Is Exuma safe?
Small, quiet communities with little crime. Main risks are boat and sea hazards, remote medical care and theft from unattended boats or cars.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-27.
- Homicide rate in Bahamas: 32.2 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Bahamas: 7.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 919.
Safety in Exuma at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from unattended boats and rental cars, and occasional break-ins at vacant homes; violent crime is uncommon. |
| At night | Quiet after dark. A few bars in George Town stay open; drive slowly on the unlit Queen's Highway. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Remote cays mean you rely on boats and hosts, so share your plans and use licensed operators. |
| Other risks | Strong currents between cays; Hurricane season Aug–Oct; Remote location: slow medical help |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat charters quoting extra fees on the day
- Unlicensed guides selling 'private' swimming-pig tours
- Rental vehicles charging for existing damage
Take care
- Boating in strong wind or tide without a licensed captain
- Feeding or approaching wild sharks and pigs
- Driving at night on unlit roads with livestock
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians.
- Drug possession, including small amounts of cannabis, can bring prison.
- Do not bring in firearms or ammunition.
How Exuma compares in Bahamas
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Exuma | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nassau | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Exuma safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Remote cays mean you rely on boats and hosts, so share your plans and use licensed operators.
Is Exuma safe at night?
Quiet after dark. A few bars in George Town stay open; drive slowly on the unlit Queen's Highway.
What is the crime rate in Exuma?
Petty theft from unattended boats and rental cars, and occasional break-ins at vacant homes; violent crime is uncommon. Nationally, Bahamas records 32.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Exuma?
All emergencies 919.
More about Exuma
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
- Doctors Hospital
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.