YACHTING IN – JULY 2020

As Covid-19 travel restrictions begin to ease, The Islands of The Bahamas have reopened to Canadian travellers. One of the first groups returning are yachters, and for good reason. The Bahamas offers boaters some of the most beautiful azure seas, lovely vistas and charming seascapes. Let’s face it; many people want to stay away from crowds and sailing on a private yacht is like your own private travelling bubble! And of course, for deep sea fishermen it is the big dream!

With 100,000 square miles of crystal blue water delighted to be cruised across, The Bahamas is a premier yachting destination, comprised of 700 captivating with pristine beaches. For those that think yachting is only for the ultra-wealthy, there are affordable ways to do it. For sure, if you wanted to buy your own yacht, you’d probably be right! But chartering a yacht for a week or two can be surprisingly reasonable.

Here are just a few suggestions of the many perfect boating destinations in The Bahamas.

The

The Berry Islands are known for natural deep-water passages which have made the islands one of the leading cruise ship ports-of-call in The Bahamas. The surrounding waters offer dozens of uninhabited cays, miles of secluded swim-ashore beaches, and a multitude of magical harbours, all a big attraction to cruising boaters. Great Harbour Cay is the main island in the North Berry Islands chain – considered one of The Bahamas’ best-kept secrets. The island is seven miles long with only a few hundred residents. The main attraction on this island is Sugar Beach which has caves, ocean cliffs and soft, white sand. It is known as a quiet place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The Great Harbour Cay Yacht Club & Marina has one of the best protected harbours in The Bahamas. Little Harbour Cay offers another well-protected harbour in the chain.

Ports of entry: Great Harbour Cay, Chub Cay.

Bimini Island

Bimini is a popular sailing destination for private power boaters. What makes this island mesmerizing is the water colour changing from a deep navy blue to a clear green. And the water is so clear, you can see the white sand on the bottom. Self-boaters with a license can come with their own boat or rent one in North and South Bimini, Gun Cay and Cat Cay.

Ports of entry: Alice Town, Cat Cay, South Bimini, Ocean Cay, Sea Crest Marina, Bimini Blue Water Marina.

Cat Island

Cruising in the beautiful waters of Cat Island is the main reason why many boaters visit. The amazing landscape, the uninhabited cays, hidden coves, historical landmarks, the rose-colored cliffs make this a peaceful yet unforgettable place.

Ports of Entry: Arthur’s Town, Bennett’s Harbour, Hawk’s Nest, New Bight, Smith’s Bay

Andros Island

Andros Island is really a group of Bahamian islands. Combined, they are the largest ‘island’ of all 700 Bahamian islands combined - and the least explored. This island is perfect for a yachting getaway. Its natural surroundings are calm and peaceful and its beaches are largely unpopulated.

One of the best-known areas on Andros Island is Morgan’s Bluff Beach. Tradition has it that there is a hidden treasure buried somewhere deep in the sand. Fresh Creek is another extraordinary spot to explore. Captain Bill’s Blue Hole is truly one of nature’s wonders. The hole is 440-feet in diameter and is one of a network of mysterious underground cave systems beneath the island. Andros Island has the world’s third- largest fringing barrier reef teeming with tropical fish and other sea animals for a 190- mile stretch. If you are a scuba diver it doesn’t get better than this.

A fun time to visit is in conjunction with the All Andros Crab Fest – a party celebrating the crab industry on the island – that takes place on the second weekend of June each year. Festivities include sailboat races, releasing of crabs, a crab culinary contest, local food, drinks and live music.

Ports of entry: Congo Town, Fresh Creek, San Andros

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

The 100-plus miles of Eleuthera’s coastline lies across the banks from Nassau. Boaters who visit find secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and numerous beaches. The marinas will offer you a pampering experience – jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, snorkelling, spa treatments and wonderful beaches. Harbour Island is best known for its pink sand beach that stretches along the island’s eastern shore. Three and a half miles long, it has approximately 2,000 residents, colourful beach-side restaurants and pastel painted cottages. It is the original capital of The Bahamas. The adventurous can go horseback riding on the pink sand and plunge with your horse into the turquoise seas! The varied marine life includes stingrays and sea turtles swimming around the coral reefs.

Ports of entry: Governor’s Harbour, Harbour Island/, Rock Sound,

The

The Exumas are a district of The Bahamas comprised of more than 365 cay and islands, one for each day of the year. This area is known for having some of prettiest blue water in the world.

When you are docked in the Exumas, some areas worth visiting include Pelican Beach, Pig Beach and Chat ‘N’ Chill on Stocking Island.

Pelican Beach is often referred to as the Tropic of Cancer Beach because the latitude line runs right along the beach. It is known for its white and golden sand, and super clear waters. Head over to the hut and sign your name alongside other boaters’ signatures – visitors come from all over the world.

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard of the swimming pigs in The Bahamas on Big Major Cay. It is uninhabited by humans – you’ll only find pigs here and they like to swim!

For wonderful live music, refreshing island drinks and BBQ, visit Chat ‘N’ Chill on Stocking Island. ‘The’ place to be each Sunday.

Ports of entry: Black Point, George Town on Great , Staniel Cay

Long Island

An 80-mile stretch of contrasting coastlines gives Long Island its name. The rich blue Atlantic Ocean on one side and the beautiful turquoise Bahama Bank on the other make any boater’s visit worthwhile. Docking is available at two full-service marinas: Stella Maris Resort (17 slips) and Flying Fish Marina (22 slips). Local activities include touring around heritage sites including Hamilton’s Cave. If history is not your thing, try taking a private flight over the island. You’ll find plenty of spots to relax and enjoy live music too.

Ports of entry: Clarence Town, Deadman’s Cay, Salt Pond, Simms, Stella Maris

Looking to rent a yacht? Here are some tips:

First, there are yachts and then there are yachts. Some say a yacht is anything larger than 33’ or 78’ (depends who you talk to). There are superyachts (120’ or longer) or mega yachts (200’ +)…and yes, even giga yachts now spanning 400’ or more!

The costs for chartering a yacht can depend on a few things: 1. Bareboat: This means you get the boat – that’s it. You can hire the crew or you can captain the boat yourself (assuming you are licensed to do so), and you pay for fuel, food and all other expenses. If you hire a crew, you can decide how many crew members you want on board, which may include a cook/chef. This also can be determined based on the size of the boat. 2. Cabin: You charter a room on board, not the entire boat. Great option if you want to sail, but don’t have anyone to travel with. 3. Crewed: This is a full-service option whereby all the crew and provisions are provided. 4. The size, design and age of the yacht will certainly impact rates. 5. The type of yacht (motor, sailing, sportfishing, multi-hulled catamarans, classic yachts).

For more information, check out:

The Moorings: https://www.moorings.com/ Sunsail: https://www.sunsail.com/yacht-charter/caribbean

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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-Patty General Manager, Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation [email protected]

Nicola Blazier / Nancy Drolet Jesson + Co. Communications [email protected] [email protected]