There are 365 cays that stretch over an area of 130 sq. miles and are home to some 3, 600 inhabitants. Its first-rate scenery lends to extraordinary cruising and yachtsmen refer to The Exumas as the "Sailing Capital of The Bahamas."

Before the abolition of Slavery, the island had several large plantations, which were established by American Loyalists. The ruins of these plantations are still very much in evidence.