ITINERARIES •

MY REMEMBER WHEN are the oldest living evidence of life on Earth; some of them on Island and Stocking Island are The Exuma Experience believed to be 2,000 years old. Fossil stromatolites Onboard The Fantastic date back 3.5 billion years. My Remember When The Exumas are a dream destination for boaters, fishermen (flats, reef and offshore), divers, snorkelers EVERYTHING ABOUT THE EXUMAS IS PRECIOUS… and kayakers. The private islands are custom- The Exumas are a 120-mile-long island chain-within- designed for those seeking the ultimate escape. The the-chain of the Out Islands, with the Exuma Cays Exumas are magnificently tropical, with average daily scattered in a long line extending north-east toward temperatures of 78 degrees. from Great Exuma. The Cays are Allan’s Cay the most exotic of the Out Islands, a collection of Allan’s Cay is one of the last homes of the rare tiny jewels set in the aquamarine and sapphire of Bahamas rock iguanas. They were once common the most beautiful water you’ve ever imagined. It’s on most Bahamian Islands, but early settlers nearly no wonder this has been named one of the top 10 hunted them into extinction. As you approach the things you absolutely must do in the Caribbean. Its beach, watch for iguanas crawling out of the woods. reefs and island environments are so pristine that They are looking for handouts of bread or fruit from Bahamian government set aside a 176-square-mile the guests to their island. You will get a kick out of section as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one these indigenous iguanas on Allan’s Cay! Feed the of the world’s most successful marine parks. iguanas and take lots of pictures since you can only The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first of its see them on two islands on Earth! Allan’s Cay is one kind in the world and is famous for its pristine beauty, of the few places on the Out Islands of outstanding anchorages and breathtaking marine where you can see iguanas. Looks can be deceiving. environment. Under its transparent turquoise waters While they may look fierce, iguanas actually are a are beautiful natural gardens of coral teeming with gentle lizard. fish and . Highborne Cay The rarest living creatures of the park are There are 9 beaches surrounding the island. On stromatolites, blue-green, reef-forming algae, which the eastern shore you will find a mile long, curving is unknowns, it was not a lightly built vessel as the beach, one of the most beautiful in The Bahamas. A salvage expedition son learned. It is estimated to be Philadelphia businessman who immediately began over 65 feet long & 20 feet wide. Just what caused it developing the islands with a marina, houses, and to sink is unknown. paved roads purchased Highborne Cay in the 1950’s. Norman’s Cay The cay was still owner by the same family until Norman’s Cay served as the headquarters for Carlos 1996. There are 9 residences on the cay, 5 occupied Lehder's drug-smuggling operation from 1978 to by staff and one rental house available. There are around 1982. In the harbor of Norman’s Cay lies some ruins on the old Highborne Plantations dating a DC-3 in 3’ of water. This plane crashed in the back over 100 years toward the northern end of the 1980's while smuggling drugs. It is a popular spot of island. It will take some searching to ding these ruins, underwater photographers. The plane is surrounded as even the staff are unsure of their whereabouts. by large schools of fish. Cave enthusiasts will enjoy Watermelons once grew in such abundance here that the 3 caves at the entrance to the pond on the the Nassau market could not absorb them. western end. Divers will want to visit Dead Head wall, The Cay has a lot to offer both snorkelers and a splendid wall dive in a about 70’ of water that is divers. The entire eastern shoreline is strewn with names after the Grateful Dead fan whose VW van lies numerous shallow reefs and offers good snorkeling on the reef. just off the beach. Just off the NW shore of the Norman's Cay Beach Club at MacDuff's is a small, island lies the remains of the `6th century Bahamian intimate, self sufficient resort located on Norman's shipwreck first discovered in 1965. Wrought iron Cay in the northern Exumas, Bahamas. Enjoy a ordinance, lead ammunition, small guns, rigging, relaxing vacation in paradise or drop in for lunch, chain, anchors and a wooden knife handle inlaid dinner or cocktails! with gold, pottery and numerous pieces of hardware Land & Sea Park and ballast stones were removed from the wreck Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a natural wonder and dated to the 1st half of the 16th century. The waiting to be discovered. Exuma Cays in the wreck lies in approximately 20’ of water and is Bahamas is renowned world-wide for its great beauty in an area of swift total currents and sometimes and friendly people. It is not only an attractive tourist reaching 3 knots. Although the identity of the vessel destination because of its sheer beauty and slow- Although this park is characterized by water, the moving pace, but this incredible island also boasts of land area is as fascinating. It serves as a refuge for the world’s first land and sea park. several rare and endangered Iguanas, marine birds

