They say the Exuma chain of The Bahamas has the most beautiful water on earth. 

When you get there and see its impossibly electric shade of turquoise for yourself, you can’t help but agree. 

And now it’s getting even easier to fly there. 

Bahamian national carrier Bahamasair is launching a significant new route to connect Exuma to the United States, with flights between Fort Lauderdale and George Town, Great Exuma to set to kick off in November. 

The new nonstop service, which begins Nov. 15, will be operating twice each week, part of Bahamasiair’s continued expansion in the United States market (and buoying Bahamian tourism efforts to further tap into the South Florida market).

The flight takes around 90 minutes. 

It’s a big boost for Exuma, which is in the process of building a new international airport, and continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations in The Bahamas. 

While the archipelago is famous for its water (and its swimming pigs), it’s a remarkably diverse destination, from the hidden-away cays to the southwest of Great Exuma to the wonders of Staniel Cay to the north to the history and culture of George Town. 

The islands of Exuma are also home to some outstanding places to stay: legendary boutique hotels like the Staniel Cay Yacht Club; the Grand Isle residential resort; Sandals Emerald Bay; the Hideaways resort at Palm Bay; and the historic Peace ’n Plenty, which has its own private beach club. 

That’s without mentioning the sparkling beaches of Stocking Island just off the coast, home to beach bars like Chat ’n Chill and hotels like the Kahari Resort (along with the aforementioned Peace n’ Plenty’s beach club and bar).

For more, visit The Bahamas.