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The Exumas
Located 35 miles southeast of Nassau, Exuma consists of two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, which are joined by a bridge, together with approximately 365 little cays makes up the Exumas covering approximately 110 square mile located centrally located the Bahama Islands chain. The Tropic of Cancer runs across a beach close to its main settlement of George Town. The historic home of the Lucayan Indians, the islands were uninhabited until the 18th century. In the intervening period, the Exumas provided many hideouts and stashes for pirates; Elizabeth Harbor was a favorite hide-out of Captain Kidd. Another Bahama Island settled by American Loyalist in 1783, a cotton plantation was established and became the main economy of the island. Upon his death in 1835 Loyalist Lord John Rolle died leaving all of his significant Exuma properties to his slaves, resulting in a number of towns (Rolleville, Rolle Town) being named in his honour.
The Exumas have long remained a yachter's preferred island. The islands are a popular spot for yachting, sailing, diving, and coral reef and cave exploring. Many of the unnamed beaches and coves of the islands, including extensive offshore reef areas, are included in the protected Exuma National Land and Sea Park of the Bahamas National Trust. Some of the islands on which there are permanent residents and resorts include Staniel Cay, home of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a fixture in the Exumas, Fowl Cay, Musha Cay and Iguana Cay. Located a few yards off Staniel Cay is where the James Bond "Thunderball' movie was filmed and the site is now referred to as Thurderball Grotto. Truly some of the prettiest settings are in place with rolling hills above aquamarine seas. Sandy Cay, just a short boat ride from Little Exuma was the location used for filming the "Pirates of the Caribbean" beach scenes and a Shell commercial. The novel, "Wind from the Carolinas" was set in Great Exuma.
Despite its popularity most of the Exumass are uninhabited and many are privately owned, by mega stars such as Nicholas Cage, Johnny Depp and Eddie Murphy just to name a few. The main island has served as haven for celebrities like Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Sigourney Weave. Until recently, the tourist population on the island was extremely minimal, allowing anonymity for anyone escaping the spotlight.
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