This natural wonder was established in 1959 by such as Terns and the long-tailed Tropicbird, and a The Bahamas National Trust. It stretches for 176 small mammal called the Hutia. square miles and is a popular destination for diving Bahamians are very proud of this spectacular park enthusiasts. Although divers are permitted to swim and are always delighted to share their enthusiasm amongst the cays and reefs in the park, the area and with you. The best experience is to rent a kayak its vast population of marine life are protected. In and allow a guide to steer you across the sapphire- 1986, the area was established as a no-take fishery colored waters and atop coral reefs teeming with reserve to ensure that the numerous ocean creatures exciting and mysterious marine life. The Exuma Cays were protected. land and sea park is truly one of the great natural

The park is alive with color and activity as fish of wonders of the world. every kind swim before your eyes. The efforts made Shroud Cay to protect the population of creatures in this park Shroud Cay, an uninhabited cay owned by Exuma have resulted in the increased growth of important Park, is an archipelago of cays and rocks surrounding species such as queen conch, Nassau and a shallow tidal salina which serves as a spiny lobster. When visiting this water world, you will unique nursery for conch, lobster, sea turtles, birds most certainly want to bring an underwater camera and many varieties of fish. The tidal creek to the to capture the wonders of marine life all around you. north of Shroud Cay is very shallow and should be

There is a beautiful beach right next to the park explored only at Idle Speed/No wake on a rising tide headquarters. While there aren’t a lot of fish right off to avoid being stranded in your dinghy. The beautiful the beach, you can swim or snorkel around to the white sand beach on this archipelago is a stark headquarters’ dock where schools of grunts, jacks contrast from the expanse of mangrove vegetation and snapper swarm. A resident lemon shark may that surrounds it. Overlooking the beach on a hill is also appear. Do not be surprised if you see a beautiful Camp Driftwood, made famous by a hermit who dug sea turtle swimming amongst the coral reefs. steps to the top leaving behind pieces of driftwood, to which people have been adding ever since. The current around Camp Driftwood creates a beautiful the seven-year apple trees and the wild tamarinds on natural whirlpool. the bluff behind the harbor. Its rays strike the simple

Hawksbill Cay shed that serves as an office, and on which a hand- Hawksbill, an uninhabited cay owned by Exuma painted sign reads, "Welcome to Compass Cay." Park, has numerous soft sand beaches on both the Aside from incredible beauty, Compass Cay is most western and eastern shores of the cay. Particular notably recognized for the unique "friendly" nurse highlights for visits here include the Layalist Ruins, sharks that reside below the docks of the marina. the spectacular beaches, and the amazing harbors As you motor your boat into the marina, you will be and bays. This field runs along the long sandy beach greeted by a number of nurse sharks, and perhaps (Adler Beach) and is just south of the entrance to the a ray or two, who will escort you in, hoping to be fed trail to the old Loyalist settlement that populated the a scrap or two. Tucker feeds the sharks daily, and all cay in the late 1700’s. A trail from Adler Beach runs are welcome to snorkel below the docks with docile across the cay and then branches off to the sound creatures. In addition to the nurse sharks, you will side North and South Beaches. see hundreds of bonefish, jacks, remora, French

The waters along the northern shore and in the Angelfish, Yellow Tail Snapper, coral heads, and rays. southern cove of the cay are very shallow and You could spend the entire day snorkeling at the are best explored on a rising tide to avoid being marina and never be bored for a minute! Please note stranded in your dinghy. Avoid very strong tidal that there is a very small docking fee for visitors. currents in the cuts. At the far northern tip of the island, there is a small

