
Coco Plum Beach
A secluded palm-fringed crescent where sandbars emerge at low tide and stingrays glide through crystal-clear shallows.
Coco Plum Beach is one of Great Exuma's best-kept secrets, a stunning crescent of soft white sand dotted with swaying palms on the island's northeastern shore. Located roughly forty minutes north of George Town near the settlement of Barraterre, this public beach rewards visitors who make the journey along the bumpy access road with pristine conditions and near-total solitude.
What sets Coco Plum apart is its dramatic transformation at low tide. Expansive sandbars emerge from the turquoise shallows, creating natural wading pools and revealing treasures for shell collectors. Sand dollars, sea biscuits, and delicate shells appear along the waterline, while southern stingrays often glide through the ankle-deep water just offshore.
Low tide magic
Timing your visit to Coco Plum Beach around low tide unlocks its full splendour. As the water recedes, vast sandbars rise from the seafloor, creating an otherworldly landscape of shallow pools and exposed sand flats that stretch far from shore. You can wade hundreds of metres into water that never rises above your knees, exploring an ever-changing seascape.
Shelling enthusiasts consider Coco Plum one of the finest beaches in the Exumas for finding intact specimens. Sand dollars are particularly abundant during the right conditions, and patient searchers often discover cowries, conch fragments, and delicate sea fans washed onto the bars.
Marine life encounters
The warm, shallow waters of Coco Plum attract southern stingrays that feed along the sandy bottom. These graceful creatures are generally docile but should be observed from a respectful distance. Shuffle your feet when wading to alert them to your presence and avoid accidental contact.
Small reef fish dart among the scattered rocks near the beach's edges, and wading birds patrol the shallows during low tide. The protected waters make this an excellent spot for young swimmers to explore marine life in a calm, controlled environment.
Visiting Coco Plum Beach
From George Town, head north on Queens Highway for approximately forty minutes. When you reach the road leading to Barraterre, continue straight and watch for the blue concrete sign marking Coco Plum Beach. The final stretch is an unpaved road with potholes and rocks, so proceed slowly. A small parking area sits at the end of the track.
There are no facilities at Coco Plum Beach, so bring everything you need including water, snacks, sunscreen, and an umbrella or shade tent. The palm trees provide some natural shade, but coverage is limited. Check tide charts for Steventon, Exuma before your visit to time your arrival with low tide.
Getting there
From George Town, drive north on Queens Highway for approximately forty minutes. Pass the turn for Barraterre and watch for the blue concrete Coco Plum Beach sign on your left. Turn onto the dirt road and follow it to the small parking area at the beach. The access road is rough with potholes, so drive slowly and consider a vehicle with good clearance. There is no public transport to the beach.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Coco Plum Beach?
- Visit at low tide to see the spectacular sandbars emerge and enjoy the best shelling conditions. Check tide charts for Steventon, Exuma to plan your timing. The dry season from November to April generally offers the most pleasant weather.
- Are there facilities at Coco Plum Beach?
- No, Coco Plum Beach has no facilities, restrooms, or vendors. Bring all supplies including drinking water, food, sunscreen, and shade. The palm trees provide some natural shade but coverage is limited.
- Can you swim with stingrays at Coco Plum Beach?
- Southern stingrays are often spotted in the shallow waters at Coco Plum Beach. While you may encounter them while wading, this is not an organised stingray experience. Observe from a distance and shuffle your feet when walking to avoid startling them.
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