The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau and stretching over 100 miles. From the air, these cays look like jeweled stepping stones surrounded by a shimmering emerald sea giving this chain the distinction of being one of the prettiest in The Islands of The Bahamas. The bright white sand of the deserted beaches is a striking contrast to the aquamarine and jade hues of water. The topography doesn't vary much, as the islands are only 7 miles across at the widest point, but the splendor of the pristine beaches, the crystal-blue waters and the lush tropical greenery attract people from around the globe.
A tranquil atmosphere abides in these seemingly limitless cays, multi-colored waters and quaint towns of amicable people who are eager to encounter visitors. Most of The Exumas' 3,500 residents live on Great Exuma or Little Exuma, the two largest islands, which are connected by a short bridge. They play host to much of the commerce and tourism in the island chain.
The Exumas have a proud history among their people, from the arrival of the first inhabitants to today's residents. Over time, The Exumas have gone through many changes. From a salt mining colony to a haven for pirates to a cotton-producing colonyall have influenced its historical development. In fact, many of the islands residents are direct descendants of plantation slaves from the late 1700s.
The first known people to inhabit The Islands Of The Bahamas were the Adreans who travelled by boats to The Bahamas from the Mosquito Coast region of Africa. Their descendants, the Lucayan Indians, later began colonies on The Exumas and survived by fishing and farming. The Spanish arrived in the 1500s and turned the island into a salt mining colony. Pirates also used the islands' many cays and hidden coves as bases from which to conduct raids and hide stolen goods.
In the 1700s, a group of Loyalists sought refuge here and wealthy European landowners started large cotton plantations. The most notable was John Rolle, who eventually freed his slaves and generously deeded his land to them. The grateful slaves adopted his surname and today sixty percent of the locals still have the last name Rolle.
Shark Lady, Gloria Patience
Born in 1917, this strong old woman earned her nickname over decades of snaring more than 2,000 makos, lemon tips, hammerheads and other types of sharksmany weighing hundreds of poundsand hauling them into the boat herself. Every part of the sharks she caught was used: the meat was eaten or buried for fertilizer, earrings and necklaces were made from the spines and teeth, and the jawbones were turned into wall hangings or coffee table conversation pieces. "The Shark Lady" died at the age of 85.
Pretty Molly
Another famous lady of The Exumas is Pretty Mollythe beautiful but elusive mermaid who is said to live in Pretty Molly Bay. Just try and catch a glimpse of her.
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