Compass Cay inlet leading to Rachel's Bubble Bath. This is named Nurse sharks sleep on the dock. Hundreds of because there is a small opening below the cliffs bonefish drift like a living quilt between the pilings. that allows the oceanside seawater to crash in, and Yellowtail and mangrove snapper, jacks, angelfish, bubble through the shallow tidal pool. It is a nice little puffers, grunts and grouper graze in their midst. A hike from the inlet and certainly well worth the trip, as barracuda lazes like a log in two feet of water. Mullet the views are magnificent. Here you will see across and needlefish cruise by over the pure white sand. the Conch cut to the start of the remote Exuma Land The sun creeps over the palmettos, the jumbay trees, and Sea Park. Rachel's Bubble Bath sandals and shorts and be prepared to kick back Rachel’s Bubble Bath is the name given to one of the and have fun, in style. Start your day with a swim, best swimming holes in the Caribbean, this deep, on the white sandy beaches…explore, kayak, sail a crystal clear, blue lagoon is the perfect destination sunfish…or watch the plentiful and colorful marine for a spectacular hike. Follow the boardwalk away life from your balcony, the marina, or the restaurant. from the marina’s dock toward the dirt path that Go fishing for bonefish, dolphin. Explore the reef. leads up the side of the hill. Once you reach the top of Discover something new everyday. the hill you are greeted with an amazing view of the island and the beach. A brief exploration of the cliffs The hub of the Exuma Cays is Staniel Cay, where results in astounding views of the Exuma Sound. boaters gather at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s bar Once the cliffs are behind you, you arrive at Rachel’s and restaurant. Bubble Bath. You will most likely have this pristine Staniel Cay is a charming community of about 100 destination all to yourself, so enjoy the exotic location native Bahamians and 70 vacation homeowners. and the solitude. The serene pool is separated from Walking through "town" gives a great vibe for what the ocean by a rocky outcrop, but at mid to high tide native living in the Bahamas is all about. Be sure to the waves get high enough to crash over the rocks visit the church, Lindsay's Boutique (if you can find and into the lagoon, creating bubbles of white foam Lindsay to open it), the blue and pink stores (they sell much like a natural Jacuzzi. Swimming and diving yummy Bahamian bread) and Isles General Store into the pool from the rocks above is a total blast! (just over the bridge). You can rent a golf cart from Sampson Cay Reevy Cart Rentals to see the rest of the island. Also Sampson Cay is one of the safest anchorages in be sure not to miss Natajia's Sweet Tooth for ice the Exumas and is considered a natural "hurricane cream and other goodies. hole." The interior tidal flats dray at low water but Club Thunderball located just a short distance are nice for dinghy exploration when the tide is from the Yacht Club gives you a great view of the riding. A place where any stress will quickly wash Yacht Club area, and the Thunderball Cave. It has away, like the tide will wash your footsteps from been featured in several Hollywood films, such as the beach. Private, romantic, elegant, breathtaking, Ron Howard’s ‘Splash’, two James Bond movies, unique. Don’t bring your suit and tie. Pack your ‘Thunderball’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’ also in Two secluded beaches—Ho Tai Beach and Pirate's ‘Into the Blue’, which starred Jessica Alba. It is well Beach with dunes and sea oats—feature incredible known for it's interesting snorkel through an opening colors and reefs just offshore. The island beaches into the island leading to a cave with a natural are varied. Pirate Trap Beach offers tranquil waters opening to the sky. generally with a small white sandy beach. At low tide,

