Laid out like a string of pearls along the eastern edge of the Grand Bahamas Bank, the Exumas are a breathtaking chain of idyllic, pristine islands with white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and very few people. You can either sail the eastern side (outside) of the islands, which is essentially deep, open ocean, or the western side (inside), which is over the shallow Grand Bahamas Bank. The inside is protected from the large waves and strong winds you'll find on the open ocean