Tropic of Cancer Beach

The Tropic of Cancer runs across Little Exuma and the beach named for it is the longest and best known on the island: a wide crescent of white sand and shallow turquoise water, with a concrete stair down from the road and the line itself painted on the steps. It is usually close to empty, has no facilities at all, and the water is calm enough to walk out a long way. Pelicans work the shallows and the sand squeaks underfoot.

The landscape

• The crescent - a long curve of white sand with shallow turquoise water.
• The painted steps - the concrete stair down from the road with the latitude marked.
• The shallows - warm water walkable a long way out at low tide.
• The emptiness - a beach of this size with usually almost nobody on it.

When to go

November to April is the dry season. Mornings are calmest. Cruise days in George Town push a few excursions down here but it rarely gets busy.

Things to know

There are no facilities: no shade, no drinks, no toilets, no lifeguard. The stair down is steep concrete. Sandflies bite at dawn and dusk.

Nearby

George Town is northwest, and Williams Town is at the southern end of Little Exuma.