The Bahamas Beckons
Experience Fantastic Snorkeling in Exumas, Bahamas
Everything that makes the Bahamas such a popular yacht charter destination is still there; sea, sand, sun and fun. Of 700-some islands and islets, only the northern islands of the Abacos and Grand Bahama were devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Tourist and marine industry representatives believe that ongoing recovery efforts in the Abacos are moving swiftly. Although, it will take months to restore infrastructure and facilities to a level welcoming to most tourists. The other islands escaped relatively unscathed.
The Exuma islands are
unlike any place else on earth. They are low lying, pristine, white
sand, often uninhabited gems, surfacing in waters of astonishing hues.
Most
experienced yachtsmen agree that for an out-island getaway, the Exumas,
Bahamas is unmatched. Even repeat visitors discover amazing new reefs
and are surprised by a tiny cove with a beach they have never explored.
Usually,
Exumas itineraries do not omit marvels like the swimming pigs on Big
Major Cay, or sundowners and live music at Staniel Cay. But for die hard
snorkelers, the only thing that matters is the reefs. Here's an itinerary for just such a group.
See a selection of Bahamas charter yachts below itinerary.
Day 1 - Fowl Cay
Step aboard your private yacht in George Town, set sail and prepare to be
amazed. From there it’s just a short sail east toward Stocking Island. Anchor off Fowl Cay, south of Stocking Island, and snorkel off
the yacht at a spot that turtles frequent, along with a great amount of
colorful fish. This is the healthiest reef around Great Exuma, with
beautiful marine plant and animal life. The water here is almost always
clear due to the proximity of the open ocean.
Day 2 - Glass Cay
Sail
north to Glass Cay. Dinghy over to two blue holes. Here you'll often see
nurse sharks sleeping near the cave entrance where very cool water
exits. Different types of corals are seen here due to the water
temperature. Colorful sea fans surround the entrance as well. If the
weather is calm enough you can head out into slightly deeper water to see larger fish such as barracuda, tasty grouper, lobster,
snapper, and many more.
Day 3 - Rat Cay, Children's Bay Cay
Sail
north to Lees Stocking Island stopping along the way at Rat Cay. Drift snorkel through the large cut between Rat Cay and Children's Bay Cay. The
current can approach speeds of up to 3 knots here. We use an incoming
tide to gently carry us over shallow water. Elk horn coral formations
are home to colorful fish of all species. Guests almost always request drifting this spot multiple times after experiencing it once.
The current does all the work!
Day 4 - Rudder Cut Cay
Sail
north to Rudder Cut Cay. At this location you can enjoy three separate
snorkeling adventures. Float along on another drift dive. Then visit a
cave for excellent shallow, calm water snorkeling, and check out the
underwater art sculpture!
At
a third location, one that is always super popular with guests, you’ll
find lots of hard corals, colorful sea fans, and plenty of parti-colored
fish.
Day 5 - Lees Stocking Island
Sail
south to Lees Stocking and anchor off the former location of the Perry
Institute for Marine Science. Here scientists used to visit annually to
inspect the health of the reef on both the northeast and north sides of
the island. It is one of the best spots on a snorkeler's list. Sharks are often spotted,
lobster are plentiful, as well as multitudes of fish species, large and
small. The marine life is super diverse since the drop-off to deeper
water offshore is very near.
Day 6 - Georgetown
Sail
south to George Town, stopping at Square Rock Cay where one giant
lobster always hangs out, along with barracuda, stingrays, etc. There is
a sunken sailboat here, which has created a very fascinating habitat.
Sail back between Stocking Island and George Town and spend the afternoon snorkeling the blue hole. With a falling tide the blue hole is easily seen from the surface due to the clear, cool water flowing out. Believe it or not, the barracuda that
hang out are friendly and curious about snorkelers. People enjoy feeding the fish, so they have become very tame. Take some bread
for them and they'll go crazy, swarming around you. With a falling tide,
the blue hole is easily seen from the surface due to the clear, cool
water flowing out. On the way back to the yacht, we stop at a special
spot to hand feed and pet friendly sting rays.
Time
permitting, there is one other blue hole and another great snorkeling
spot in the harbor. There are also extensive reefs offshore that you
could take a couple of days to visit. If there isn’t time enough before
your departure, it’s a great reason to come back again. Although, once
you’ve experienced snorkeling here, you’ll find plenty of reasons to
return.
Charter Yachts in the Bahamas
