusion

Part of the Paradise Bay Resort, this waterfront restaurant combines casual beach dining with upmarket elegance. The menu is a fusion of French and Caribbean food, inspired by the head chef’s experience in France. Eating at Cocoplum Bistro means access to the beach and hotel pool for the day, so be sure to pack your swimwear.

The Snappy Turtle Bar & Grill at the St Francis Resort

Hotel Restaurant, Caribbean
Located on Stocking Island, this resort and restaurant are nestled in a natural harbor. The restaurant has a dock of its own, so it’s super easy if you’re arriving by boat. Sit out on the deck and grab a cool Bahamian Kalik beer or a cocktail. This understated spot has a simple menu of wraps, burgers and chicken wings. If you’re in the market for something sweet, sample the home-made rum cake.

Blu on the Water Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant, Bar, Seafood

To reach Blu on the Water, you have to climb the rocky road past Victoria Harbour on Great Exuma. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with photogenic views, delicious cocktails and fresh seafood. Grab a table on the deck and dine overlooking the Atlantic. If you’re celebrating, make sure you reserve a private cabana table close to the ocean.

The Rusty Anchor

Restaurant, Caribbean
Flanked by palm trees with the beach and ocean beyond, this idyllic spot overlooks Elizabeth Harbour, at the exclusive February Point marina community, near Georgetown. Here, you can breathe in the salty sea air as you sip on a cucumber cooler or cosmopolitan. The menu is international, featuring well-known favorites from pizza to fish tacos and poke bowls.

Shirley’s at the Fish Fry

Restaurant, Seafood, $
Visit this small-scale restaurant for a taste of authentic Bahamian cooking on the Exumas. The Fish Fry is a collection of tiny restaurants that showcase the island’s finest delicacies. Among them, Shirley’s is the best, with specials including cracked conch and coconut pie. If the place is packed, head to Charlie’s next door for more great seafood.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club Restaurant

Restaurant, Seafood

Although Great Exuma and Little Exuma lay claim to some top dining spots, there are also superb restaurants to the north on the smaller cays. Staniel Cay is not to be missed and can be reached by boat or by air. While you’re there, check out the Yacht Club’s Sea Level restaurant for fresh seafood with an ocean view. As one of few restaurants on the island, make sure you reserve a table to bag a space for dinner.
Savour the best of the Exumas by hiring a yacht through Culture Trip.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.