There is no shortage of magical and wondrous things you can walk across the shallows to a very small to see in Thunderball Grotto. Upon island, and hunt for sea shells. The end of the beach opens up to cliffs and ocean views. entering this hollowed-out rock, be sure to look upward to admire the natural skylight that has been At the southern edge of the Land & Sea Park, lie the produced by erosion, breath-taking in both the sun Rocky Dundas. These are two large islands with and moonlight. The beams of light snake in from cave in them. You can enter the caves by kayak or the holes above and the azure waters light up like snorkeling. Tie up your dinghy here in the settled precious jewels. In certain places, the cave ceiling weather and visit on e of the most attractive points is only a few feet above the diver’s head, and in in the park. The cave here rivals, and may even others, the ceiling stretches up to an astounding best, Thunderball Cave. Besides the fish and coral twenty feet or so. formations, the Rocky Dundas boasts stalactite and stalagmite formations seen nowhere else in the area. It is abundant with healthy corals and fish, and a must see on your trip to Staniel Cay. Cambridge Cay (Sea Aquarium) This snorkeling site is dubbed the Sea Aquarium Visitors are welcome to look, admire and drink in all because of the amazing variety of tropical fish the stunning natural beauty of Thunder ball Grotto, you can see in a relatively small area. You will but touching and/or breaking off coral or any other be immediately rewarded with one glimpse into flora is strictly forbidden. The this undersea world; parrot fish, Nassau Grouper, Bahamas National Trust protects the cave, as well Lionfish, Fairy Baslets, Wrasses, Hamlets, as two of the surrounding islands. Visitors can tie Triggerfish, Grunts, Chromis, Tangs and many up their boats to nearby mooring buoys and seek more varieties along with Staghorn Coral, Sea fans, out adventure. Brain coral and tube sponges. Sandy Cay Sandy Cay can be seen from the Staniel Cay Yacht Itineraries Club and is only a short boat ride away. The sand bar Bahamas (Exumas Island seems to stretch on forever, and because it is usually Chain) 7-10 days deserted, the silence is deafening! You will have great views of Sampson Cay from here Day 1 ARRIVE NASSAU, ATLANTIS MARINA Also nearby, you can take a picnic, hunt for seashells, We will spend the night so guest can get settled in or walk along your own deserted beach. Visit the and make use of all the facilities. islands of Twin Cays at low tide, and you can walk between both islands. Day 2 ALAN CAY & HIGHBOURNE CAY Big Majors Spot POSSIBLY SHIP CHANNEL CAY Big Majors Spot One of the attractions in the Exuma We will depart early morning to leave Nassau behind. Cays are the Swimming Pigs. Pig Beach has been Put your hiking shoes on and pretend you are Charles home to a family of wild pigs for decades. Darwin! You get the opportunity to do just that when These pigs will actually swim for food! Each day, the you go ashore at Allen's Cay to feed the iguanas. No, yachts that are in the area will bring the pigs their don't save any of the iguana snacks for lunch, as you scraps to feed them. Whenever the pigs hear a motor will be doing a lunch onboard at Highbourne Cay. from a boat, they leave their shady beach areas to DIVE: Wall Dive, 10nm North of Highbourne Cay, hike down to the beach, and into the water to see 60-80 feet what's on the menu. They will actually swim out to your boat, but please don't disappoint them and be DIVE: Sunken Defense Force Cutter, Just of the NE tip careful what you may feed them. It is really quite a of Highbourne Cay, 60 feet sight, and visitors will enjoy one we hope for many DIVE: Shallow Dive, 2.5nm South of Highbourne Cay, years to come. 15-20 Feet Day 3 Day 6 NORMANS CAY & WAX CAY & COMPASS CAY & WARDRICK WELLS & LITTLE WAX CAY (BEACH BBQ) CAMBRIDGE CAY • CAVES AT ROCKY DONDAS

We will arrive at Normans Cay in time for lunch. This is a day you will remember forever. Wardrick Wells After lunch there will be plenty of time to snorkel the will be your destination for this morning. This could plane wreck that is near by. Experience the wonderful well be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's song about island atmosphere with dinner at Big Major's Spot or "One Particular Harbor". Established as a Land and Sea onboard dinner. Park in the mid-1980s, it is a paradise, whether hiking

DIVE: Drift Dive in Wax Cay Cut Channel…drift the trails or snorkeling the limpid waters. After an active morning, you will leave and arrive at Fowl Cay in time DIVE: Northern end of long rock—take large groove to for lunch. Following lunch, it's time to hop into the water edge and look back at amphitheater again, this time to snorkel the Caves at Rocky Dundas. Day 4 You will be in Allen's Cay for dinner, enjoying the tropical STANIEL CAY & THUNDERBALL GROTTO & breeze as you discuss all you saw and did that day. SANDY CAY DIVE: 3.5 NM SE of Warderick wells, wall dive 60feet + After a leisurely breakfast, arrive at Thunder Ball Grotto. The snorkeling is so beautiful here, you will Day 7 SHROUD CAY & ELBOW CAY easily imagine yourself in a giant aquarium. After your refreshing snorkel, you will proceed on to Sandy Feel like a need for speed by now, and some cool Cay where lunch will be served as a beachside exploring? Now is your chance to jet ski through the picnic or onboard. The yacht's shallow draft allows and rivers of Shroud Cay. the Captain to pull her up very close to the beach. Day 8 Chairs will be placed in the shallow water, for the HAWKSBILL CAY (BBQ) ultimate picnic? In the water! Play off your lunch by Spend the day at the beach with entertainment participating in the underwater treasure hunt, or just provided by the crew. Lovely lunch prepared by our relax with a good book. chefs. Hawksbill offers some of the most amazing Day 5 beaches in the Exumas. PIPE CAY SAMPSON CAY Day 9 & Day 10 In the morning we will relocate the yacht to position Return to Albany Marina or to Atlantis with plenty of us, so that we can explore Pipe Cay and Sampson Cay. time to enjoy the giant aquarium, water slides, shops DIVE: Rocky Dundas, drift dive in channel and casinos. After a full week of relaxing, indulging in the incredible cuisine, snorkeling and exploring, you can return home refreshed and looking forward to your next Bahamas yacht charter adventure!