The Exuma islands are a string of islands and cays, beginning approximately 35 miles southeast of Nassua and stretching over 100 miles to form the western bounds of the Exuma Sound. These islands form a pearl necklace of long forgotten hideaways, natural harbours and secluded beaches. The islands span over a hundred miles of clear blue water--a new island for every day of the year. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first and one of the largest underwater and land preserves in the world, established in 1958. Great Exuma is part of the Exuma Cays. With the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island on the other side of the Sound, the Exumas have access to but are protected from direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. Great Exuma is approximately 45 miles long, lying northwest to southeast. The main road, Queens Highway, runs the length of the island and connects it to the island of Barre Terre at the west end and Little Exuma at the east end. Numerous villages and settlements exist, with an international airport located about midway on the island.